Newark, OH Local Support & Community Resources

Karida Cardoso, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio, is dedicated to making a positive impact through her therapeutic work. With a focus on Trauma-Informed Care, Karida is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) into her practice. She has spent significant time supporting children, teens, and adults facing challenges such as trauma, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Karida's expertise expands to race-based trauma, LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, Personality Disorders, and self-esteem challenges. Committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, she advocates for community awareness and provides culturally humble interventions that respect the unique backgrounds of her clients. She believes that building a collaborative relationship is key to facilitating impactful change, personalizing treatments to meet the individual needs of each client. Karida is genuinely passionate about the therapeutic journey and looks forward to the opportunity to guide individuals toward healing and self-discovery.

Gene Dockery is a licensed professional counselor (MA, LPC, NCC) who identifies as nonbinary and queer, deeply committed to providing affirming care to gender, sexual/affectional, and relationship structure (CNM/BDSM+) minorities. Gene’s goal as a counselor is to create a safe, empathetic environment where collaboration leads to a meaningful therapeutic relationship tailored to the unique needs of individuals and their families. With an integrated approach that combines narrative therapy and relational cultural therapy within a queer intersectional framework, Gene specifically chose the counseling profession to support LGBTQ+ folx. Their expertise includes trans-affirming care, working with LGBQIA individuals and groups, as well as children, adolescents, and neurodivergent clients.

Jay Griffith is a compassionate and experienced Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT, MDiv) dedicated to helping adults navigate life's complexities. He understands that everyone faces challenges such as marital and premarital issues, relationship dynamics, and life transitions, which can often feel overwhelming. Many individuals find themselves in cycles of dissatisfaction and confusion, grappling with feelings, thoughts, and relationship patterns that hinder their growth and fulfillment. Jay offers a safe space for individuals at a crossroads—those feeling stuck or grappling with unhealthy emotional responses. Through mindfulness-based and compassion-focused therapeutic strategies, as well as cognitive behavioral techniques, he guides clients toward a more empowered, less reactive path. Together, they will explore new perspectives and foster resilience, leading to a more satisfying and meaningful life. Jay's integrative approach ensures that every client's unique circumstances are understood, creating a nurturing environment for healing and transformation.