Celisa Hardesty, LISW

Celisa Hardesty is an Ohio-licensed social worker who helps people facing stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship strain. She meets people where they are and treats them as the experts in their own stories. Celisa supports people who are coping with trauma and abuse, low self-esteem, and difficult family dynamics.

With ten years of professional experience, she focuses on practical steps that build confidence and motivation. Sessions center on what feels most pressing to the person in front of her. Celisa uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to address symptoms and everyday struggles without jargon.

She has worked with people on issues related to autism and those in the LGBTQ+ community. Celisa also assists with concerns that often accompany life transitions, such as caregiver stress, chronic illness, adoption and foster care matters, and aging-related adjustments.

Her approach is collaborative and strengths-focused. She helps clients identify existing resources and small changes that lead to better coping. People can expect helping conversations that aim to increase safety, reduce distress, and restore a sense of control.

Outside work she enjoys animals, The Ohio State Buckeyes, horror movies, Harry Potter, reading, and travel. That personal warmth tends to show up in how she relates at the start of therapy and while building goals together.

How evidence-based approaches fit into online therapy

Celisa draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques that focus on clear, practical steps. One common method helps people identify unhelpful thought patterns and replace them with more realistic, balanced thoughts to reduce anxiety and low mood. Another approach emphasizes developing coping skills and behavioral changes that improve day-to-day functioning and confidence. These methods are goal-oriented and useful for stress, depression, trauma recovery, and self-esteem work.

Finding the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will review needs, goals, and preferences with each person and recommend techniques that fit their situation. Decisions about methods are collaborative and can be adjusted as progress is made.

If you are considering online therapy, confirm available session formats before booking since specific formats were not listed in the biography. Online work can make it easier to fit regular sessions into a busy life, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. It also lets people keep continuity of care while balancing work, family, and other commitments. Licensed professionals can adapt evidence-based techniques to an online setting to help clients meet their goals.