Grief counselors and therapists in Akron, OH

I am trained in EMDR to assist individuals to heal past trauma and grief. I offer ADHD testing and counseling for youth and adults. I treat individuals with depression and anxiety. I have been a licensed professional clinical therapist for over 8 years.

Hi! My name is Wendy Pugh. I graduated with a master's in social work from The Ohio State University, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I enjoy working with people of all ages and from all walks of life. I specialize in treating LGBTQIA issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

Do you desire healing from past events, struggling in life, overwhelmed and not feeling like you're reaching your potential? Every person is unique, and I honor that by emphasizing your God-given strengths and providing you with tools for success in life. You are the expert on your life, but sometimes having a supportive partner in exploring your life can help. If you're close to the Hilliard, Westerville or Johnstown, I'd love to meet you in person. I can also see you online. This comes in handy with Ohio winter weather.

I believe all people are capable of change and growth, with the right support and encouragement. I'll be there to empower you to overcome growth barriers and be there to rejoice in your successes. I'm honored to be that collaborative partner. I invite you to reach out, take that first step towards wholeness in your life.

I have found therapy to be the place for the client and the counselor to laugh, cry, decide, and embrace the sacred space of change and acceptance in one’s life. I have served in pastoral ministry for eighteen years along with five years as a clinical counselor. I feel that I bring a pastor’s heart of empathy, patience, and compassion into my therapeutic work. I do enjoy serving clients with varied needs and of all faiths.

I’m a Certified EMDR therapist who’s here to help you feel more like you again. Whether you’re carrying around old stuff that’s hard to shake or just feeling stuck, I offer a calm, supportive space to work through it—at your pace, on your terms.

I bring a steady presence, evidence-based tools, and a deep belief in your capacity to heal. EMDR is powerful, and so are you. I’ll guide you through the process at your pace, with care, clarity, and My approach is grounded in science but delivered with warmth, humor, and a genuine respect for your journey.

I use EMDR because it works—and because it helps people move forward in meaningful ways. But more than that, I show up as a real person. You won’t get a blank stare or therapy speak here. Just real conversation, genuine curiosity, and a steady belief that healing is possible (and that it doesn’t have to be heavy all the time).

I offer weekend and flexible appointments. My specialties include depression/anxiety, people pleasers, weight issues, grief/loss, and trauma (PTSD). I am a compassionate counselor wanting to support your goals. Through our work together, you will learn how to improve your life, heal, and move forward.

Please message me to get started or self-schedule a session today.

Recommended Reading: Somatic Healing by J. Emberly – Johnna recommends this book to anyone seeking tools for emotional and physical self-awareness, whether or not they are her clients. The book and accompanying workbook is available to purchase on Amazon.

I am a neurodivergent therapist who has been practicing for 20 years. I have always been drawn to and supportive of other humans that color outside of the lines. Prioritizing yourself by seeking help is huge and I would be honored to support you on your therapy journey.

Counseling for me is about companionship! Companions are with you through the good and the not-so-good. The most important thing in counseling is creating a relationship where people can feel and think how they want to about their experience within the relationship because whether we are stepping in the right or wrong direction we are ever growing and changing. Everyone perceives life through a different lens. Biological, physiological, and environmental variables influence those perspectives in different domains of people’s lives. All ages with: Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Schizo and Mood Spectrum, Paraphallic, and Trauma.

I have been a clinician for over 25 years, work with clients to try to figure out what is needed now and am willing to do that with you