Hi there and welcome to Mind Trek Counseling! My name is Norman Cerny. I am a counselor who works with clients of all ages and a variety of issues. My experience and focus have been in trauma-focused care, LGBTQ issues, self-harm, addiction, and family and relationship conflicts. I have a focus on transitional youth meaning teens and young adults but have and will work with people of all ages. I believe we are our best when we can live as our true authentic self in our everyday life. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, frustrated, stuck, or just unsure what to do next I would love the opportunity to help you through life's transitions.
About me and my approach
I have both an undergraduate and a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Akron. In addition to schooling, I have been working with clients of all backgrounds, ages, and issues for over 13 years. This has given me not only a wide range of past experiences and training but also helped me fine-tune myself as a counselor. I have had a strong focus on trauma counseling and am trained in Trauma Focused CBT.
I use a person-centered approach, meaning that what you need to heal is already in you and often we need someone to help us access it and figure out how to utilize it in our daily lives. I am trained in EMDR, Trauma Focused CBT, motivational interviewing, and ACT.
We all have times in our life where we need help, and it can be beneficial to find a professional to be on your team, and help you through these challenges. I would like to be that person for you. Together we can dig into your situation and struggles, and create a plan that we put into action.
Get in Touch with Norman
Norman Cerny, LSW, MSW (he/him/his)
My specialty on
LGBTQ Counseling
Individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or any other sexual or gender minority often encounter unique challenges that may not be experienced by cisgender heterosexual individuals. Whether you are seeking counseling for issues directly related to your gender identity or sexual orientation, or for unrelated concerns, it can be beneficial to connect with a therapist who has expertise in working with individuals from diverse gender and sexual identities. My understanding and experience can provide you with a warm and welcoming environment to address your needs.
I help with a range of issues related to the LGBTQ community including:
Exploring your sexual orientation/affectional orientation
Exploring your gender identity/expression
Making a decision about coming out and how
Dealing with homophobia, transphobia, discrimination or bullying among peers or in your family, social, or religious community
Identify and work on internalized homophobia or transphobia
Identifying and managing depression, anxiety, or gender dysphoria
Intimacy and Relationship issues
Concerns about sexual health, STDs, or HIV status
Concerns about sexual life include unhappy sexual life, unmatching sexual desires, unmet sexual needs, kinky style, and so on.
Explore and support all kinds of relationships including open relationships and polyamorous relationships.
Local LGBTQ Resources in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, and Nationwide
Cleveland:
LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland - https://lgbtcleveland.org/ The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland is a nonprofit organization that offers resources and support to the LGBTQ community in Northeast Ohio. They provide a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, social and support groups, youth programming, and advocacy.
Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce - https://www.plexuscle.org/ Plexus is a chamber of commerce for the LGBTQ and allied business community in Northeast Ohio. They offer networking events, educational programming, and resources to help businesses become more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ employees and customers.
AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland - https://www.aidstaskforce.org/ The AIDS Taskforce of Greater Cleveland is a nonprofit organization that provides support and advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS in Northeast Ohio. They offer medical case management, housing assistance, prevention and education services, and community outreach programs.
TransFamily of Cleveland - http://transfamily.org/ TransFamily of Cleveland is a support group for transgender and gender non-conforming individuals and their families. They provide a safe and supportive space for people to share their experiences, connect with others, and learn about resources and services available in the community.
The LGBT Community Fund for Northeast Ohio - https://www.clevelandfoundation.org/spectrum-of-funds/the-lgbt-community-fund-for-northeast-ohio/ The LGBT Community Fund for Northeast Ohio is a philanthropic fund that supports organizations and initiatives that promote LGBTQ rights and equity in the region. They provide grants to nonprofits working on issues such as education, health, and economic opportunity for LGBTQ people.
Columbus:
Stonewall Columbus - https://stonewallcolumbus.org/ Stonewall Columbus is a community center and advocacy organization that serves the LGBTQ community in central Ohio. They offer a variety of programs and services, including support groups, health and wellness programs, youth programming, and advocacy and education.
Equitas Health - https://equitashealth.com/ Equitas Health is a healthcare organization that provides medical and support services to the LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS communities in Ohio and Kentucky. They offer medical care, mental health counseling, case management, and education and prevention services.
Kaleidoscope Youth Center - https://www.kycohio.org/ Kaleidoscope Youth Center is a nonprofit organization that provides support and programming for LGBTQ youth in central Ohio. They offer social and support groups, educational programs, and leadership development opportunities to help young people build community and develop skills and resilience.
Cincinnati:
The Center - https://www.cincyglbt.com/ The Center is a community center for the LGBTQ community in Greater Cincinnati. They provide a wide range of services, including mental health counseling, social and support groups, youth programming, and advocacy.
Cincinnati Pride - https://cincinnatipride.org/ Cincinnati Pride is an organization that promotes and celebrates LGBTQ visibility and rights in the Greater Cincinnati region. They organize the annual Cincinnati Pride Parade and Festival, as well as other events throughout the year.
Caracole - https://www.caracole.org/ Caracole is a nonprofit organization that provides housing and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS in Southwest Ohio. They offer a variety of programs, including medical case management, housing assistance, prevention and education services, and community outreach.
Transgender Wellness Program at University of Cincinnati - https://www.uchealth.com/services/transgender-health/transgender-wellness-program/ The Transgender Wellness Program at the University of Cincinnati provides medical and mental health services to transgender and gender non-conforming individuals in Southwest Ohio. They offer a multidisciplinary approach to care, including hormone therapy, surgery referrals, and counseling.
Greater Cincinnati Gay Chamber of Commerce - https://www.gccc.com/ The Greater Cincinnati Gay Chamber of Commerce is a business organization that supports LGBTQ-owned and allied businesses in the Greater Cincinnati region. They offer networking events, educational programming, and resources to help businesses become more inclusive and supportive of LGBTQ employees and customers.
National:
Human Rights Campaign - https://www.hrc.org/ The Human Rights Campaign is a national advocacy organization that works to achieve LGBTQ equality through policy and legislative change. They work on issues such as anti-discrimination laws, marriage equality, and transgender rights.
The Trevor Project - https://www.thetrevorproject.org/ The Trevor Project is a national organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth. They offer a 24/7 helpline, online chat, and text messaging service.
GLAAD - https://www.glaad.org/ GLAAD is a national media advocacy organization that works to promote positive representations of LGBTQ people in the media. They work with news outlets, entertainment media, and social media platforms to increase visibility and understanding of the LGBTQ community.
National Center for Transgender Equality - https://transequality.org/ The National Center for Transgender Equality is a national organization that works to advance transgender rights through policy and advocacy. They work on issues such as healthcare access, employment discrimination, and identity document policies.
PFLAG - https://pflag.org/ PFLAG is a national organization that provides support and advocacy for LGBTQ individuals and their families. They offer support groups, educational resources, and advocacy tools to promote acceptance and understanding of the LGBTQ community.
National LGBTQ Task Force - https://www.thetaskforce.org/ The National LGBTQ Task Force is a national organization that works to advance LGBTQ rights through policy and advocacy. They work on issues such as immigration, racial justice, and healthcare access, as well as providing leadership development opportunities for LGBTQ activists.
Lambda Legal - https://www.lambdalegal.org/ Lambda Legal is a national organization that provides legal advocacy for LGBTQ individuals and communities. They work on issues such as marriage equality, employment discrimination, and healthcare access, and provide free legal representation to individuals facing discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.