Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Sometimes, the reasons why partners become upset with each other run deeper than the present circumstances. When partners persist in doing or saying things that upset each other over and over again, there is often something more at stake than meets the eye. Stop feeling stuck in the same old problem cycle. I have over 30 years helping couples, individuals, and families find new solutions to old problems. I have found my post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy to be a valuable resource in helping others achieve their goals and potential. I have also presented at national conferences.

Carolyn has been working with children and families for over 25 years. She specializes in treating children and families and provides parenting support for caregivers with children/adolescents who have behavioral health concerns and conducts individual and family therapy. Carolyn also has expertise with Highly Sensitive People (HSP), including children (HSC). This is a normal biological trait in personality and physiology inherited by about 20% of the population. HSP's have sensitive nervous systems and feel things deeply, notice more in their environment and are easily overstimulated by sensory input in their environment.

So, let's not call it "needing" therapy. What if we just say, we're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, conflicted, or isolated? If you're feeling any of those things, I can help. I often start treatment the 1st session, immediately following the assessment. After 6-12 sessions clients usually feel significantly better. I'd be happy to meet with you over the phone confidentially, have a brief discussion (at no charge), and see if it sounds like we would be the right client-therapist fit.

Everybody deals with relational challenges, whether it’s communication struggles with a loved one, wounds you experienced years ago or coming out to a family member. Some of these conversations can be especially challenging for people of faith or creed who feel like they are in conflict with their beliefs. Through counseling, you can figure out how to navigate challenging relationships and deal with the relational pain you’ve experienced throughout life.

Do you struggle with intrusive thoughts? Is it hard to get moving in the mornings? Is your life not what you wanted it to be? Then you have come to the right place. I work with a wide range of clients but specialize helping those with OCD and anxiety. I am also certified in helping couples improve their communication and build trust back into the relationship. I have helped couples deal with marriage infidelity as well as financial hardship. I also specialize in working through men's struggles. I have a very relaxed personality, which helps most clients feel at ease in talking in session.

As a therapist, I believe that building a relationship is the most important part of the therapeutic process. From that relationship, it becomes possible to examine difficult areas of your life in order to experience growth and security within yourself. The therapeutic setting provides a unique opportunity to pause the busyness of everyday life and sort through present or past concerns that may be affecting you and your family.

Life is difficult. With the right tools and some effort, it does not have to be. My hope is to help you with your goals. Whether that is to feel better (less depressed, anxious or angry), improve your relationships (with a spouse, parent, child, etc.), change your behaviors (substance use, self harm, avoidance), or anything else that is important to you, I'd love the opportunity to help. I enjoy working with a number of different presenting problems. My passions are working with teens/adults, men's issues (especially navigating work and/or family life), post-partum Dad's, athletes and substance use/co-occurring disorders.

I believe in a Strength-Based approach to therapy. My belief is to start with what is working (even if it is just a little bit) and build from there. I encourage the client to have an active voice in the treatment process and to be involved in their clinical goal setting. I find that CBT and somatic techniques are helpful with many clients and utilize a variety of skills and activities to help clients learn and use these techniques in their daily life.

Are you having difficulties in your relationship? Does it ever feel like you and your partner are speaking in two different languages? I offer Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy, which is designed to help you, your partner, and even your family members, align to face the difficulties of life, instead of being at odds. Whether you come with those closest to you or by yourself, I can help you learn to transform your relationships. All of us have wounds from our past and difficulties in our lives that we bring into relationships. Many of our behaviors are attempts to deal with what is going on in life and respond with resilience.

Are you struggling with anxiety or feeling depressed? Are family or life difficulties leaving you stressed? Are you feeling burned out? Have you experienced trauma? I believe we all need a supportive space to be open without judgement as we talk through our thoughts and feelings and process stress. I'd love to help support you with these or other concerns such as relationship issues, job stresses and faith related difficulties. Working together we will work toward peace and personal growth for a more vibrant life through mental wellness, stress management and healthy boundaries. Request an appointment at www.ashleycastrolmsw.com

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.

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.

Join me and jump in! My job is to guide and support you as you build a life worth living. I work with motivated individuals, couples, and families to go after their dreams, make life's difficult decisions, and move forward. I work with clients holistically and collaboratively. I believe that the core of therapy should be the relationship that we form during our work together. I will work hard to know and understand you. Using evidence-based techniques and therapies, I hope to help you make a difference in your life.

My primary focus is working with adults, teens, couples, families, and veterans that struggle with, but not limited to, trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship/family issues. It is my experience that clients know themselves better than anyone else and that there is no single approach that is right for every one individual. That is why I see therapy as a joint venture where our knowledge and skills are combined to create solutions and positive outcomes. I believe that the best therapeutic relationships include trust, respect, authenticity, and shared decision-making.

I specialize in addiction treatment. Are you or a loved one struggling with Substance Abuse? Do you need experienced direction for what to do, where to go, and what's the process of substance abuse treatment for yourself or family member? Want to know if you are enabling your family member with a drug or alcohol problem? You need to find an expert in the field with personal experience to guide you through the journey of recovery. I have been in the substance abuse field for 20+ years, I have also survived my own personal struggle with substance abuse and I know the path to follow for long term recovery.

Hi, I’m Abigail. As a clinician, it is my joy and purpose to help others better understand themselves and their experiences in order to live a more full and contented life. It is a wonderful gift to bear witness to the journey of others as they navigate the often-difficult waters of life’s ebb and flow. I incorporate my mindfulness training into the therapeutic process, creating solutions and effective techniques in addressing a wide range of challenges. I speak Spanish, Portuguese, German, and French.

Life at times can seem like a battle field, and our minds our most hostile enemy. Many of us are in conflict with both internal and external factors that exist in our lives. Sometimes we don't feel equipped to withstand these forces or conditions that exist in our daily life. Depression, trauma, abuse, addictions, failed relationships, and shaming thought patterns that can hold us back in family relationships, academic achievement, social interactions, and career development. I believe the battles we win within our minds, can extend throughout all areas of our life. It's not only becoming mindful, but taking steps towards change.

Sometimes the weight of the world can feel like it's crashing down on you. You may not know where to turn or what to do. Having a third party perspective can be helpful in seeing things clearer and developing a plan moving forward. I have a strong belief that the things we tell ourselves, reinforces and impacts our decisions and behavior. I am a clinical social worker who specializes in substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. Whether you are just looking for help with a stressful life event or you are ready to make a major life change, I am here to help.

Therapy is all about connection. Whether it's with your therapist, family, friends, partner, or most importantly, with yourself, the first step to a healthier state of being is making and nurturing this connection. ​Depression, anxiety, traumatic experiences, and addiction can leave us disconnected and stuck in survival mode. Even just the stress of everyday life can feel overwhelming and unmanageable at times. In order to reconnect and become "unstuck," it often requires some guidance.