Meet James Baumgardner, a dedicated licensed professional counselor (LPC) and Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) on a mission to save and strengthen relationships. Known as The Family Pro, James specializes in helping couples and parents navigate the complexities of their relationships. With alarming statistics revealing that individuals today face a staggering 40% to 60% chance of experiencing separation or divorce, James understands the profound impact this can have on families. He believes that with the right support and interventions, many of these challenging situations can be prevented. James expertly identifies the warning signs that families may be approaching distress, using both scientific insights and scriptural wisdom to guide his counseling practice. His goal is to foster lifelong blessings by providing professional counseling grounded in Christian principles, coupled with genuine personal care. Licensed by the state, James employs clinically sound methods tailored to help families and couples not only survive but thrive in their relationships. He offers flexible appointment options, including local office visits and convenient online sessions to best serve the community. Passionate about his faith, James honors the Lordship of Jesus Christ, integrating this foundation into all his therapeutic work.

Dr. Brian Ess, a licensed psychologist with a PhD, understands that life often throws unexpected challenges our way. He recognizes that even positive changes can lead to stress and feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, making it tough for individuals to navigate life's transitions. With a focus on adults and elders, Dr. Ess is particularly skilled in helping those grappling with anxiety-related issues and coping with life transitions, such as relationships changing or dealing with loss. He believes in the potential for improvement through mindful actions and thought processes. Committed to honoring each person's unique values and preferences, Dr. Ess tailors his therapeutic approach to suit individual needs. His expertise spans various modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Trauma-Focused approaches, and Strength-Based strategies, ensuring a holistic and culturally sensitive therapy experience that empowers clients to enact meaningful change in their lives.

Percy Calvert III, a licensed professional counselor, is dedicated to meeting clients wherever they are in their therapeutic journey. Understanding the challenges of managing a busy life, he offers flexible scheduling options, including early morning appointments, to ensure accessibility. His expertise lies in assisting both children, ages 3 to 18, and adults who are grappling with issues such as anger, aggression, defiance, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. As a registered play therapist, Percy effectively utilizes play therapy techniques for younger children, recognizing that they often convey their feelings more freely through play. Should he be unable to fulfill a client's specific needs, Percy operates within a collaborative professional environment and can recommend other highly qualified counselors to ensure the best possible care. Percy's commitment to finding solutions and crafting tailored plans fosters a nurturing space for healing and growth in his clients.

L. Chris Cannida is a compassionate and experienced Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping adults navigate through life's challenges with empathy and understanding. With credentials including an MS and LPC-S, Chris provides a safe and supportive environment for clients dealing with grief, trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues. Utilizing a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy to the Gottman Method, Chris tailors their approach to meet each individual's needs. Their comprehensive expertise also includes Trauma Focused therapy, Attachment-based strategies, and Emotionally Focused techniques, ensuring a holistic treatment experience. Chris is dedicated to fostering personal growth and healing in their clients, guiding them on a transformative journey toward resilience and self-discovery.

Misty Cooper, a licensed professional counselor with over 14 years of experience, understands the struggles faced by individuals dealing with anxiety and depression, as well as those grappling with the effects of past trauma. She has a particular affinity for supporting exhausted and stressed-out parents navigating the challenges of raising children with diverse personalities, including those who are foster or adoptive parents. Recognizing that no one is alone in their struggles, Misty ensures her clients that nothing they share will come as a shock to her. As a Registered Play Therapist and Adoption Competent Therapist, she has successfully worked with children, teens, parents, and adults confronting a wide range of psychological, emotional, and relational issues. With a belief that everyone can benefit from therapy, Misty invites her clients to embark on a transformative journey towards their best selves, offering compassionate support every step of the way.

Cecilie Croissant is a compassionate and skilled Licensed Professional Counselor, specializing in trauma recovery, marital issues, and anxiety. With a deep understanding of Internal Family Systems and EMDR, she facilitates profound healing experiences, guiding individuals and couples through the complexities of trauma and destructive habits. Cecilie believes that couples can transform their relationships by cultivating authentic communication and rebuilding trust. Her extensive training in couple's therapy equips her to support partners in moving from entanglement to healthy, mature connections. As a Christian believer with decades of experience in ministry, Cecilie integrates spiritual mentoring into her practice while being attuned to the needs of those grappling with religious trauma. She fosters a safe, judgment-free environment where clients can share their struggles and grow from them. With a wealth of life wisdom and personal experience, Cecilie provides counseling grounded in spiritual sensitivity and biblical principles, empowering clients to rewrite their narratives and embrace personal growth.

Joy Friend is a compassionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist dedicated to guiding adults and adolescents toward achieving self-awareness and insight into their challenges. With her expertise in women's issues, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD, she specializes in illuminating the patterns and negative beliefs that can hinder one's journey to a healthier, more productive life. Through a variety of evidence-based therapy modalities such as EMDR, mindfulness-based approaches, and person-centered therapy, Joy empowers her clients to cultivate positive coping skills, build resiliency, and conquer life's obstacles. For those grappling with emotional or physical pain stemming from past trauma, relationship challenges, chronic anxiety, or self-doubt, Joy creates a safe and nurturing space for healing and transformation. She is passionate about helping individuals emerge as the person they were meant to be by addressing their pasts and fostering healthier relationships.

Patricia Maltby is a compassionate counselor with credentials in MS, LADC-MH, LPC, and NCC, dedicated to supporting teens, adults, and elders through their unique challenges. She understands the profound impact that trauma, chronic illness, and substance use can have on individuals' lives. Patricia embodies the belief that every client carries the seed of their own healing, and her role is to guide them in discovering and nurturing this innate ability. With expertise in various therapeutic modalities, including Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Positive Psychology, and Integrative approaches, she works collaboratively with individuals and families to foster growth and healing. Patricia is particularly attuned to the needs of the chronically ill, as well as those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction or gambling disorders. She recognizes that PTSD can manifest in many forms, and she is committed to helping her clients navigate their paths to wellness. Patricia provides a safe space for those seeking to overcome anxiety, depression, and substance abuse, believing that everyone can aspire to their fullest potential with the right support.

Pat Mitts is a dedicated therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings a wealth of experience as a Registered Play Therapist. Specializing in Play Therapy and EMDR, Pat effectively supports children aged 3 to 60 and beyond in navigating their emotional and behavioral challenges. With a compassionate understanding of the struggles families face, Pat recognizes that children often benefit from a trained professional who can connect with them on their level. Additionally, teenagers find it easier to open up to a therapist skilled in addressing their unique needs. Women juggling the roles of wife, mother, and career professional will appreciate Pat's empathetic approach to managing stress and balancing life’s demands. Pat takes great joy in witnessing the transformation of clients, whether it’s a young child learning positive coping mechanisms, a teenager boosting their self-esteem, or an adult achieving holistic growth. For those grappling with issues like stress, anxiety, or depression, Pat is eager to provide support and explore the transformative power of therapy.

Stayce Williams is a Licensed Professional Counselor who embodies the strength and empathy needed to support individuals navigating challenging times. She understands how overwhelming it can feel when aspects of life seem unmanageable, often leaving one feeling helpless. However, with her guidance, clients can find relief through the therapy process. Stayce specializes in assisting individuals grappling with ADHD, sexual abuse trauma, grief, and family conflicts. Her breadth of experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults, utilizing varied therapeutic approaches such as Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Psychoanalytic techniques. She is adept at facilitating couples and family sessions, addressing issues such as parenting challenges, domestic violence, and stress management. Stayce believes that every individual has the potential for healing and growth, and she collaborates closely with her clients to develop personalized strategies that nurture their resilience. In situations where her expertise may not align with specific needs, Stayce ensures that clients have access to a network of other professional counselors, emphasizing that there is always a viable solution and plan to achieve the best therapeutic outcome.

Shelly Lenzmeier, a licensed professional counselor with an MS and credentials as an LPC and CLC, embodies a supportive and compassionate approach to therapy. For those seeking help and embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Shelly's guidance offers insight, awareness, and the potential for true change and freedom. She understands that everyone experiences seasons of pain and stress in life and believes that exploring one’s self and relationships with a trusted supporter can lead to healing. With Shelly by their side, individuals can find hope and navigate the challenges they face, knowing they do not have to walk this path alone.

Improving Lives Counseling Services, led by a dedicated clinical social worker and therapist with over 12 years of experience, offers compassionate support in a community-based setting. Specializing in helping adults, adolescents, and children navigate chronic mental and behavioral health challenges, they address a range of issues including mood disorders, anxiety, depression, anger management, PTSD, substance abuse, behavioral and impulse control disorders, as well as trauma-related and relationship concerns. With a deep understanding of the difficulties surrounding change, Improving Lives Counseling Services fosters a warm and safe environment where individuals can explore their personal need for transformation. Committed to being a supportive catalyst in this journey, they believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy life.