Therapists in 49009

Change can be extremely difficult, and having a supportive, unbiased opinion can be helpful when experiencing tough situations, especially for both children and teens. I believe that my goal as a therapist is to help guide your child, and teach them how to be an expert in their own life, as well as identify their emotions and utilize tools they learn. I want to learn from them and work with them on how to work towards that change. I have experience working in the Schools, and my goal is to help your child be successful and build their confidence at school and in the rest of their lives.

Accepting the journey we've been on and the need for change can feel overwhelming. Often therapy is seen as a one sided conversation, let's change that narrative together. As your therapist, it is important to me to create a relationship where you feel safe and supported. We can explore what acceptance, healing, and growth means to you and create a plan to achieve those goals.

I work with my clients to create a healthy and helping relationship. I approach therapy open-minded and judgment-free; working to promote a safe and supportive space that facilitates growth, discovery and healing. Often in our lives we lose our identities and our paths become blurred; I have worked with a variety of clients from differing backgrounds and have made it my goal to meet people where they are and to offer myself as an instrument in accessing many of the strengths that they already possess. Therapy offers a way to help improve areas in our lives where we feel we need support.

I completed my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and hold a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology/Sociology from Kalamazoo College. My diverse work, education, and training experiences have provided the opportunity to work with female and male adults and adolescents in individual and group therapeutic settings. My therapeutic approach derives from a relational perspective and I utilize cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, and holistic health approaches in our session.

Everyone struggles from time to time. Whatever has come your way - depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, emotional conflict or crisis - searching for relief is a courageous first step and a sign of great strength, not weakness. By helping people feel comfortable talking about the struggles in their lives, they can figure out ways to make things better. However, this is not easy, especially when you're overwhelmed. By providing real solutions to your struggles, I strive to help you mobilize your strengths and cope effectively with the life challenges you are facing.

As I think about how change occurs for a person, I am struck by the recognition that life is full of opportunities for change, for individual growth. Sometimes these opportunities are not clear to the person because the trauma, personal or relational difficulty, fear, depression, or anxiety being experienced can be so overwhelming that one's ability to take action is clouded. In my work, I have become very mindful of the resiliency of the human spirit. I have witnessed this resiliency in times of trauma, pain, and loss. My goal is to provide you with a safe space to address your concerns.

I believe that counseling helps you to discover who you are, and who you want to become. As a counselor, I will assist you, your family, your children to explore through life challenges. I will help you find which self-care techniques work best for you as an individual. Together we will discover what your success looks like and how to find the path that feels comfortable for you to get there. I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings for more than 10 years using various treatment models that promote individual strengths. I have worked with children, adolescents, and families in different stages of life.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us” – J.R.R. Tolkien. Each of us has a choice to make about the type of life we want to live, and therapy is a great place to begin exploring our options and welcoming change. It can help us better understand what we want our lives to look like and how we can intentionally move in that direction. It offers awareness of the patterns and beliefs which shape our lives. I firmly believe by bringing awareness and intentionality to our lives, we connect with our true strength and have the opportunity to change our lives for the better.

I work with clients who have various types of trauma, and its effects on the individual and their environment. My experience in the field began with providing therapy for adults with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental heath disorders. I have worked with people who suffer with many different forms of trauma and traumatic experiences. I have also work with clients dealing with loss and grief. I have an extensive experience working as a first responder (firefighter, paramedic, and police officer) before I entered in to my career as a counselor. I also specialize in working with first responders and their unique needs.

It is important to me that I offer a safe, respectful and confidential environment for clients as they process challenges in their lives. I believe that every individual has the ability to recognize their internal self-worth, which external factors often impede. I believe in focusing on the person as a whole, with attention to the emotional, physical, and spiritual components of wellness. I have a great deal of respect for my clients, and I recognize the strength it takes to address concerns and seek assistance. It is my goal to offer encouragement and support as clients work towards making positive changes to their lives.

I believe that everyone struggles with life at times. I offer a supportive, caring, non-judgemental environment to work through any issues, struggles or concerns. I offer crisis, short term, and long term counseling. I work to get to know you and what you need. Together we will make a plan to address any struggles, concerns or issues that you may have. The hardest part of any journey is taking the first step. I am here to help and guide you on your journey.

When working with children, I strive to create a calm and inviting environment where children and adolescents feel safe enough to discuss trauma or any other concerns impacting their daily life. I believe therapy is a very personal experience that requires a non-judgmental, genuine, and compassionate relationship between client and therapist. I understand that building a truly effective, collaborative relationship must include transparency and openness. In therapy, I understand the connection between physiology, environment, and mental health.

Therapy is a unique experience between the counselor and the client, unlocking the client's potential to be a more genuine version of themselves. People often seek out counseling services in order to gain new perspectives about a recent or past experience, to understand better where they have been, where they are standing, and where it is they want to go. No one has to ever do anything alone, there is always support; counseling offers that support through being heard, as well as exploring and practicing tools to cope with stress that is a part of life.

Our world is a busy and complicated place, full of impersonal demands and unrealistic expectations. Living our lives on full display in the digital age can make it even more difficult to find true authenticity, peace and fulfillment. What we really need is the opportunity to pause and take a look at what we truly want for ourselves, and whether our energy and gifts are being used in pursuit of our purpose and passion. Counseling offers this opportunity for self-examination, along with the chance to expand coping skills, develop personal strengths, and solidify and repair relationships.

Life can be challenging at times. Trying to make sense and work through painful and difficult life experiences can often seem like a daunting task. Whether you are struggling with day to day stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues or behaviors that interfere with you living the life that you desire, my practice provides a safe and warm environment where you can identify personal goals, engage in meaningful therapy and find resolution and healing. Empathy and sensitivity to your struggles are key components of my work. This first step towards change solidifies your courage and innate potential toward intentional living.