Grief counselors and therapists in Merrillville, IN

Hello! My name is Zachary! I am happy you visited my profile. Before you begin browsing, I just want to say you are strong and you have incredible power in you to journey towards healing. I believe in your success and your potential.

I received my Bachelor of Arts at Goshen College and my Master of Social Work at Andrews University. I am a LCSW in Indiana, LISW in Ohio, and a LSCSW in Kansas.

I have experience in care management and facilitation, providing counseling to juveniles on probation, delivering therapy to those who have been court ordered, doing home-based clinical services, implementing and administering Family Centered Treatment© to families, hospice social work, community mental health, certified clinical behavioral health clinics, conducting counseling to geriatric and SPMI populations, as well as telehealth.

What empowers people to change? A clear direction and the tools needed to succeed. Thats why my counseling approach focuses on YOU and taking steps toward your own definition of success. With a mixture of existentialism, family systems, and cognitive therapies, we will work to discover what you hope to change in your life and walk through the steps needed to get there. Whether you are struggling with aspects of your relationships, identity, life stressors, grief, trauma, or you just need some general direction, we will focus on what matters to you.

I’ve spent the last twenty years working with adolescents, young adults, and their families, and in recent years I’ve expanded my practice to include adults of all ages. My greatest strength as a therapist is my ability to build genuine rapport and trust, creating a space where clients feel understood, supported, and safe to be themselves.

I hold a master’s degree in counseling and have additional training and experience in grief, anxiety, stress, trauma, life transitions, academic counseling, post-secondary planning, and career counseling. Whether you’re navigating a major change, processing something difficult, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to walk alongside you with warmth, practical tools, and evidence-based support.

I’m an easy‐going, friendly therapist who believes therapy works best when you can be your real self—no pressure, no judgment. I bring a balance of empathetic listening, humor, and practical tools into our work together. Think of it like having someone who can both sit in the hard stuff with you and help lighten the load when you need a moment to breathe. I enjoy working with: Individuals experiencing depression, stress, anxiety, life transitions; Parents and families navigating communication issues or conflict; Preteens, Teens, and young adults, elderly; Individuals healing from difficult family dynamics or patterns; Caregivers.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I believe everyone deserves a kind space to feel better and grow stronger. Taking the step to reach out is brave, so I’m proud of you for being here! I earned my master’s at Indiana State University and bring three years of caring experience to Ember Life Counseling. I specialize in helping kids with play-based support, trauma recovery, anxiety, relationships, and life changes in ways that feel right for you. I’m warm and energetic, and I’d love to welcome you!

Hi! I have a LCSW with a MSW. By integrating evidence-based practices such as EMDR, CBT, DBT, CPT, and ACT, I will work alongside you to develop practical strategies for overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.

When life looks “fine” from the outside but feels overwhelming on the inside, therapy can help you slow down and find your footing again. I’m an LCSW with nearly 30 years of experience in the mental health field and over 20 years providing therapy to adults navigating anxiety, burnout, chronic stress, emotional overwhelm, work-life imbalance, and major life transitions. I especially enjoy working with high-functioning professionals who are used to carrying a lot for others while quietly struggling with pressure, perfectionism, or exhaustion themselves.

Clients often describe my style as calm, steady, practical, and deeply supportive. I help you make sense of what is driving your stress, understand the patterns underneath your anxiety or burnout, and build realistic steps that help you feel more grounded, clear, and in control. I draw from CBT, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies, but I tailor the work to your pace, needs, and goals. If you’re feeling stuck, drained, or ready for something to shift, I offer a space where you can breathe, regroup, and move forward with greater confidence.