Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

The relationship between client and clinician is a key component of treatment efficacy. I believe that this therapeutic relationship is founded in a spirit of collaboration, an emotional bond and an agreement on goals and tasks. Two main characteristics of therapy are critical to the building of this therapeutic alliance: expertise and compassion. I am confident in my ability to help resolve any issues in a satisfying manner, prepared in both theory and practice, clear in my thoughts, ideas, and logical in the problem solving process. Of equal importance, I am accepting, understanding and genuinely interested in you and your needs.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults experiencing difficulties due to the trauma of sexual victimization and domestic violence. I have worked extensively within the Kent County Family Court system and various area agencies in addressing safety and advocacy issues for children and families. Additional areas of clinical expertise include anxiety and panic disorder, marriage counseling and working with divorced parents in establishing an effective co-parenting plan for the children. I have co-facilitated a grief recovery support group for the past 6 years.

I practice evidence-based treatment rooted in science. My goals are to help clients alter negative repetitive patterns, defuse from overwhelming destructive behaviors, and create movement toward what is really important in their lives. I use acceptance and mindfulness skills, combined with behavior-change strategies, to help clients increase psychological flexibility. I believe that psychological suffering is caused by avoiding emotions and life experiences, which results in psychological rigidity, and greater suffering.

I work with individuals, couples and families to alleviate misery and increase wellbeing. MISERY - Depression. Anxiety. Family conflict. Feeling hopeless and helpless, day after day. WELLBEING - Affirmation of one’s value and worth, talents and strengths. Embracing hope. Good health. Fulfilling relationships. Everyone experiences disappointment and pain. You, though, are able to live a full and meaningful life. Embrace hope, be persistent. You will experience joy and meaning in life: “Life’s good and I’m blessed.” These are my focus and my goals for you as your counselor.

I work as a therapist because I believe we can experience real healing in our lives. The broken world in which we live frequently leaves scars and wounds. And we often wound others. As a Christian therapist I believe God heals significantly. I work with Christians and non Christians alike with respect for individual values and beliefs. Therapy begins with developing a respectful, trusting relationship. The client and therapist begin a journey to enable the client to reconcile, their past, their present, and their beliefs. It can enable them to work toward future goals successfully.

Therapy? It is difficult to make the decision to enter into therapy but even more important to find a therapist in which you feel comfortable. Understanding these feelings of others have allowed me to be in practice for over fifteen years. Making the first step to call can be a difficult process and I pride myself in empathizing with this difficulty. I have made it part of my practice serving children, adolescents, and adults to take the time to relate to each individual on an individual basis and attempt to make each client to feel comfortable making this difficult step.

Individuals seek therapy for many issues. I have been afforded the opportunity to work alongside people that want help in managing Anxiety, Depression, Self-Esteem barriers and daily stress. Often times these issues are masked by deep rooted trauma, grief and abuse. Individuals need encouragement, support, feeling that they are heard and validation while on their journey to healing.

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.

There is no one more put together than a person in recovery. Living in recovery is working a program of mental health, staying clean and sober, and living one day at a time. With that being said, each person’s specific program looks different, with the common factor of living a balanced life of being grateful, mindful, spiritual, and finding a sense of community among other recovering individuals. My specialty areas are addictions, mental health, trauma, codependency issues, and how these affect you and those who love you.

I believe life is a process. Many things occur during this process. The challenge is our perspective and how we chose to look at life. There are times when the lenses through which we use to view life are clouded, but with the proper adjustments our vision can be much clearer.

I work with adults primarily, but will accept ages 17 and 18. I focus on Substance Use Disorders and Co- Occurring Disorders and general Mental Health problems. I am skilled in Couples Therapy and in working with Co dependent spouses. I have experience with the prison system and work with Parolees and Probationers. I treat issues of Self Image, Self Esteem, and Anger Management skills as well as relationship difficulties. Please note that I am no longer with Northwest Counseling. I have joined Bloom Behavioral Health Partners. My personal web site is www.rationaltherapytechniques.com.

We provide accessible, affordable and evidence-based behavioral health treatment to clients from the comfort of their home, Telebehavioral Health US provides outpatient psychotherapy using a using HIPAA compliant Video Conferencing Technology (VTC). To request an appointment go to www.telebehavioralhealth.us. Our staff will follow up with you to help you through the registration process. We look forward to working with you!

Everybody has issues, grief, disappointment, illness,hurt, confusion, failures, and we can learn to cope, change,and grow no matter what the situation. I offer competent & compassionate counseling for those who seek help. At the moment we all are impacted by the C-19 virus. During this time I can offer phone consultations so don’t hesitate to call me . I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, American Counseling Association,National Board for Certified Counselors (see other credentials and professional certifications.)

I am a seasoned, compassionate therapist, with over 25 years of counseling experience in assisting you to navigate life and heal inside & in your various relationships. EMDR is the most powerful tool for healing that I have acquired to help you find inner strength and peace. Along with EMDR, I have been trained in an adjunct treatment called LENS to reset the brain and optimize its functioning and ability to calmly focus. These adjunct treatments turn out to be a winning combination for many seeking inner peace, healthy self-esteem, & more wholeness. I am also skilled in helping you gain and maintain your addiction recovery.

Therapy is an exploratory, personal and interpersonal conversation. You are the expert on yourself and I will be your guide and mirror, helping you re-set your, or your loved ones challenges, into successful resolve and recovery.

Life can be hard. You may be struggling right now. Your children may have behavior problems. You may be battling anxiety, depression, feelings of hopelessness, or lack of confidence. You may be a veteran dealing with military life issues. These moments are where I come in. As a clinical social worker, I consider it a privilege to help anyone overcome their struggles and challenges. Seeing someone have their hope restored gives me contentment. I would like to extend my invitation to you, and together we will work on bringing back the happier, calmer, more confident, and better YOU.

I work primarily with children and adults facing issues related to life transitions. I see many people who have experienced trauma, health situations and who are dealing with life stressors. I have worked with many individuals and families who have experienced the death of a loved one, and have focused much of my practice on seeing clients who have experienced trauma and loss, both physically and emotionally. I feel I am an educated professional who works to offer insight, education and support to my clients. I enjoy working with all ages.