Therapists in Holland, MI

Joel is a Christian Counselor in Holland MI who works exclusively with children and teens, and helps parents reclaim confidence and joy in parenting. Joel is focused exclusively on kids and family. His passion and expertise lie in his love of kids and getting to know them. He specializes in childhood & adolescent issues, parenting strategies, and coping through divorce. Joel excels at making connections with kids and parents and helping them navigate through the frustrations of family life to reach a place of peace and joy.

I have a heart for helping people and walking alongside them in their journey of healing. Life can bring unexpected pain and suffering. Often times you can feel lost and confused with no one to turn to. Counseling is a beautiful way to seek help from someone who will guide you through the littlest to most difficult times in your life. Everyone can benefit from talking to someone who is not a family member or friend. Someone who will truly hear your needs and unconditionally support you. I am here for you! Please Call Today!

As you seek out a counselor, you can understandably feel vulnerable at times. I provide a supportive space for you come as you are. It's a privilege when you trust and allow me to walk alongside you through challenges but also to celebrate your successes. It is rewarding to work with you, to learn together and to help you reach a more full life. For over twenty years I have offered support in relational work with children, teens, adults and families helping them navigate life transitions and offered information on supportive services.

Although I spend a lot of time conducting psychological assessments, I truly enjoy the time I get to spend as a therapist walking through life with my clients. At one point in time or another, all of us struggle with anxiety, depression, self-esteem, relationships, big-emotions and overall ineffectiveness in our life. In therapy, we not only spend time discussing ongoing issues and current difficulties, but we also focus on themes in our lives and the ways that our thinking patterns can inhibit our ability to create the unique life that we want to live.

Have you or your child experienced trauma? Do you or your child suffer from self-harm issues or suicidal ideation? Or maybe you or your child suffer from a variety of life adjustment issues such as divorce, identity issues, racing thoughts or sadness? Then more than likely you or your child have experienced some kind of trauma. I am here to help. I have been worked with children, teens and families in crisis for 17 years in the scope of social work and this gives me a unique style paired with a wealth of knowledge. I look forward to helping you and your family make a connection that could change your life.

My ideal client is someone who is looking to become a happier, healthier person. There are many challenges throughout our lives that come unexpectedly and without warning. Though we can't change that, we can change our approach to facing the challenges which can make all the difference. I consider it a privilege to walk next to you in this journey. You are stronger than you realize and I look forward to helping you see that! Life can and will get better on the other side of this.

Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives.

We love working with clients with a variety of issues. We find it engaging and rewarding to help people find happiness and contentment. Our ideal client is one who is motivated for personal change and healthier relationships with others. We believe happiness is based in developing a kind characters and connecting with others. In order to develop kinder characters and healthier attachments, one must be willing to question their own actions, thoughts and beliefs. This process can be intimidating; yet is made easier with the kind support of a caring therapist.

People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.

Since graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Brittany has spent several years working with adults and children struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and stress management. Being a mom of three young kids, working with new mothers and families to navigate the transition into parenthood has become a passion as well.

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and their families. I am trained in TBRI, certified in TF-CBT, and experienced with foster care and adoption struggles. I also have a passion for working with military service members and their families. I work hard to meet people where they are, from ages 3-55. I utilized play therapy, talk therapy, art therapy, individual, family and couples therapy. I want to support you in the changes you want to make in your life and will work with you to move forward in meeting your goals.

Life can get messy. Maybe you found yourself in a situation you didn't choose for yourself, or maybe you can't seem to shake that gnawing anxiety or the voice that says "you will never be enough". Perhaps you found yourself reeling in the wake of someone else's choices, or maybe even your own. Or maybe you are a parent watching helplessly as you see your son or daughter struggle. That's where I come in. I value the opportunity to be invited into life's most fragile areas and walk alongside you toward freedom, wholeness and hope.

I've been in practice 25 yrs - with individuals/couples & families -- kids 6+, many teens, college students & adults. I'm shamelessly informal -- no ties or pressed shirts here!. The office is quite unique - - very large, ultra comfy, w/MANY natural oddities... slightly chaotic -- like life! Good strong coffee/tea/soda & munchies always available. Pets welcome. I'm adopted myself, a licensed foster parent, & work with trauma and attachment. I have a multi-cultural family & lived abroad (Africa). I do co-parenting therapy & am also very familiar w/court systems, working with Dr.'s, lawyers, schools and custody issues.

I enjoy working with a broad range of clients...from children who have been impacted by trauma, to adults who are struggling with life changes, unresolved trauma, or anxiety/depression. I honor that all of us are individual human beings with different needs, therefore, I like to tailor my therapeutic sessions to the person I'm sitting with at the moment. I believe that all of us need a safe space to be heard and to process all that life may throw at us throughout different stages of our journey. My passion is to create that safe space for anyone who feels I would be a good fit for them.

For over 20 years I have been involved in the mental health system and have had the privilege of helping individuals & families achieve their goals and overcome a variety of challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, mood disorders, new transitions, relational, & substance abuse struggles). While speaking both English & Spanish languages, my hope is that each individual that I encounter will gain a better understanding of themselves, and also learn valuable skills to move forward towards a more fulfilling and flourishing life---to be able to find 'Peace of Mind'--within themselves and within their surroundings.

I believe that every person who is seeking therapy has already taken the first step toward positive change. This is often the most difficult step of the healing process. My first goal is to listen well and to seek to understand you. While my training includes many therapeutic approaches informed by research, I see therapy most of all as a process that unfolds with building a genuine relationship. I seek to find strengths within each person and assist them in building upon those strengths within therapy.

Our mission, at Footprints Counseling, is to walk alongside our clients as they navigate through the struggles of life. Life can be a tough at times with many different challenges to face. You do not have to walk that journey alone without support. Footprints Counseling is here to support you. Reach out to us on this journey of life and we will be there for you every step of the way to support, advocate and encourage you.

Majority of my experience has been working with individuals and families utilizing techniques of Person-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Solution-Focused Therapy. I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of adolescents, children, adults and families in different setting.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in the Holland / Zeeland area providing supportive yet challenging services in my specialty areas of couples, family, and their teens. I also specialize in the assessment and treatment of Sexual Addiction. Clients choose me because of my specific training, particularly with couples, and my ability to integrate matters of faith. Please view my website or contact me to schedule an appointment!