Go Forward with life

SANDUSKY — Kimberly Go has always found herself passionate about supporting others in her decades-long career as a counselor. "I felt drawn to do something more for the community. I want to be someone that families and children can be referred to for more support," Go said. "I'm looking to fill that unmet need. My passion is working with kids and their families." Go recently opened her own practice in Sandusky, Go Forward Counseling and Consulting, and focuses on treating children and families. Go has been a counselor for over 30 years, providing her clients with a supportive relationship, offering tools and guidance to help them overcome their challenges. "Mental health has a stigma, and we get caught up on diagnoses. Everybody wants to know what the label is," Go said. "The reality is, it could be a lot of different labels. It's all about finding that balance, especially in a child's life, in a family's life, where they can succeed and function at their maximum potential." Over the years, Go said she's seen counseling become more normalized, but there is still a stigma associated with mental health care that needs to be addressed. "Our goal is to assist with functioning, in whatever parameters you're working, within that child and that family system," Go said. "To work with the family on addressing what's happening. It's really about finding balance for that child in the family." When working with a child, Go said family therapy is critical, as children are products of their environment. "The relationships with the whole family are important. The parents have to trust you and know you're nonjudgmental," Go said. "We're in this together." Go said beyond focusing on children and families, providing support for grandparents raising their grandchildren is something she's passionate about. She said she hopes to create a support group one day for grandparents raising their grandchildren. Go said she has contacted local schools, agencies and organizations to see how she can collaborate with them and provide resources for area families. "There is always hope. Sometimes situations can feel huge, but if you have someone to walk with you and talk to about it, it might not be so big anymore," Go said. "It's important to get on their level and let them know you care." Go said with every child she sees, she wants them to know they are loved, lovable and are perfect the way they are. "I want adults to treasure the children. Let them know they are OK and perfect and lovable just the way they are and listen," Go said. "Listen to not only what they are saying with words but what they're saying with their actions." Go Forward Counseling and Consulting is at 604 W. Washington St., Suite 5. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 419-314-7673 or email GoForwardCounseling@gmail.com.