Tara Merchant, LMHC

Penny Clark is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology at Monmouth University in West Long Branch, New Jersey in 2004. Penny also completed a one-year training to become a Certified Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York in 2017. Penny has more than 20 years of counseling experience and has worked with individuals, couples and families, beginning by working with 9/11 displaced workers and recovery workers, including police, firemen and EMTs, and then Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy families, after which she worked with bereaved military families, homeless veterans, and other homeless men. Penny has done individual, couples, career and relationship counseling. Penny has worked in various levels of care including inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient and partial care programs. Penny has answered the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-TALK, has worked in a psychiatrist’s office, and in her own private practice. Penny also worked at a drug and alcohol detox and rehabilitation program.  Penny has worked with individuals with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, health and medical challenges, substance abuse, and the specific challenges that seniors face.

Penny provides a safe, therapeutic environment in which clients can share and process their thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and set and reach realistic and achievable goals. Penny’s primary goal is to develop a trusting relationship with her clients and helping them to improve their lives.

Penny uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT,) Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Psychoeducation while working with clients. Penny enjoys assisting clients in determining where they are and where they would like to be, the steps they need to take to get there, and in identifying and overcoming any obstacles that may be in their way.

‍

Jessica Brusgul is a LMHC with over nine years of experience working with individuals with a wide range of mental health challenges. She attended Oswego State and completed her undergraduate degree as an older, non-traditional student. She then pursued graduate school at SUNY Oswego, which she completed in 2016. During this time, Jessica has gained a great deal of experience with clients from various backgrounds who are faced with numerous life challenges. This includes anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and those in need of anger management. Jessica has also worked with those faced with substance abuse related problems, life transitions, career counseling, and parenting education. Her approach is to get to know her clients, their presenting concerns, and some history as well. Through these conversations, Jessica helps her clients feel comfortable in a non-judgmental setting and express themselves freely. Jessica also incorporates a sense of humor, when appropriate, as well as assisting people in identifying their inner strengths and skills. Jessica believes that everyone can overcome their obstacles and make positive changes for themselves. She incorporates such modalities as encouraging clients to maintain a journal and share entries during session, exercise regularly, and begin their journey towards overall wellness. Jessica has found that an eclectic approach, depending upon the needs of the individual, and the client's adherence to this between sessions, can be highly beneficial.

LaTreece Ross is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas who has been practicing for 4+ years in a variety of settings including mental health clinics, school settings, foster homes & resident treatment care centers (RTC). She also has 3 + years of trauma experience at the Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County (CACCC) for her practicum, internship, and post grad clinical hours.LaTreece is dedicated to helping clients find new ways to cope with everyday life as they reframe their thought patterns. During therapy, she incorporates multiple modalities of treatment into her practice to give each client a unique experience that meets their specific needs. LaTreece offers cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered therapy, Solution-focused Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy. She specializes in working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, life transitions, adolescent and peer issues, relationship and family distress, and grief and loss. During the initial sessions, LaTreece will collaborate with the client to create a treatment plan and set goals for therapy.

After receiving my bachelor's in psychology from SUNY New Paltz in 2013, I worked as a medical assistant with individuals with developmental disabilities. From there, I recognized the need to promote mental health and a balanced way of living. I completed my master's in clinical Mental Health Counseling through Walden University in 2021. My goal is to guide individuals towards cultivating their own sense of independence, ability to utilize healthy coping strategies, and regain control over their lives. I work with children, adolescents, teenagers, adults, couples, and families as they begin their journey through processing adjustment changes, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, trauma, among other symptoms. Through the therapeutically proven interventions from CBT, DBT, person-centered therapy, and mindfulness, we can begin to explore triggers, symptoms, and challenges in a safe, respectful environment.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and Adrian Simmons, LMFT, congratulates you on taking it. Adrian specializes in supporting individuals navigating life transitions, anxiety, depression, trauma, and self-esteem challenges. She takes a client-centered, collaborative approach, tailoring sessions to your unique needs in a safe and supportive environment.

Adrian prioritizes clear communication, active listening, and a non-judgmental, culturally sensitive approach. She is calm and patient, helping you feel understood while providing guidance. She believes therapy is a partnership, working together to set meaningful goals and adapt them as insights develop.

Adrian uses cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and may integrate mindfulness and other strategies based on your needs. Together, you’ll identify challenges, develop practical coping skills, and work toward your goals. The first session focuses on understanding your background, what brings you to therapy, and creating a plan to support ongoing growth.

Dr. Cheryl Thomas' experience spans nearly two decades working with many who struggle to find their way through different life challenges. She will collaborate with you to identify and attain goals. Getting to know you is the first step and that is achieved through a variety of approaches that are grounded in family systems, cognitive behavioral therapy, and understanding any types of trauma that may have been experienced. Many have had trauma and what she has learned is that talking about the details of the trauma is not always helpful. It may be a component of healing, but there may be other ways to make progress. Dr. Thomas utilizes a combination of approaches to be helpful in working with clients. Some may include person-centered, solution focused, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing. She has experience in different treatment settings in Ohio and enjoys working with those who have mental health and substance use disorders. Dr. Thomas works with ages 18 and up that include mental health issues like depression, anxiety, grief, stress management, trauma, communication, and relationship issues. She enjoys seeing a client shift perspectives and report feeling more at peace as they reach their goals. Dr. Thomas completed her doctorate degree in Counselor Education & Supervision in Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy in 2012.