Ed Gutfreund, Psychotherapist in Cincinnati, 45224

Ed Gutfreund, PCC, LMT

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Mental Health Counseling, Other
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
Professional Clinical Counselor - E7544
Secondary License:
Medical Massage Therapy - 4819

My Approach to Helping

I believe in our innate capacity to develop and heal. Is it hard for you to feel calm, does your body vibrate with anxiety? Are you stuck? I know it is possible to protect the sensitive aspects of yourself so that your body is a safe place to live. You can likely change your relationship with traumatic events or difficult family history. I trust that when you mindfully observe what is happening within yourself in the present moment--especially as it relates to reactions to past or future events--you can gain a closer relationship to yourself and your life. The disparate and conflicted parts can come together for more wholeness. You will be able to discover or recognize important patterns of feelings, impulses, beliefs, or physical nervous system activation. This helps you deepen healthy habits that are personal resources, and strengthen your capacity to transform patterns that no longer serve you or your relationships. As you allow feelings to move, thoughts to be more flexible, and your body to take action new possibilities can arise for your personal development, relationships, and work.

I'll work with you to co-create a high level of safety, understanding, and acceptance. I deeply value collaboration in therapy, and want to support your authentic, honest expression that helps process trauma, or family history, or current challenging stresses at your best pace. As wounds become less sensitive, you will discover and create new ways to change your relationship to the past and to your present life--even with the inevitable surprises that no one can control. My work with you can foster deep self-knowledge, a more balanced nervous system an authentic expression of feeling, clearer thinking, and a kinder relationship with your body. Solutions can emerge and benefits related to change can start right away. Often my clients say "this therapy feels different."

More Info About My Practice

I invite you to call or email so we can begin a conversation to support your needs and interest. You are welcome to schedule a free 30 minute consultation to help you in the important decision of choosing a therapist. I hope I can be of service to you.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

I understand acute stress and trauma. I know how difficult it becomes to live at ease in your own skin. I am good at helping you calm down and wake up. Anxiety and depression often mimic or come from trauma response. I can help you to diminish the leftover influences of the past and live in the present. You’ll get tools, skills--and practice feeling better by staying present to yourself in an embodied way. (Email me for details.)

My Therapy Focus

I focus on attention to what is happening in the moment--now, as we speak. This manages tendencies to be overburdened by the past or future. This resource gives you more ability to respond instead of react in situations. I'll help you appreciate the wisdom of your body sensations, your thoughts and your feelings and organize them for balance in your life. If something is too much—running thoughts, unresolved feelings, or distracting, disagreeable physical sensations—I’ll help you regain control of yourself. If something is not enough—like no feeling, weak boundaries, helpless thoughts or immobility--I’ll help you get energy and strength to move out of depression to action and more effective, pleasant life. (Email me for details.)

On the Fence About Going to Therapy?

I don't give much advice. But I'll ask you: what if you accept that your ambivalence is true, and that your desire for change is also true? Most people have some inner conflict beginning therapy. It makes sense, there is some risk. Yet in a quality therapeutic alliance the pace is right so you can stay with difficult situations-a little at a time. I'll help you get calmer. Can you do one thing that begins the change you want? Is it worth an experiment to try a free half hour? (Email me for details or an appointment.)

Importance of the Client-Therapist Alliance

This relationship is potentially the most healing aspect of therapy. When it's safe and reliable, you get clearer and solutions for change arise. You can expect a high-quality, attentive listening from me. I’ll respect your confusion, fear, anger, grief or desire to hide; and your wisdom, imagination, freedom, and strength. I’ll hold your complex situations with compassion and understanding--without judgment. I am not in a hurry. (Email me for details.)

Services I Provide

Individual Therapy & Counseling
Marriage, Couples, or Relationship Counseling

Ages I Work With

Teens
Adults
Elders

Languages I Speak

English

Groups I Work With

I work with people who struggle with the aftermath of childhood or recent trauma or overwhelming events, especially those who feel ongoing activation in their bodies, and who find it difficult to feel safe in their own skin. I also work with developmental, family of origin issues related to trauma. Other populations include therapists experiencing compassion fatigue or vicarious traumatization, and people whose unresolved grief is causing difficulty in their life and relationships. Finally I help those who struggle with resistance conflicts that keep them stuck.