Family Therapy in Parkview Hills, Kalamazoo, MI

I completed my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and hold a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology/Sociology from Kalamazoo College. My diverse work, education, and training experiences have provided the opportunity to work with female and male adults and adolescents in individual and group therapeutic settings. My therapeutic approach derives from a relational perspective and I utilize cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, and holistic health approaches in our session.

Hello. I work with late teens, young adults and adults as they meet the challenge of difficult emotions such as: sadness, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, anger, fear, disappointment, grief. Navigating what a full life has to offer can be complicated and at times surprising; relationship problems, school issues, parenting concerns, family conflict, multicultural issues can leave us feeling uncertain and alone. Life transitions can bring their own unique challenges: marriage/partnering, pregnancy, childbirth, medical and/or mental health diagnoses, divorce, blending family, death and dying each can challenge our usual coping skills.

Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).

I primarily work with children, adolescents, and families. Many of my clients have struggled with life transitions, symptoms of anxiety, depression symptoms, and social skills. Parents are invited to come to sessions to support skills inside and outside the counseling session. Collaborating with the family supports allows for skill acquisition and client empowerment.

My main areas of practice include: alcohol and drug addiction, relational conflict, anxiety, depression, grief/loss, trauma and PTSD. I work with a client centered, interpersonal approach to confidentially support and respond to the individual uniqueness of each client. I focus on creating open and direct dialogue using an element of humor to create relational safety.The level of ongoing anxiety and stress accompanying addiction as well as from everyday life tends to be relentless, overwhelming and at times, traumatizing. My goal is to assist clients in building insight and personalized skills to reduce distress and experience meaningful, corrective, emotional experiences.

The most important relationships in our lives sometimes feel like they are the most difficult. Clients that come to me are feeling "stuck" in their relationships with a marriage partner, or family member. They come asking how they can be better connected, feel closer and reduce conflict.

I believe therapy should take place in a safe, supportive, empowering, and confidential environment. Clients are active in the process, exploring areas including feelings, beliefs, and behaviors while working through personal history and identifying aspects of their lives they wish to change. Clients take a journey to better understanding of themselves and others. We will set personal goals, and work together toward desired change through reflection, processing and skill building. When working with children I work with the child individually and also invite parents/guardians into session to learn skills to utilize at home to support the child with change.