Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Columbus Counseling Group: Helping you find a life worth living in a nonjudgmental environment ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [When Someone You Love Struggles with Emotional Dysregulation: A Guide for the Overwhelmed](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/when-someone-you-love-struggles-with-emotional-dysregulation-a-guide-for-the-overwhelmed/): Written by Cheryl Hamilton, LPCC, a therapist at Columbus Counseling Group with nearly 20 years in the field. Our practice specializes in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and borderline personality disorder, and we've been teaching these skills to loved ones in local classes since 2016. - [Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Understanding and Closing the Gap in Care](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/minority-mental-health-awareness-month-understanding-and-closing-the-gap-in-care/): Each July, Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, also known as BIPOC Mental Health Month, brings attention to the mental health needs of racial and ethnic minority communities in the United States. The observance was established in 2008 in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell, an author and advocate who spent much of her career working to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness, particularly within Black communities. - [Pride Month and Mental Health — Why Affirming Care Matters](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/pride-month-and-mental-health-why-affirming-care-matters/): Every June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month honoring the history, resilience, and ongoing fight for equality of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride is a celebration, but it's also a powerful opportunity to talk openly about something that affects so many in this community: mental health. - [Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: A Conversation We Can’t Afford to Skip ](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/teen-dating-violence-awareness-month-a-conversation-we-cant-afford-to-skip/): Every February, alongside heart-shaped boxes and bouquets, there's another important conversation happening: Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. While it may seem counterintuitive to discuss relationship violence during a month dedicated to love, the timing is intentional and crucial. As therapists who work with adolescents and families, we've seen firsthand how dating violence affects young people, and we want parents, educators, and teens themselves to understand why awareness and prevention are so vital.  - [Beyond the Valentine’s Day Fantasy: What Actually Makes Relationships Healthy ](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/beyond-the-valentines-day-fantasy-what-actually-makes-relationships-healthy/): February arrives each year with its avalanche of hearts, flowers, and romantic ideals. While we appreciate the intention behind celebrating love, we also notice an uptick in couples seeking therapy during this season. Sometimes it's because the holiday highlights gaps between expectations and reality. Other times, people simply use this time of year as a catalyst to finally address relationship concerns they've been avoiding.  - [You Don’t Need a New You: A Therapist’s Perspective on Letting Go of New Year Pressure and Toxic Positivity ](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/you-dont-need-a-new-you-a-therapists-perspective-on-letting-go-of-new-year-pressure-and-toxic-positivity/): As a therapist, January is when clients are often wrestling with the same painful narrative: "I should be better by now." The new year arrives with its familiar drumbeat of transformation messaging, and many of us internalize the belief that we're somehow failing if we haven't reinvented ourselves by February. But here's what the research—and years of clinical experience—tells us: this pressure isn't just unhelpful. It's actively harmful.  - [When Winter Dims More Than the Light: Understanding Seasonal Affective Disorder](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/when-winter-dims-more-than-the-light-understanding-seasonal-affective-disorder/): As autumn shortens the days and winter settles in, many of us notice shifts in our mood and energy. We might feel a little slower, crave comfort foods, or want to spend more time cozy indoors. For most people, these changes are mild— natural response to seasonal shifts that don't persistently interfere with daily life.  - [It’s Okay to Take Your TimeDuring the Holiday Season ](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/its-okay-to-take-your-timeduring-the-holiday-season/): Written by: Columbus Counseling Group  - [Nourishing Your Body with Intention: A Dietitian’s Guide to Thriving Through the Holidays](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/nourishing-your-body-with-intention-a-dietitians-guide-to-thriving-through-the-holidays/): As a dietitian, I've spent countless hours with clients navigating the complex relationship between food, health, and celebration. And there's no time quite like the holiday season that brings all of these elements into sharper focus. With Thanksgiving just around the corner and the winter holidays following close behind, now is the perfect time to talk about intentional self-care and how to approach the festive season with both joy and mindfulness. - [Preparing for the Holidays: A Guide to Navigating with Heart and Mind](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/preparing-for-the-holidays-a-guide-to-navigating-with-heart-and-mind/): The holidays arrive each year with a peculiar mixture of promise and pressure. We imagine gatherings filled with warmth, yet often find ourselves stretched thin, navigating complex family dynamics, honoring those who are no longer with us, and trying to meet everyone's expectations—including our own. This year, what if we approached the season differently? By grounding ourselves in intention, engaging our wise mind, honoring tradition thoughtfully, and making space for grief, we can move through the holidays with more presence and less overwhelm. - [Holding Space for Grief: Reflections on Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/holding-space-for-grief-reflections-on-pregnancy-and-infant-loss-awareness-month/): As mental health professionals, October holds particular significance in our practice. While pumpkins appear on doorsteps and conversations turn to autumn celebrations, we are acutely aware that for many families, this month carries a different weight entirely. October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, a time dedicated to acknowledging a grief that too often remains invisible.  - [Breaking the Silence in 2025: Domestic Violence Awareness](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/https-columbuscounselinggroup-com-breaking-the-silence-in-2025-october-is-domestic-violence-awareness-month/): October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring survivors, remembering those lost to intimate partner violence, and mobilizing communities to break the cycle of abuse. This annual observance serves as a crucial reminder that domestic violence affects millions across all demographics, often hidden behind closed doors. It is a month to not only reflect on the struggles faced by survivors but also to educate the public on the resources available and the importance of community involvement in prevention efforts. - [Why “Fixing” Isn’t the Goal: A Deeper Look at Treating the Whole Person in Therapy](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/why-fixing-isnt-the-goal-a-deeper-look-at-treating-the-whole-person-in-therapy/): If you’ve ever thought, “Something’s wrong with me”, welcome to the club most of us didn’t sign up for, but somehow joined anyway. - [You’re Not the Therapist, But You Still Matter: Redefining the Role of Family in Mental Health Support](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/bpd-support-matters-not-the-therapist/): When someone you care about is struggling emotionally, it’s natural to want to help. To step in, soothe the pain, and offer a solution to anything to ease the intensity. But more often than not, families find themselves walking on eggshells, unsure of what to say or do. Trying their best, but feeling like they’re always getting it wrong.If that sounds familiar, let me say this: you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not doing it wrong. You're just trying to help without a roadmap. - [Why Healing Happens Faster When Families Are Involved in Therapy](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/why-healing-happens-faster-when-families-are-involved-in-therapy/): At Columbus Counseling Group, we often say: that healing might start in the therapy room, but it rarely stays there. - [Why Mental Health Professionals Are Collaborating More with Families and What That Means for Better Outcomes](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/why-mental-health-professionals-are-collaborating-more-with-families-and-what-that-means-for-better-outcomes/): For a long time, mental health treatment kept a clear boundary: therapy was for the individual. Family—even when well-meaning—was often seen as outside the scope. But over the years, and especially in my work with clients navigating intense emotions, I’ve seen just how much that approach can leave out. - [You’re Not the Therapist, But You Still Matter: Redefining the Role of Family in Mental Health Support](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/youre-not-the-therapist-but-you-still-matter-redefining-the-role-of-family-in-mental-health-support/): When someone you care about is struggling emotionally, it’s natural to want to help. To step in, soothe the pain, and offer a solution to anything to ease the intensity. But more often than not, families find themselves walking on eggshells, unsure of what to say or do. Trying their best, but feeling like they’re always getting it wrong.If that sounds familiar, let me say this: you’re not alone. And more importantly, you’re not doing it wrong. You're just trying to help without a roadmap. - [Licensed Therapist](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/licensed-therapist-multiple-positions/): We are in search of a compassionate therapist to join our team. Although our practice has traditionally focused on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) treatment, we have broadened our scope to encompass additional specialties introduced by our skilled therapists, notably in complex trauma and Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Our objective remains to provide holistic and effective care, acknowledging that this often necessitates innovative blends of therapeutic modalities and wellness techniques. - [What Is EMDR Therapy? How It Heals Trauma & PTSD](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/what-is-emdr/): EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful therapeutic tool discovered and developed by Francine Shapiro, PhD. The process utilizes Rapid Eye Movements, such as those innate to the brain during REM sleep. These Eye Movements help to unlock the brain’s natural “information processing system” which Dr. Shapiro believes becomes overwhelmed when a person experiences trauma. - [How to Support Your Adult Loved One’s Mental Health Journey](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/supporting-your-adult-loved-ones-journey-to-stability/): Every day, countless parents, spouses, family members or friends find themselves on the other end of a phone call, desperately seeking help for their adult loved one. - [What is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)?](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/what-is-dialectical-behavior-therapy-dbt/): DBT stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. DBT was developed by Marsha Linehan in the 1980s specifically to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, a mental disorder that is diagnosed in people who struggle to regulate their emotions, behaviors, sense of self, relational behaviors and cognitions. DBT is considered TNAU, that is, Therapy Not As Usual. It focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the client working together to create change where needed and to develop acceptance where needed. - [Why Do People With BPD Lie? Psychology, Emotions & Reality](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/why-do-people-with-bpd-lie/): Lying is a common behavior for folks with borderline personality disorder (BPD) or other emotional dysregulation problems and is often quite distressing for everyone involved. Common approaches, such as trying to get to the bottom of the truth, forcing the person to come clean and admit the lie, or punishing the person, tend to be ineffective and pejorative. - [Breaking the Silence: Therapist Will Randle Talks D.I.D. on Mosaic Podcast](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/william-randle-on-d-i-d-trauma-and-more/): Listen to one of our therapists Will Randle discuss Dissociative Identity Disorder, Trauma and more on the podcast episode linked below**. ## Pages - [Tara Devlin, LPCC-S](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/tara-devlin/): Whether you're working through the past, feeling stuck in the present, or hoping to build a healthier future, you don't have to do it alone. I strive to create a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where real change can start. - [Ellie Kahn, LPC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/ellie-kahn/): My hope for every client is the same: to leave therapy not fixed, but freer; more self-aware, more confident, and more at home in who they are. - [Is DBT right for you — or someone you love?](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/dbt-quiz/): 2 minute assessment - [Madie Ritter, LPC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/madie-ritter/): I am a firm believer in the power of slowing down and being kinder to yourself. Our sessions together will be less about “fixing” and more about noticing- what you’re feeling, what you need, and how to offer yourself grace through it all. We’ll work together to identify the changes you’d like to make, gradual steps to get there, and how to support yourself in a compassionate way throughout. - [Caregiving/Parenting Class](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/caregiving-parenting-class/): Struggling with big emotions, power struggles, or the daily stress of parenting? You're not alone. Raising emotionally healthy kids takes support—let this be part of your village. - [Course Checkout](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/learn_press_checkout/) - [Term Conditions](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/lp-term-conditions/) - [Instructors](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/instructors/) - [All Courses](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/courses/) - [Profile](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/lp-profile/): This shortcode LP Profile only use on the page Profile - [Newsletter Archive](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/newsletter-archive/): View Past Emails - [Terms and Conditions](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/terms-and-conditions/): These Terms and Conditions govern your use of the website located at columbuscounselinggroup.com and any related services offered by VanHamm, LLC DBA Columbus Counseling Group, Here by referred to as: “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our” - [Classes & Workshops](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/classes/): Explore our classes and workshops designed to enhance personal growth and support your journey. Whether you're not quite ready for therapy or you're looking for resources to enrich your own or a loved one's counseling experience, we have something for everyone. From classes & workshops focused on understanding emotion dysregulation and DBT to parenting classes, our offerings are here to support, empower and educate. - [CEUs](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/ceus/): Continuing Education Available Courses & Trainings: - [Shop](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/shop/) - [Email Newsletter Signup](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/newsletter/): Join our email list to receive helpful information, tips and resources for getting the most out of treatment, and upcoming classes and trainings offered through CCG. - [Privacy Practices](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/privacy-practices/): VanHamm, LLC DBA COLUMBUS COUNSELING GROUP ( HEREINAFTER referred to as COLUMBUS COUNSELING GROUP) - [Site Credit](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/site-credit/): We'd like to say a big thank you to the people and resources that helped us make our website possible. - [Privacy Policy](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/privacy/): This Privacy Policy ("Policy") applies to columbuscounselinggroup.com, and VanHamm, LLC DBA Columbus Counseling Group ("Company") and governs data collection and usage. For the purposes of this Privacy Policy, unless otherwise noted, all references to the Company also includes columbuscounselinggroup.com. The Company's website is an Information and Resources site. By using the Company website, you consent to the data practices described in this statement. - [Trauma Therapy and EMDR](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/trauma-therapy/): We utilize a variety of effective trauma treatment approaches, including EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy and Art Therapy - [Yoga & Reiki](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/yoga-reiki/): Please note, we are not currently scheduling new clients for Reiki or Yoga. Check back later for updates!  - [Substance Use Treatment](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/substance-use-treatment/): Guiding you towards a life beyond substance - [Art Therapy](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/art-therapy/): Art Therapy utilizes the creative process of making art to improve and enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.  - [Consultation](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/professional-consultation/): We are a team of highly trained and experienced clinicians who offer professional consultation on an individual or group basis in the specialties of DBT, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, trauma, and eating disorder treatment. - [Resources for Professionals](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/professionals/): resources and consultation - [Blog](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/blog/): the blog Evidence Based Articles Categories - [Resources for Clients, Family & Friends](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/resources/): Explore our classes and workshops designed to enhance your personal growth and support your journey. Whether you’re not quite ready for therapy or you’re seeking complementary resources to enrich your or a loved one’s counseling experience, we have something for everyone. Scroll down to discover more or click below for the complete list of upcoming offerings! - [Gabrielle Brooks, LPCC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/gabrielle-brooks/): Trauma is anytime we are in a situation that we cannot easily escape where either we feel unsafe or our needs aren’t being met. Missing chunks of time from the past is very common with trauma. You do not need to get it back in order to effectively move through trauma and heal. One of my rules with trauma work is that we’re never going to unpack anything that we can’t safely pack back up. When we put things where they belong and give them that space, we can empower clients to self soothe and safely go back into the world.  - [Nick Gomulinski, LISW-S](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/nick-gomulinski/): My approach is free flowing, open and sometimes direct in a soft way. I want people not to experience stigma and hopefully feel a little better each time they come in. I believe in positive connection, a relational dynamic and reciprocal bond. People need to be comfortable before they can trust. - [Natalie Doughty, LPCC-S](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/natalie-doughty/): I try to provide a safe place for my clients to process their struggles as a non-judgmental person. I love sharing tools to help them in their journey. I truly believe every day is a new beginning, and I work with my clients to always help them remember to take a breath, smile and it's okay to start again after every day.  - [Bobbie Kuhn, LSW, LICDC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/bobbie-kuhn/): Life can feel overwhelming, and sometimes we find ourselves repeating patterns that no longer serve us. Whether you're feeling stuck in cycles of negative thinking, struggling with overwhelming emotions, battling substance use, or simply feeling disconnected from the life you want to live, know that change is possible. - [Nutrition Counseling](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/nutrition-counseling/): Our priority in nutrition counseling is person-centered, taking into account the individual's lifestyle and change readiness so that we can get clear on a path forward that make sense for their unique situation. We take a collaborative problem solving approach, emphasizing that all foods can fit and that people can be healthy at any size. - [Young Adult Standard DBT Program](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/dbt-young-adults/): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)  is an evidence based therapy that integrates change based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with acceptance-based mindfullness. - [Standard DBT Program](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/services/dbt-program/): A standard outpatient DBT program includes four modalities – individual based psychotherapy, DBT Skills training group, in-the-moment phone coaching, and DBT Consultation Teams for the therapists. DBT was originally designed by Dr. Marsha Linehan to treat Borderline Personality Disorder, but has been found to be effective in treating a variety of emotional dysregulation problems. DBT is a skill-based therapy with a focus on teaching people skills to more effectively be mindful of themselves and their experiences as well as the reality around them, tolerate distress, manage intense emotions, and improve relationships. Individual therapy is then a key component to learn tailored application of the skills for each person’s unique needs in a manner that is tolerable and effective. - [Get Started with Therapy at CCG](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/get-started/): New to Columbus Counseling Group services? Whether you’re making a referral or you are ready to become a client yourself, we’ll help you to get started with a few simple steps. - [Contact](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/contact/): CONTACT INFO - [Becca Gay](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/becca-gay/): I try to treat everyone with care & compassion; recognizing each client is a person, not a number. I understand how difficult it can be for people to seek help, so I aim to create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere for anyone that walks through the door.  - [Meredith Thorn, LISW](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/meredith-thorn-2/): "I specialize in trauma-focused care, recognizing the significant impact of untreated trauma on mental health. My therapeutic approach centers around healing trauma legacies. I deeply respect each person and see therapy as a partnership. Healing trauma legacies resembles a rigorous climb up a mountain, where the path to the top is often unclear. Old protective strategies may hinder progress. My role is to climb alongside individuals, determining necessary gear, building endurance, and ascending together. I value individuals regardless of religion, race, gender, or sexual identity." - [Jamie Martin, LDN, RDN](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/jamie-martin/): I take the approach of all foods can fit. I don't have judgments against food — we can make anything work in your eating pattern. There’s no such thing as a good food or a bad food. I want people to embrace accepting their body at whatever size it might be. I encourage body acceptance, then body neutrality and eventually body acceptance and body positivity. - [Hannah Ernst, MA, LPCC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/hannah-ernst/): I practice Ways of Being, Ways of Understanding and Ways of Intervening. My way of being is very person-centered, humanistic and warm. I meet people where they are, I listen without shaming, and I am direct and forthcoming. I seek to first understand the origin of an unwanted behavior and then assess effective ways to intervene. - [Alicia Streicher Miller, LPCC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/alicia-streicher-miller/): I'm very open. I am adopted and my adopted family of origin was white and so were most of the people in our lives. As an adult, I've been intentional about being in more diverse settings. I'm in an interracial marriage with a black man and we have three daughters. That, coupled with being a transracial adoptee, has given me empathy and understanding for a wide variety of difficult interpersonal experiences. - [Danuta van Beysterveldt, LPCC-S](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/danuta-van-beysterveldt/): I’ve always felt like I’ve had the best clients. I get to work with people that I really respect and feel connected to. On top of that, I get to help them with some really tough stuff sometimes. The resiliency of folks blows me away. Over the years, I have seen the worst of human nature through my clients' eyes & experiences. Through our work together I believe I experience the best of human nature through them. I'm lucky in that way. - [Kevin Hamm, LPCC-S](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/kevin-hamm/): I do my best to be curious as opposed to judgmental. I like the idea of patient and client relationship being reciprocal. I am treating a person, not a diagnosis. Whatever is happening, I believe there is a reason behind it. So I’m not there to save anyone or fix them — I want to help them connect more fully with self, so they can understand it & it address it. - [Greg Phelps](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/greg-phelps/): As a patient myself, I hate dealing with insurance and healthcare industry, so I put myself in the client's shoes and want to make it as easy for them as possible and make them feel as welcome as possible. They’re not just a customer of our practice, they’re dealing with some heavy stuff. I go to bat for them. - [Asher Swift, LISW](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/asher-swift/): My passion lies in creating a safe space where every story is heard, every struggle is validated and every journey towards healing is honored.  - [Cheryl Hamilton, LPCC](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/team/cheryl-hamilton/): Many behaviors that are labeled as "odd" or "pathological" or "maladaptive" are really not those things — they make a lot of sense given the situation the individual has had to learn to live with or in. As babies, we take in information and learn and adapt, but as we age and experience trauma, that flow of information gets blocked. I help to dispel the mystery of how we got here — the logical cause and effect — and offer tools for getting unstuck. ## Products - [Holidays Past & Present – A Planning Workbook](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/product/holidays-past-present-a-planning-workbook/): 24 Page Resource Planning Workbook - [DBT Flash Cards](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/product/dbt-flash-cards/): Explore the essentials of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with our set of 30 flashcards. These cards provide clear and concise summaries of key DBT concepts and skills, including mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness. Ideal for quick reviews and study sessions, they offer a practical tool for both newcomers and experienced practitioners to deepen their understanding of DBT techniques. Enhance your therapy practice or personal growth with this easy-to-use resource. ## Categories - [Blog](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/blog/) - [Borderline Personality Disorder](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/bpd/) - [Dialectical Behavior Therapy](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/dbt/) - [Dissociative Identity Disorder](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/dissociative-identity-disorder/) - [Domestic Abuse](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/domestic-abuse/) - [EMDR for Trauma](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/trauma/emdr/) - [Emotional Dysregulation](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/dysregulation/) - [Featured](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/featured/) - [General Information](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/general_information/) - [Job Listing](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/job-listing/) - [Resources](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/resources/) - [Trauma](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/trauma/) - [Uncategorized](https://columbuscounselinggroup.com/category/uncategorized/) ## Tags