Haley Ritchie,
M.A.Ed, IMFT, LPC
Meet Your Therapist:
It's nice to meet you.
I'm so glad you're here.
I am dually licensed as an Independent Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Ohio. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The Ohio State University and my Master of Arts in Education in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy from the University of Akron. I am in my 7th year of practice, and opened my own private practice in Upper Arlington in 2019. Since my work in the clinical field began, I have worked in a variety of settings with various populations, but private practice has allowed me to focus on the work I love the most. My background in systems theory and professional training empower me to do my best work. I continue to expand upon my knowledge and clinical skills through continuing education and trainings, with a particular focus on trauma and its impact on the nervous system.
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My approach to couples therapy is primarily Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Gottman Method. My IFS training and knowledge informs the way I see and approach clients—individuals who already have the capacity to heal within themselves. IFS is a therapeutic orientation that believes in the multiplicity of the mind; that is to say that we are made of up of various parts as well as an inner Self. The "Self" is innate in all of us. It possesses confidence and clarity and is capable of healing. Our "parts" have valuable resources and strengths; some are protective, some are more vulnerable. When our vulnerable parts have endured trauma or pain, they may become exiled, needing our presence and attention to heal them and bring them peace. When our protective parts are forced into extreme roles, we may exhibit behaviors that become destructive and detrimental, interfering with our lives. IFS provides us a way to access these parts and help them out of these extreme roles in order to create internal harmony, peace, and healing.
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Based in decades of research, the Gottman Method is often considered the gold standard of marital and relationship therapy. The model provides couples with evidence-based knowledge and tools for developing and maintaining relationship satisfaction and stability. Couples often gravitate towards the utility and practical nature of the model as it offers a lot of "concrete" ways to improve relationships.
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While my IFS orientation offers a framework to delve deep into the dynamics of a couple’s relationship patterns, I also utilize the interventions the Gottman Method has given us to help couples create the kind of connection they come to me to help them cultivate. I am passionate about the work I do. Relationships have always been the heart and soul of my work. I am constantly reminded how rewarding it is to witness people heal and couples transform their relationship and rediscover joy and connection where there once was pain and disconnection. I am always honored to support those who entrust their relationships to me.
The WFH Office
“As therapists, we are in the business of freedom―we help people relinquish stories of self that are painful, stories of this moment that are alienating, stories of the future that are limiting.”
― Ili Rivera Walter
Education and Training
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Ohio State University, 2015
M.A. Ed. in Marriage and Family Counseling/Therapy
University of Akron, 2018
Levels I, II, and III training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy, 2019
IFS: Embodying the Healing Wisdom Workshop with Dr. Richard Schwartz, 2021
Licenses
Ohio IMFT #F.2200276
Ohio LPC #C.1801424
Rapid Fire Get to Know Your Therapist
How I spend my time when not in my therapist chair:
Immersed in my creative outlet (interior design, DIY projects), playing with my littles, enjoying the zoo, parks, and events around Columbus with my family
Go-to book recommendation:
Greater Than The Sum of Our Parts by Richard Schwartz
Favorite dessert:
Gelato
Beverage of choice:
Coffee
Dream job as a child:
Marine Biologist
Favorite season:
Autumn― I love the anticipation of the holiday season and the way it shows us how beautiful it can be to let go of things
Recent concert:
Noah Kahan
Favorite affirmation: