We had the good fortune of connecting with Holly Alexander and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Holly, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
The resilience I see in my clients inspires me every day. I am a person who is fueled by helping others, so to be able to walk alongside my clients in their worst and darkest moments ignites something in me to keep doing what I’m doing. I’ve found that so many people don’t have one person they can truly confide in or trust and to be that for a person, is truly an honor.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I opened It Is Well Counseling, LLC in May 2024. There are multiple mental health private practice offices in the area, so I knew I wanted my business to reflect a genuine meaning of healing and hope for people seeking help and support. The name It Is Well Counseling, LLC is from an old hymn that I grew up singing in church. This hymn took on new meaning throughout my life. As I experienced hardships and painful losses, this song gave me hope and peace.

“It Is Well ” is a hymn written by Horatio Spafford in 1873. Spafford was a successful lawyer, businessman, and devout Christian who lived in Chicago in the late 19th century. However, his life was marked by tragedy and loss, including the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which destroyed much of his real estate holdings, and the death of his only son shortly thereafter. Despite these setbacks, Spafford remained committed to his faith and continued to work tirelessly to help others.

In 1873, Horatio decided to take his family on a trip to Europe, hoping that the change of scenery would lift their spirits. Horatio was delayed because of business, so he sent his family ahead: his wife, Anna, and their four daughters. Anna and their four daughters boarded a ship and set sail for Europe. However, tragedy struck once again when the ship collided with another ship in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean and sank, killing 226 passengers, including Horatio’s four daughters.

Receiving Anna’s tragic message, Horatio set off at once to be reunited with his wife. During his voyage, the captain summoned Horatio to the bridge of the vessel. Pointing to his charts, he explained that they were then passing over the very spot where the ship had sunk, and where his daughters had died. It is said that Horatio returned to his cabin and wrote the hymn “It Is Well” there and then.

The hymn, which speaks of finding peace amid suffering and loss, has resonated with millions of people around the world for over a century. It is a reminder that when we face deep sorrow, we have a choice; we can let the grief consume us, or allow it to be a part of our journey that fuels us to continue being a light in this unpredictable world.

I am honored to help my clients find peace and hope amid their pain. My job isn’t easy and some days I question, whether I’m smart enough and knowledgeable enough to do this. I remember though, I was born with this passion and vision, and nothing worth doing is ever easy. I want the clients that I work with to know they are genuinely cared for and that their progress and healing matter to me. My job is not a job to me, it’s a responsibility; one that I believe I was put on this earth to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in a very small city in Ohio and most people complain there is nothing to do. Growing up here my entire life, I’ve always managed to find things to do and amazing people to connect with. If my best friend were visiting the area for a week, first and foremost I’d let them know that the week would be completely chill and the schedule would be flexible!
To start the week, I would first take them to a dinner at Viva La Fiesta, the BEST Mexican restaurant. The atmosphere is fun and lively, and the employees are kind and welcoming. The next day, we would go to Winans for some delicious chai lattes and pick up some of their sea salt caramel chocolates for later. We would explore the beautiful downtown area that has lots of little unique shops. We would stop into “3 Weird Sisters”, “Blue Bow Boutique”, “Olive Oasis” and“Poppin Off.” We would end the day at “Crafted and Cured” for some amazing crafted cocktails/craft beer and a yummy charcuterie spread. The following day, we’d go to “Red Berry” for a charcuterie pancake board and then to the Hobart Nature Preserve for a walk. We would have to make some time to visit Haren’s meat market to pick out some mouth-watering burgers and brats to grill out on my back patio. On the fourth day, we would visit the neighboring town to shop at Belle Gray Market, go antiquing at Midwest Memories, and to the Hotel Gallery which is full of pottery, jewelry, and artwork by local artists. We would end our day playing some duckpin bowling and eating crafted woodfire pizza at Tipp City Pizza.
The last day, we would go for a long walk at Bruckner Nature Center and then do pottery painting at “Studio 14.” I would make sure to book us massages at “La Belle Epoque Center for Enlightenment.” While we are there, we would stop in and do a strengths assessment with Elle Hart at Stanfield Manor, who is a self-intelligence consultant. We would end the day at “Old Mason Winery” for some Warming Trend wine and live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Multiple people throughout my life have had a huge impact on me, but if I were to pick one person who has been instrumental in me finishing my second Master’s degree in clinical mental health and starting my private practice, it’s my husband, Dustin. I am blessed to be able to say that my husband is truly my biggest supporter and best friend.

Dustin and I got married in 2019 and I tell him all the time, he is the best decision I ever made. Before marrying Dustin, I truly didn’t believe I would find a life partner that I could trust with my heart and future. I came out of a 10-year abusive relationship that left me feeling unworthy and unloved. The emotional scares that I accrued before meeting Dustin, seemed insurmountable. Dustin showed me unconditional love and patience, as I worked through my past; accepting me as I am, while building me up emotionally and mentally to be the best version of myself.

My relationship with Dustin has been foundational to my success today. First, he supported and encouraged me to go back to school and finish my clinical mental health degree. He made many sacrifices that allowed me to quit my previous job to complete a full-time internship and finish my degree in a year. After I graduated, he was my biggest supporter when I told him I was considering opening my own practice. He helped me with every detail from hanging up my pictures in my office, putting together my office furniture, painting, putting down new flooring, and reassuring me that I could do it when I had my freak-out moments. He is my rock and has given me the confidence to use my God-given gifts of compassion and empathy to build a successful practice that gives me so much joy.

Website: https://www.itiswellcounselingservices.com

Image Credits
Ashley Dunlavy Photography

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