Photo of Kathleen Irvin, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Kathleen Irvin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
My specialties are working with adults, 20y/o and older, coping with chronic illness, depression, bipolar, life transitions and difficult situations, which they, a friend/partner, or a family member are experiencing. Additionally, my skills lie in helping people cope with school and work issues, retirement, and aging. My goal is to help you cope, understand, respond and move forward.
(734) 294-0844 View (734) 294-0844
Photo of Jim Rossi, Psychologist in 49503, MI
Jim Rossi
Psychologist, PhD, LP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I enjoy working with individuals struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, weight loss, anxiety, depression, interpersonal concerns, and general life stress. I understand that it can be extremely stressful to manage emotional or physical health concerns in our fast paced, high pressure society. Throughout my training, I have admired the people I have worked with who are making transitions and want to examine themselves, their past, and their interpersonal environment to make changes that work for them.
I enjoy working with individuals struggling with chronic illness, eating disorders, weight loss, anxiety, depression, interpersonal concerns, and general life stress. I understand that it can be extremely stressful to manage emotional or physical health concerns in our fast paced, high pressure society. Throughout my training, I have admired the people I have worked with who are making transitions and want to examine themselves, their past, and their interpersonal environment to make changes that work for them.
(616) 326-3249 View (616) 326-3249
Photo of Emily Kingsbury, Counselor in 49503, MI
Emily Kingsbury
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
I have personal experience with many life circumstances that have humbled me as a clinician, including trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
The path to healing can be complex and even scary at times and we all handle life’s curveballs in our own unique ways. I believe in illuminating the inner parts of ourselves that we aren’t always aware of, but that allow us to better navigate our own path. As a therapist, I believe every person has the potential for change and to live a meaningful life and it is my job to assist you on that journey.
I have personal experience with many life circumstances that have humbled me as a clinician, including trauma, grief, loss, anxiety, depression, and chronic illness.
The path to healing can be complex and even scary at times and we all handle life’s curveballs in our own unique ways. I believe in illuminating the inner parts of ourselves that we aren’t always aware of, but that allow us to better navigate our own path. As a therapist, I believe every person has the potential for change and to live a meaningful life and it is my job to assist you on that journey.
(616) 208-2747 View (616) 208-2747
Photo of Sarah K Parks-Pittman, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Sarah K Parks-Pittman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CHT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
We are living in tender times. Many of us are undergoing internal shifts and personal transformations while the world at large is also shifting beneath our feet. Working together, we can find ways to cope creatively with life's many challenges. My work is inspired by each individual client’s unique potential for wholeness. I enjoy working with individuals on issues of gender, sexuality, relationships, intimacy, spirituality, wellness and authenticity. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly & aware. My other areas of competence include anxiety, depression, grief, and adjustment to life transitions.
We are living in tender times. Many of us are undergoing internal shifts and personal transformations while the world at large is also shifting beneath our feet. Working together, we can find ways to cope creatively with life's many challenges. My work is inspired by each individual client’s unique potential for wholeness. I enjoy working with individuals on issues of gender, sexuality, relationships, intimacy, spirituality, wellness and authenticity. I am LGBTQIA+ friendly & aware. My other areas of competence include anxiety, depression, grief, and adjustment to life transitions.
(616) 427-1813 View (616) 427-1813
Photo of Sam Lemmer, Licensed Professional Counselor in 49503, MI
Sam Lemmer
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
Vulnerability: while rewarding, can be daunting. It isn’t easy to let someone into your internal landscape and I value the possibility of learning yours. My name is Sam and I work with clients to become intimately comfortable with the buried and beautifully impactful aspects of themselves. Often, the relationship to yourself contributes to how your days unfold in the world around you. When was the last time you heard or nurtured the parts of yourself that long for you? In doing so, a gateway opens up to a sense of self-worth that will allow you to experience yourself and your environment with a new lens.
(616) 236-2946 View (616) 236-2946
Photo of Andrea Beck-Lundskow, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Andrea Beck-Lundskow
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Hi, thanks for reaching out. I know this is hard because you’re not usually a reacher outer. You're existing in spaces with people all around you but you feel small, maybe invisible. You’re disconnected from your own body, your desires, your partner(s), and your community. You feel frazzled and fragmented and flat-out exhausted. You also have an inkling, a knowing that somewhere inside you there is another way but you haven't learned to trust your knowing yet. You don't want to keep doing what you've always done, but have no idea how to go forward.
Hi, thanks for reaching out. I know this is hard because you’re not usually a reacher outer. You're existing in spaces with people all around you but you feel small, maybe invisible. You’re disconnected from your own body, your desires, your partner(s), and your community. You feel frazzled and fragmented and flat-out exhausted. You also have an inkling, a knowing that somewhere inside you there is another way but you haven't learned to trust your knowing yet. You don't want to keep doing what you've always done, but have no idea how to go forward.
(616) 208-5776 View (616) 208-5776
Photo of Melanie Freeland, LPC Intern in 49503, MI
Melanie Freeland
LPC Intern
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The deepest goal of counseling is learning about yourself by teaching me about you. This idea can be daunting. You might be asking yourself, “What will I learn? Am I ready? What will this journey be like?” Sometimes starting the process is the hardest part! The beauty of counseling is that the journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. When you find a therapist that fits well, it can feel less like stumbling through a dark forest and more like forging a path of your own. No matter what brings you to therapy, feeling empowered, safe, and understood through the process can make all the difference in the world.
The deepest goal of counseling is learning about yourself by teaching me about you. This idea can be daunting. You might be asking yourself, “What will I learn? Am I ready? What will this journey be like?” Sometimes starting the process is the hardest part! The beauty of counseling is that the journey doesn’t have to be taken alone. When you find a therapist that fits well, it can feel less like stumbling through a dark forest and more like forging a path of your own. No matter what brings you to therapy, feeling empowered, safe, and understood through the process can make all the difference in the world.
(616) 737-0939 View (616) 737-0939
Photo of Liz Blanchette (Solan), Limited Licensed Psychologist in 49503, MI
Liz Blanchette (Solan)
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MLP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
My hope is to help create a space where you can express yourself authentically and without fear of shame or judgement. I understand how difficult it is to ask for help, and take the time needed to explore your own thoughts, feelings, and actions. My goal is to help you explore thinking patterns, and how they play into some of the emotional hurt and discomfort. I want to help build on your strengths, while moving towards a place of vulnerability.
My hope is to help create a space where you can express yourself authentically and without fear of shame or judgement. I understand how difficult it is to ask for help, and take the time needed to explore your own thoughts, feelings, and actions. My goal is to help you explore thinking patterns, and how they play into some of the emotional hurt and discomfort. I want to help build on your strengths, while moving towards a place of vulnerability.
(616) 298-3807 View (616) 298-3807
Photo of Andrea C Sims, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Andrea C Sims
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
You deserve to have a safe space to engage in exploration and healing. Life can be an overwhelming experience, especially for those of us that hold marginalized identities. Therapy is a collaborative process, and through this collaborative process we can both explore what healing may look like for you. I enjoy an eclectic and holistic style of healing, emphasizing a client-centered approach for selecting treatment styles. Black femmes, POC, and LGBTQIA2SP+ folx are prioritized. I look forward to collaborating with you.
You deserve to have a safe space to engage in exploration and healing. Life can be an overwhelming experience, especially for those of us that hold marginalized identities. Therapy is a collaborative process, and through this collaborative process we can both explore what healing may look like for you. I enjoy an eclectic and holistic style of healing, emphasizing a client-centered approach for selecting treatment styles. Black femmes, POC, and LGBTQIA2SP+ folx are prioritized. I look forward to collaborating with you.
(313) 444-6373 View (313) 444-6373
Claire Victoria Graves
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Claire practices an eclectic, person-centered, trauma-informed approach to therapy. Claire has significant experience working with adults struggling with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health issues, and intimate partner violence. Claire practices an inclusive and holistic approach to therapy, utilizing evidence-based interventions and creative approaches to meet individual client needs. Claire believes in practicing from an intersectional, trauma-informed, gender affirmative perspective, with specific emphasis on assisting clients in developing skills to more effectively navigate their unique life circumstances.
Claire practices an eclectic, person-centered, trauma-informed approach to therapy. Claire has significant experience working with adults struggling with substance use disorders, co-occurring mental health issues, and intimate partner violence. Claire practices an inclusive and holistic approach to therapy, utilizing evidence-based interventions and creative approaches to meet individual client needs. Claire believes in practicing from an intersectional, trauma-informed, gender affirmative perspective, with specific emphasis on assisting clients in developing skills to more effectively navigate their unique life circumstances.
(616) 303-4143 View (616) 303-4143
Photo of Sarah Saunders, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Sarah Saunders
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LMSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
The past few years have been a time of growth, change, and unpredictability for many people. Perhaps now you are looking for a space to connect with yourself - to delve into both practical concerns and inner work. As an LGBTQ+ therapist with a commitment to antiracism, I am dedicated to creating a shared space that fosters courage, healing, and authenticity. Building trust in ourselves and others is at the heart of this work. With an open mind, I am prepared to work together to identify your personal goals and co-create a plan. There is no perfect time to begin, and I welcome you to come as you are.
The past few years have been a time of growth, change, and unpredictability for many people. Perhaps now you are looking for a space to connect with yourself - to delve into both practical concerns and inner work. As an LGBTQ+ therapist with a commitment to antiracism, I am dedicated to creating a shared space that fosters courage, healing, and authenticity. Building trust in ourselves and others is at the heart of this work. With an open mind, I am prepared to work together to identify your personal goals and co-create a plan. There is no perfect time to begin, and I welcome you to come as you are.
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Photo of Sharon Depcinski Certified Sex Therapist, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Sharon Depcinski Certified Sex Therapist
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CST
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Not accepting new clients
Sharon has been a licensed clinical social worker for 24 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Family Life/Human Sexuality from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She completed a supervised clinical training program at the Loyola University Outpatient Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, holds a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan and is an AASECT certified sex therapist (The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists), which includes over 200 hours of post-graduate education and consultation.
Sharon has been a licensed clinical social worker for 24 years. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Family Life/Human Sexuality from Central Michigan University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. She completed a supervised clinical training program at the Loyola University Outpatient Sexual Dysfunction Clinic, holds a certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Michigan and is an AASECT certified sex therapist (The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists), which includes over 200 hours of post-graduate education and consultation.
(616) 236-2992 View (616) 236-2992
Chronic Illness Therapists

How does therapy for chronic illness work?

Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.

Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?

Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?

No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.

How long does therapy for chronic illness take?

There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.