Our therapists provide couples & marriage counseling in Lakewood, OH

My name is Jeff Miller, and I have been in the mental health field for over 30 years. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a Master's degree in Social Work. My experience is varied—beginning in Cuyahoga County investigating allegations of abuse and neglect with extensive Juvenile Court involvement, then expanding to children and teens in foster care, residential treatment, and adoption settings. I have also worked with adults managing chronic or acute mental health conditions and dual diagnoses. I am open to working with most concerns, though depression and anxiety—often rooted in trauma and loss—are what I most typically address.

Building a therapeutic relationship and aligning with clients to find their “path” to healing is at the heart of my work. I help normalize certain feelings, and approach each person without judgment. I am honest and respectful of what a client can manage at any point in the process. Trust is developed and earned over time, and I fully understand that.

I look forward to meeting you and will always start from where you are. Our journey together will hopefully bring new understandings and positive life changes.

I am a Licensed Social Worker with a Master of Social Work from Cleveland State University, I have completed extensive training in trauma, substance use, LGBTQ, domestic and intimate partner violence, human trafficking, gang culture, and healthy relationship dynamics, and I remain committed to ongoing professional development throughout my practice. 

I draw from a range of evidence-based modalities including Solution-Focused Therapy, PersonCentered approaches, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and positive reinforcement, because I recognize that every individual's circumstances are unique, and I am dedicated to meeting clients where they are with patience, empathy, and clinical skill. 

I bring a strengths-based, collaborative approach to therapy grounded in active listening and genuine curiosity about clients' unique needs, because I believe that when people feel truly heard and supported, they are empowered to work through challenges and reach the goals that matter most to them.

Lauren A. Carsten is an independently licensed clinical mental health counselor (PCC) and earned her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. Prior to moving back to her native Ohio, she completed BAs in both psychology and behavioral science (an interdisciplinary degree encompassing human behavior through sociology, anthropology and psychology) from San Jose State University in California. She holds competencies treatment of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and grief, and has experience and training using trauma-informed practices. She also has extensive experience working with multicultural populations as well as the LGBTQQIAA population and has given trainings in these areas with a focus on sensitivity and accommodations to treatment approaches. She has also completed the certificate program for Substance Abuse Counseling from the University of Cincinnati and is able to integrate that training into current treatment when needed. She is adept at the treatment of individual clients, couples, as well as families and groups, and welcomes clients to incorporate other people into their sessions if needed and appropriate. Her style is generally relaxed and casual and ascribes to the Gestalt model of client interactions but does pull from several different approaches to find the more efficacious approach for each client individually.

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!

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.