Loralea Allen M.Ed., LPCC-S
Owner Healing Strides Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor
Former Adjunct Instructor Kent State University
Motivated by my desire to help as many people as possible in the community, I opened Healing Strides Counseling Services in the heart of downtown Kent. The practice has grown to include five additional clinicians and three therapy dogs. I am often accompanied by my therapy dog partner, JB who brings a warm and friendly presence to the session. Recently I used my own struggles with anxiety as a motivation to obtain my certification in applied neuroscience for treating anxiety, panic, and worry. This knowledge helps individuals to rewire and retrain their brains to relieve their anxiety. In my spare time I enjoy competing in horse shows, as well as attempting to improve my physical and mental health by working out at the gym.
Owner Healing Strides Counseling Services LLC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor- Supervisor
Former Adjunct Instructor Kent State University
Motivated by my desire to help as many people as possible in the community, I opened Healing Strides Counseling Services in the heart of downtown Kent. The practice has grown to include five additional clinicians and three therapy dogs. I am often accompanied by my therapy dog partner, JB who brings a warm and friendly presence to the session. Recently I used my own struggles with anxiety as a motivation to obtain my certification in applied neuroscience for treating anxiety, panic, and worry. This knowledge helps individuals to rewire and retrain their brains to relieve their anxiety. In my spare time I enjoy competing in horse shows, as well as attempting to improve my physical and mental health by working out at the gym.
Joanne Frick M.Ed., LPCC-S Licensed Professional Counselor
Life can be overwhelming at times and asking for help may be difficult. I offer a calm and safe environment for you to be heard and respected. I work from a holistic and integrative approach utilizing recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness to each of my clients. I am continually working to expand my knowledge by completing continuing education and self-study. I am a Certified Wellness Counselor as I believe our emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial and spiritual parts of our life are equally important and can bring about stress if we become out of balance. I have extensive training in animal-assisted psychotherapy, trauma, complex PTSD, and how nutrition affects us both physically and mentally. I am usually accompanied by one of my therapy dogs, Porter or Henri in session. I work with a broad range of clients including adolescents, young adults, adults, and anyone entering a new stage of life. I am welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my dogs, hiking, traveling, gardening, and transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet.
Life can be overwhelming at times and asking for help may be difficult. I offer a calm and safe environment for you to be heard and respected. I work from a holistic and integrative approach utilizing recent advances in brain science, attachment research, and body awareness to each of my clients. I am continually working to expand my knowledge by completing continuing education and self-study. I am a Certified Wellness Counselor as I believe our emotional, intellectual, physical, social, environmental, financial and spiritual parts of our life are equally important and can bring about stress if we become out of balance. I have extensive training in animal-assisted psychotherapy, trauma, complex PTSD, and how nutrition affects us both physically and mentally. I am usually accompanied by one of my therapy dogs, Porter or Henri in session. I work with a broad range of clients including adolescents, young adults, adults, and anyone entering a new stage of life. I am welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community. In my spare time, I enjoy playing with my dogs, hiking, traveling, gardening, and transitioning to a whole food plant-based diet.
Rachel France, M.Ed LPCC, NCC, CCMHC
I am deeply committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My practice is grounded in a person-centered and solution-focused approach, enabling me to effectively coordinate care and facilitate meaningful change for individuals of all ages. I bring a passionate commitment to working with individuals, couples, and families, helping each client navigate their unique journeys.
Additionally, I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Kent State University. This rigorous academic training enhances my practical skills and enriches the therapeutic services I offer.
Outside of my professional role, I find joy and balance in gardening, landscaping, and cherishing quality time with my family. These activities not only provide me with personal fulfillment but also keep me grounded and connected to the everyday joys of life.
I am deeply committed to creating a warm, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for all my clients. My practice is grounded in a person-centered and solution-focused approach, enabling me to effectively coordinate care and facilitate meaningful change for individuals of all ages. I bring a passionate commitment to working with individuals, couples, and families, helping each client navigate their unique journeys.
Additionally, I am a Doctoral Candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision program at Kent State University. This rigorous academic training enhances my practical skills and enriches the therapeutic services I offer.
Outside of my professional role, I find joy and balance in gardening, landscaping, and cherishing quality time with my family. These activities not only provide me with personal fulfillment but also keep me grounded and connected to the everyday joys of life.
Zachary T. Roberts, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
I see it my role to actively listen and meet you where you are. To help you identify, work towards, and accomplish your goals. To walk alongside you as you discover your truth, learn to live in it, and love yourself for it. I create a safe, relaxing, and non-judgmental space where you can drop the mask and begin to reveal and heal your true self. Your stories, your needs, your wants, your darkest hours, and your brightest moments take center stage when you’re in my office. I bring respect, kindness, and a sense of fun so that you feel empowered to make changes in your life. As you get more comfortable talking to me, you build skills and identify how to challenge and overcome those things that are holding you back from being your truest self. This is your chance to rewrite the next chapter of your life story.
Some counseling professionals take very specific approaches to therapy. I take a more integrative approach to therapy that combines different therapeutic tools and methods to fit the needs of the individual client. This is a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. I commonly draw my interventions and approaches from the following therapy models: Humanistic, Strength-Based, Interpersonal, Multicultural, Solution-Focused, Reality, and Cognitive Behavioral. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters of Arts in Educational Studies, Counselor Education. I am trained as a generalist, but areas of particular interest and experience include: working with individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ or gender non-binary; anxiety; depression; grief/loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; work/career/school concerns; stress management; substance use.
When I’m not counseling, you can find me spending time with family, working on home improvement projects, gardening/landscaping, enjoying the outdoors, going on walks, crafting, watching Netflix, reading, and being silly with my wife and daughter.
Licensed Professional Counselor
I see it my role to actively listen and meet you where you are. To help you identify, work towards, and accomplish your goals. To walk alongside you as you discover your truth, learn to live in it, and love yourself for it. I create a safe, relaxing, and non-judgmental space where you can drop the mask and begin to reveal and heal your true self. Your stories, your needs, your wants, your darkest hours, and your brightest moments take center stage when you’re in my office. I bring respect, kindness, and a sense of fun so that you feel empowered to make changes in your life. As you get more comfortable talking to me, you build skills and identify how to challenge and overcome those things that are holding you back from being your truest self. This is your chance to rewrite the next chapter of your life story.
Some counseling professionals take very specific approaches to therapy. I take a more integrative approach to therapy that combines different therapeutic tools and methods to fit the needs of the individual client. This is a more flexible and inclusive approach to treatment. I commonly draw my interventions and approaches from the following therapy models: Humanistic, Strength-Based, Interpersonal, Multicultural, Solution-Focused, Reality, and Cognitive Behavioral. I graduated from The Ohio State University with a Masters of Arts in Educational Studies, Counselor Education. I am trained as a generalist, but areas of particular interest and experience include: working with individuals identifying as LGBTQIA+ or gender non-binary; anxiety; depression; grief/loss; life transitions; relationship concerns; work/career/school concerns; stress management; substance use.
When I’m not counseling, you can find me spending time with family, working on home improvement projects, gardening/landscaping, enjoying the outdoors, going on walks, crafting, watching Netflix, reading, and being silly with my wife and daughter.
Ashley R. Shaheen M.Ed, LPCC
I was a public high school teacher and a coach for a decade, and remain a coach for Kent City Schools. I have a B.S. in Integrated Language Arts from Kent State University, and a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. I’m a member of Counselors for Social Justice and of Chi Sigma Iota, which is a national honors society for professional counselors. My approach to counseling is holistic, eclectic, and trauma-informed, where I determine which approach I will take depending on my client’s needs. I find I typically lean toward a person-centered approach, but use techniques from a wide range of theoretical approaches, including internal family systems and elements of Buddhism, while also evaluating and considering environmental factors that marginalized populations face. I work with kids, teens, college students, and adults on a variety of concerns, from coping with mental illness, to life transitions, to finding peace through a harmony of enjoyment, movement, and work. I enjoy both watching and playing sports, backpacking, reading, and spending time with my kids, husband, and schnoodles: Nala and Nymeria.
I was a public high school teacher and a coach for a decade, and remain a coach for Kent City Schools. I have a B.S. in Integrated Language Arts from Kent State University, and a Master’s of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University. I’m a member of Counselors for Social Justice and of Chi Sigma Iota, which is a national honors society for professional counselors. My approach to counseling is holistic, eclectic, and trauma-informed, where I determine which approach I will take depending on my client’s needs. I find I typically lean toward a person-centered approach, but use techniques from a wide range of theoretical approaches, including internal family systems and elements of Buddhism, while also evaluating and considering environmental factors that marginalized populations face. I work with kids, teens, college students, and adults on a variety of concerns, from coping with mental illness, to life transitions, to finding peace through a harmony of enjoyment, movement, and work. I enjoy both watching and playing sports, backpacking, reading, and spending time with my kids, husband, and schnoodles: Nala and Nymeria.
Caroline Leyden, M.Ed, LPC
Hello! I’m Caroline Leyden, a dedicated counselor committed to supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I am a recent graduate of Kent State University's Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program. I specialize in working with Individuals with Disabilities, Children and Adolescents. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I utilize play therapy with my younger clients, as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Person Centered techniques.
My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with anxiety or depression, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience.
My passion for helping others stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my fiance and family, taking my cats Luna and Apollo on stroller walks outside, exploring new areas and baking. Your well-being is my priority, and I look forward to supporting you in achieving a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Hello! I’m Caroline Leyden, a dedicated counselor committed to supporting individuals on their journey to mental and emotional wellness. I am a recent graduate of Kent State University's Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling Program. I specialize in working with Individuals with Disabilities, Children and Adolescents. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I utilize play therapy with my younger clients, as well as Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy and Person Centered techniques.
My approach is rooted in empathy and understanding, tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Whether you're navigating life transitions, coping with anxiety or depression, or seeking personal growth, I'm here to assist you every step of the way. Together, we'll work collaboratively to uncover strengths, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience.
My passion for helping others stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of therapy and the resilience of the human spirit.
Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my fiance and family, taking my cats Luna and Apollo on stroller walks outside, exploring new areas and baking. Your well-being is my priority, and I look forward to supporting you in achieving a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Zachary Ratchen, MA, LPC Licensed Professional Counselor
Sometimes therapy is thought to be a process where a counselor leads a client out of darkness and into the light. My stance is that I will walk with you, rather than lead, and together we will work to find pathways specific to your life needs. I pull from several theoretical orientations to provide counseling services, such as Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused, Feminist and Person Centered. Multicultural counseling and working with diversity and those who are disenfranchised have been my primary focus. My counseling experience includes working with people who are LGBTQIA+, college students, and older adults. I have helped clients work through anxiety, depression, grief, the dying process, sexual trauma, mental and emotional disorders, and relationships. In my personal time I enjoy playing piano, painting, fictional writing, and gaming.
Sometimes therapy is thought to be a process where a counselor leads a client out of darkness and into the light. My stance is that I will walk with you, rather than lead, and together we will work to find pathways specific to your life needs. I pull from several theoretical orientations to provide counseling services, such as Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused, Feminist and Person Centered. Multicultural counseling and working with diversity and those who are disenfranchised have been my primary focus. My counseling experience includes working with people who are LGBTQIA+, college students, and older adults. I have helped clients work through anxiety, depression, grief, the dying process, sexual trauma, mental and emotional disorders, and relationships. In my personal time I enjoy playing piano, painting, fictional writing, and gaming.
Raya Tucker, M.Ed LPCC-S, CDCA
Prior to joining Healing Strides, I worked as a therapist in outpatient office and school-based settings. I believe that individuals are born with certain core beliefs that they are capable, lovable, good enough, worthy and are safe. As a person goes through life they can face challenges and receive repetitive messages that challenges these core beliefs causing them to believe the opposite (ex. I'm not good enough) and altering the perception they have of themselves. I work with my clients to help address their negative core beliefs and learn how feelings impact thoughts and behaviors.
I meet all of my clients where they are at with unconditional positive regard as I aid them in working through their problems. While Person-Centered Therapy is my main theoretical orientation I take an eclectic approach to counseling, and my clinical interventions/approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Reality Therapy.
I provide services to young adults and adults who exhibit a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges that may include anxiety, adjusting to changes, depression, suicide/self harm, self- esteem, anger and divorce/separation, and interpersonal relationship problems.
Outside of the office I spend my time working out, traveling, playing video games, watching Netflix, cooking and spending time with family.
Prior to joining Healing Strides, I worked as a therapist in outpatient office and school-based settings. I believe that individuals are born with certain core beliefs that they are capable, lovable, good enough, worthy and are safe. As a person goes through life they can face challenges and receive repetitive messages that challenges these core beliefs causing them to believe the opposite (ex. I'm not good enough) and altering the perception they have of themselves. I work with my clients to help address their negative core beliefs and learn how feelings impact thoughts and behaviors.
I meet all of my clients where they are at with unconditional positive regard as I aid them in working through their problems. While Person-Centered Therapy is my main theoretical orientation I take an eclectic approach to counseling, and my clinical interventions/approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Reality Therapy.
I provide services to young adults and adults who exhibit a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges that may include anxiety, adjusting to changes, depression, suicide/self harm, self- esteem, anger and divorce/separation, and interpersonal relationship problems.
Outside of the office I spend my time working out, traveling, playing video games, watching Netflix, cooking and spending time with family.
Amy Gay, CT
I have a Master’s of Education in School Counseling and I am currently a Counseling Internship student studying at Kent State University. I am passionate about helping others and meeting you where you are in the moment. I strive to provide a calm, warm, and non-judgmental environment. I am here to walk alongside you rather than to lead you. My approach is Solution-Focused but I also pull from several theoretical orientations and lean towards an Integrative approach. I see the importance of drawing from many different counseling techniques to assist my clients in the best way I can. My counseling experience includes working with children, adolescents, and college students. I have helped clients work through anxiety, relationship problems, depression, anger, adjustment to change, and self-esteem. When I am not counseling I am spending time with my family, watching Netflix or Hulu, or doing something fun outdoors.
I have a Master’s of Education in School Counseling and I am currently a Counseling Internship student studying at Kent State University. I am passionate about helping others and meeting you where you are in the moment. I strive to provide a calm, warm, and non-judgmental environment. I am here to walk alongside you rather than to lead you. My approach is Solution-Focused but I also pull from several theoretical orientations and lean towards an Integrative approach. I see the importance of drawing from many different counseling techniques to assist my clients in the best way I can. My counseling experience includes working with children, adolescents, and college students. I have helped clients work through anxiety, relationship problems, depression, anger, adjustment to change, and self-esteem. When I am not counseling I am spending time with my family, watching Netflix or Hulu, or doing something fun outdoors.