Enter Elora Counseling Services

PERKINS TWP. — A woman who recently opened up her own counseling practice invites people to get help whether through one-on-one sessions or in group settings. JoAnn Didion, a licensed independent social worker, operates Elora Counseling Services. She works out of a private office within Work Space Sandusky in the Sandusky area. For the past 30 years, Didion — a certified state counselor who specializes in individual and family therapy — has honed her talents as a medical social worker in various ways, including: • In hospital and nursing home settings • With hospice and palliative medicine • As a mental health counselor "My years of experience have allowed me to develop a compassionate, down-to-earth approach to counseling," said Didion, who has earned degrees in her profession at The Ohio State University as well as the University of Akron. "I like to use humor, when appropriate, and work at keeping therapeutic interventions practical and simple," she added. "Life is already complicated. Counseling should not." When not working, Didion enjoys spending time with her husband, Matt Didion, and two adult sons, Joseph and Sam, whom she calls "the joys of my life." "Practicing and growing my faith is very important to me and is what grounds me," Didion said. "I also enjoy reading, volunteering in the community and watching football." Elaborating on Elora Back in September, Didion debuted Elora Counseling Services. Elora comes from a Hebrew name, translating to "God is light." It goes with her tagline: "Together we shine brighter." "Life can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone," Didion said. "At Elora Counseling Services, we provide compassionate counseling in a safe and supportive environment. This is a place where you can breathe, relax and be heard without judgment while finding guidance to create lasting change and healing." Elora supports individuals and caregivers who are navigating life's challenges. On a one-on-one basis, she can provide help on or with: • Grief counseling • Life transitions • Support for chronic or acute health conditions • Anxiety and depression therapy "Every journey is unique," said Didion, noting she tailors an individual's counseling experience with proven approaches. People can learn more by visiting eloracounselingservices.com Want to go? Once a month, Didion hosts a monthly series on various health and wellness topics in her Shine Brighter Series. Most of the events will be free. Open to the public, the next event in this monthly series takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Work Space Sandusky, 1521 E. Perkins Ave., Sandusky. This one comes at no cost. Titled Don't Ignore the Silence: The Truth About Hearing Loss features Dr. Amber Wagster. She "is a committed doctor of audiology for Audio Nova in the Sandusky clinic," according to an event statement. "She is passionate about reducing the impact of hearing loss and tinnitus have on people's lives by raising awareness about the link between hearing loss and mental health. Dr. Wagster will share prevention treatment and tips for caregivers while addressing questions and concerns." People can register by calling 419-357-5483. Firelands Health Home Health Services will provide a free lunch. All events in this series aim to "bring light to our community, (which) are highlighted, promoted and/or recognized," Didion said.