Jo Defibaugh, MA
“I cannot tell you to simply breathe to relax when the air you breathe may be poison. Breathing connects us to this earth, our source, good or bad. Breathe lightly when needed, deeply when able, and treasure the air, a force of life.”
About MeHi, I’m Jo, a Licensed Professional Counselor.
I’m a warm, authentic, and relaxed therapist who values building genuine connection from the very first session. Clients often notice my grounded presence and personable approach, which helps create a space where they can explore, reflect, and grow with confidence.
My own experiences navigating LGBTQ+ identity and minority stress inform my empathy and drive to provide affirming, thoughtful care. I believe that growth often comes through recognizing and coexisting with life’s challenges, and I’m honored to travel alongside clients as they uncover their strengths and reclaim agency over their lives.
What I tend to focus on
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I’m drawn to affirming work because I deeply value the resilience of those navigating minority stress and identity-related challenges. I prioritize instilling hope and helping clients recognize their inherent strengths. The most meaningful moments occur when clients realize they can enact change and feel empowered, rather than feeling subjected to a larger system.
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Identity is complex, nuanced, and central to understanding who we are. I create a judgment-free space where clients can explore labels, values, and experiences while maintaining autonomy and respect. The most rewarding shifts happen when clients confidently articulate their identity, embrace its nuance, and feel fully understood.
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Processing emotions is essential for self-discovery and growth. I pay close attention to defense mechanisms and emotional triggers to help clients better understand themselves. The most important change I witness is when clients can identify and articulate their emotions clearly—distinguishing between “I am angry” and “I notice anger arising”—which lays the foundation for lasting insight and change.
How I Help
I offer a moderate amount of structure balanced with flexibility and insight. Sessions can be direct and confrontational when needed or light-hearted and personable as we navigate challenges together.
My approach helps clients create distance between emotions and reactions, clarify identity, and gain practical understanding of themselves that wasn’t accessible before.
What Clients Often Experience
Clients often share that our work helps them:
Feel heard, safe, and affirmed
Recognize and leverage their own strengths
Gain clarity about emotions and identity
Problem-solve collaboratively and develop insight
Gain confidence in navigating life transitions and challenges
More About Me
Outside of therapy, I enjoy walking outdoors, writing letters to friends, and diving into niche hobbies like magnet-fishing or vintage machinery restoration. Having experienced feelings of misunderstanding and isolation myself, I deeply value empathy, curiosity, and authenticity—qualities I bring to my work with every client.
Education & Professional Affiliations
Education:
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Ohio University (2026)
RBA - Regents Bachelor of Arts, West Virginia University – Parkersburg (2023)
Professional Associations:
American Counseling Association
Ohio Counseling Association
Chi Sigma Iota, Alpha Chapter