Beginnings

  The Gentle Shepherd was founded in 1997, by Maureen Cooper and David McWilliams, to fill the need in the Northeast Ohio region for a comprehensive Christian based counseling center.

Mission

  We acknowledge Jesus Christ as our Shepherd, and strive to serve Him in enabling all who come to us to clearly hear His voice, to follow Him in paths of righteousness, and to enjoy the abundant life which is God's will for each of us. Gentle Shepherd is not affiliated with any religious organization or denomination.

Services

We offer a wide range of services and programs including:

• Traditional counseling
• Pastoral counseling
• Marital counseling
• Divorce recovery
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Counseling that integrates psychology and theology
• Intensive counseling (ideal for pastors, missionaries, and other full time ministers)
• Family therapy
• Speakers and Teachers for church and community groups

Specialties

Among the many issues we address are:

• abuse of all types
• addiction concerns
• ADHD
• adoption adjustment
• anger management
• anxiety
• Asperger Syndrome
• behavior problems in children and adolescents
• blended families
• body dysmorphia
• childhood trauma
• cutting
• depression
• divorce adjustment
• domestic violence
• eating disorders
• family issues
• Forensic assessment and treatment of Childhood abuse
• gender and sexual identity issues
• grief
• intimacy issues
• life adjustment issues
• marriage counseling
• mens' issues
• mood disorders
• neglect
• obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Panic disorders
• parenting
• pornography addiction
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• pre-marital counseling
• relationship difficulties
• sexual abuse
• sexual addiction
• sexual behavior problems - children
• spiritual concerns
• stress management
• trauma

Staff

  The Gentle Shepherd is comprised of staff which can address nearly every facet of counseling issues. All counselors are members of the American Association of Christian Counselors. Click here for additional biographical info.

• Maureen Cooper MA, LPC, LPCC - Founder and Executive Director
• David McWilliams MA, LPCC- Director of Administration and Properties
• Debby Baldrige RN, MA, LPC
• Dr. Rick McQuistion Ph.D., LPCC-S
• Ronni Schaack MA, LPCC-S
• Janis Wagner MA, PCC
• Cassie Hornbeck Psy D.
• Annelyse DeBellis CT

Intensive Counseling:

   Intensive counseling involves working with the client, and spouse if necessary, devoting 4 consecutive days to counseling sessions and "home work" designed to rapidly address the key issues. The counseling is comprehensive, operating from a Judeo-Christian world view, which takes into account the interaction and treatment of a person's Body, Soul and Spirit.

  Intensive counseling is ideal for Pastors, Missionaries and other full time Christian workers. This program is designed to take place in a one week period of time. During this week of treatment, multiple sessions will be available tailored to the needs of the individual.

Gentle Shepherd Counseling Center is compliant with HIPAA regulations.