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Her identity as a counselor has been a driving force throughout her career and continues to shape her professional goals, says Annaleise Fisher, the newest counselor to join Jewish Family & Community Services.
Fisher’s primary responsibility at JFCS is to provide individual counseling services to people from all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Counseling is available for individuals experiencing concerns such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship challenges, life transitions, and adjustment difficulties.
“My goal is to help clients gain insight, better understand and manage emotions, develop effective coping strategies, strengthen communication and boundary-setting skills, and prioritize self-care,” she said.
She plans to expand services through counseling groups, couples counseling, educational programs, and other supportive resources.
Fisher’s past experience includes providing counseling services in both community mental health and private practice settings. She has primarily worked with adults ages 18 and older but also has experience working with adolescents, couples, and groups.
“Throughoit my career, I have supported individuals facing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, life transitions, women’s issues, chronic health conditions, and challenges related to emerging adulthood,” she said. “I am also committed to providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ individuals.”
She has experience providing clinical supervision to counselors-in-training and newly licensed counselors. Since 2014, she has taught college, both undergraduate and graduate level courses, as well as continuing education courses.
Fisher earned a bachelor of science in psychology with a minor in biology from the University of Mount Union and a master of education in clinical mental health counseling from Kent State University. She also earned an education specialist degree in counseling, also from KSU. She is licensed as a counselor in Ohio and is a licensed professional clinical counselor with a supervisory designation.
She is a member of Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers, and currently serves as secretary of the Ohio Counseling Association.
“One of the things that excites me most about this role is the opportunity to serve my own community,” Fisher said. “Since earning my counseling license, I have worked in other areas of Ohio, so being able to provide services close to home is especially meaningful.”
She and her husband were born and raised in Youngstown.
“We met in middle school, started dating in high school, and have been together ever since,” she said. “This January, we welcomed our daughter into the world, and becoming parents has been one of the greatest joys of our lives.”
The family also includes their seven year old dog. And they feel fortunate to have their parents, siblings, niece, and nephews nearby, which allows them to stay closely connected.
When she’s not working, Fisher enjoys baking and reading.
“With a new baby at home, my hobbies have taken a bit of a backseat lately, but I still enjoy baking and reading thriller novels whenever I find the time,” she said.