*currently taking new clients Hi there! I’m Norman Cerny, a compassionate and experienced counselor dedicated to helping individuals of all ages navigate life’s challenges. Whether you're struggling with ADHD, trauma, LGBTQ+ concerns, family dynamics, or the complexities of adolescence and young adulthood, I’m here to support you.

My goal is simple: to help you live as your most authentic, empowered self. Life can feel overwhelming—especially during transitions—but you don’t have to face it alone. If you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of your next steps, let’s work together to create meaningful change.

About Me & My Approach

With over 13 years of experience and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of Akron, I bring both expertise and empathy to my practice. My background includes specialized training in:

• ADHD Executive Function Coaching

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

• Child and Family Therapy

I take a person-centered approach, meaning I believe the tools for healing already exist within you—sometimes, we just need guidance to unlock them. My role is to help you discover your strengths, process past wounds, and build resilience for a more fulfilling life.

Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about empowering you. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, self-harm, addiction, or relationship struggles, I’ll meet you with compassion, evidence-based strategies, and a plan tailored to your needs.

My specialties

As a therapist, I recognize that every individual’s journey is unique—which is why I’ve dedicated myself to specialized training in areas that require both expertise and deep understanding. Below are the core areas I focus on, along with my perspective on these challenges and how we can work together to foster growth and healing.

• ADHD Counseling: Unlocking Focus & Self-Understanding

  ADHD isn’t just about difficulty concentrating—it’s a different way of experiencing the world, often accompanied by creativity, spontaneity, and resilience, but also frustration with executive functioning, time management, and self-esteem. Many of my clients describe feeling "stuck" in cycles of procrastination or overwhelm, despite their intelligence and capabilities.

  • My Approach
    I combine ADHD-specific coaching with therapeutic techniques to help you build systems that work with your brain, not against it. We’ll focus on practical strategies for organization, emotional regulation, and self-compassion, while also addressing any shame or anxiety tied to past struggles. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a parent navigating ADHD in your child, my goal is to help you harness your strengths and create sustainable change.

• EMDR & Trauma Therapy: Healing Beyond Words

  Trauma reshapes the nervous system, leaving survivors feeling trapped by memories, hypervigilance, or a sense of disconnection. Traditional talk therapy can sometimes feel insufficient for these deeply stored experiences.

  • My Approach
    As a certified EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) therapist, I help clients process traumatic memories in a structured, safe way. EMDR doesn’t erase the past, but it can defuse its emotional charge, allowing you to move forward with greater freedom. I also integrate somatic (body-based) techniques and Trauma-Focused CBT to address both the mind and body’s role in healing.

• LGBTQ+ Counseling: Affirming Your Authenticity

  Growing up or living in a world that marginalizes your identity can lead to internalized shame, anxiety, or relationship challenges—even if you’re outwardly "out and proud." LGBTQ+ individuals often face unique pressures around family dynamics, societal expectations, and self-acceptance.

  • My Approach
    I provide a gender-affirming, queer-informed space where your identity is celebrated, not pathologized. Together, we’ll explore topics like coming out, navigating relationships, or coping with minority stress, all while centering your definitions of safety and fulfillment. My work here is rooted in advocacy and lived experience, ensuring you feel seen and supported.

• Child & Adolescent Therapy: Building Resilience Early

  Kids and teens communicate through behavior as much as words. Whether it’s school refusal, social anxiety, self-harm, or family conflict, young people often lack the tools to articulate their struggles—which can leave parents feeling helpless.

  • My Approach:
    Using play therapy, mindfulness techniques, and family collaboration, I help young clients express themselves in ways that feel natural to them. For teens, I blend conversational therapy with skill-building (like emotion regulation or social boundaries). With children, I involve caregivers as partners in healing, ensuring progress extends beyond the therapy room. My focus is always on fostering resilience and self-worth during these formative years.

Get in Touch with Norman