What Is the ICFT Difference and How Does It Help You?

ICFT (Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy) in Dublin, Ohio, stands apart through a systemic, relationship-focused approach that treats root causes, not just symptoms, to create lasting change across individuals, couples, and families.

Key ICFT Benefits:

• Systemic therapy that addresses core relationship patterns
  
  
• Client-centered, personalized treatment plans
  
  
• Evidence-based methods like emotionally focused therapy (EFT)
  
  
• Highly credentialed, experienced marriage and family therapists
  
  
• Integrated care for couples, families, individuals, and young adults
  
  
• Focus on sustainable growth, emotional insight, and real-world change

Finding the right therapy practice can feel overwhelming. You're looking for more than just credentials; you want a therapist who genuinely understands your challenges, sees you as a whole person, and helps you create lasting change. 

ICFT (Individual, Couple, and Family Therapy) in Dublin, Ohio, offers systemic therapy that addresses relationship patterns and core issues, rather than surface-level symptoms. Our approach combines evidence-backed techniques with genuine care to create lasting change for couples, families, individuals, and young adults.

What Makes ICFT’s Therapy Approach Different?

ICFT doesn't rely on a single theory or one-size-fits-all approach. We practice systemic therapy that looks at the bigger picture of your life in relation to isolated problems. Key differences include:

• Systems-focused perspective that considers how relationships, life transitions, and emotional patterns connect
• Client-centered assessments tailored to your specific situation
• Identification of core issues that create ripple effects of positive change
• Integration of proven therapeutic techniques within an authentic therapeutic relationship
• Collaboration with psychiatrists and other providers for comprehensive care

"As a Marriage & Family Therapist, I am trained to help you find ways to get out of your 'stuck system' and create a new system full of joy," says Margaret 'Charlie' Knerr, MS, IMFT-S, Clinical Director at ICFT. "That's the power of systemic therapy, when you change the core patterns, everything shifts."

We Take Time to Get to Know You

One of the most important ways ICFT stands out is our commitment to understanding each client's specific needs. Effective therapy requires a safe space where you feel comfortable being vulnerable. 

We don't rush to conclusions or apply cookie-cutter solutions, and our therapists ask thoughtful questions that invite self-reflection and safety. We help you find words for struggles you may have felt but couldn't quite express. This client-centered approach creates the foundation for genuine healing and growth.

ICFT's couples therapy addresses real relationship challenges with specialized expertise. Our therapists help partners with:

• Communication breakdowns and ongoing conflict
• Recovery from infidelity and rebuilding trust
• Emotional and sexual disconnect
• Parenting differences and household responsibility disputes
• Major life transitions and mental health challenges
• Boundary issues with extended family

Our approach includes emotionally focused couples therapy (EFT), helping partners understand attachment needs. We offer relationship counseling for ongoing support and discernment counseling for partners uncertain about their future together.

What Credentials Do ICFT Therapists Have?

Every ICFT therapist meets rigorous professional standards:

• Advanced degrees in marriage and family therapy
• State of Ohio licensure for assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
• IMFT-S designation (the highest level of training in our field) for multiple team members. Those who do not have it are working toward it. 
• Our Senior Clinicians have at least 15+ years of clinical practice experience
• Ongoing professional development and advanced training

ICFT’s Clinical Director, Margaret 'Charlie' Knerr, MS, IMFT-S, served as Clinical Faculty at The Ohio State University and helped launch their Master's Degree Program in Couple and Family Therapy. She was appointed by Governor Kasich to the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker & Marriage and Family Therapist Board, serving twice as Board Chairperson.

Mike Knerr, PHd, IMFT-S has helped train over one thousand therapists serving all over the world. 

"Change is possible. Over the past 20 years, I have seen change happen in the most complicated and hopeless situations," Charlie notes. "It is my pleasure to help my clients rediscover hope and find solutions that work for them."

Our experienced team includes:

• Mike Knerr, Ph.D., IMFT-S
• Melanie McClellan, MS, IMFT-S
• Erin Schaefer, MS, LMFT-S, LPCC-S
• Abby Sagasser, MA, IMFT
• Amanda Callen, MA, MFT

How Does Family Therapy at ICFT Work?

ICFT's family therapy creates a safe place where each party can be heard, rather than allowing confrontational group sessions. Our family therapists excel at:

• Individual diagnostic assessments for each family member, if needed
• Systemic relational assessments of family dynamics
• Supporting blended families through transitions
• Addressing behavioral concerns in children, adolescents, and young adults
• Helping families cope with trauma, loss, or chronic illness
• Managing extended family relationship challenges

We understand each family member as an individual while recognizing how the family system operates as a whole. This dual expertise helps families develop healthier communication patterns and build resilience.

What Support Does ICFT Offer for Young Adults?

ICFT specializes in therapy for young adults navigating the transition to independence. Common challenges we address include:

• Anxiety about career paths and future planning
• Relationship issues and forming healthy partnerships
• Identity development and building a sense of self
• Depression and low self-esteem
• Independence struggles and 'failure to launch' concerns
• Learning to regulate emotions and manage stress effectively

Our therapists help young adults develop communication abilities and build confidence for life's challenges. Parental involvement is encouraged when clinically appropriate.

Why Choose ICFT for Individual Therapy?

ICFT's individual therapy incorporates a systemic perspective even in one-on-one sessions. We help clients understand how relationships, past experiences, and life circumstances influence mental health. Areas we commonly address:

• Anxiety and depression
• Trauma and grief
• Life transitions and career changes
• Relationship patterns and boundary-setting
• Understanding your role in current struggles

We help you find new perspectives and use your own strengths to create lasting solutions. This empowers you to make meaningful changes that extend beyond symptom relief.

What Makes ICFT Therapists Different From Other Providers?

Beyond credentials and training, ICFT therapists demonstrate consistent qualities that clients value:

• Skills in helping clients understand power dynamics, relationship patterns, and emotional responses
• Safe therapeutic relationships where feedback and insight flow freely
• Exceptional listening, hearing what you say and what you don't say
• Client empowerment, giving you space to make your own decisions
• Genuine care for client well-being and success
• Ability to find hope even in difficult situations

These qualities create therapy experiences where clients feel genuinely understood, supported, and equipped for lasting change.

What Services Are Available at ICFT?

ICFT offers comprehensive mental health services in Dublin, Ohio:

• Couples therapy and marriage counseling (including couples therapy for communication and couples therapy for infidelity)
• Discernment counseling for couples uncertain about their relationship future
• Family therapy for blended families, extended families, and complex situations
• Individual therapy for adults addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life changes
• Therapy for young adults (ages 18-30)
• Adolescent therapy for teens
• Children's therapy with parental involvement
• Diagnostic second opinions
• Intensive therapy sessions

How Do I Get Started With ICFT?

Starting therapy at ICFT is straightforward:

1.       Contact our office at 614-389-0747 or office@icftcolumbus.com
2.       Speak with our intake team about your needs and concerns
3.       Schedule an initial appointment with one of our therapists
4.       Develop a personalized treatment plan
5.       Begin your journey toward lasting change

ICFT (Individual Couple and Family Therapy) serves clients throughout Columbus, including Dublin, Powell, Hilliard, Westerville, and surrounding areas. Services are available in person at our Dublin office or via secure teletherapy throughout Ohio. 

Whether you're seeking couples therapy, family therapy, individual therapy, or support for young adults or adolescents, our experienced therapists provide compassionate, research-informed care that grows new skills and connection, and creates genuine change.

Because when therapy is done right, it changes everything, not just for you, but for everyone in your life.