Kayce McCurdy, LSW

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”

-Ralph Waldo Emerson

I am passionate about meeting my clients where they are and helping each client find creative solutions to life’s challenges that feel authentic and allow them to set and grow healthy boundaries within relationships.

I am a licensed social worker(LSW) and graduated with my masters of Social Work from The Ohio State University. I enjoy working with clients (age 16 and up) on a variety of challenges including:

• depression
• anxiety
• grief
• communication
• gender transitions
• self-esteem
• sexuality

I am dedicated to the awareness that clients are experts of their own lives. I employ an integrative and client-centered approach, mainly drawing from emotion-focused therapy, strengths-based therapy, and Motivational Interviewing, depending on what is most suited to the client. I have had experience with a wide variety of clients and enjoy coming to know people from a wide variety of experiences and identities. I also very much enjoy working with members of LGBTQ communities.

While working on my undergraduate degree (English Literature), I spent the summers as a carpenter’s apprentice. I have found that carpentry and therapy have a lot more in common than most people think, Minds, like homes, require maintenance and care, and anyone can learn skills to maintain their mind as well as their home.

When I’m not working, I enjoy woodworking and restoring vintage tools. I also enjoy hiking and camping with my wife and dog.

Ali Bryant, LMFT

** ONLINE Appointments available **

Ali Bryant is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist working with individuals, couples and families. Ali works with adolescents and adults.

Ali works with clients who face various life challenges including:

• Couple therapy,
• Relationship issues (parenting, communication, affair recovery, spouse with illness),
• Family dynamics (parent/child conflict, role management, family business issues)
• Identity development
• Anxiety

Ali holds two Bachelor’s degrees in English Literature and Communication, a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Human Development and Family Science at the Ohio State University.  In addition to her experiences working with individuals, couples and families through the OSU CFT Clinic, Ali has also worked with college students in an on-call, crisis capacity.

She utilizes a mixture of strengths-based and emotion-focused techniques with couples, families, and individuals alike in order to cultivate compassion for self and for others.

“Life can be overwhelming. We all need some dedicated time to nurture and heal. I am

passionate about creating a comforting, non-judgmental space for my clients to connect with

themselves and others. I use empathy and compassion to model fairness and acknowledgement for use

in personal relationships and relationships clients have with their inner selves.

Each of us are deserving of love, kindness, and consideration from others—and from ourselves too. I provide a listening ear to explore your feelings, already existing strengths, and strive to

help you feel empowered to create the life you want for yourself. I realize that sometimes the hardest step is in scheduling an appointment—what an act of kindness towards yourself that can be!

I love the outdoors—camping, hiking, and exploring national parks. I also teach undergraduate courses at Ohio State University. When I’m not working, I enjoy reading, hanging with my husband, and cuddling with my two pups, Dobby and Lizzie.”

Supervised by David Bowers, IMFT PhD Lis #F.2000127

Alyna Lewis, LPC

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change”—Carl Rogers

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a focus on Positive Psychology from The Ohio State University and my Master’s degree from Heidelberg University. My work in community mental health afforded me the opportunity to work with a wide variety of ages, populations, diagnosis and client needs. I believe that my responsibility as a clinician is to truly meet a client where they are and sit with that client; our job is not to shed light on the client but to walk beside the client on their own personal journey toward light and healing.

I am passionate about helping clients find and make meaning in their lives.  I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, from age 13 and up. The challenges I work with clients on include:

• Trauma recovery
• Anxiety
• Domestic abuse survivors
• Sexual assault survivors
• Depression
• Adolescent stressors/ family & school relationship issues

I typically use a Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) approach in working with clients, informed by an awareness of each person’s existential individuality and the value of looking inside ourselves to find our unique value and meaning.  

I know that sometimes making that first appointment and walking into a session can be extremely difficult and I am honored that clients choose to sure part of their journey with me as their therapist.  

As a single parent, most of my “off” time is devoted to my young son, but I also enjoy the out of doors, thought out the year, whether kayaking and hiking or snowboarding and cross-country skiing. While I tend to be an “all sorts” animal lover, dogs have a special place in my heart.

Tyler Coy, MSW, LSW

Personal Core Values: Integrity, Humility, Equity, & Compassion

Tyler Coy (he/they) is a licensed social worker with a Master’s in Social Work from the Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s in Medical Sociology from Kent State University.

Tyler works with clients (adolescents and adults) dealing with a wide variety of life’s challenges, including:

• Stress management
• Depression
• Anxiety
• ADHD
• Relationships
• LGBTQ+-related issues
• Various sexual/intimacy challenges

The clinical approaches Tyler takes in working with clients include Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, and a sex positive approach.

In therapy sessions, he aims to cultivate a safe, brave, space to collaboratively work toward discovering solutions to your treatment goals.  He recognizes that our environments, culture, relationships, and experiences shape us, and that we are always changing and growing.  While we may not be able to change the world (at least not immediately), we can change how we are in our world.

In his own experience with an ADHD diagnosis, he has found his “problem” to be one of his greatest superpowers! He works to bring his own experiences as a therapy client into the work he does with others as their therapist.

He incorporates mindfulness techniques into sessions (if it feels rights for us).  Mindfulness helps to develop a better sense of awareness (without judgement) so that we may leave behind what is no longer helpful and live fully, accepting the present moment and embracing the future.

He embraces cultural humility and is always learning about our intersectional identities, including sexuality, gender identity, race, ethnicity, age, religion, ability, and other identities.  He honors that all of us are worthy of embracing and living fully in our authenticity.  He believes we all have unique gifts and that part of his role in therapy is helping clients discover new ways to use their own gifts to help meet their goals.

Tyler loves music, being outdoors, and enjoying delicious food and coffee.  They laugh hard and experience life fully (or at least they try).  They teach yoga and live with the coolest cat and best partner. They are available for Telehealth only out of Polaris.

Haley Kiser, PhD, MFT

“Without change, there would be no butterflies”

I believe that each of us is the expert of their own life. As a therapist my job is not to tell you what you ought to do, but to work with you so that by working together, we can collaborate and find the most effective ways for you to achieve your goals. I also believe that often our experiences growing up  create blueprints  that shape our morals, ideas, and beliefs about all things in ways that aren’t always most helpful; however through intentional exploration and work we can change those blueprints.

 I am passionate about helping my clients navigate life and the curveballs it can throw by helping strengthen connections and relationships among friends, partners and families. I believe each person deserves to be heard and validated in their experiences and emotions and I work diligently to help them sort through and make meaning out of these circumstances.

 I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy/Counseling from The University of Akron and then completed my PhD from The Ohio State University. My clinical experiences include community mental health agencies and medical settings. I have previously taught undergraduate students at OSU and currently serve as an adjunct faculty member in the Marriage and Family therapy program at National University.

My work with children, adolescents and adults includes:

• Anxiety,
• Depression,
• Adolescent Stressors,
• Couple Therapy,
• Family Therapy,
• Life Transitions,
• Parent/Child relational issues,
• Medical Family Therapy/families experiencing various diagnoses,
• Infertility

I take a systemic and intergenerational approach when working with my client(s). Even when working with individuals, I think about other systems (i.e., people, places) that play roles in the situation as well. I utilize a combination of multiple evidenced-based techniques including:

• solution-focused therapy,
• motivational interviewing,
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT),
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).

I strive to be empathetic, transparent and collaborative with my clients while providing a safe space to explore and work on their identified goals.

In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my husband, our daughter, and our fur babies (2 corgis, 1 cat, and 2 sugar gliders). I also enjoy baking and attending Cincinnati Reds games.

Supervised by David Bowers, PhD,IMFT Lic # F.2000127

Abby Brewster, LISW

“Sometimes the bravest and most important thing you can do is just show up.”- Brené Brown

Passion and Philosophy

I believe that everyone’s story matters, and I want to give individuals a safe and non-judgmental space to share and explore their stories. Everyone deserves to be heard, be loved, and be safe. I also believe that everyone has a future to look forward to and I am passionate about helping people reach the goals they have for their lives.

I am passionate about creating a safe space for people to find healing and to get to know themselves on a deeper level, so they can become the healthiest version of themselves. I also value social justice and strive to promote justice in my personal and professional life.

Experience and Strategies

I’m an Ohio Licensed Independent Social Worker. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Social Work. I received my Bachelor’s from Taylor University and then went on to pursue my Master’s from Ohio State University.

I have provided clinical counseling, advocacy, and case management services, with a specialization in trauma. I also have experience working with individuals and families, providing parenting strategies and support, as well as exploring healthy relationship skills.

I utilize Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (for children and adolescents), and EMDR. I focus on the existing strengths of my clients and encourage the use of those strengths to work toward identified goals. Empathy, compassion, integrity, and service drive my interactions with clients.

I work with children, adolescents and adults on a variety of issues and life challenges including:

• PTSD and other trauma related difficulties
• Anxiety,
• Adjustment Disorders,
• Depression,
• Grief and Loss.

I enjoy working with individuals to promote healthy relationships with themselves and those around them.

In my free time I enjoy cooking, being outside, and spending time with my loved ones and sweet puppy.

Charlotte Buelow, LSW

”Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be; embrace who you are.” – Brene Brown

Beginning therapy can feel like a big and scary step filled with a lot of unknowns, I want to provide my clients a safe and non-judgmental place to work through whatever they need.  I want my clients to feel comfortable and to take the time they need to build a therapeutic relationship together before feeling like they need to dive in.  Each person has different experiences, different priorities, and different reasons to seek therapy which makes therapy look different for each client.  I view therapy as a team approach between the client and the therapist and my job is to guide my clients in untangling their thoughts so we can work together and problem solve.

I am passionate about helping clients find joy in their lives and I work with all my clients to help them achieve their goals and reach their potential.  I work with adults and adolescents on a variety of life challenges including:

• Trauma
• Adolescent/parent relationships
• Grief
• Anxiety
• Life changes
• Depression
• Relational issues

I integrate a variety of therapeutic modalities and techniques in my work ranging from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to motivational interviewing, with a focus on client strengths.

I earned my bachelor’s degree at Northern Kentucky University and have master’s degrees from Capital University and Louisiana State University.  My professional experience includes crisis counseling, mental health day treatment, and community mental health agencies.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, writing, and traveling.

Supervised by David Bowers, IMFT PhD Lis #F.2000127

Mariya Al-Ghawi, MFT

I am passionate about holding space for each person I work with to experience an opportunity to share their story and be heard. In hand with that, acknowledging and spending time considering the emotions we have as we go through different experiences can help us to understand them. I am also passionate about acknowledging individuality and diversity. I strive to give voice to diverse and minority populations in order to help understand  lives in the contexts of our various environments. I value considering the ways in which the impacts of minority status may have on the development of one’s life and relationships.

I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at The Ohio State University where I completed my clinical placement at the Ohio State University Couple and Family Therapy Clinic.  I also worked with adolescents and their families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (NCH) Behavioral Health in the Mood and Anxiety Program. 

I enjoy working with a wide variety of individuals, couples and families, with a special interest in working with interracial/ethnic minority couples.

Some issues I enjoy helping clients address include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship challenges for couples
• Conflict among and between family members
• Cross-cultural challenges
• Identity
• Grief

In my work I pull from both Emotion Focused Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy, highlighting client strengths to identify key tools to utilize in recovering and moving forward.  I also find mindfulness to be helpful for many clients with whom I work. 

 I grew up  here in Columbus and am the 4^th generation of Ohio State graduates.—We have a long history of Buckeye pride!

I love animals and have grown up with pets throughout my lifetime. As someone who identifies of ethnic minority status, I am drawn to working with and meeting others of diverse backgrounds and one of the things I appreciate about living in Columbus! In spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, and exercising.

Supervised by David Bowers,PhD,IMFT lic#F.2000127

Terri Blake, Ed.S., LPC

“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou

Education

My educational journey started with studying Psychology for a Bachelor of Science degree at Stillman College located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I earned an Education Specialist Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Loyola University Chicago in 2019. I am currently a 3^rd year doctoral student in the School Psychology program at The Ohio State University. My professional and clinical training experiences have included behavioral hospitals, community mental health agencies, private practice, and schools. 

Passions and Philosophy

As a little girl, my mother referred to me as her “sunflower child” who loved to smile and help others. At a young age, she shared that one day I would help individuals who needed nurturing the most. It is amazing how others (my mother) can identify our gifts before we are aware of them. 

It is true. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate their healing journey by providing a safe space filled with compassion, non-judgment, and authenticity. I believe in saying “YES” to therapy and “YES to yourself.” I believe that all individuals have the necessary tools in their toolbox to heal, but simply need help navigating the journey.

Strategies and Approach 

I am honored when clients choose me to help them navigate their healing journey. My approach is a holistic, strength-based, and trauma-informed approach. Additionally, I believe that clients are the experts of their lives, and my role is to provide guidance. My goal is to use therapy as a tool to empower, problem-solve, and reclaim self-love to begin thriving in life. 

I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults (aged 3 and up) in the following areas:

• Spirituality
• Self-Esteem
• College Transitions
• Racial Trauma
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma
• Emotional Regulation
• Communication and Family Conflict
• Women's Issues

I am a jovial, encouraging, and openminded person who loves to laugh. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship; therefore, I take pride in being my authentic self. In my free time, I love to run outdoors, swim, watch re-runs of 90’s classic Black sitcoms, listen to music, and spend quality time with friends and my partner.

Supervised by David Bowers, IMFT PhD Lis #F.2000127

Riley Whiting, LMFT

“Family troubles roll from generation to generation like a fire in the woods… until one person, in one generation, has the courage to turn and face the flames. That person brings peace to their ancestors and spares the children that follow.” — Terry Real

I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development, a Master’s in Couple and Family Therapy, and I am currently pursuing a PhD in Couple and Family Therapy at the Ohio State University. I also serve as an instructor at OSU, teaching about families and relationships. Prior to joining Thriveworks, I served clients at the OSU Couple and Family Therapy Clinic.

As humans, we all struggle to navigate relationships, and often we become stuck in patterns that we aren’t sure how to stop or improve. Relationships (including our relationship with ourselves) have the potential to bring some of life’s greatest joys as well as greatest sorrows. They impact nearly every aspect of our life.

I am dedicated to providing a safe space for people from all walks of life to explore new ways to navigate personal and relationship difficulties. 

I am passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves, and finding joy in their relationships with others. I pursue that goal by listening to others and helping couples and individuals explore, understand and appreciate themselves and those around them.

I work with individuals (adults and teens) and couples/families on a variety of challenges including:

• Depression and anxiety
• Couples therapy
• Relational challenges (improving communication, parenting, spousal concerns),
• Family dynamics (parent/child conflict, religiosity, role management)
• Blended Families
• Families with Chronic Illness
• Grief and Loss

Even when working with individuals, I use a relational lens to help clients discover how their past might influence their current relationships. I also use IFS (Internal Family Systems) to help individuals and couples appreciate themselves and navigate different personal patterns. I enjoy utilizing other research-based strategies (Gottman, Emotion Focused Therapy) in my work with couples to help them build their relationships effectively. 

I inherited my grandfather’s deep love of nature and the outdoors, and spend much of my free time with my wife hiking, rock climbing, fishing and cooking around a campfire.

Supervised by David Bowers, IMFT PhD Lis #F.2000127

Alex Banta, LISW

** ONLINE Appointments available **

"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change."

​-Carl Rodgers

Passion

I am passionate about working alongside people on their journeys to becoming versions of themselves they want and choose to be.

I work with clients to identify strengths they already possess, but might not even notice, and then apply those strengths and abilities to work towards their goals and desired changes. I believe a supportive, nonjudgmental space is key to unlocking potential. I use evidence-based interventions from a strengths-based perspective to ensure best outcomes for clients. I believe everyone deserves the space, energy and time to become the person they want to be.

Experience and Approach to Therapy

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker and received both my Bachelors and Masters degrees from Indiana University.

I have experience working with adolescents and adults, as individual, families and couples tackling a number of issues. I also have several years’ experience working on an acute in-patient unit at a pediatric facility working with families through crisis, grief, anxiety and depression.  I use an eclectic theoretical approach, including: Motivational Interviewing, solution-focused brief therapy, mindfulness techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and family systems therapy.

I specialize in working with adolescents and adults (aged 12 and up) in the following areas:

• Depression,
• Anxiety,
• Parent/child conflict
• Co-Parenting
• Teen identity challenges,
• Trauma,
• Self-harm,
• Grief and loss,
• Anger issues,
• Mindfulness,

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my fluffy, adorable, mischievous Puppy!

Amanda Miller, MS, MFT

“Being human is a beautiful messy business and we are beautiful, messy beings.”-- Karen Young

I believe that being human is a beautifully imperfect experience.  Each of us live lives that are filled with excitement, joy, love,  sadness, anger, fear and loss. Sometimes it feels like you have it all together, and other times everything feels out of control and painful – perhaps even too much to bear.

Your inner world, your relationships with those you love, your work and school lives, even all of society can feel so heavy. The pain can sometimes be manageable and other times feel overwhelming and isolating.  The many roles all of us play as a partner, a family member, and a friend can present challenges.

Reaching out to someone to talk to is not easy. And it is scary – especially where it hurts the most and in places you have not felt safe in.  Because of that, I work to create a safe, accepting, and nonjudgmental space for you to be seen and heard.  Meeting you exactly where you are and walking alongside you on your journey is an honor.  I value and respect all cultures, beliefs, races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, and abilities.

My academic background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of California Santa Cruz as well as a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I work with teens, adults, couples, and families on a wide variety of life challenges including:

• Relational challenges
• Couples’ issues
• Parent/child relationships
• Attachment issues
• Trauma, complex PTSD
• Women issues
• Identity issues
• Transitional phases of life
• ADHD
• Anxiety

Each person is uniquely beautiful, so I don’t use a “one size fits all” style in counseling. I invite you to show up as you are. I believe that my expertise is in working with my clients to create an authentic, warm, and compassionate space for healing and hope. In that space, as we work you will become more able to discover the wisdom you already have within. I am here to listen, guide, and empower you to share your story and find your way.

Supervised by David Bowers, IMFT PhD Lis #F.2000127

David Bowers, Ph.D, IMFT

** ONLINE Appointments available **

As Practice Owner of Columbus, OH (Polaris) Thriveworks, I am excited to work with this team of clinicians and hope that you’ll reach out to me with any questions or concerns you might have. As a Marriage and Family therapist, I am attuned to clients’ interconnected webs of relationships even when working one-on-one. My experience and training with families and couples enables me to walk with clients through (re)discovering their connectedness with those they love.

I’m most passionate about exploring clients’ stories, and listening for places where personal narratives might differ from others’. This often provides spaces for clients to explore new or neglected understandings of themselves and their relationships leading to preferred, more fulfilling future stories.

My academic affiliations include having taught courses in family stress, parenting and developmental psychology at OSU and Ohio Dominican University, in addition to research work with both OSU and Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

I enjoy working with clients across cultural, sexual and gender identity spectrums, including, but not limited to, folks who identify as heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian or queer as well as clients who hold trans- or cis-gender among their identities. I work with clients in monogamous, polyamorous and various forms of negotiated open romantic relationships.​

I work with clients who face a variety of challenges including recovery from substance use disorders, anxiety and depression, as well as relational challenges facing parents and adolescents.

My 20 years of work experience before becoming a therapist equips me with lived understanding of today’s hectic business and corporate life challenges, whether those involve meeting budgets and timelines or working through the sacrifices that happen when dealing with work/life demands.

I realize that sometimes just making a first appointment is a bold step and all of us at Thriveworks Columbus Polaris office are dedicated to holding a space that honors each step clients take in their journeys with us.