Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Cleveland, OH

Melissa Elbert is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over 10 years of experience supporting clients both in their communities and in office settings. She is dedicated to helping individuals achieve their treatment goals and has extensive experience working with adults.

Melissa's post-graduate training includes expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), anxiety disorders, trauma-informed care, ADHD, and CPT. She specializes in treating trauma, depression, anxiety, ADHD, borderline personality disorders, and substance use disorders, including alcohol and opioid dependence.

She earned her Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Melissa adopts a flexible, client-centered approach, incorporating multiple therapeutic modalities such as CBT, DBT, CPT, and trauma-informed strategies to tailor treatment to each individual's unique needs.

Melissa believes that every person has their own path to healing. She works collaboratively with clients to determine the most effective approach, ensuring that each session centers around your goals and well-being. If you're ready to prioritize your mental health and make positive changes, schedule a session with Melissa today!

Gidget Rupert is an Independently Licensed Practical Clinical Counselor with over 13 years of experience working with clients. She enjoys assisting clients in meeting their goals for treatment. She has experience working with adults and teenagers. Gidget has specialized training in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and self-esteem disorders.

Gidget completed her Master’s in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling at Ashland Theological Seminary. Gidget utilizes multiple approaches to therapy to find what works best with each client. Some of these approaches include solution-focused therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness.

Gidget prioritizes building trust, active listening, and understanding with her clients as she meets them where they are. Reach out today to schedule an appointment!

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!

I am a clinical mental health and substance abuse therapist with the licensures LPCC, LICDC, in the state of Ohio as well as a certified somatic therapy foundations practitioner. I provide clinical therapy to individuals, couples & families. 

I primarily use implementation of evidence-based cognitive, behavioral motivational family systems and reality-based therapeutic tools to support guidance through a journey towards empowerment for a happy healthy balanced well-being. 

I close out each session by asking clients if they have any questions, giving a summary wrap-up of the discussion, thanking them for taking a huge step toward the healing process and allowing me to be a part of it, and giving them the steps for setting up follow-up appointments. 

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisor Endorsement. I have experience in the field since 2018. I like to focus on building rapport with everyone I see & I utilize many different therapeutic techniques to assist clients in achieving goals. I specialize in helping teens & adults suffering from ADHD, anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, & more. I obtained my Master's degree in Human Service from Post University & completed my Clinical Counseling degree at John Carroll University. I enjoy using therapeutic modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, & family systems therapy.

I never want counseling to feel like something clients dread. I want clients to enjoy therapy and look forward to it. I encourage people to be open and honest in the safe space we've created. Whether you have something specific to discuss or you'd like me to guide the conversation, we can have conversations that hopefully allow you to heal, grow, and thrive.