Chronic Illness Therapists in Belknap Lookout, Grand Rapids, MI

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.

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.

Taking steps toward change is not always easy. I believe we are capable of change given the opportunity and courage to do so. My approach is collaborative and I tailor my work to meet your needs, personality, and cultural factors. I believe in meeting people where they are at to help them heal, grow, and achieve the personal changes they want to make. My style is warm and approachable, and I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment.

Welcome! I am glad you are here. As a mental health professional, I provide support and intervention for a variety of psychological, career, academic, and relational experiences across the lifespan to diverse persons. This includes services to individuals, various partner structures, families, and groups. My work centers on decolonization and destigmatization of mental health services with emphasis on culturally-affirming care. As such, I identify as a LGBTQIA+, Kink, Disability, and Gender Affirming provider. The experiences of marginalized, minoritized, and disenfranchised communities remain at the forefront of my clinical work.

I work with clients from all backgrounds, religions, gender identity, and sexual orientation. I believe that as we move through life we encounter moments that cause us to adapt; whether from trauma, unmet expectations, humiliation, lack of nurturing, societal pressure, or our role within our family. We cultivate these adaptations and carry them with us, applying them to new parts of life where they may no longer be needed. If we learn to meet ourselves with compassion, gratitude, and curiosity, getting to know the parts of us that work so diligently to protect us, we can begin to uncover and heal the deeper wounds that they shield.

Are you overwhelmed by life and not sure how to get through another day? Troubled by the past and not sure how to resolve it? Is anxiety, depression, or grief the main feelings you experience on a daily basis? Do you want to be content and free from worry? To enjoy life to it's fullest?

Life can be filled with challenging experiences and obstacles that leave us feeling hopeless, worried, restless, frustrated, or even stuck. Sometimes, we feel lost and confused about our purpose in life. Other times, we can feel unsettled and consumed with worry. Maybe you even feel powerless, like you're going through the motions of the day under a gray cloud and can't seem to find the energy to move forward. If this resonates, I will help you process your feelings, guide you through useful coping strategies, and ultimately work alongside you to reach your therapeutic goals.

Seeking therapy to better yourself and your life isn’t an easy decision, but it’s a brave one and shows incredible strength. When you enter my office, I view you as the expert in the room. While it’s not unusual to feel lost, with some time and reflection, we can begin to understand ourselves better than anyone else possibly could. Throughout my career I have consistently seen that when we invest time and energy in ourselves it only creates a positive ripple throughout our lived experiences and relationships. That said, we often need someone to walk alongside us on this journey of self-discovery.

My goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment where children, teens, adults, couples and families can open up, share and find help in regards to personal struggles and trauma that occur throughout the life span. I am a Christian who counsels and have 17 years of experience. I work helping those who struggle with the tangled web of interpersonal conflicts who have limited insight about their struggles whether those relationship are with significant other, in marriage,home, work, or with peers. My passion is to help people find their purpose. Accepting new referrals.

I feel that one of the biggest gifts I have been given is the opportunity to work alongside individuals in their respective life journeys. I value the whole person, respect individual and cultural diversity, and view psychotherapy as a supportive, healing element to people's lives. I identify primarily from an Interpersonal perspective, placing heavy emphasis on the power of relationships. Whether talking about relation to self, family and friends, or significant others, I believe that much of how we experience the world (and its hardships) can be shaped by the meaningful and complicated experiences we have with others.

I possess 20 years as a licensed professional counselor working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults and older adults. I offer individual, couples and family counseling. Areas of clinical experience cover Trauma/PTSD, mood disorders (Depression/Bipolar), ADHD, anxiety disorders, grief and loss issues, substance abuse and addiction, healing from physical, mental, emotional, sexual abuse and infidelity, chronic illness, stress/anger management, men's and women's issues, faith/spiritual and existential issues, relational/marital issues, issues around divorce, adoption, school, behavioral issues, and blended family issues.