“Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.” - St. Clare of Assisi
About Clinical Counseling
St. Francis is pleased to provide access to licensed clinical counseling at our convenient parish campus. We hope that providing you with these resources, you will find compassionate, confidential, and individualized counseling services to enhance and integrate the emotional, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of you as an individual, couple, or family.
While there is much stress and turmoil in our world today, they believe peace is possible – peace with God, peace with self, and peace with others. Because of God’s faithfulness and his promises, they offer hope and come alongside those seeking peace in today’s troubled world.
Meet Tom Crook, LSW
Tom has been approved by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Work and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Licensed Social Worker. He has earned a Master of Arts degree in Social Work from Ohio University and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Prior to pursuing a career in mental health, Tom published a regional magazine serving charitable gaming operations in Ohio. Currently, Tom is a member of the National Association of Social Workers, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and the Knights of Columbus.
Tom employs a person-centered approach to therapy, believing that every individual is an expert of their own experience and possesses the capacity to change. He believes that real transformation occurs after a client first feels safe, heard, and unconditionally accepted. Tom also incorporates skills associated with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectal Behavior Therapy (DBT), as well as broader spiritual themes to meet the individual needs of the client. Tom works with individuals and couples of all ages and backgrounds.
Contact Tom at 614-442-7650 Ext. 01 or [email protected]
Areas of Focus
- Abuse
- Adjustment Issues
- Adolescent/Teen Issues
- Adult Issues
- Aging
- Anger
- Anxiety
- Couples/Marital Counseling
- Depression
- Family Counseling
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Men's Issues
- Relational Issues
- Self Esteem/Worth/Identity
- Social Skills/Withdrawal
- Spiritual Issues
- Stress Management
- Trauma/Abuse
Clientele
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Couples
- Families
- Individuals
- Teens
Insurance
- Aetna/Aetna EAP/Resources for Living
- Anthem BC/BS
- Cigna/Cigna EAP/Evernorth
- Medical Mutual
- Self-pay
- United Healthcare/UBH/Optum EAP
Personal
Tom is a loving husband, father of ten children, and lives in a zoo alongside four dogs, 4 hamsters, two cats, and a tortoise. He is a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Assumption parish in Lancaster, where he grew up. On the weekends, Tom enjoys catching up with his wife, watching movies and football with his kids, and thinking about taking down those Christmas lights.
Meet Matthew Knox, LPC
Matthew is approved by the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Work, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Matthew holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary and a bachelor’s degree in History with a specialization in Early American History from The Ohio State University. He has a passion for helping others to heal and strengthen their lives especially from depression, anxiety, various spiritual and men’s issues, as well as through life transitions.
Contact Matthew: 614.442.7650, Ext. 11 or matthew@sopcc.org
Areas of Focus
- Adjustment Issues
- Adolescent/Teen Issues
- Adult Issues
- Anxiety
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Depression
- Grief and Loss
- Life Transitions
- Men's Issues
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Self Esteem/Worth/Identity
- Spiritual Issues
- Stress Management
Clientele
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Individuals
- Teens
Insurance
- Aetna/Aetna EAP/Resources for Living
- Anthem/Anthem EAP
- Cigna/Cigna EAP
- Medical Mutual
- Self-pay
- United Healthcare/UBH/Optum EAP
Personal
Matthew enjoys spending time with his friends and family. He roots for all Ohio sports teams, especially the Buckeyes! Matthew enjoys reading and writing in his spare time and also traveling whenever he gets the opportunity.
Meet Deborah Paxton, LISW
Deborah is licensed by the State of Ohio Marriage and Family Therapist Board as a Licensed Independent Social Worker. She got her BS from Miami University in 1988 and her MSW degree from Loyola University in 1992. Deborah also has her certification in Formational Prayer from Healing Care International. Debbie is passionate about seeing people healed of their past trauma and therefore truly able to participate in and experience the abundant life.
Contact Deborah: Call 740-507-2729 or [email protected]
Areas of Focus:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Life transitions
- Grief and Loss
- Trauma Past sexual abuse
- Self-worth/self-esteem/identity issues
- Spiritual issues
Clientele
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Individuals
- Couples
Payment
- Self-pay: cash, check, Venmo or Zelle
Personal
Deborah grew up in Newark Ohio and attended St Francis and graduated from Newark Catholic. She moved to Chicago after college and met her husband David there. They have been married 29 years and have three grown daughters and two grandchildren. In addition to offering services on site at St Francis, Deborah is also in private practice as a clinical therapist at A Time to Heal Christian Counseling SVC in Mount Vernon, a practice she started in 2011.
Meet Ricky Shoop, Counseling Trainee
Ricky is an approved Counselor Trainee working under the supervision of Stephen Duraney, LPCC through Lumin Counseling. Their practice focuses on a holistic view of the human person, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR and other forms of therapy to help people experience real healing and freedom. As a practice comprised of devout Catholics, they see the intersection of faith and psychology as inseparable means to both understanding and healing the human person. Ricky brings 15 years of experience in pastoral ministry working in both parish, apostolate and diocesan settings.
After encountering the transformative love of Jesus Christ in his own life as a young adult, Ricky became passionate about helping others do the same and seeing people overcome struggles and look back on their life and say that things have gotten better. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, trauma, addictions, difficulties at work, self-confidence issues, conflicts in your family life or many other areas, Ricky can help. He has walked alongside children, teens, adults and families through their struggles and triumphs.
Contact Ricky at (614) 212-4593 or [email protected]
Areas of Focus
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Addiction
- Anxiety
- Career Counseling
- Depression
- Family Conflict
- Internet Addiction
- Men's Issues
- Adult Issues
- Parenting
- Peer Relationships
- Spirituality
- Stress
- Trauma and PTSD
- Video Game Addiction
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- EMDR Therapy
Clientele
- Adolescents
- Adults
- Families
- Individuals
- Teens
Payment
- Self-pay: American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa
Personal
Ricky is a husband and father of four small children. After spending the last ten years away (in Alaska, Oregon and Texas), he says it feels great to be back in central Ohio! He and his family love the outdoors and take every opportunity to be outside!
