Bisexual Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

I value openness to new experiences, to different ways of thinking, to honest conversations, to more authentic ways of living. My goal is for the therapy environment to be characterized by openness, where there are no taboo topics and you’re supported in talking about anything. I’m committed to providing an open, affirming therapy experience, where therapy helps you open doors to more genuine and more effective ways of engaging in life.

We all have the need to be understood, valued, and supported just as we are right now. Healing comes from having a safe place to share your struggles and fears without judgment. I use compassion and empathy to support individuals, couples and families. I believe each person has a unique lived experience and a therapist is there to support and guide people to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. I have advanced training and specialize in attachment theory to support healing in people that have experienced trauma. I believe that our relationships are a central component in our health.

I am passionate about helping clients discover their goals for themselves and learn healthy new coping skills and behavioral techniques to reach those goals. I will join you in your journey of change and personal growth while providing you with support, encouragement, compassion and empathy. My goal is to help all who step into my office to build resilience and improve their mental health. There is strength in realizing we can do hard things, and encouragement in seeing ourselves do them with support!

The path to a quality world can be intimidating for people. I understand how it can feel like it is one that you are on alone. My work with diverse groups: adolescents, people that identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples, and people with disabilities (PWDs) informs me of some of these challenges. My experience supporting clients in their path to wellness through anxiety, depression, trauma, disability acceptance, adoption/reunification, incarceration, personality disorders and relationship/intimacy challenges makes me confident in the progress we can achieve in counseling together.

Similarly to many of you, the pandemic created an opportunity for me to re-evaluate my choices and to step out of that comfort zone and move towards something new. Exploring new paths can be intimidating but it is also exciting. What I hope to provide for each of my clients as we work together: a place where it is safe to be both vulnerable and brave as you work towards healing and towards your own goals. My professional mission is to help each person determine their goals and needs, then build on their strengths to reach them. This is never a linear process but I can provide an open, safe, and judgment free environment.

I want to start off by saying that I am proud of you for taking the first step in healing! Making the choice to seek out therapy can be a tough one, choosing your therapist shouldn’t be. My goal as your therapist is to create a comfortable and safe environment (however that may look for you) to process, heal and grow. It is important to me that your therapy space is inclusive, trauma informed and person centered.

I work with adolescents and adults with challenges, such as self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, sexuality, identity, and more. I consider your culture, identity, and worldview in every counseling session. Meeting you where you are currently in life is vital in building a therapeutic alliance. My goal is to create a therapeutic environment that provides unconditional support for you to feel heard in a non-judgmental approach. You are the expert in your journey to healing. Therefore, I trust that you will lead me to the most challenging areas of life.

Most of my clients come to me with anxiety, obsessive compulsive, or trauma disorders. They find their worlds shrinking as a result and aren't sure how to break the cycle. For clients with anxiety and trauma disorders, I use exposure therapy to break cycles of fear, anxiety, and avoidance. I also see clients troubled by marginalization due to identity, relationship struggles, substance use, and psychotic disorders, and they too deal with pain that gets in the way of what's important in their lives. They often feel trapped or stuck and want to find a way through the barriers keeping them from meaning and purpose in their lives.

Join me and jump in! My job is to guide and support you as you build a life worth living. I work with motivated individuals, couples, and families to go after their dreams, make life's difficult decisions, and move forward. I work with clients holistically and collaboratively. I believe that the core of therapy should be the relationship that we form during our work together. I will work hard to know and understand you. Using evidence-based techniques and therapies, I hope to help you make a difference in your life.

It is my personal and professional belief that everyone is capable of discovering their most authentic and successful self, but may occasionally need assistance in their journey to personal enrichment. I have been lucky enough to find those people in my own life, and I consider it an honor to serve that purpose for my clients in a warm, welcoming, yet professional fashion. I respect the individual needs of varying cultural backgrounds, and enjoy finding common ground with varying clientele.

2024 Update: I can take BCBS or self-pay, with availability about a week out (probably for a short time!). To stay true to my specialization and passion, I only accept new clients for relationship counseling purposes (or through a personalized referral). This can be for couples or individual counseling that centers around relationship issues. I also work closely with the queer community (LGBTQ+, nonmonogamy, kink-friendly, etc.), and I love helping clients create and maintain boundaries while becoming their authentic selves.

Therapy can be quite difficult. Having a safe environment to talk about and process life's difficulties is so very important. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I'm here to support and empower you. You can expect me to patiently walk with you through whatever difficulties you are facing and help you learn more about yourself, respect your uniqueness, and invest in your emotional well-being. I will hold space for you. I believe in the power of creativity to help us heal and grow.

I work with children (5+), teens and adults on processing traumatic experiences, regulating emotions, navigating sensitive nervous systems, and strengthening relationships through laughter, creativity, art, and play.

Your mental health matters! I'm here to help! Taking the next step can be intimidating and difficult, but a different perspective may help you create balance and a renewed sense of stability. It is my intention to help you expand your life beyond the “couch,” where even the smallest of adjustments can make a huge impact. One of the most crucial parts of the therapeutic process is connection. I approach each session with warmth and an empathetic, listening ear to provide you a space where you feel heard, understood, and hopeful for your future.

Welcome to Speakeasy Therapy. I know how much courage it takes to make this first step. But once you do, I'll be with you the rest of the way. I am a relational therapist. My goal for you is that you feel consistently supported through the highs and lows of your therapy journey. I'll bring the skill and support, you bring the material, and together we uncover and remove blocks to authenticity, loving & connected relationships, and a fulfilling life.

Welcome to a space where understanding and acceptance thrive. Perhaps you're yearning to break free from the shackles of societal expectations or seeking support in embracing your authentic self. Your needs are at the forefront - whether that includes a desire for self-discovery, acceptance, or increased resilience. Together, we'll explore the unique intersectionality of your experiences, unraveling the threads that weave the fabric of your identity. Your goals become my compass, guiding us towards a journey of empowerment, fostering a sense of belonging and confidence in your own skin.

Nobody knows you like you know yourself. Your past decisions weigh on you and stop you from moving forward, to a place of peace and growth. Your past does not determine your future, each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. You may doubt who you are or what you want out of life, but you are the keeper of your story and do have power over your future. Your journey to finding the best life possible begins when you decide to make the change. I consider it an honor to walk down the path of exploration with you. No journey is too big or small, I believe in honoring all of life’s moments with my clients in a nonjudgmental environment.

Hello, I'm Jamal, and I'm dedicated to providing inclusive and compassionate therapy to individuals from all walks of life. As a therapist, I believe that everyone deserves a safe and supportive space to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment. I am committed to creating an environment where clients feel valued, respected, and understood, regardless of their background, identity, or beliefs. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a variety of clients, including stay at home parents, healthcare professionals, C-suite/business professionals, tech industry, and students.

The way trauma, anxiety and stress manifest in the body and mind is different for every individual. Some people may develop coping mechanisms such as avoidance or hypervigilance, while others may lash out or mask their feelings with substance use, anger, unhealthy or codependent relationships. Building a strong understanding of how anxiety, stress, and trauma affect the brain is key to understanding why you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with life's curveballs. Everyone experiences and processes life differently; self-awareness and a strong support system are they key to healthy coping.