Hello! My name is Jan Ricks and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio. I recently moved back to Florida from Northern Kentucky where I lived for 16 years. I taught at the University of Cincinnati in the School of Social Work and when I retired (as an Emeritus Professor) we moved back to Florida. I am now focused on living my dream of providing therapy. I have been a Professional Social Worker for over 30 years, and I also have over 10 years of professional therapy work experience. I have experience working with many different populations including individuals and families, to inclued teens and adults: the elderly the LGBTQ+ community including any gender variant person (Transgender, Intersex…). I have extensive experience helping people move forward in a productive way. I have worked with people experiencing life changes, grief and loss, women’s issues, and many other life challenges. I have traveled to many places in the State of Ohio and Florida, conducting workshops for the employees of the State who required recertification. I have also conducted workshops and classes for private agencies providing education about Transgender, Gay, Lesbian and Intersex communities. I recently taught at the University of Central Florida as an Online instructor in the MSW program for the School of Social Work. After leaving the University of Central Florida I began working as a therapist at Better Help. I truly enjoy my work and have found online therapy to be very effective. It offers many opportunities that are not available in an office setting. Most important is I believe in the resilience of the human spirit and the power of change, and I also believe that people have many strengths that will help them overcome challenges they are facing. I utilize a variety of therapeutic methods including Cognitive-Behavior therapy to help create the change that people need. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am grateful to have the opportunity to be a part of creating that change. I am here to support you in that process. I also want to say that a therapist must be a good fit and I understand that reaching out can be difficult. I encourage you to take the leap! I look forward to meeting you!