Meet Katie
Katie Rouse
MA, LPCC, DARTT, Founder/Owner
I earned a Masters of Arts degree in School Counseling and Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University, and have been working in the mental health field since 2007. I worked as a school counselor for ten years and then transitioned into the sphere of clinical counseling and private practice.
Throughout the therapeutic process I aim to cultivate a safe and non-judgmental environment where individuals can freely express and examine their thoughts, feelings, behaviors and experiences. Therapy is a highly collaborative process. A critical component of our time together is to provide a safe space for people to explore where they have been and how their story impacts who they are today. My approach as a therapist is rooted in compassion and respect, honoring the strengths of each individual client. I strive to help individuals face their inner world with compassion and curiosity, increase self-awareness, and explore what brings meaning to their lives.
I am a trained and certified Developmental And Relational Trauma Therapist (DARTT) from the Healing Our Core Issues (HOCI) Institute. This is an integration model that helps us connect back with our childhood experiences, so we can move forward and grow our adult relationships in healthy ways.
Aside from being a therapist, I enjoy spending much of my free time being active, traveling, and being outdoors (the mountains are my happy place). I’m culturally curious, I love live music, and I love to learn. Friends and family are extremely important to me, especially my wife and daughter, and nurturing these relationships brings me great joy.
“Being human is not hard because you're doing it wrong, it's hard because you're doing it right."
- Glennon Doyle
Meet Monica
Monica Rudy
M.Ed/MA, LPC, CCM
I earned a Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Xavier University and a Master of Education degree in Applied Behavioral Analysis from University of Cincinnati. I have been working in the mental health and related field since 2012 and currently specialize in adolescents and women's health.
In practice, I strive to be affirming, intentional, and compassionate during the self-evaluation and exploration process. I believe in each person's capacity for meaningful growth and healing, and use a solution-focused, strengths-based approach to support that process. I draw from multiple modalities to thoughtfully tailor treatment to each individual's unique needs, goals, and life experiences. At the heart of my work is creating an open, honest, and judgement free space where clients feel safe to be themselves. I genuinely care about people and the journeys they are on, and I value collaboration, authenticity, and trust in the therapeutic relationship. Together we work to process experiences, build on existing strengths, gain clarity, and identify direction- at a pace that feels supportive and empowering.
I specialize in working with adolescents ages 11-17 and adults 18 and older. My areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, stress reduction, relationships, and women's health- including fertility, bereavement, pregnancy, and post-partum. Whether you are navigating a specific challenge, life transition, or simply seeking greater self-understanding, my goal is to walk alongside you with compassion and help you move forward with confidence and intention.
Aside from being a therapist, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, being creative through art and music, and exploring Cincinnati. I am a coffee aficionado, home décor DIY-er, foodie, and mom to 3 children and a Goldendoodle. I love to talk to people about their experiences, traditions, and passions to learn and grow in my own.
“For what it’s worth, it’s never too late to be who you want to be. You can change or stay the same, there are no rules… I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you’re not, I hope you have the courage to start again.”
- F. Scott Fitzgerald
Meet Lauren
Lauren Wilson
P-RDT
I earned my Master’s degree in Drama Therapy from Kansas State University and have worked with a wide variety of populations throughout my career, with a special passion for working with children. I use creative arts therapies, including drama, art, music, play, poetry, and more, alongside traditional therapeutic techniques to support clients in reaching their goals.
I especially enjoy working with children, as play and creativity are often a child’s most natural forms of communication. Through imaginative play, storytelling, role-play, and creative expression, children are able to explore emotions, build coping skills, strengthen confidence, and make sense of their experiences in developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed ways. No creative experience is ever required. Therapy is about expression and growth, not performance!
I love working alongside people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. I strive to create a space where individuals feel safe, seen, and understood, and where they can show up as their authentic selves. Building a strong, trusting therapeutic relationship is central to my work, and I take time to truly get to know each client and their unique needs. Whether we are engaging in creative play, expressive arts, or conversation, my goal is to help clients develop insight, emotional regulation skills, and a stronger sense of self, while making therapy a place that feels supportive, engaging, and meaningful.
Outside of my work as a therapist, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and friends. I love working out, especially Pilates, traveling, and all things coffee! As a drama therapist, I am also a lover of the arts and continue to use theatre as a creative outlet.
"It's not about being good at creativity, but about creativity being good for you."
- James McCrae