Therapists in 49503

My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe we can then work together to help identify what is challenging you currently to get you to the life you choose to live successfully.

Life can be challenging for all of us at times. Maybe a new challenge or crisis has arisen, or maybe you want to address a problem you've carried for years. It can be hard, and takes strength, to acknowledge when you're stuck and need help dealing with painful feelings or self-defeating behaviors. I see adults and teens with a range of difficulties and goals, working together to understand and ease sorrow, anxiety, or anger; explore or (re-)discover parts of themselves; address problems in work, school, or relationships; heal from trauma; resolve ongoing battles with their mind or body; and/or live with greater joy and satisfaction.

I believe the ability to heal already exists in you, waiting to be uncovered from beneath past protective patterns that no longer serve you. Maybe you're successful & functioning on the outside, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Your mind overthinks & your body is tense. From past trauma or current stress, part of you feels broken, not enough, unworthy, or unlovable. You already know this shame, but aren't aware of other parts of you. Those that know how to rest, relax, self-care, balance emotions, & love yourself. You hope you can befriend your own mind, body, & spirit as allies instead of enemies.

Axel Hettinger (he/him) specializes in client-focused therapeutic techniques. His work incorporates the arts and any special interests clients may have. Axel is a queer therapist who strives to create a welcoming, affirming and warm environment for all clients, and specifically works with LGBTQIA+ clients seeking gender-affirming care. For several years he’s worked with adolescents as a counselor, mentor, and community organizer. Axel is a regular collaborator and facilitator with the Grand Rapids Pride Center and speaks at Universities and schools to promote cultural understanding of underserved communities.

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.

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 offer to individuals and couples a wealth of experience in working with depression, anxiety and relationship issues, and a deeply compassionate approach to therapy. My emphasis is on building a strong therapeutic relationship and creating a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their identities and experiences. I also offer experience in working with issues like addiction, trauma, and grief. I believe that incorporating holistic practices like exercise, nutrition, and yoga into my therapy approach is important and offer a comprehensive understanding of wellness and the interconnectedness of mind and body.

As compassionate therapists, our goal is to help you uncover your true potential. Our caring multidisciplinary team is ready to guide you through depression, anxiety, anger, mood issues, trauma, relationship conflict, or other life stressors. In a comfortable and supportive atmosphere, we offer a person-centered approach tailored to your needs to help you reach the personal or relational growth you deserve. We hope that you come to know the unique person that God has created you to be in order to live your life in abundance.