Business Details
14 Years
experience
Trauma-Informed Therapy & Counseling Services in Cortland, OH
Founded in 2012, Blue Star Family Counseling Service was established to provide trauma-informed therapy and holistic healing services to individuals facing mental health challenges. Our mission stems from the vision of our late co-founder Brenda Dama, who dedicated her life to improving emotional well-being for women and children, and co-founder Nancy Krestan, inspired by her son's military service and advocacy for returning veterans. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we combine clinical expertise with holistic practices to address trauma, addiction, and systemic distress. Our team of licensed therapists, including Certified Master EMDR Therapists, specializes in treating trauma survivors, first responders, military families, and neurodivergent individuals. We offer accessible care through insurance partnerships and community programs like meditation groups and trauma-informed yoga.Our holistic approach integrates mental, spiritual, and physical wellness, honoring each client's unique healing journey. With over a decade of combined experience, our leadership team pioneers innovative therapies while maintaining strict ethical standards. We emphasize transparency in treatment planning and prioritize client-centered care that adapts to evolving mental health needs. Our commitment to community extends through partnerships like the Stories That They Tell program for veterans. Through continuous professional development and adherence to evidence-based practices, we maintain our position as trusted mental health leaders in Northeast Ohio.
Services
EMDR Therapy
Trauma Counseling
Mental Health Counseling
Holistic Wellness
Meditation Groups
Reiki Sessions
Chiropractic Care
Insurance Guidance
Support Groups
Yoga Classes
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We offer trauma-informed therapy from specialists with decades of clinical experience.
- Our team includes Certified Master EMDR Therapists and approved consultants.
- We accept most insurance plans to make mental health care accessible.
- Our holistic wellness model integrates mental, spiritual, and physical health.
- We specialize in supporting military personnel, first responders, and trauma survivors.
Associations and certifications
- EMDRIA
What people say
Compassionate therapists
Trauma-specialized care
Military understanding
Safe environment
Effective EMDR therapy
Services
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is an evidence-based approach that helps process traumatic memories and reduce distress. Our certified specialists use bilateral stimulation techniques to rewire negative thought patterns caused by trauma. This structured therapy improves emotional regulation and builds resilience for long-term mental wellness.
Holistic Wellness
Our integrated wellness model combines mental health treatment with physical and spiritual healing practices. Services include trauma-informed yoga, energy healing, nutritional counseling, and mindfulness training. This comprehensive approach addresses the interconnected nature of mental health challenges and overall well-being.
Mental Health Counseling
Licensed professional counselors provide individual and family therapy for depression, anxiety, addiction, and trauma recovery. Our person-centered approach creates safe spaces for self-exploration and growth. Treatment plans incorporate evidence-based modalities tailored to each client's unique needs and life experiences.
Meditation Groups
Guided meditation sessions teach stress reduction techniques and self-compassion practices. These weekly group sessions combine traditional mindfulness with modern mental health principles to improve emotional regulation. Participants learn to cultivate inner peace and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Veteran Support
Specialized programs address trauma and transition challenges faced by service members and veterans. Our Stories That They Tell initiative combines creative writing with therapeutic support for active and retired military personnel. Treatment integrates understanding of combat experiences and military culture.
People
Amber Stiles-Bodnar
Clinical Director
A Licensed Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor and Certified Master EMDR Therapist, Amber brings 12 years of law enforcement experience to trauma treatment. She specializes in military families and high-risk professionals, blending clinical expertise with real-world understanding of trauma's impact on mental health.
Rene Pitts
Therapist
Specializing in trauma and addiction, Rene combines EMDR therapy with meditation techniques developed through 25 years of study. She holds advanced certification in chemical dependency counseling and provides instruction at our monthly meditation groups.
Dru Perren
Therapist
A Board Certified Behavior Analyst and EMDR consultant, Dru integrates behavioral therapy with traditional counseling techniques. He specializes in working with autism and trauma, focusing on creating personalized treatment plans that promote confidence and self-awareness.
Betsy Bryan
Therapist
With 20 years of counseling experience, Betsy employs mindfulness-based approaches and EMDR to address grief, trauma, and life transitions. She earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Ohio University and focuses on holistic healing practices.
Ali Manno
Therapist
Specializing in trauma and LGBTQIA+ issues, Ali utilizes EMDR and mindfulness techniques to treat anxiety and depression. She earned her master's degree from Walden University and prioritizes creating safe therapeutic environments for personal growth.
Questions
What is trauma-informed therapy?
Trauma-informed therapy recognizes trauma's impact on mental health and prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment in treatment approaches.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most insurance plans and can verify your coverage to ensure affordable access to mental health care.
Are services available for veterans?
Yes, we offer specialized programs including the Stories That They Tell initiative for active and retired military personnel.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR is an evidence-based approach using bilateral stimulation to process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
Do you offer group sessions?
We provide meditation groups, support groups, and trauma-informed yoga classes as part of our holistic wellness approach.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Contact us directly via phone or through specific therapist contact links to arrange your initial consultation and treatment plan.
