Services

Therapy

What is Therapy and is it Different from Counseling?

While you may have an idea of what therapy looks like based on TV or movies, the real experience is often much different. And no — you do not need to lie on a couch for therapy to work. Let’s start with terminology. Therapy, counseling, and psychotherapy are often used interchangeably to describe the process of meeting with a trained professional to address mental health concerns or emotional challenges. Although these terms overlap, therapy or psychotherapy may involve deeper exploration of patterns, emotions, and experiences, while counseling can focus more on specific issues or short‑term goals.

At Barbara Fordyce & Associates, the therapy process is tailored to your needs and provided by licensed clinicians committed to compassionate, client‑centered care. We view therapy as a supportive, collaborative experience that helps people better understand their emotions, strengthen overall well‑being, and navigate life’s challenges. Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, or life transitions, our therapists tailor each session to your goals. We focus on creating a comfortable, encouraging space where you can explore what’s happening in your life and move toward meaningful change.

What Should I Expect in my First Therapy Session? 

Prior to your first session, our office will send you intake documents to complete through our secure online client portal. This gives your licensed provider an opportunity to learn more about what is bringing you in before you meet. Most appointments last 50–55 minutes. During your initial session, your therapist will complete an assessment to better understand your experiences, symptoms, goals, and what you hope to gain from therapy. From there, your provider will work with you to develop a path forward — one that helps you build self‑understanding, find relief from unhelpful patterns, and develop tools to cope with the stressors of daily life.

In‑Person Therapy vs. Telehealth: What’s Right for You?

Our office provides therapy through both in‑person and telehealth sessions. For an in‑person appointment, you’ll meet with one of our therapists in our warm, welcoming environment in Canton, Ohio. We strive to create a safe, comfortable space where you can talk through whatever is bringing you to therapy.

We also offer telehealth sessions for clients anywhere in Ohio. Telehealth allows you to meet with your therapist through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform from the comfort of your home or another private location. Many clients appreciate the convenience — especially busy professionals who want to eliminate a commute and parents or caregivers who would otherwise need to arrange childcare.

Clients must be physically located within their therapist’s licensure jurisdiction during telehealth sessions. For most of our clinicians, this means you will need to be in Ohio at the time of your appointment.
Many clients wonder whether telehealth offers the same benefits as meeting in person, which leads to another common question:

Is Telehealth as Effective as In-Person Therapy?

Telehealth therapy is widely recognized as just as effective as in‑person therapy for most concerns. Research shows that meeting with a therapist through a secure video platform can support meaningful progress with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Many clients appreciate that telehealth offers the same level of connection, support, and professional care as an in‑person session — with added convenience and flexibility.

Whether you choose in‑person or telehealth, the most important part of therapy is the relationship you build with your therapist. Our clinicians work to create a warm, supportive environment in both formats so you can explore your experiences, learn new tools, and move toward meaningful change.

 

How Often Will I Come to Therapy, and How Long Does It Last?

Therapy looks a little different for everyone, and the frequency of your sessions will depend on your needs, goals, and schedule. Many clients begin with weekly appointments to build momentum and establish a strong therapeutic relationship. As you start to feel more supported and confident using the tools you’re learning, you and your therapist may decide to meet every other week or shift to a maintenance schedule. Your therapist will collaborate with you to find a rhythm that feels helpful and sustainable.

The length of therapy also varies from person to person. Some clients come for a short period of time to work through a specific concern or life transition, while others prefer longer‑term therapy to explore patterns, deepen self‑understanding, or navigate ongoing challenges. There is no “right” amount of time to be in therapy — your therapist will help you determine what feels appropriate based on your goals, progress, and comfort level. Our focus is on providing support that meets you where you are and helps you move toward meaningful change.

 

What Types of Concerns Do You Address in Therapy?

Barbara Fordyce & Associates provides a wide range of therapy and counseling services for individuals, couples, and families. Our clinicians are LGBTQIA+ affirming and support adults, teens, and children as they navigate stressors, emotional challenges, and life transitions. We help clients strengthen communication, improve problem‑solving skills, and foster personal growth.

Our licensed therapists work with clients experiencing concerns such as:

• Anxiety and depression

• Stress and burnout

• Relationship or marital concerns

• Grief and loss

• Trauma or PTSD

• Life transitions and stage‑of‑life changes

• Parenting challenges and family dynamics

• Attention issues and ADHD

• Body image or eating‑related concerns

• Gender identity and LGBTQ+ concerns

• Self‑esteem and confidence

• Panic, phobias, or chronic worry

• Substance use concerns

• Work‑related stress, motivation, or job satisfaction

• Coping with divorce, breakups, or the end of a relationship

• Chronic illness or health‑related stress

• Psychological and neuropsychological assessment

During your initial consultation, your therapist will talk with you about your concerns, discuss your goals, and begin developing a personalized treatment plan. Therapy is a collaborative process, and we tailor our approach to meet your needs, strengths, and experiences. We support clients with both short‑term challenges and long‑standing concerns. If you’re unsure whether your concern is something we can help with, our therapists are happy to talk with you during an initial consultation to learn more and determine the best path forward.

What Therapy Approaches and Modalities Do You Use?

Our therapists use evidence‑based approaches that are tailored to your needs, goals, and experiences. Depending on what you’re working through, your therapist may draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Gestalt therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), mindfulness‑based strategies, trauma‑informed care, or EMDR for trauma‑related concerns. We blend these modalities in a way that feels supportive, collaborative, and aligned with what you want to accomplish. Your therapist will talk with you about what to expect and work with you to find an approach that feels comfortable and effective.

 

How Do I Know if Therapy is Right for Me?

Many people wonder whether their concerns are “big enough” for therapy, and it’s also common to feel nervous or even a little embarrassed about reaching out. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from support — therapy can be helpful if you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, stressed, disconnected, or simply wanting to understand yourself better. It’s also a good fit if you’re navigating a life transition, experiencing changes in mood, or noticing patterns you’d like to shift. If you’re unsure, your therapist can help you explore what you’re experiencing during an initial consultation and determine whether therapy feels right for you.

 

How Do I Get Started?

It takes courage to reach out for support, and we’re glad you’ve found us. To get started, contact our office at 330‑492‑2006 to schedule an initial appointment. You’ll speak with one of our knowledgeable administrative staff members, who will help match you with a therapist based on your concerns, medical insurance, and availability.

You can also complete the contact form below, and our caring administrative staff will follow up to help match you with a therapist and arrange your first session.We're here to make the process as simple and comfortable as possible, and we look forward to supporting you. 

We offer in‑person services for clients in Canton, Ohio and surrounding areas, as well as telehealth therapy via secure, HIPAA‑compliant video for clients anywhere in Ohio. 

Seminars & Workshops

The experienced staff at Barbara Fordyce & Associates provides seminars and workshops for businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and community groups. Our clinicians offer engaging, practical, and research‑informed presentations designed to support mental health, strengthen communication, and promote well‑being in your organization. Seminars can be offered in person or virtually, depending on your needs.

We have created and delivered seminars on topics such as stress management, identifying signs of depression, diversity and cultural competency, mindfulness, developing effective coping strategies, parenting, and more. Additional topics may include workplace well‑being, communication skills, conflict resolution, resilience, emotional intelligence, or supporting children and teens. Our team enjoys facilitating both educational and experiential workshops that encourage reflection, skill‑building, and meaningful discussion. Participants leave with practical tools, increased awareness, and strategies they can apply immediately in their daily lives or work settings.

We are happy to consult with your business, organization, or school to develop a customized program that meets your goals. Whether you’re looking for a one‑time seminar or an ongoing series, we can tailor content to your audience, schedule, and setting.

Consulting

Our providers offer psychological consultation services to businesses, schools, healthcare organizations, and community groups. We apply our specialized knowledge of human behavior, communication, and organizational dynamics to help solve problems, strengthen teams, and support the overall well‑being of your workplace or organization.

Consultation can be helpful in improving workplace morale, addressing communication challenges, supporting leadership development, increasing awareness of mental health concerns, and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Our clinicians can also assist with conflict resolution, team dynamics, stress management initiatives, and strategies to promote a healthier, more productive work environment.

We are available to consult on both short‑term concerns and ongoing organizational needs. Whether you’re seeking guidance on a specific issue or looking to develop long‑term goals for your team, we can collaborate with you to create a customized plan that aligns with your mission, values, and workplace culture.

We’re here to support individuals, families, and organizations throughout Stark County and the surrounding communities. If you have questions about our services or would like help getting started, our administrative team is happy to assist.