Promote healing and wellness to those suffering with all types of mental health distress including traumatic experiences and significant life events.
Our Services
Our counseling services are provided by Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors under the clinical direction of Amber Stiles-Bodnar; MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III. Our team of clinical counselors specialize in the treatment of disruptive life events, trauma, adjustment issues, trauma, substance abuse, chemical and behavioral addictions, anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss and issues specific to women and children utilizing various treatment modalities.
Our counselors utilize EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), stress inoculation, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) as well as other highly effective and recognized treatments which allow individuals and families to live healthier and well adjusted lives. These modalities have proven to be highly effective in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, depression, and other issues directly brought about by the effects of active duty on service members and their families.
Blue Star aides family members adjusting to the change in family dynamics and service members who suffer with various adjustment issues which arise from re-introduction to family life following an active-duty deployment or into civilian life following time served.
What is EMDR?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful method of psychotherapy utilized in the treatment and relief of many types of psychological distress.
When an event is stored in short term memory, no matter how long ago the actual event happened, it causes the symptoms associated with ongoing, immediate trauma. Chronic anxiety, re-living of the event through flashbacks, nightmares, poor concentration, an intensified "startle" response, guilt, inability to think toward the future without fear of another traumatic event, are all symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although PTSD is often associated with life events such as war, rape, natural disaster, and witnessing a violent death or crime, such symptoms can also result from recurring memories of childhood abuse, a traumatic car accident, loss of a loved one through death or divorce, or the experience of life threatening illness.
EMDR facilitates the shift of the traumatic issue from short-term to long-term memory. Clients report an instant shift toward well being, a sense of release, a feeling of peace and acceptance, and a deep appreciation for their own strength after EMDR therapy.
Research has identified EMDR an effective therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In addition, it is also successful using EMDR in the treatment of the following:
Depression, Anxiety Disorders, Separation Issues, Complicated Grief, Disturbing Memories,
Stress Reduction, Sexual, Emotional and/or Physical Abuse, Phobias, Panic Attacks, Performance Anxiety, Pain Disorders, Eating Disorders, Addictions.
Our Counselors
Amber Stiles-Bodnar, MSEd, LPCC-S, LCDC III, is a Licensed Supervising Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC III) in the state of Ohio specializing in PTSD, issues related to abuse and trauma, addiction treatment (chemical and behavioral), co-occurring disorders, issues specific to military, law enforcement, first responders and their families, LGBTQ, and women and children’s issues. She earned a Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling from Youngstown State University and is a contributing faculty instructor at her alma mater in the College of Education, Department of Counseling and Special Education, providing course and class instruction to graduate level students in the clinical mental health counseling program.
Amber has worked in mental health and chemical dependency treatment providing therapy as a residential, outpatient and dual diagnosis counselor. She is the Clinical Director of Blue Star Family Counseling Services, Inc., Her distinctive background includes 12 years of law enforcement experience allowing her a unique insight when helping those in specialized occupations such as police, fire, EMS and the armed forces. Amber is a member of her local county’s Critical Incident Stress Management Response Team, where she assists in debriefing law enforcement, police, fire, EMS and 911 Dispatch personal after they have been subjected to a potentially traumatic event within the community.
Amber is a Certified EMDR Therapist and Approved Consultant through the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). She is also a member of the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress, the American Counseling Association, the Ohio Counseling Association, Institute for Creative Mindfulness Affiliate Trainer, and volunteers for the EMDR Humanitarian Assistance Program (HAP). She provides individual and group consultation for EMDR therapists working on developing their skills within the EMDR field. She also provides clinical supervision to counselors and social workers to help improve their clinical abilities.
Amber has dedicated herself to improving the lives of those faced with trauma and hardships which is evidenced in her clinical work with adults, children and families. She provides numerous trainings focusing on trauma and its effects on individuals, including children, military and other specialized occupations such as police, fire and EMS at the local, state and national level. To contact Amber email [email protected]
Barbara Ozimek, M.A., LPCC, is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her Master of Arts degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walsh University. Barb has worked in outpatient counseling as well as crisis residential facilities. She has worked in mental health and chemical dependency treatment settings providing crisis intervention, dual diagnosis, mental health, and chemical dependency services. She is a Certified EMDR therapist. The focus of her clinical work has been trauma and women’s issues, substance abuse/dual diagnosis treatment, grief and loss, as well as anxiety and depression based conditions. Barb has numerous family members who serve and are serving in the Armed Forces and understands the special issues this brings to individuals and families. To contact Barb email [email protected]
Renèe Pitts, MSEd, LPC, CDCA has earned a Master of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Youngstown State University in 2015. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, and an EMDR trained therapist. Renée has studied meditation techniques for over 20 years under several teachers in the United States and has also traveled to India, Nepal, and Tibet to study ancient traditions of meditation. With a strong understanding of western science, combined with her practice in mind/body experiences and meditative techniques, Renée blends these as modalities into her counseling practice. She is also able to share a practical understanding of applying mindfulness and meditation to bring about a greater level of wellness and health into the lives of her clients. Renée does both Individual and Group Counseling in the diagnoses and treatment of mental and emotional disorders under supervision. The focus of her clinical work utilizes EMDR therapy, mindfulness and meditation, and she specializes in trauma, substance abuse and addiction, spirituality and religious values, and wellness. To contact Renée email [email protected].
Jessica Rullo MSEd, LPCC-S, CDCA, is a Supervising Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor licensed under the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, a certified Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant, and an EMDR trained therapist. Jessica obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Kent State University in 2002 and an M.S. Ed in Community Counseling in 2009. Jessica has provided counseling services in office, home, school, church and community settings as needed to accommodate various populations. She has experience working with children, adolescents and adults in individual, family and group sessions. Jessica has worked with individuals dealing with a wide range of issues, including substance use, grief and loss, trauma, women’s issues, relationship, adjustment, and dual mental health. To contact Jessica email [email protected]
Ann Gebhardt MSEd, LPCC is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor licensed under the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Ann obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cleveland State University and her Master of Science Degree in Education with a focus on Community Counseling from Youngstown State University. She has provided outpatient counseling services in a variety of settings to accommodate the needs of the clients she serves. Ann has worked to empower, educate and counsel families and individuals for over 10 years. She has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual, marriage, family and group counseling. Ann has worked with individuals dealing with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, women’s issues, relationship issues, adjustment issues, life transitions, and trauma. Ann is trained in and utilizes EMDR therapy in her clinical work. She is devoted, passionate, and strives to empower clients to create the best life for themselves. To contact Ann email [email protected]
Our agency’s mission is to promote healing and wellness to those suffering with including traumatic experiences and significant life events. The mission of our company is extremely important to co-founder, Nancy Krestan. Nancy’s son, Army SPC Adam Hamilton was killed in action while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, May 28, 2011. Nancy has first-hand experience of the effects a service member’s active duty have on a family, while deployed and with the many changes that occur while in the States. Many families including parents, spouses, and children experience anxiety waiting for their loved one’s next assignment or return from deployment. Blue Star primarily focuses on providing treatment to family members of military personnel as well as service members, first responders and law enforcement. Although the primary focus is the family members of those in specialized occupations, Blue Star offers services to any individual seeking professional mental help for a variety of emotional and mental health issues and wellness needs.
