Celebrating Growth: Turning 45 and One Year of The Collective

This week, I’m celebrating two big milestones: my 45th birthday and the one-year anniversary of Carino Counseling Collective, my private practice based in Akron, Ohio. Reflecting on my first year as a private practice therapist, I feel deeply grateful — for my clients, this community, and the opportunity to do meaningful work every day.

Whether you’re a therapist or someone seeking support or guidance through life transitions, I wanted to share what I’ve learned in this first year — lessons that continue to shape what I do.

Therapy in Akron: Why This Work Matters

As a therapist, I’ve always believed in the importance of showing up with care and intention. But stepping into private practice therapy has deepened that belief. The work I do matters — not just to me, but to the clients and families who trust me to support their healing and growth.

One of the biggest mindset shifts this year? Realizing that marketing is part of helping. It's how the people I’m best suited to support can actually find me. Platforms like Abundance Practice Building and Allyssa Powers have helped boost my confidence and clarify my message. It’s not about selling; it’s about being findable to those who need mental health support in Akron.

Akron Roots for Its Own: Support for Local Therapy Practices

One of the unexpected joys of this journey has been feeling the support of the Akron community. This city is built on hard work and heart — and I’ve felt that in every cheer, kind word, and shoutout. Whether it’s someone asking how the practice is going, or local platforms like Akron Mom and Kids spotlighting my work, the encouragement means everything.

For anyone seeking support know this: you're not alone, and our community is full of people who want to see you thrive.

Making Therapy Count: Real-Time Feedback Matters

An essential part of the therapeutic process or in a business is regularly asking: Is this working?

In my sessions, I check in often — formally and informally — to make sure the work we’re doing is helping clients move forward. If it’s not, we adjust. Therapy is a time and financial investment, and it’s important that every session feels meaningful.

Sometimes, that means a referral to a different type of treatment. But more often, it just takes open communication and collaboration to pivot toward progress. Good therapy is flexible, responsive, and built on trust.

Therapy for Change: How Work-Life Shifts Transform Our Lives

One of the patterns I see again and again — in my clients and in myself — is that changing how we work can change how we live.

For me, moving into private practice meant fewer emails, less administrative noise, and more time for intentional work. That shift gave me back energy I didn’t realize I was missing. For clients, change often starts with evaluating daily routines and energy drains. Sometimes it’s a big leap — a career switch or a move — but often, even small shifts in mindset, boundaries, or habits can bring major relief.

The Power of Community: Therapists Supporting Therapists

Carino Counseling Collective is more than just a name — it’s a small group of independent therapists working together in the Akron area. Being surrounded by colleagues like Suzie, Valerie, and Carol reminds me daily that collaboration makes us stronger. Whether it’s a smile between sessions or a quick consult, these relationships fuel my ability to show up for clients.

I’ve also joined professional groups filled with inspiring therapists — communities focused on learning, sharing, and supporting one another in doing the best work possible.

A Grateful Heart for Year One

There’s still so much to learn, but I’ve found that my clients’ courage and growth guide me forward. They show up, week after week, willing to do hard things — and that inspires me to keep learning, evolving, and showing up fully as a therapist.

To everyone who’s been a part of this first year — clients, colleagues, friends, and community champions — thank you.

Here’s to year two at Carino Counseling Collective — and to the work we’ll continue to do together.