Peer counseling in high school sparked Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz’s interested in psychology.

Last week, the Ada resident opened the community’s newest business, Bluffton Psychological Services, LLC. A licensed psychologist in Ohio, she has established an office in the Celebration of Health building at 122 Thurman St. and is now accepting clients.

“I provide individual therapy for adults,” she said. “On a case-by-case basis, I sometimes see adolescents younger than 18 for concerns related to body image and eating disorders.”

“My approach to therapy involves prevention as much as treatment. In my view, many symptoms and problems are actually coping strategies developed to get by,” she said.

Barlow-Potkanowicz said that she uses an interpersonal approach to therapy. “My approach is not one-size-fits-all, but rather, is individualized to fit the person, that person’s goals for therapy and that person’s context and culture.”

She has particular expertise in treating:
• Disordered eating
• Eating disorders
• Body image concerns
• Anxiety, panic, worry

She also provides individual therapy for:
• Depressed mood
• Dysthymia
• Bipolar disorder
• Grief, loss
• Chronic illness support
• Self-injury
• Self-confidence, self-esteem
• Time management
• Stress management
• Career indecision, burn-out
• Relationship concerns
• Family or origin issues
• Life transitions

She holds a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College, Williamsport, Pa., a master’s and doctorate from Kent State University in clinical psychology. She completed a one-year internship at the University of Oregon Counseling Center, has provided psychological evaluations for public safety personnel in Indianapolis, and was a staff psychologist at the Ohio University Counseling Center.

In February she will offer a free workshop on stress management following a chamber breakfast. That workshop, open to the public, will take place at 8:45 a.m. in the third floor of the town hall on Friday, Feb. 15. More details on the workshop will be provided soon.

In addition, an open house for Bluffton Psychological Services will take place this winter.

Deanna Barthlow-Potkanowicz, Ph.D.
Licensed psychologist in Ohio
Bluffton Psychological Services, LLC
122 Thurman St.
PO Box 73
Bluffton, OH 45817
419-358-4627
www.blufftonpsychologicalservices.com
[email protected]