Christian Counseling Center celebrates 25 years in the community

For 25 years the Christian Counseling Center has been a staple in the community to help provide professional counseling services to people of all ages. The number of counselors have changed throughout the years, but there are three independently licensed, professional mental health counselors — Jennifer K. Damm since 1999, Michele A. Loesser since 2005, and Erin Perry since 2016. In addition, there is a six member board of directors. In 1993, Pastor Allen Dietz of First Lutheran Church saw a need within the community for more mental health services. Christian Counseling Center began with one counselor, Melanie Owen a nurse and member of the church's congregation. From there the center grew and today sees about 120-140 clients a month. In 2007, the center split from the church to become its own separate 501(c) 3. The center is still housed in the church and is still supported by many in the congregation. "I am glad and grateful to be able to continue to provide these services to clients in the Tiffin and surrounding areas," Damm said. Loesser said she had always had a fascination with psychology and she always wanted to help people. "The people come first," Loesser said. "Our main focus is on our clients and of course our internal family." Perry herself started out in education and moved into the counseling field. "I found it hard to education students and I thought I could help more if I could make a connection and what students and families face day-to-day," Perry said. A reception is scheduled for Aug. 13 to celebrate the center's 25 years. Over the years Perry said the social stigma against counseling has become more positive and now they have seen more referrals made from other clients. "We just want to continue to provide a warm welcome, comforting environment and provide the best services possible," Damm said. "We want people to know they are not alone." The center helps treat a broad array of issues, including ADHD, alcohol/drug dependency, anger management, anxiety, behavior disorders, community education, depression, employee assistance, family problems, grief or loss, health and illness, interpersonal issues, life transitions, marital/relationship concerns, mood disorders, personal/social problems, psychological testing/evaluation, PTSD, sexuality issues, stress management and work issues. For more information, call (419) 447-8111.