Five Years Since the Beginning: Reflecting on Dryad Counseling

Five years ago, I bought a domain name and started researching what it would take to build a private practice.

I didn’t have a logo, or a business plan, or a single client—just a deep pull toward work that felt meaningful and sustainable, and a strong sense that the kind of space I wanted to offer didn’t fully exist yet. I was working full time at an agency and just saw the world change around me, my field changed so much during the early days of the pandemic.

I knew I wanted to focus on trauma, addictions, gambling, and trans identity work. That was the starting point. The door officially opened to clients in the fall of 2021—quietly, virtually, and during a time when the world felt especially uncertain. Even then, I wasn’t sure where it would go. I just knew I wanted to show up in a way that felt real, grounded, and affirming for people who often fall through the cracks of traditional therapy.

Since then, Dryad Counseling has grown into something deeper. The work still centers trauma and identity, but over time it’s shifted. These days, I see fewer addiction and gambling-focused clients and more neurodivergent adults, many of whom are navigating big questions about relationships, self-trust, burnout, and belonging. I’ve refined the systems, added licensure in two states (Ohio and Massachusetts), and found a steadier rhythm—though it’s still a learning process.

I keep a jar on my desk full of post-its that document the moments in session where something meaningful happened or a client said something that had us both cackling with joy. It’s not much; just the quote and a date, but each one represents a transformation during a session. I’ve had the privilege of witnessing hundreds of moments that remind me why I do this. When someone makes a decision that honors who they are, even if it’s terrifying. When they catch themselves being gentler, less performative, more real. When the story shifts from "what’s wrong with me?" to "what do I need?"

To every client who has trusted me with their story: thank you.
To the people who referred, supported, collaborated, or offered encouragement on the hard days: I’m so grateful.
And to anyone quietly wondering if therapy could be part of your next chapter—I’d be honored to meet you there.

If you’re looking for trauma-informed, queer-affirming therapy in Ohio or Massachusetts, I offer virtual sessions for adults navigating identity, stress, transitions, and healing on their own terms.

You can schedule a free phone consult at www.dryadcounseling.as.me/phoneconsult if you're curious about working together.

Five years ago, this was just an idea and a URL.
Now, it’s a practice I’m proud to stand behind.
Here’s to what’s next.