Meet Your Therapists!
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       Kira Hayes, MA, IMFT #F.2300381 [RLT Certified] - Owner & Founder of Affirming Pathways PsychotherapyI am queer, cis, and multiracial Indigenous. (she/they) Limited availability: Two immediate openings for Relational/Couples Therapy. (No reduced rate spots available at this time.) I am queer, cis, multiracial Indigenous (Eastern Band Cherokee), white-passing, and neurodivergent. I bring all of those lived experiences into the work I do and hold myself accountable to creating a therapy space that recognizes privilege, intersectionality, and systemic impact. If you’re ready to do the work, I’ll meet you there. This is a space where you’ll be supported, challenged, and equipped with the tools you need to create real, sustainable change in your relationships. I’m here to help you get to the truth of what’s beneath the surface, face it head-on, and move forward, together, to get you more of what you want in your relationship. My approach is collaborative and rooted in Relational Life Therapy (RLT), where authenticity, personal responsibility, vulnerability and empathy lay the foundation for real meaningful change. What to expect from me: - My style is laid-back but active. I’m not a “smile and nod” therapist. I’m engaged, collaborative, and invested in helping you make meaningful progress that sticks. - I deliver on the expertise you’re seeking—and deserve—from day one, offering practical strategies and tools tailored to your relationship and goals. Think part coach, part therapist. - I’ll always work as hard as you do. This is a team effort: you bring your expertise on your life and relationship, and I bring mine in relational repair and transformation. - You’ll get straightforward, respectful feedback paired with curiosity and compassion. I’ll challenge you when it’s needed and stand alongside you as you do the hard work. I specialize in working relationally with: All relationship types (from friendships to family to intimate partnerships and beyond) Gender and sexual/affectional minorities (the whole alphabet mafia!) Non-monogamy and all relationship structure diversities Communication and conflict resolution Intersecting identities and minority stress Sex-positive and kink-affirming Adult Neurodivergence (I am AuDHD myself!) 
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       Jaden (name in use) List, MSSA, LISW # I.2506365I'm White, bisexual, nonbinary, trans masculine, and polyamorous. (they/them) Immediate openings for teletherapy! (No reduced rate spots available at this time.) I grew up on a farm in conservative rural Ohio. I'm now based in Youngstown. I have two dogs that will likely make an appearance during telehealth sessions. I also have four parakeets and three rabbits. I’m a Licensed Independent Social Worker. I graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2018 with a Masters degree. I’m a part of TRANSlate Health Ohio, a community action group focused on improving healthcare for trans individuals. I use Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality (CAMS) and other modelaities to meet the needs of suicidal individuals. I also treat children and teens with trauma with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). To help adults with trauma, I use narrative therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and evidence-based mindfulness techniques. I often use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) with clients of all needs - suicidal and traumatized individuals, but also those with depression, anxiety, ADHD, ASD, and more! My sessions are often solution-focused and are highly collaborative. I want you to meet your goals - the goals that you set for yourself! Our sessions can cover managing emotions, developing social skills, identity exploration, goal setting, resource connection, skill rehearsal, and more. 
 I specialize in working with:Suicidal ideation 
 PTSD
 Kids (9y/o+), teenagers, and their parents
 Young adults
 College students
 Identity development
 Transgender journeys
 Disability as an identity
 Chronic illness
 Anxiety and depression
 Queer and/or polyamorous relationships
 LGBTQ+ identities in religion
 Addiction recovery - maintenance only
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       Savanna Gazdik, MA, LPC [PhD Intern], #C.2305186I am a cisgender woman and doctoral-level intern. (she/her) Immediate evening and weekend openings for in-person and teletherapy! (All sessions are offered at reduced rates - my fees are outlined on the Costs page!) I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and School Counselor with hands-on experience supporting teens and young adults as they navigate the wild ride of growing up, figuring themselves out, and trying to find a sense of peace along the way. I bring a calm, steady energy to the therapy room. My goal is to create a space where you can breathe a little easier, feel truly seen, and get real about the things that weigh heavy on your mind. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just feeling stuck, I’m here to help you sort through it in a way that’s thoughtful, compassionate, and collaborative. I’ve spent the last few years working with high school students—particularly those managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, or juggling the complexities of IEPs, 504 plans, and future dreams. My clients often tell me they appreciate my straightforward approach, paired with a deep care for who they are—not just their struggles. In therapy with me, we’ll focus on understanding your experience and finding strategies that make sense for your life. Whether we’re working on emotional regulation, identity exploration, or how to survive (and maybe even enjoy?) big transitions, I’ll meet you where you’re at. You’ll never feel pressured to be anything other than your full self in our work together. I specialize in working with: Teens & Young Adults Anxiety, Depression & ADHD Identity Development & LGBTQ+ Support Neurodivergent Support College Planning & Life Transitions Empowerment for Students with IEPs/504 Plans Suicide Prevention & Emotional Safety 
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      Megan Brechbill, SWT [MSW Intern] #S.2403816-TRNEI am a non-binary masters-level intern. (they/them) Immediate evening and weekend openings for teletherapy! (All sessions are offered at reduced rates - my fees are outlined on the Costs page!) I am non-binary, queer, neurodivergent, and white. I was raised in Kentucky but have spent the last few years calling Dayton, OH my home. I have social work experience with mostly adults, including older adults, and I have a former STEM background as well. If you’d like to repair or strengthen your mental wellness, if you’re feeling lost, or if you’re simply going through it, I’d be happy to help. In therapy with me, you can expect to have a listening ear without judgment, a space to be your honest and authentic self, and empathetic accountability. I tend to be positive but realistic as a person, so you’ll be challenged appropriately but also cheered on. To guide our sessions and to help you reach your therapy goals, I use techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), systems theory, and mindfulness. Specifically, we can explore how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected and how to challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. We will keep things in perspective of greater context (your family, community, culture, etc.), all while working to stay grounded in the present moment. In our sessions, we can cover emotional regulation and coping skills, identity exploration, resource connection, navigating life transitions, and more. I specialize in working with: Adults (including older adults) and teenagers Anxiety and depression Neurodivergence support Identity development and LGBTQ+ support Life transitions 
