The Wells County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of Thrive Upwards Counseling, welcoming owner Jen Frank to the Wells County business community. Located at 122 Lamar Street, Suite 116 in Bluffton, Thrive Upwards Counseling provides a warm, welcoming space where individuals and families can find healing, hope, and support through every season of life.
Opening Thrive Upwards Counseling represents far more than opening the doors to a new office. For Jen, it is the fulfillment of a dream rooted in compassion and a calling to help others find healing, hope, and renewed strength through life's challenges.
"Opening this counseling practice is so much more than opening an office," Jen shared during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It is about creating a space of healing, hope, and connection within our community space where people feel seen, supported, and empowered as they navigate life's challenges."
That vision is reflected throughout the thoughtfully designed office. Jen and her family completely transformed the space, renovating everything from the floors, walls, ceilings, and bathroom to the furniture and decorative finishes. The result is a warm, calming environment where clients can immediately feel welcomed and at ease.
One of the most meaningful features of the office is the Solomon's Seal, a plant that has become the symbol of Thrive Upwards Counseling. "I chose this plant because I loved the way it looked," Jen explained. "It wasn't until later that I discovered the meaning behind it and realized that it perfectly reflected the kind of environment that I hope to create for the people I have the privilege of serving."
The Solomon's Seal symbolizes healing, wisdom, safety, resilience, and renewal. Growing gracefully in shaded places, it serves as a reminder that growth and healing often happen during life's most difficult seasons. As Jen beautifully described, "Even as it bends, it doesn't break. It's a reminder that resilience isn't about never facing hardship but about finding the strength to keep growing through it."
Jen's passion for helping others began long before opening her own practice. She began her journey in the helping profession in 2004 while earning her bachelor's degree. After completing her undergraduate education, she later returned to earn her master's degree in social work. Although owning a counseling practice was never part of her original plan, the opportunity naturally unfolded over time.
Today, Thrive Upwards Counseling provides counseling services for individuals, children, teens, couples, and families experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, and other life challenges.
In addition to traditional counseling approaches, Jen offers Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy that uses guided eye movements to help clients process distressing memories and reduce emotional triggers. ART has been shown to help many individuals experience relief from trauma, anxiety, grief, and other emotional challenges in fewer sessions than some traditional therapies, allowing clients to move forward without having to relive every detail of painful experiences.
"My hope is that this practice will be a place where individuals, children, teens, couples, and families find support, discover their strengths, and experience healing and renewal," Jen said. "I hope everyone who walks through these doors knows they don't have to face life's challenges alone."
Jen also expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who helped make her dream possible, especially her husband, Tyler, whose countless hours of renovation and unwavering encouragement helped bring her vision to life.
"I also want to thank my family, friends, colleagues, and this incredible community for your encouragement, support, and belief in this dream," she shared. "I would not be standing here without each of you. It is an honor to continue serving this community in this new way, and I look forward to walking alongside those who entrust me with their stories."
Thrive Upwards Counseling offers flexible scheduling by appointment, including evening and weekend availability, making it easier for clients to find a time that fits their schedule. Appointments can be conveniently scheduled online through the practice's website at ThriveUpwardsCounseling.com.
To learn more about Thrive Upwards Counseling, explore the counseling services they offer—including Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), or schedule an appointment by calling 260-296-0527 or visiting the website.
Pictured celebrating the ribbon cutting are Thrive Upwards Counseling owner Jen Frank; her husband, Tyler; her daughter, Taryn; children Kenzie Frank, Trace, and Kaden Simpson; family members; Wells County Chamber Ambassadors; and Wells County Chamber staff.
Please view more photos from the event on our Facebook page.