PuttingFamilyFirst

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BN Portrait of Brian Nowak
Online therapist

Brian Nowak

Focused, practical counseling for everyday challenges

Credentials
LPCC
Experience
32 years
Licensed in
Ohio
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Brian

Brian Nowak is a licensed professional clinical counselor who draws on three decades of experience. He uses a person-centered style to build a warm, respectful relationship so clients feel heard. His approach is practical and goal-oriented, aimed at teaching coping skills that can be used long term.

In sessions he focuses on spotting unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. He guides clients through simple Cognitive-Behavioral techniques and mindfulness exercises that can reduce stress and calm strong emotions.

Background and approach

He also uses solution-focused strategies to set short-term goals and track progress. Areas Brian addresses include stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger, addictions, family issues, grief, self-esteem, career worries, depression, and coping with life changes. He also offers focused help for smoking and vaping cessation.

The language used in sessions is straightforward and down-to-earth to make practices easy to try at home. Brian earned a master’s degree in counseling from the University of Akron, Ohio, and holds an Ohio LPCC credential. He brings steady experience and a calm presence to each meeting.

Sessions emphasize skills clients can use right away and practice between meetings. Parents reading on a phone can expect short, clear explanations and practical exercises to try with family life in mind. The work is collaborative, with clear goals and steps to measure small improvements over time.

Practical approaches for online family and parenting support

Brian uses client-centered work to create a supportive space where parents and caregivers feel heard and respected. That approach focuses on understanding each person’s perspective and working at their pace to build trust and clarity.

He also uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, a hands-on method that looks at thoughts, feelings, and actions. CBT helps identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more useful habits, which can reduce anxiety, anger, and low mood. Mindfulness techniques are included to teach simple attention and breathing exercises that calm stress and improve focus during busy family routines.

Finding the right mix of methods is part of the work. He will collaborate with each person to choose approaches that match their goals and daily life. Sessions include trying techniques together and adjusting plans based on what feels most helpful.

Online formats include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to fit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to attend from home, manage childcare needs, or follow up between meetings with short messages or exercises. The emphasis is on flexibility and making practical skills accessible for family life.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Mindfulness Therapy

Attention training: noticing thoughts and physical feelings as they arrive without being carried off by them. Much of it is practice you do yourself, so guidance over video or audio works much as it would in person.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does Brian help with?
He works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger, addictions, family problems, grief, self-esteem, career concerns, depression, and coping with life changes. He also focuses on smoking and vaping cessation.
What is his therapy style like?
His style is person-centered and solution-focused. Sessions emphasize practical exercises, goal setting, and clear steps to change thoughts and behaviors.
How long has he practiced counseling?
He has 32 years of counseling experience and brings long-term practice to his sessions.
What credentials and where is he licensed?
He holds the LPCC credential and is licensed in Ohio with the designation OH LPCC E.0001630-SUPV.
Which languages are supported?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are offered?
Sessions can be conducted via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin therapy?
Start by selecting the Start Therapy button and completing a short matching questionnaire, then schedule according to therapist availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

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Experience
32 years
Licensed
Ohio
Languages
English

Next step

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