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Healing Starts Here

Find your path toward resilience and emotional wellbeing in a compassionate, professional environment dedicated to your growth.

*This is a free 15-minute introductory consultation for first-time clients only to determine if you feel we are the right fit for your needs. One free consult per person.

A Personal Welcome

Healing is a journey best taken with compassionate support. We invite you to hear directly from our founder, Sara Shaw, about our counseling philosophy and our commitment to creating a safe space for your emotional wellness.

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About Ahava Mind

Ahava Mind is a specialized counseling practice dedicated to providing evidence-based, professional counseling grounded in specialized training and extensive real-world experience to foster resilience and emotional healing. Founded by Sara Shaw, M.S., LPC, our practice provides a collaborative and compassionate environment where individuals can navigate life's most complex challenges with expert guidance and unwavering support.

Expert Qualifications

Sara Shaw, MS, LPC, brings 25+ years of frontline experience in law enforcement to her counseling practice, combined with a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Walden University and a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice from Lourdes University.

She is EMDR trained and specializes in trauma, crisis response, and the unique stress faced by first responders, veterans, and helping professionals — bringing both clinical expertise and lived understanding to every session.

Compassion & Safety

Every session is built on trust, deep empathy, and a genuine commitment to meeting you exactly where you are.

We create a non-judgmental space where you're free to explore, process, and heal at your own pace because true growth can only happen when you feel truly safe.

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Who We Serve

Ahava Mind welcomes adults from all walks of life, with a special passion for those who spend their lives supporting others. We proudly serve first responders, veterans, educators, healthcare workers, and legal professionals. Individuals who carry the weight of chronic stress, trauma exposure, and compassion fatigue in service to their communities.

Whatever brought you here, you'll find a space that understands the unique demands of your world.

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Meet Sara

Ahava Mind is a specialized counseling practice dedicated to evidence-based, professional care grounded in trauma support and crisis response. Understanding the unique stress of first responders and helping professionals, we provide a collaborative environment to foster resilience and emotional healing.

Sara works with adults from all walks of life who carry the weight of chronic stress, trauma exposure, and compassion fatigue. Her primary focus is on serving first responders, veterans, educators, healthcare workers, and legal professionals who dedicate their lives to supporting their communities.

Supporting Those Who Support Others

Counseling Specialties

Trauma Recovery
Grief & Loss

Specializing in EMDR and evidence-based approaches to help you process past experiences and rebuild safety.

A compassionate space to navigate the complexities of loss and find a gentle, supportive path forward.

Life Transitions
First Responders

Guiding you through significant life shifts, helping you find clarity and resilience during periods of change.

Specialized clinical support for first responders dealing with the unique trauma and stress of service on the front lines.

Anxiety & Chronic Stress

Practical tools and emotional support to manage chronic overwhelm and find your way back to balance.

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Intro Online Consultation

15 Min Free Consultation

Explore Our Services

Your Therapy Journey

Beginning therapy can feel like a big step, and it's normal to have questions. Our goal is to make the process as comfortable, transparent, and collaborative as possible. From our very first conversation, you'll be met with compassion, professionalism, and a commitment to helping you feel understood. Here's what you can expect as we begin your journey together.

Counseling Philosophy

Confidentiality

Therapy is a collaborative, practical process grounded in compassion and evidence-based care. Our role is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can gain clarity, build resilience, and develop tools that continue serving you long after therapy ends. Together, we'll work to understand not only what you're experiencing, but why, and how to create meaningful, lasting change.

Your privacy is of the utmost importance to us. Everything discussed in therapy is kept confidential in accordance with Ohio law and professional ethical standards, with limited legal exceptions involving safety or circumstances required by law. These exceptions will be reviewed with you during your intake so you fully understand your rights and protections.

Complimentary Consultation

Ongoing Care

Embarking on therapy begins with a simple, free 15-minute consultation. This is a gentle opportunity for us to connect, discuss your current needs, and determine if our practice is the right fit for your healing journey. 

 

If another provider would better serve you, I will gladly provide a referral to help you find the right support.

If you decide to move forward, you'll receive access to Ahava Mind's secure HIPAA-compliant client portal, where you can complete paperwork, manage appointments and access information related to your care. Whether navigating trauma, grief, or life transitions, you can expect clear confidentiality, transparent session details, and a high standard of professional care. YOUR FIRST APPOINTMENT Your initial session is longer than a typical therapy appointment because it serves as a comprehensive diagnostic intake. During this visit, we'll discuss: •What brings you to counseling •Your current concerns and symptoms •Your personal, medical, family, and mental health history •Your strengths, goals, and what you hope to achieve through therapy This thorough assessment allows us to gain a complete understanding of your unique experiences so we can develop the most effective treatment plan together. YOUR SECOND APPOINTMENT At your second session, we'll begin putting the pieces together. We'll review: •Your diagnosis (if applicable) •The symptoms and clinical information that support it •How your experiences and history contribute to what you're facing today •The evidence-based counseling approaches and modalities we'll use to help you reach your goals We believe clients deserve to understand why they're experiencing what they are—not simply receive a diagnosis. Our goal is to help you gain insight and equip you with practical tools that foster lasting growth and healing.

In-Person & Virtual Appointments

Insurance & Payment

Whether you prefer meeting face-to-face or from the comfort of your home, we offer both in-person and secure telehealth appointments to accommodate your needs and schedule.

At this time, we are a self-pay practice and are in the credentialing process with several insurance companies.

 

We currently accept the following insurance providers:

 



If you hope to use insurance in the future, please get in touch with us to inquire whether we are currently applying to become an in-network provider with your specific insurance carrier.
 

Payment is due at the time of service. HSA and FSA cards are accepted when eligible.

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Our goal isn't simply to help you feel better, it's to help you understand yourself better.

Because when insight is paired with practical tools, lasting change becomes possible.

Start a Conversation

*This is a free 15-minute introductory consultation for first-time clients only to determine if you feel we are the right fit for your needs. One free consult per person.

Access Your Portal

Registered patients can manage appointments, view secure records, and connect with their care provider here.

Our Office

AHAVA MIND

(Inside Ahava Spa and Wellness Center)

34 S St Clair St
Toledo, OH 43604

Reach Out to Ahava Mind

Get in touch

Direct Contact
Opening Hours

Mon – Fri: 9:00AM – 6:00PM
Session by Appointment

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Frequently asked questions

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