Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Beachwood, OH

"As a person-centered therapist, my job is making the therapeutic experience work for you."

Whitney McSparran is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with young adults, adults, women, and LGBTQIA+ folks coping with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, relationship issues, educational challenges, occupational problems, gender and sexuality-related issues, and the stress of everyday life.

Whitney received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Temple University and is licensed in both Ohio and Pennsylvania. She has worked in many mental health settings including outpatient, community behavioral health, and residential treatment settings, but her passion is providing individual and couples counseling.

Whitney's superpower is supporting people new to therapy and helping those who have struggled in the past to find the right therapist. She uses techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectic behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing techniques but is a person-centered therapist at her core. Whitney believes that each person is an expert on their own life and is dedicated to empowering each individual to shape their own path in therapy.

"As a combat veteran, I realize the unique perspective of veterans, their families, and culture. "

Nicholas Fulks is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in the state of Ohio who specializes in helping children, adolescents, and adults with various difficulties including anxiety, depression, trauma, transitions, social skills, and goal setting. He has over 6 years of experience working in community behavioral health, providing clinical care.

Nicholas completed his Bachelor of Arts in justice studies from Kent State University and his Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California. Prior to entering the mental health field, he served in the U.S. Army for over 10 years. As a combat veteran, Nicholas realizes the unique perspective of veterans, their families, and their culture.

Nicholas uses an eclectic approach to therapy in order to meet your unique needs and empower you to be successful in reaching your goals. With a strength in building rapport with various people and age groups, he employs culturally-informed, strength-based, and person-centered approaches to help you feel comfortable, safe, and heard.

"We construct and deconstruct ourselves constantly throughout life, and as an artist and therapist, I believe personal connection, curiosity and creativity are the most powerful tools for battling the negative thoughts and beliefs that keep us stuck. "

Whitney is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and Art Therapist in Northeast Ohio. Whitney has enjoyed over 10 years of experience working with a broad variety of clients and strives to empower each individual in her care to become the best version of themselves. She treats children, teens, adults, and families, and specializes in providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ issues, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and trauma.

In 2006, Whitney earned her Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Kent State University, and in 2010 she graduated from Ursuline College with her Master's degree in Counseling and Art Therapy. Whitney uses an eclectic approach to therapy, working collaboratively with each client to determine what kind of interventions and strategies best meets their needs. By using creative and person-centered approaches, Whitney empowers those that work with her to find their own inner guidance and to build trust and understanding within themselves. 

She feels it is an honor to help clients on their personal journeys and to witness the growth and healing that results from their brave self-exploration. Whitney understands that for many clients, beginning therapy can feel daunting or overwhelming. It takes a leap of faith and courage to enter a therapeutic relationship. She strives to create a safe space, free of judgment, where clients can feel welcome to explore all aspects of themselves openly. We construct and deconstruct ourselves constantly throughout life, and as an artist and therapist, she believes personal connection, curiosity, and creativity are the most powerful tools for battling the negative thoughts and beliefs that keep us stuck in place. 

"I have dedicated my clinical work to assisting individuals in unlocking the gifts, skills, and resilience they already possess."

Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Hayes has practiced as a Clinical Psychologist for 22 years. He has worked in a variety of clinical settings and treats individuals, couples, and families from diverse cultures and backgrounds. His areas of interest include adjustment and relationship concerns, the art of meaning-making and building resilience, multicultural issues, self-esteem, and identity exploration, as well as specific work with underserved populations including the deaf and hard of hearing. His goal as a clinician is to help individuals develop a healthy lifestyle and effectively manage stress.

Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Hayes received his BAA from the University of Florida, a master’s in mental health counseling from Gannon University, and his Doctor of Psychology from Wright State University’s School of Professional Psychology. Dr. Jerry utilizes an integrative approach to treatment, always being sensitive to the unique needs of his clients.

Taking the first step to finding support is one of the most important things we can do for ourselves. Finding that support system, like a therapist, to walk with you as you uncover ways to accept and manage these struggles is key to your best life. Dr. Jerry is dedicated to helping you achieve that goal. Please schedule an appointment with him today.

"As a queer trans man, I understand the challenges and unique perspective the LGBTQIA+ community has when navigating the world, and the need for a therapist who understands."

Emerson Fetty is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over 5 years of experience. He specializes in issues related to the LGBTQIA+ community, gender and sexuality issues, anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, stress, life transitions, and more.

Emerson completed his Master's degree in Social Work (MSW) at Youngstown State. He utilizes a variety of treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), motivational interviewing (MI), solutions-focused therapy, and of course strengths-based therapy (SBT).

Emerson views the opportunity to work with clients as an incredible gift and will work hard to create a relationship where his clients feel safe and able to freely express their needs. Taking that first step to engage in therapy can be difficult for many, but his hope is that you will be glad you did.

"I believe to truly practice self-care, we must ensure we are taking time to address our mental health, the same as we ensure our dental and physical health."

MarLa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals in various roles. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals and communities by serving as an "interrupter" of systems and barriers to social health needs. MarLa's professional experience along with her mission to ensure others thrive has created a unique skillset. She is a mom of 2 with ample experience navigating life through adversity. MarLa specializes in leadership stress, trauma-informed care, major life transitions (i.e. military, college, and parenting), family conflict, daily stress, and mild depression.

MarLa completed her Master of Social Work (LISW) from Cleveland State University (Phi Alpha Honor Society). MarLa does not use a cookie-cutter treatment approach, and instead gets to know her clients and what works best for them. Some approaches she uses include mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

MarLa understands that the gaps between what we want our life to be and what it actually is can create anxiety, uncertainty, worry, stress, and depression. She wants to teach others to put more focus and energy toward what we have control over while giving less emotional energy to what we have minimal control over. She wants you to thrive!