Exploring Life & Business with Deborah Doling-Dade of 3D Pathways, LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deborah Doling-Dade.

Hi Deborah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
DeeDee Doling-Dade, LISW-S, GRMS
Co-Founder, Owner – 3D Pathways, LLC

Background & Credentials:
DeeDee Doling-Dade is a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervisory designation (LISW-S) in Ohio, bringing over 15 years of clinical experience and more than 20 years in the wellness industry. With a background that spans mental health therapy, corporate wellness, budget management, and event planning, DeeDee merges professional excellence with personal purpose. She earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s in Social Work while raising two young children as a single mother (blessed with a strong community)—an early testament to her strength and vision.

3D Pathways:
3D Pathways, LLC is a local Counseling Service located in Canal Winchester, Ohio. We serve individuals ranging from 13 to over 70. I founded the Counseling practice with father in 2019. We each had personal stories of loss, grief, and restoration. that led us to opening the practice.

I went back to school at age 30 after a divorce and unsure how to move forward as a hurting single mom of 2 toddlers. Since that time I’ve served families of many diverse backgrounds and ages. The families I’ve helped have suffered from suicidal ideation and attempts, depression, anxiety, loss, grief, abuse, addiction- just to name a few. Fortunate enough to be well trained in CBT, DBT and MI modalities – I strive to combine theory with compassionate connection. Many of the adults I serve currently achieve improved symptoms simply through learning affective interpersonal communication skills with the members closest to them. (Interpersonal Communications was my first attempt at school – so I’m well versed in these skills as well)

At age 55 Ernie (Dad) went back to school for a degree in social work after pastoring for 30 years and went on to practice for 15 years in Social Work prior to us opening the business. He spent the last 40. years serving Canal Winchester in various capacities through the love of Christ. His saying: “Love God, Love People”. After he passed in 2024 – I aim to continue the mission as well as some new visions.

My WHY:
“As a survivor of childhood and adult abuse—sexual, emotional, and spiritual—and after the devastating loss of my brother, I learned firsthand what it means to “put on the face” while hurting silently. My healing journey didn’t truly begin until I entered recovery and found the right people and tools to guide me. While I was fortunate to have this community – my years in the field have made it clear that not everyone has this same blessing. Those who helped me always said, ‘Pay it forward.’ This was our family legacy – This counseling practice and my next non-profit endeavor 3D Living is my way of doing just that. I serve to help others move beyond shame, into healing and generational change.”

Fun Fact or Quote:
DeeDee is passionate about fostering safe, trauma-informed spaces where people can stop surviving and start thriving in a 3Dimensional pathway – Body, Soul and Spirit.

“Our goal isn’t just to help you heal—we want to impact generations to come.”
“Love God, Love People”
“Pay it forward – one person, one family at a time”

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to is never smooth in my opinion – especially for those who commit to life-long learning and improvement and growth.

Struggle number 1 – Gaining and applying social work theory, knowledge all while still healing myself and raising 2 children. Despite our big hearts and compassionate nature – it’s not enough without evidence-based tools at work to help people navigate their lives. Seeing these tools work combined with connection has been a privilege and honor.

Struggles since opening the business: While Ernie and I both brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to our practice, there were still deficits – things like navigating the insurance craze, keeping up with social media to advertise the business, mental heal stigma is still very real and the idea that asking for help shows weakness in adults keeps most of us stuck in our illness
– no one ever really prepares you for the things you “don’t know”. But I”m convinced, if we knew – we wouldn’t take the risk.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
3D Pathways is a local counseling and consulting agency in Canal Winchester, Ohio. We provide evidence-based counseling practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy-Informed Strategies, Mindfulness training, Motivational Interviewing for individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, stress-management, anger management, trauma and addiction concerns. I am also certified as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist through the Grief Recovery Method Institute and utilize some of these informed strategies to help individuals navigate a number of losses including death, divorce, moving, career/life transitions. The Grief Recovery Method became the only evidence-based model approved to address symptoms from grief and loss in 2019. Thanks to our newest addition, Jordan Kidwell, LSW – we are now offering Internal Family Systems-informed strategies to help individuals heal the wounds of their past.

What sets us apart? We offer evidence based approaches with compassionate connection and also offer these strategies in-line with a faith based approach to those whom wish. We combine excellence, education with empathy and individualized approaches. I had a supervisor tell me one time – “Dee Dee, if after the first session with any client, they want to come back – you’ve done your job” and that’s stuck with me – Our clients leave feeling heard and understood and not-alone, then the rest can be taught. 🙂

I want our readers to know – most if not all of the strategies and approaches taught in our sessions – are ones we’ve had to use on our own healing journeys. I strive to practice what I preach and I urge those working with me to do the same. When people understand that therapists are humans as well, hurting as well, and leading by example, there is a different connection. Not that it’s a forever friendship – but an understanding that we can sit with you and help you navigate from a place of experience AND education.

Brand wise – the triangle is very important. If you didn’t know – the triangle happens to be the strongest geometrical shape. It’s the only shape that can sit on a “flat” plane. If you had volume to one corner or another – it remains a triangle, unchanged. 3-sided shapes and the number 3 happens to very symbolic scripturally as well. Like-wise; a person is most well, and strongest when attention is paid to all parts of their being – Mind, Soul, Spirit.

Mind: How we think and feel. Soul: Who we are at the core Spirit: What connects us to the divine or transcendent. A personal example of this – despite my own therapy, education, and work on previous traumas – I didn’t truly become the best version of myself, until the spiritual side of my triangle was put back in place where it needed to be. I see it with our clients time and time again – when the 3 work together harmoniously; we are our best-selves.

We strive to help our clients connect to each of these parts in order to create the best version of themselves. (including community links to yoga or other wellness initiatives)

Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Dr. Jawana Richardson – She was my supervisor while I was in the field earning my Independent License. She opened my eyes to different perspectives, she merged kindness with fairness, she exemplified calmness in the midst of chaos, she accepted me and my flaws and made me better.
Lucy Villiers, LSW and Shonda Montroy, LISW – teammates that “showed me the ropes”
My contract therapists, past and present that show up every day and help their clients and families navigate some of the deepest hurts and make me better along the way.
Janice Tirado – my dear friend who I call my “spiritual sponsor”, she listened to me nonstop and poured in my soul and heart healing words and prayers – may everyone be blessed to have a healer in their corner such as Janice.
A host of individuals that have served as sounding boards, educators, and helpers along the way.
My grandmother, soul sister, Billie Doling – she encouraged me to go back to school and to go after my dreams – when I went back to school – she helped me purchase a new car to commute back and forth to Athens for 2 years. When I asked to pay it back she said “pay it forward” when you are able.
My mother – if not for her prayers, and her help with my children – I would not be able to do what I do
My father – Ernie Doling – He was my coach, my father, my pastor, and co-founder – If not for his teaching, faith, partnership, belief in me – I wouldn’t be here.
My now husband Brad Dade – my helper and confidant – he’s made me a better wife, mother and has sacrificed lots of nights without me while starting these initiatives.
My children without a doubt – they’ve been my inspiration and loudest cheerleaders. They were there when I graduated with both degrees and have watched the process AND my flaws and still cheer me on. Many nights I’ve had the endless mother guilt – and yet we find a way to still have a front row seat in each other’s lives and I’m forever grateful.

Pricing:

• Assessment: $150
• Individual and ongoing session: $125
• GRM Classes: 8 week, $300
• GRM Individual 7 week: $500
• Workshops and Trainings Vary

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.3dpathways.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3d_pathways/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3dpathways
• Other: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575889337983