Therapists in Michgan Oaks, Grand Rapids, MI

For over 30 years I have worked in West Michigan providing counseling, therapy, direction and supervision to adults and children. Each person's situation is unique and therefore requires a unique approach. In my counseling practice I emphasize building a trusting, safe, nonjudgmental and honest relationship with clients. Together we will identify issues, learn to understand them and find solutions to life's difficulties. I specialize in assisting individuals who are experiencing painful situations and need help managing life's most difficult events including depression, anxiety, loss, phobias, trauma, and chronic illness.

Diana "DeeDee" DiTrapani is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Master's Degree from Wayne State University and has been working in the field for 34 years. Many of those years have been spent working with children and families in child welfare, foster care, and adoption.

Most of us act with the best of intentions and don’t always get the results we were expecting. As a counselor, my role is not to tell a client what to do, but rather to help clients examine what their goals are, different ways goals can be achieved, and to provide supportive and honest feedback through a therapeutic relationship. I have lived in and around very diverse communities throughout my life, and I take pride in understanding and honoring everyone’s unique culture and beliefs.

I truly care about my clients and will provide a confidential, empathic, and non-judgmental environment. My ideal client might be in distress and simply in need of relief or someone who wants to investigate themselves and grow through the process. My ideal client might not be sure if therapy will help. I would try a variety of strategies to show you that it can. I have had challenges in life and I have received help from many people along the way. I believe that we should receive help when we need it and help others when we are able to do so. I look forward to collaborating in our work together!

Getting to the root of your pain, is what we specialize with. We practice with individuals, couples and families. So whatever your focus, we can meet you there. Depression, anxiety, marital issues, child parent, vocational and drug / alcohol. Sometimes the problems become tangled and seemingly impossible to untie. We can help you.

(As a couple or individual) - Experiencing a traumatic event, anxiety/ past pain can send you into a panic, tearful, angry, shut down. Feeling disconnected from yourself or from your partner. Stress feels so intense that sometimes it moves you to withdrawal. Or it rises into agitation: why doesn't my partner see my pain? Why did this/does this conflict/"bad thing" happen? What if it happens again? Feeling distrustful that anyone will be there for you either because you have been let down by someone before (maybe your partner) or have experienced something painful/traumatic & fear it will happen again. Feeling lonely and ignored.

I am a licensed Clinical Therapist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have been in the field for over 10 years. I practice Solution Focused Therapy using Person Centered approach. My goal is not to change you but to help facilitate the change that you desire.

I view therapy as a collaborate space where it is safe to share life’s difficulties. I find joy in working together to learn to cope with stressors and develop healthy habits for better managing relationships, mental health concerns, and whatever situation might be important in that moment. I enjoy working with adults and couples. My primary areas of expertise include treating mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as working with adjustment disorders and substance use disorders. Therapy is about helping people through situational life stressors or relationship conflicts.

Pamela Rybka is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducational therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. Her philosophy of care is to involve clients in their treatment plans.