Why did you become a therapist, and what motivates you to continue?

I became a therapist because I have always been driven to understand the "why" behind human behavior and the patterns that shape our lives. Having worked at every level of mental health intervention—from intense, life-and-death situations in hospital and community settings to long-term maintenance counseling—I have seen firsthand the incredible resilience of the human spirit. What motivates me to continue is the privilege of helping clients gain deep insight into their own life patterns. There is nothing more rewarding than the moment a client identifies the best way to move from "stuck" to a life that is truly functional and satisfying. My motivation is fueled by the balance of my approach: I enjoy the intellectual work of psychodynamic counseling to uncover the root of a challenge, paired with the immediate, life-changing impact of teaching DBT skills. Seeing a client build the confidence to handle life's ups and downs on their own terms is what keeps me energized in this work every day.

I have worked at every level of intervention in mental health. From ongoing, maintenance counseling to helping people struggling with life and death in the community and in the hospital settings. I use person-centered counseling, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and psychodynamic counseling modalities. Sometimes, I use them individually but mostly I use a balance of all three modalities. I enjoy helping clients gain insight into their life, their life patterns and to identify the best ways for the client to create a more functional and satisfying life.

I have a natural curiosity toward people and the relationships we have with each other. Growing up, I loved learning about what creates a lasting relationship vs. a surface level relationship and how our upbringing and relationships that we have seen in our lives shape and influence who we are attracted to. What motivates me to continue is providing hope to couples and individuals who feel like there's no way out of their current situation and things will never get better. I've seen many relationships get through difficult times, and I enjoy sharing that hope with others as they work through challenges and grow stronger together.

Hi there! I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist providing online individual and couples therapy for those living in Indiana and Virginia. I specialize in relationship concerns such as communication difficulty, affairs and infidelity recovery, relational trauma, dating/marriage, premarital/marital counseling, and family systems. I also provide discernment counseling for couples who are unsure about their relationship and questioning divorce and separation. 

After searching for a couples' counselor myself and hitting many dead ends, I decided to go back to school and become a therapist. While immersed in my studies, I fell in love with sex therapy and supporting people while they learn more about their bodies, their relationships, and their ability to love themselves.

I specialize in working with sexuality, self-esteem, and healthy masculinity. I've been in practice since 2019 and love working with clients to unearth their most vibrant self!

Why I Became a Therapist I became a therapist because I’ve always believed in the power of listening and the dignity of every person’s story. My early work with people experiencing homelessness, incarceration, and trauma showed me how deeply unmet mental health needs can impact individuals and families — and how transformative compassionate, accessible care can be. Those experiences ignited my calling to walk alongside others as they heal, grow, and reclaim their lives. What Motivates Me to Continue What keeps me going is witnessing change — even small breakthroughs — in the lives of my clients. It’s seeing a teenager find their voice again, a parent rediscover hope, or a family rebuild connection. My Christian faith also motivates me; I see my work as a ministry of service, offering evidence-based care infused with grace, empathy, and respect. Every session reminds me why I chose this path: because healing is possible, because people are resilient, and because everyone deserves a safe space where they are seen, heard, and supported.

Johnita McGee-Smith, MSW, LISW (Ohio), LCSW (Virginia), is a licensed clinical social worker, Christian counselor, and founder of Grace to Grace Behavioral Health. She provides trauma-informed, faith-integrated, and evidence-based care across Ohio and Virginia, helping individuals, couples, and families find healing and resilience.

Growing up both of my parents worked in human services. I was consistently offered knowledge and information about working with various groups, their needs, and the overall need for support within the community. I learned about working with the developmentally disabled, children, elders, and those struggling with mental health concerns all before exploring work with each population myself. This afforded me the opportunity to develop insight and empathy on topics many of my peers may not yet have been exposed to at a young age and fueled my curiosity to learn and understand more. I was therefore fortunate to know the path I wanted to take early on in life and moved toward my goal of becoming a therapist. I continue to find myself intrigued, interested, and motivated in my work to understand, learn, and aid others. I consider it an honor to be invited in to each individual, couple, and family's story so that I may either be a present witness to their emotions, offer a place of comfort for their pain, support their growth, and celebrate their accomplishments.

There is a sentiment that was brought to popularity over the last two years: We are all weathering this storm but are not in the same boat. I have spent a lot of time contemplating this concept. One of the interpretations that sticks with me is that we are all human learning to navigate this life but often impacted by different things in different ways. Some people have yachts while others have canoes, some find themselves being tussled in the ocean while others are blessed to gleam across a lake, and some are fortunate to have life jackets while others have felt they had to learn to float alone. No matter each person’s, couple’s, or family’s circumstances we are all trying to navigate through life. Therapy is a safe and private space that I can hold for you where I may aid you in locating a life jacket, developing a crew, patch your boat, and learn to navigate the waters. Whether you find yourself in tousled waters or navigating a new path I would be pleased to work with you. I have enjoyed working with individuals, couples, and families of all different needs for years.

I chose to pursue becoming a Marriage and Family Therapist because I was intrigued by why relationships function in the manner that they do and that there is not consistency across the board. I was very curious to have these questions answered as well as to learn how to assist in providing support, skills/interventions, but with evidence to support what I was doing. All that, in a very short summary is why I began the journey, but ultimately I have found myself very passionate about this profession and working with couples. 

Hello! I am a LLMFT that loves to genuinely get to know people, what makes them who they are and what ones' journey has encompassed before I met you. I am a wife, mother, military spouse and someone who loves to be outside as much as possible. 

As your dedicated Nurse Practitioner, I value loyalty and collaboration at the core of my practice. My steadfast commitment to quality care is matched by a strong advocacy for preventive health measures. With extensive experience in mental health care, I deeply understand the significance of crafting effective treatment plans that are centered around you, the patient, ensuring that your care is not only impactful but also cost-effective.

I am an experienced board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 17 years in clinical experience. I provide psychiatric evaluation & medication management for all needs that impact mental health. With a comprehensive approach, I support adults and children through their unique journeys toward mental wellness. I treat a wide range of conditions: ADHD, Anxiety, Panic, Trauma, Depression, Bipolar disorder, Mood disorders, Eating Disorders, PTSD, OCD, Insomnia, and more. I specialize in working with clients with High Clinical Acuity and Recent Hospitalization.  Website: http://adewellhealthmentalsvcs.com

I became a Nurse psychotherapist(PMHNP) because I believe in the power of listening, healing, and holding space for people when they need it most. Growing up, I witnessed the deep emotional pain people carry—often in silence—and how hard it can be to ask for help. I wanted to be someone who could offer compassion, clarity, and hope. Combining psychotherapy with psychiatric care allows me to treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit—and walk with clients through their most vulnerable moments with both empathy and clinical skill. What motivates me to continue is the resilience I witness every day. It's the small breakthroughs, the courage to face difficult emotions, and the strength people discover in themselves. Being part of someone’s healing journey is an honor I never take lightly.

Hi, I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner . I’m passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges with empathy, clinical expertise, and a personalized approach. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings, build resilience, and work toward lasting healing and growth.

I became a therapist because I wanted to help people and support them during life’s most challenging moments. I’ve always been drawn to understanding human emotions and helping others find clarity, balance, and hope. What motivates me every day is witnessing the growth, resilience, and transformation my clients experience. Being part of someone’s journey toward self-awareness and healing is profoundly rewarding—it’s a privilege to help them discover their strengths, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change in their lives.

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) passionate about helping people navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, trauma, and difficult transitions. I create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to explore their thoughts and emotions. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each person’s unique journey. Together, we identify patterns that may be holding you back, build practical coping skills, and work toward meaningful change in your daily life. I focus on fostering self-awareness, resilience, and personal growth, always with compassion, empathy, and respect for your individual experience. Clients often describe me as warm, approachable, and insightful—someone who listens deeply, challenges gently, and supports them every step of the way toward clarity, balance, and well-being.

I became a therapist because my father was an LCSW and I grew up volunteering at an AIDS hospice where I learned that there is so much beauty in being compassionate. I work hard in my practice to meet people where they are at and work together to find a healing connection. I see all the injustices in the world and that inspires me to keep trying to help people.

Hi! Welcome! I truly believe that our work together is designed to help you breathe easier, find balance, and move forward with a sense of grounded calm. Here, you’ll feel seen, supported, and empowered to nurture your inner world in ways that create lasting change. Your story matters, and your healing deserves a gentle, safe place to unfold. Let’s grow with intention—one step, one step at a time.