Positive Psychology Therapists in Columbus, OH

I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavior Modification, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and I ground my approach in positive psychology.
I also have a designation in Christian pastoral counseling for those interested in integrating their spirituality into their sessions, but I take care never to impose my own beliefs on anyone. I utilize elements of existentialism and Stoicism to help people identify meaning in their lives & develop resilience to cope with life's inevitable changes.
I specialize in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Behavior Modification, and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and I ground my approach in positive psychology.
I also have a designation in Christian pastoral counseling for those interested in integrating their spirituality into their sessions, but I take care never to impose my own beliefs on anyone. I utilize elements of existentialism and Stoicism to help people identify meaning in their lives & develop resilience to cope with life's inevitable changes.

Therapeutic techniques can be integrated from Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, Culturally Sensitive, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Psychodynamic, Eye Movement Desensitization and Restructuring (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults coping with challenges related to stress management, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, depression, conflict, PTSD, self-esteem, self-harming as well as many others. I have specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and utilizing EMDR with complex trauma and dissociation.
Therapeutic techniques can be integrated from Solution-Focused, Strengths-Based, Culturally Sensitive, Cognitive Behavioral, Acceptance and Commitment, Psychodynamic, Eye Movement Desensitization and Restructuring (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology.
I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults coping with challenges related to stress management, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar, depression, conflict, PTSD, self-esteem, self-harming as well as many others. I have specialized training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) and utilizing EMDR with complex trauma and dissociation.

I am specifically trained in IFS, EMDR, Hakomi, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Behavior-based approaches, and generally trained in various other models of therapy.
“Walking one another home” reflects my approach to the work clients and I do together. I see home as the place where a journey begins and ends - and as a place we can access within ourselves along the way. Home is where our knowing resides, where our power source lives, where our healing center operates, and where our resources listen for their invitation to be shared in service of the whole. I support clients in exploring how they use their energy in relationship with self, others, work, and life, and in reflecting honestly on what is or isn’t serving them. I am a collaborative spirit in support of finding one’s own path through.
I am specifically trained in IFS, EMDR, Hakomi, Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Behavior-based approaches, and generally trained in various other models of therapy.
“Walking one another home” reflects my approach to the work clients and I do together. I see home as the place where a journey begins and ends - and as a place we can access within ourselves along the way. Home is where our knowing resides, where our power source lives, where our healing center operates, and where our resources listen for their invitation to be shared in service of the whole. I support clients in exploring how they use their energy in relationship with self, others, work, and life, and in reflecting honestly on what is or isn’t serving them. I am a collaborative spirit in support of finding one’s own path through.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.

Jennifer A. Smith
Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S, LCMHC, Coach, CIMHP
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Online Only
I use positive psychology frequently.
Burned out, anxious, or wondering if hormones are turning your world upside down?
It’s tough, but you don’t have to face it on your own. I specialize in helping high-achieving women—including professionals, caregivers, and students—manage anxiety, depression, and burnout during some of life’s most challenging transitions such as menopause. From career stress to midlife changes, I offer a space to slow down, reconnect, and regain clarity. Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted, irritable, or stuck—especially when hormones start to shift. I suffered for years with burnout and fatigue, I don't want anyone to feel the same.
I use positive psychology frequently.
Burned out, anxious, or wondering if hormones are turning your world upside down?
It’s tough, but you don’t have to face it on your own. I specialize in helping high-achieving women—including professionals, caregivers, and students—manage anxiety, depression, and burnout during some of life’s most challenging transitions such as menopause. From career stress to midlife changes, I offer a space to slow down, reconnect, and regain clarity. Many of my clients come to me feeling exhausted, irritable, or stuck—especially when hormones start to shift. I suffered for years with burnout and fatigue, I don't want anyone to feel the same.

Steven Joel Berman
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC-MI, LPCC-OH, NCC, CAADC, CCTS- I
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I use a salutogenic approach to therapy, using various techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy informed, psychoeducation, gestalt, and existential therapies.
I am an LPC in Michigan, an LPCC in Ohio, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) in Michigan and Ohio. The goal is to assist my clients in working through issues that negatively affect them in their daily lives. I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to their relationships or family. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement afterward.
I use a salutogenic approach to therapy, using various techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, positive psychology, solution-focused therapy, person-centered therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy informed, psychoeducation, gestalt, and existential therapies.
I am an LPC in Michigan, an LPCC in Ohio, and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) in Michigan and Ohio. The goal is to assist my clients in working through issues that negatively affect them in their daily lives. I work with clients who may be struggling with depression or trauma related to their relationships or family. During our initial sessions, we will delve deeply into the issues at hand, and collaborate to create a plan for addressing them in a way that helps you get your life back. Most of my clients see a gradual lifting of symptoms within the first month and sustained improvement afterward.

I specialize in positive psychology, which focuses on how people can use their strengths to reduce stress and symptoms, as well as live more balanced lives.
Welcome! As a counseling and positive psychologist, I offer both standard psychotherapy and 15-session Positive Psychotherapy (PPT). Many clients struggle to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; develop connections with others; handle change; and live their best lives. However, clients are also competent people who are actively able to make meaningful personal changes. I focus on collaborating with clients to develop and use their strengths, values, and skills to both cope with problems and live a more fulfilled life. This approach reduces symptoms and allows clients to live in a healthy, balanced way.
I specialize in positive psychology, which focuses on how people can use their strengths to reduce stress and symptoms, as well as live more balanced lives.
Welcome! As a counseling and positive psychologist, I offer both standard psychotherapy and 15-session Positive Psychotherapy (PPT). Many clients struggle to understand and manage their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; develop connections with others; handle change; and live their best lives. However, clients are also competent people who are actively able to make meaningful personal changes. I focus on collaborating with clients to develop and use their strengths, values, and skills to both cope with problems and live a more fulfilled life. This approach reduces symptoms and allows clients to live in a healthy, balanced way.

I strongly believe in Positive Psychology and Strengths-Based Therapy.
I help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, bipolar and borderline, trauma and abuse, as well as motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I will help you remember who you are at your core. You are greater than what has happened in your life! I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting with you. :)
I strongly believe in Positive Psychology and Strengths-Based Therapy.
I help clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, bipolar and borderline, trauma and abuse, as well as motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I will help you remember who you are at your core. You are greater than what has happened in your life! I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to meeting with you. :)

When working with a patient, I take a strengths-based approach with a Christian foundation while utilizing several modes of interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and positive psychology.
I take pride in my approach, as it is individualized and non-judgmental. I'm very laid-back in nature and I've always worked to present that in session. I want to help my patients rediscover the best version of themselves by teaching self-care, self- compassion, mindfulness/relaxation, and rebuilding self-esteem.
When working with a patient, I take a strengths-based approach with a Christian foundation while utilizing several modes of interventions, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, and positive psychology.
I take pride in my approach, as it is individualized and non-judgmental. I'm very laid-back in nature and I've always worked to present that in session. I want to help my patients rediscover the best version of themselves by teaching self-care, self- compassion, mindfulness/relaxation, and rebuilding self-esteem.

I operate from a person-centered approach and incorporate evidence-based treatment techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Positive Psychology.
If you are here on this page, you have already completed the most difficult step of your journey. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and the importance of therapy. Through my own journey, I have come to understand the strength and resilience required to seek help and confront one’s vulnerabilities. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a more supportive and compassionate society.
I operate from a person-centered approach and incorporate evidence-based treatment techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Applied Behavior Analysis, and Positive Psychology.
If you are here on this page, you have already completed the most difficult step of your journey. I am a passionate advocate for mental health and the importance of therapy. Through my own journey, I have come to understand the strength and resilience required to seek help and confront one’s vulnerabilities. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and fostering a more supportive and compassionate society.

Sara A. Klusas, LISW-S is a licensed social worker who provides services for individuals, couples and families to help enhance positive communication, build or maintain more fulfilling relationships, and aid in the skillful management of life stresses. She has expertise in the areas of self-esteem, substance abuse, career counseling, stress management, anxiety, depression, sports counseling and social difficulties. Mrs. Klusas possesses a strong belief in empowering individuals and families to make positive changes; she ensures each individual and family receives unique assistance according to their specific needs and goals.
Sara A. Klusas, LISW-S is a licensed social worker who provides services for individuals, couples and families to help enhance positive communication, build or maintain more fulfilling relationships, and aid in the skillful management of life stresses. She has expertise in the areas of self-esteem, substance abuse, career counseling, stress management, anxiety, depression, sports counseling and social difficulties. Mrs. Klusas possesses a strong belief in empowering individuals and families to make positive changes; she ensures each individual and family receives unique assistance according to their specific needs and goals.
Meet Our Positive Psychology Therapists

I am passionate about helping people tap into and cultivate their innate resilience and strengths. My approach focuses on you as a whole person and the mind-body connection, rather than problems or symptoms, in order to achieve healing and wellness. I believe all people are capable of change and growth with the right tools, and I am honored to be invited on your journey to learning and developing those tools. Through a collaborative relationship, I strive to help you better understand yourself and your world, and to create and maintain balance and peace in your life and in your relationships.
I am passionate about helping people tap into and cultivate their innate resilience and strengths. My approach focuses on you as a whole person and the mind-body connection, rather than problems or symptoms, in order to achieve healing and wellness. I believe all people are capable of change and growth with the right tools, and I am honored to be invited on your journey to learning and developing those tools. Through a collaborative relationship, I strive to help you better understand yourself and your world, and to create and maintain balance and peace in your life and in your relationships.

Are you having a hard time coping with life? Are you overwhelmed? Do you want to have inner peace? I can help you. I come into session as your equal who's only goal is helping you become your best self. I begin by establishing a trusting, honest, sincere and genuine therapeutic relationship. I will destruct the issues that you are experiencing by using integrative theoretical techniques that are personalized for your individual needs. I am constantly analyzing your puzzle pieces so that connections can be made to establish awareness that will ultimately lead to healing. I will help you recognize that you are worth the fight!
Are you having a hard time coping with life? Are you overwhelmed? Do you want to have inner peace? I can help you. I come into session as your equal who's only goal is helping you become your best self. I begin by establishing a trusting, honest, sincere and genuine therapeutic relationship. I will destruct the issues that you are experiencing by using integrative theoretical techniques that are personalized for your individual needs. I am constantly analyzing your puzzle pieces so that connections can be made to establish awareness that will ultimately lead to healing. I will help you recognize that you are worth the fight!

Jessica Russo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MSEd, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Columbus, OH 43219
Do you often feel disconnected from yourself and those around you? Are your own needs frequently placed at the bottom of your to-do list? Do you find yourself questioning if everyone else has it “figured out” or if this phase of life could feel more fulfilling and enjoyable? You are not alone. Many people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to navigate their relationships, careers, and daily lives. Avoiding your needs and neglecting self-care can create long term issues for your mind and body. Yes, life is busy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard.
Do you often feel disconnected from yourself and those around you? Are your own needs frequently placed at the bottom of your to-do list? Do you find yourself questioning if everyone else has it “figured out” or if this phase of life could feel more fulfilling and enjoyable? You are not alone. Many people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how to navigate their relationships, careers, and daily lives. Avoiding your needs and neglecting self-care can create long term issues for your mind and body. Yes, life is busy, but it doesn’t have to be this hard.

My work as a therapist is centered around our innate drive toward health, healing and wholeness. By building on your inherent strengths and developing personal insight and awareness, we're able to move into a more joyful and gratifying life. I'm passionate about empowering those I work with to discover the best version of themselves in order to live the lives they want and deserve.
My work as a therapist is centered around our innate drive toward health, healing and wholeness. By building on your inherent strengths and developing personal insight and awareness, we're able to move into a more joyful and gratifying life. I'm passionate about empowering those I work with to discover the best version of themselves in order to live the lives they want and deserve.

Megan Kochheiser
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 7 years of experience partnering with youth, adolescent, and adult clients toward their personal goals. I truly believe that each and every person has immense value and strength, and I see it as an honor to come alongside you in your path toward mental and emotional wellness. Specific areas of concern that I have experience with include: general life stressors, grief/loss, anxiety, panic, depression, emotional dysregulation, school performance, trauma, and self-harm.
Hello! I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with over 7 years of experience partnering with youth, adolescent, and adult clients toward their personal goals. I truly believe that each and every person has immense value and strength, and I see it as an honor to come alongside you in your path toward mental and emotional wellness. Specific areas of concern that I have experience with include: general life stressors, grief/loss, anxiety, panic, depression, emotional dysregulation, school performance, trauma, and self-harm.

In addition to working on social skills and behavior management with clients and their families, Sarah has extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art therapy and play therapy to help children who've been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Empowering children to navigate the every day stressors that accompany mental health issues is Sarah's priority.
In addition to working on social skills and behavior management with clients and their families, Sarah has extensive experience using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, art therapy and play therapy to help children who've been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and oppositional defiant disorder. Empowering children to navigate the every day stressors that accompany mental health issues is Sarah's priority.

Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming—whether you’re navigating the lingering effects of toxic relationships, starting a new chapter in life, or feeling unfulfilled despite striving for success. You don’t have to face these struggles alone. With over nine years of experience as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I specialize in helping individuals uncover their strengths, build resilience, and achieve meaningful change. Together, we can work toward creating a life where your relationships, career, and personal happiness align with your goals and values.
Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming—whether you’re navigating the lingering effects of toxic relationships, starting a new chapter in life, or feeling unfulfilled despite striving for success. You don’t have to face these struggles alone. With over nine years of experience as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I specialize in helping individuals uncover their strengths, build resilience, and achieve meaningful change. Together, we can work toward creating a life where your relationships, career, and personal happiness align with your goals and values.

I am Bob Egbert, Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) licensed in Ohio. I have been providing therapy since 2011. I have mainly worked with people with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and ADHD symptoms and with individuals and couples with relationship issues. I help clients solve problems and look for ways to improve their lives through various therapy techniques. I provide information and techniques that help problem solve. I rely on the work of John Gottman to help with couple issues. After getting some background information I focus on client therapy goals.
I am Bob Egbert, Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) licensed in Ohio. I have been providing therapy since 2011. I have mainly worked with people with anxiety, depression, bipolar, and ADHD symptoms and with individuals and couples with relationship issues. I help clients solve problems and look for ways to improve their lives through various therapy techniques. I provide information and techniques that help problem solve. I rely on the work of John Gottman to help with couple issues. After getting some background information I focus on client therapy goals.

It’s amazing how different life can look when we shift our focus. A fresh perspective and a change of perception can go a long way for old habits and patterns of thinking. Renewing our minds is transformative! Whether this a tough season for you or you feel like you’ve been in the wilderness all of your life, change can happen. Truth be told, counseling is hard work. Showing up for yourself is hard and confronting areas you need to change is hard. Staying the same is hard…to all of that, we do our best to "choose our hard"! You don't have to do this alone! Relationship concerns? Anxiety? Depression? Divorce, etc? All of the above?
It’s amazing how different life can look when we shift our focus. A fresh perspective and a change of perception can go a long way for old habits and patterns of thinking. Renewing our minds is transformative! Whether this a tough season for you or you feel like you’ve been in the wilderness all of your life, change can happen. Truth be told, counseling is hard work. Showing up for yourself is hard and confronting areas you need to change is hard. Staying the same is hard…to all of that, we do our best to "choose our hard"! You don't have to do this alone! Relationship concerns? Anxiety? Depression? Divorce, etc? All of the above?
See more therapy options for Columbus
Nearby Positive Psychology Therapists Searches for Columbus
- Bexley
- Blacklick
- Dublin
- Gahanna
- Grove City
- Hilliard
- New Albany
- Powell
- Reynoldsburg
- Upper Arlington
- Westerville
- Worthington
Positive Psychology Therapists
How does positive psychology therapy work?
Positive psychology therapy derives from the work of Martin Seligman of the University of Pennsylvania. He and others developed the field of positive psychology building on humanistic theory. Positive psychology therapy is similar to acceptance and commitment therapy, and it essentially quiets emotional distress through positivity, contentment, and well-being. This therapy does not reduce the individual to symptoms and conditions.
When do I know if I need treatment using positive psychology?
If an individual is overwhelmed by emotional distress and general negativity, they may feel trapped. A positive psychology therapist can help them view their emotions and behaviors differently, and approach life with a better understanding of their positive strengths. This therapy can provide an individual with the coping skills needed for a healthier and more constructive life.
What should I expect from positive psychology therapy?
The patient may be asked to explore their signature strengths. The therapist will also ask the individual to talk about their goals, which should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely. Discussing negative experiences and symptoms is important, but so is the exploration of positive experiences. The objective is to identify and lessen negative thoughts and behaviors and move toward optimal health and productivity. The individual will see life in a more positive and fulfilling way. This therapy is proactive and may use forgiveness, gratitude, hope, and compassion to help reframe negativity.
Is positive psychology effective in therapy?
Positive psychology therapy is evidence-based and effective. One study found that people with eating disorders benefit from this type of intervention. This therapy encourages the person to reframe their distressed thoughts and move into healthier patterns of functioning. This therapy also aims to move an individual toward what works well in their life. Positive psychology therapy can elicit lifelong change, with higher levels of satisfaction, less stress, as well as positive emotional and behavioral habits.