Title: Counselor
Company: Risse Counseling Services, LLC
Location: Arnold, Missouri, United States
Colleen Frances Ocello, MS, Counselor at Risse Counseling Services, LLC, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Healthcare Professionals for dedication, achievements, and leadership in Mental Health Services.
Ms. Ocello has established herself as a dedicated professional in the field of mental health and substance abuse counseling. Since 2022, she has served as a counselor at Risse Counseling Services, LLC, where she conducts in-person sessions and offers virtual support to clients. In her role, Ms. Ocello assists individuals in developing coping skills and strategies to manage stress while also managing essential documentation and paperwork.
Throughout her tenure at Risse Counseling Services, LLC, Ms. Ocello has demonstrated a profound commitment to her clients’ growth and well-being. She is particularly recognized for her ability to help clients, many of whom initially present with anger, defensiveness and frustration, identify unhelpful patterns in their thinking and behavior. Ms. Ocello’s empathetic approach encourages clients to pause and reflect rather than react impulsively, fostering meaningful change in their lives.
Ms. Ocello’s dedication extends beyond individual sessions. She thoughtfully considers the broader circumstances that may have contributed to her clients’ challenges, including experiences that led to incarceration. The positive feedback Ms. Ocello receives from clients who express gratitude for her guidance stands as a testament to the significant impact of her work.
Before pivoting to the counseling profession, Ms. Ocello gained valuable telesales experience at Concentrix from 2020 to 2022. In this capacity, she honed her communication skills and developed an understanding of client needs through remote interactions. Ms. Ocello also worked in sales at Aflac Corporation, where she refined her interpersonal abilities and learned the importance of building trust with clients.
From 1998 to 2017, Ms. Ocello was employed as a pharmacy technician and trainer at Shop ‘n Save. Over nearly two decades, she developed expertise in pharmaceutical operations and training new staff members, which provided her with a strong foundation in health care and customer service. Ms. Ocello began her professional journey as a cashier at E.J. Rexall Pharmacy in 1992. This early experience introduced her to the health care environment and instilled in her the values of diligence and reliability.
In preparation for her future in the mental health field, Ms. Ocello obtained a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Missouri Baptist University in 2018. Subsequently, she earned a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Walden University in 2023. These educational achievements have been instrumental in equipping Ms. Ocello with advanced knowledge and practical skills essential for effective counseling practice.
Ms. Ocello has also pursued specialized training through certifications, including the Certificate of Completion for Exploring the DSM-5 and the Certificate of Completion for Performance Assessment Skills Exercise from Walden University. Additionally, she holds a Certificate of Achievement for Psychological First Aid, awarded in 2022.
Besides her education, Ms. Ocello’s commitment to professional development is reflected in her active memberships with several industry organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, and the National Society of Leadership and Success. These affiliations have been instrumental in her ability to remain at the forefront of her field.
Ms. Ocello’s expertise in substance abuse and mental health counseling distinguishes her as an accomplished professional dedicated to making a lasting difference in the lives of others through empathy, skillful guidance and unwavering support. Her decision to transition into counseling was influenced by years spent as a pharmacy technician, during which she was frequently sought out for advice by others who valued her insight and compassion.
Looking ahead, Ms. Ocello aspires to establish her own counseling practice where she can continue working with similar clients and expand her impact on the community. She is also committed to furthering her education by pursuing a doctorate to strengthen her expertise and enhance her ability to support those she serves.
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