OUR APPROACH
Our Story
Open Arms Counseling®, LLC began January of 2014 out of a need in the community. It was found that a number of people in the area did not seek the help that they wanted because they had felt uncomfortable about being accepted for who they were. The founders set out to create a space that was safe and comfortable for both clients and the counselors who worked there. That is when Open Arms Counseling® was born. After all, to find healing you need to feel free to be you.
Our Mission
Our mission is to provide the highest quality care to serve our diverse communities with respect to their spiritual, cultural, and individual differences. We do this through welcoming, professional counselors, utilizing proven therapy interventions to help clients achieve their goals and to encourage them to gain individual growth.
OPEN ARMS COUNSELING®
STAFF:
MEET THE TEAM
COUNSELORS
Ann Hurst, MACPC, LPCC-S
Whether you are dealing with trauma past or present or if you are going through life transitions there is a counselor at Open Arms Counseling® that can help you find the way to healing and clarity.
If you would like someone to work with you to heal the wounds life sometimes brings our way then please contact Open Arms Counseling® for an appointment
Patrick Mettle, MA, LPCC-S
Do you feel like you are not being heard? Do you feel overwhelmed or stuck? If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, addiction issues, or find yourself in a season of life that is causing you pain, I can help. By working together, we can partner on a journey that can help you achieve your therapy goals.
Monica Kettler, MA, LPCC-S
Life can change in the blink of an eye. If you’re feeling sad, overwhelmed, or finding difficulty managing day to day life, let's work together to develop a positive sense of self and lead meaningful and fulfilling lives. I am passionate about working with adults experiencing depression, anxiety, stage of life concerns, grief or loss, and interpersonal relationship stressors. I believe in establishing a collaborative and empowering therapeutic relationship built in trust, safety, and hope to help reach your goals. I’ve obtained my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University and implement a person-centered approach, integrating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Mindfulness skills.
Jennel Okotah, LPCC
Anxious, depressed, stressed out, feeling lonely? I offer a safe environment to process these feelings and work with my clients using evidence based treatment modalities while tapping into individual strengths to help alleviate these stressors. With my diverse background in my personal and professional life, I will work hand in hand with you and meet you where you are.
I am originally from Ghana, located in West Africa but have lived in Columbus/Toledo Ohio for over a decade now. I primarily work with adults and work with a variety of mental health concerns.
Taylor Mccreary, LPCC
Everyone’s journey in life is unique for many reasons, sometimes more challenging at times than others, but I strive to create a safe space where my clients can feel comfortable exploring their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. I often use creative approaches while integrating evidence-based treatments and client’s strengths in treatment, and I tend to be known as warm and use humor during my sessions. I believe that everyone has the capability for change if they want it, and I am passionate about empowering clients to prioritize their mental health and live fulfilling lives. I will be dedicated to supporting you while we work together to create a plan to reach goals you have towards healing and personal growth.
I obtained a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Ohio University, and I’ve worked with a range of ages with focuses in different areas including depression, anxiety, bipolar, trauma, and adjustments in life.
Paul Minshall, LPC
Have a lot of problems with no solutions? Find yourself stuck in the same place over and over? No one understands what you're going through and you're not sure you do either? Let's talk it out. Then let's figure out what really matters to you and how to do more of it. Live your life, I'll help you out.
Danielle Harrison, LPCC
Tim Wallace, EdD, LPC
I can assist you on the journey toward optimal well-being throughout the counseling process. A process that is best seen initially as a form of growth rather than as a cure. A cure implies that something is wrong with you, that you are sick, or that someone must cure you. As part of this growth process, we can address any issues blocking you from maximizing your potential and enjoyment in life. This could include reducing anxiety, re-establishing self-esteem, freeing yourself of depression, healing old wounds, coping with illness, addressing addictive behavior patterns, reducing that state of constant exhaustion, or developing a positive mind frame for effective performance.
Theresa Pryor, MA, LPC
Are you struggling with feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, anxious, depressed or misunderstood? I have compassion for those who have been rejected and outcast, and my aim is to be an instrument to help restore hope, healing and wholeness. I will meet you where you are and utilize your strengths to help empower you along your journey. I offer a Christ-centered approach for those who desire it in their treatment, and I utilize an eclectic framework to develop an individualized plan to help you reach your therapy goals.
I obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Otterbein University. I have received training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Levels 1 & 2, and Breakthrough Biblical Counseling.
Matthew Locaputo, LPC
Life continually throws
challenges our way, and
sometimes these challenges
become too much to handle,
we can feel lost, depressed,
and unsure of what to do next.
Taking the first step towards
counseling can be difficult and
my goal is to use the skills I
have learned to help you
overcome life’s difficulties to help you better handle the
challenges that life continues
to present. I am passionate
about cooking, hiking,
spending time with my wife
and dogs, and helping people
grow!
Regina Neiheisel, LPC
Life can be full of hardships,
but I believe we all have the
strength and resilience to grow
and change, and live a more
meaningful life. I will meet you
where you are and work
alongside you to find and build
these strengths. I strive to
provide a welcoming and
supportive environment that
fosters trust, honest
communication, and selfcompassion. My goal is to help
you meet your goals in an
empathic and collaborative
way
Lorraine Ybarra, LPC
Do you ever feel like things are
just too heavy? Maybe you're
stuck on autopilot and just
need some help! My goal is to
walk alongside you to listen
and encourage you, offering a
safe and therapeutic
environment. I couple the
knowledge I learned in school
with experiences of my own
and others, to help find what
works best with you always in
mind!
My passions are being a wife
and mother, dancing, art, and spending time with my four
pups: Goku, Heath, Broly, and
Princess. My hope is to help
others heal from trauma,
anxiety, and other significant
areas of need with the use of a
variety of techniques for YOU
and with YOU! Areas I am
especially interested in are: all
ages across the lifespan,
especially children and
geriatric as well as adoption
and survivors of emotional or
physical abuse.
I look forward to meeting with
you!
Fatima Hassan, LPC
Life is full of ups and downs, and we may feel overwhelmed by this! I'm here to assist you through life's challenges by offering a safe, non-judgmental environment to promote overall growth. I approach my work with a solution-focused, person-centered, and trauma-informed approach to help you achieve your goals. I have experience working with immigrant populations, particularly those affected by war and displacement. Additionally, I am fluent in Somali and Hindi. . I am excited to collaborate with you on your journey.
Samantha Purcell, LPC
Do you ever feel weighed
down by your life? Stuck on
where to go next? I will help
guide you through the many
questions and uncertainties
that life brings, offer a safe and
inviting space to express your
thoughts and desires.
My husband and I live in the
Columbus area and we lovetrying out all the different
restaurants and types of food
Columbus has to offer! I enjoy
reading, baking/cooking, and
being outdoors. I enjoy being in
a helping field, as people are
my passion! I have several
years of experience as a
Registered Behavior
Technician, working with
children with autism and their
families. If you are
experiencing anxiety,
depression, and other
significant areas of need I can
help.
INTERNS
Danielle Willis , CT
Are you overwhelmed? Feeling hopeless? Feeling like you aren't good enough? Problems coping with the challenges in your life? Sick and tired of being sick and tired? I get it! I will walk alongside you as you navigate the circumstances of life. I want to be an instrument for hope, healing and peace in your life. We will work together to achieve your goals for mental wellness and a life well-lived.
I am graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Ashland Theological Seminary and have a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Michigan State University. Prior to enrolling in the counseling program, I was a human resources executive for 25 years focusing on valuing and appreciating every employee individually and personally for who they are.
Emma Bohm , CT
As you navigate your journey through life, I’m here to provide compassionate and empathetic support for your personal growth and healing. I am committed to creating a safe and non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. Through a collaborative and holistic approach, I aim to empower each individual to explore their unique experiences toward emotional well-being. I am dedicated to fostering a therapeutic alliance that promotes self-discovery, resilience, and lasting transformation.
Genell Easley , CT
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life's responsibilities or weighed down by difficult emotions like shame, guilt, anger, or anxiety? Do you struggle to piece together the complexities of your life and find clarity amidst confusion? If you nodded yes to any of these questions, consider this your invitation to my office—a safe place where you can freely share your life story.
Your life story is the key to unlocking personal empowerment and resetting your course. By exploring your experiences and values, we can chart a path toward greater mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Together, we'll celebrate your strengths and address areas for growth, helping you navigate life's twists and turns with confidence. My goal is to accompany you on this journey, acknowledging both the positive aspects of your life while creating a roadmap to address areas of opportunities.
Ben Hamms ,CT
Life can get hard to manage. Luckily, we don’t have to do it on our own. I aim to facilitate a safe environment based on trust and support where you can tell your story and be heard. As a counselor, I believe we can learn from one another and build the skills to take charge of our lives. Together we can work to explore your thoughts and feelings and navigate this journey with your unique strengths.
Next Steps...
Contact us now to schedule an appointment. We look forward to working with you.