BHS | Behavioral Health Systems Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

Whether you are experiencing mental health issues, challenges that are overwhelming, or just need someone to talk with, I am here to support and be a person standing next to you through whatever challenges you may face by providing a safe, compassionate, and judgment-free environment. Experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship conflict, family conflict, addiction, trauma, and mental health disorders can be hard to handle on your own. I am here to assist in creating a better understanding of yourself and accomplish the goals you want within your life and treatment.

My goal with anyone interested in counseling is to "meet you where you are at ". Feeling comfortable with your counseling experience is very important to me. With therapy, it is essential to provide non-judgmental feedback with an understanding that everyone is unique regarding their therapeutic needs. I am here to offer you a multidisciplinary approach regarding your concerns, rather than a "one size fits all approach". We investigate together the concerns that brought you into counseling with the idea of working together to sort out the important details. Bringing yourself to the origin of your concerns is the goal.

I have been in private practice for 33 years having the privilege of serving individuals and couples in our community. I've gained a solid understanding of the struggles we face navigating the difficulties of life. My knowledge and compassion facilitate growth and healing for individuals within their selves and in their relationships. My style of therapy is one of warmth and engaging with each person in the story of their life and the difficulties within that. It is my intention to create an open and inviting atmosphere for people to explore themselves, their relationships, and the environment which they live.

We can sit here and tell you all about how experienced we are, how we have worked with all individuals and many mental health concerns, but when you look for a therapist, is that the most important thing that you look for? Maybe it is, or maybe you are looking for a therapist that you can relate to, that provides a warm and inviting environment. Maybe you want someone that can throw all rules aside and when you are having a bad day/week can be there just to listen. If you can relate, then Willow Path Counseling is the right place.

Hello, my name is Gretchen and I am a compassionate and caring Limited Licensed Psychologist dedicated to helping you achieve health and wholeness in your spirit, soul and body. I am proud of you for taking a first step in exploring how counseling may benefit you. If you choose to work with me and include me in your journey towards wellness, you should know that creating a safe, honest and productive environment for you to grow is my top priority. This requires great vulnerability on your part and I am honored to step into this work with you.

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan with over 15 years of experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, families, and individuals seeking support on a variety of levels and concerns. A few of my preferred theoretical approaches include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Solutions Based Counseling. I appreciate working with clients from a holistic perspective as well. I have found that tailoring a treatment plan to the specific needs and goals of each person is important for progress and growth.

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.

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.

My commitment is to support you in positive changes in an accepting environment. Through a collaborative approach, you will gain insight into maladaptive patterns that may be inhibiting you from creating the life you want to live.

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.

I have been practicing clinical social work with children, adults and adolescents for twenty-five years. I strive to provide treatment that is supportive, accepting and one that encourages each individual's unique personal exploration and growth. I use a relaxed, interactive and educational approach to treating depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and recovery, co-occurring disorders, parenting/family support and adjustment to life transitions.

Do you ever wish life could be different but don't know how to make make changes? Do you wish you could have someone to confide to that isn't part of your daily life and maybe someone who will give you wisdom and help shed light on patterns of thinking that might not be helpful to you? Do you long for space to share your inner thoughts and feelings without judgement? Over the years, I have worked with a variety of individuals ages 4-50 something who long for these exact things!

Life is a roller coaster Than can be very stressful. I am here to help you get through the tough times. What can you do when you feel tired and overwhelmed? I learned how to manage anxiety, depression, panic attacks, childhood sexual abuse, trauma, and grief. I consider it a privilege to walk alongside others who are looking to deal with similar issues. I models like CBT, DBT, solution-focused and trauma-informed therapy. I also love to incorporate humor and laughter into our time together. Let's talk and see if I can help.

Hello! I want to thank you for taking a step towards finding a therapist that is right for you. It is my belief that everyone can benefit from exploring ways to address, refine, and improve their mental health. In the same way that a physical ailment might stop you from doing something you love, challenges to your mental health can do the same. I have a passion for walking alongside individuals & couples seeking explorative life change, whether it is addressing an old concern, exploring current issues, or simply setting yourself up for success moving forward. It is my goal to empower clients in seeking healing and resilience.

We all go through various challenges in life, and some may be easier to navigate alone than others. Just like going to a doctor to maintain your physical health, meeting with a counselor can be a vital part of maintaining your mental health. Therapy can provide you with the tools necessary for working through challenges in your life. As well as improving your overall wellness, counseling can also help you with developing a better understanding of yourself. Throughout the counseling process, you can develop skills for improving your relationships, coping with life stressors, and emotional pressures.

Taking the first step towards therapy is often the most difficult. I strive to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere in which to build a caring and collaborative therapeutic relationship where the client and the therapist work as a team. In working with my clients, I practice a strength-based approach where helping my clients with wellness, self-growth, and exploration is vital and foremost. I am particularly interested in trying to help clients feel more like the authors of their own lives, so that they can achieve what they hope for in all areas of their life.

I am a licensed psychologist with a background in community mental health and university counseling practicing privately since 2011. I take a holistic approach to therapeutic work, using the context of culture, personal development, and multiple dimensions of identity. I also specialize in evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral activation for depression, radically open dbt (RODBT) for issues of over-control, and prolonged exposure for PTSD. I am board certified as a DBT therapist through the Linehan Institute and infuse elements of DBT like mindfulness practice into my general work.

I approach each session with a nonjudgmental, empathetic, and listening ear. Through my work, I invite you to explore outside your comfort zone to realize the abundance of possibilities that may exist for you. Because all relationships go through ups and down, I will offer support to examine how you can focus on personal development while, also introducing techniques that will improve your relationships with yourself and others. I feel it is important to meet people where they are at but still encourage goal setting. When working with clients, I look at how past experiences, including trauma, affect their current experiences.

It's about relationships . . . We're here to provide guidance in building and strengthening relationships between family members, friends, and even, with yourself. Caring and comprehensive counseling services for: Adults, teens and children of all ages, Individual, couples, family and group counseling.