Therapists in Ann Arbor, MI

You’ve made a courageous step in seeking therapy. Therapy can help us heal and grow, through deep listening and presence. Early life shapes how we create our sense of self, learn boundaries, and tend to feelings. We can decide now how we want to show up for ourselves and others, uncovering skills and beliefs that no longer serve us.

Hello! My name is Laverne Santangelo and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. I am also a certified Wholistic Life Coach and Yoga Teacher. I am a retired army veteran. I enjoyed serving my country and I now serve from the yoga mat and my therapy office! My experience and knowledge in the mental health field and helping professions is vast. I am passionate about my clients achieving balance and wellness in all areas of their life! Our minds, bodies and souls can become healthy from counseling, coaching and positive regard.

I can be helpful to individuals who are wanting to understand themselves better and are invested in their personal growth. Sometimes people are aware of issues that keep showing up, but have been unable to work through them alone. Sometimes a crisis occurs that acts as a catalyst for seeking professional guidance. Often symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia interfere with enjoyment. Frequently relationships are not working well and support in resolving conflicts and communication skills can be crucial. I have over 30 years experience in helping individuals and couples grow and increase their happiness and well being.

I have immediate openings and will respond to your inquiry within 24hrs. My passion lies in supporting women and couples as they face the challenges that come with change and uncertainty. Whether you are experiencing a career change, relationship transitions, trauma, or adjusting to a new phase of life, I am here to guide you. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief are often common companions during these times of transitions. Drawing from trauma informed treatment, mindfulness, somatic, and narrative techniques, we'll craft a personalized roadmap for your journey.

As a clinician with over 25 years of experience, my first goal is to understand you, your circumstances, and where you have come from to help you achieve your goals and improve your well-being. My training includes both doctoral and master’s degrees in social work. I also hold a master’s degree in pastoral counseling and specialize in Christian counseling for those seeking a faith-based perspective. My areas of specialty practice include working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, anger, guilt, addiction, grief and loss, and challenges related to past hurts, life transitions, and relationship and family problems.

You might feel anxious, or depressed. You want to change but you feel stuck, unable to move forward. You might be unhappy with aspects of yourself, or your relationships, but you do not know what to change, how to change. You might suffer because of trauma, or for a loss that feels too hard to bear. Talking to a therapist can help. If you decide to meet with me, my first goal will be to connect with you, and help you feel understood. Working from this connection, I will try to help you understand more of yourself, and know how to change using the therapeutic techniques most appropriate for your characteristics and needs.

Making the choice to seek and begin therapy can take a lot of courage, yet it is often the first step towards resolving those issues in our lives that take away from the happiness and fulfillment that we deserve. I strongly feel that effective therapy is dependent on a good fit between a client and clinician where collaboration is encouraged. I believe it is best to tailor my therapeutic approach based on the individual's goals, personality, and lifestyle. It is my priority to create a safe space and nonjudgmental environment where people can gain clarity, self- awarenss, empowerment and overcome personal challenges.

I have over 20 years of experience working with individuals, families couples, and groups. My educational background includes a Ph.D. in Family Studies, a MA in Counseling, and a BA in Family Life Education. I worked in family preservation for over 10 years, I am certified in treating sexual addictions, sexual abuse recovery, and facilitating life skills. I am experienced in offering support for grief, change of life, and parenting. I am also educated and experienced in crisis intervention including but not limited to mental health emergencies, domestic violence, and sexual assault.

I am a fully licensed clinical psychologist with specialized training in the modern behavior therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I completed my Ph.D. at the University of Nevada - Reno, where I was clinically trained by the developers of ACT and DBT. I currently work as a clinician and as a university professor and researcher; therefore, I am well-versed in empirical research regarding the effectiveness of existing treatment interventions. Furthermore, I continue to pursue training and research in new treatment interventions so that I can bring the highest level of quality care to my clients.

I have developed an excellent 10 session couples group program (3 couples per group/90 minutes) every other week. I have helped save many marriages and relationships. Fight less, become better friends and re-ignite your sexual fire. Intimacy and love are typically the most important aspects of living a happy life. Also starting retirement groups and mens support groups in May 2024. Retirement is a very difficult transition in life. Register for either group. I am very skilled in treating depression, young adult identity disorder, divorce adjustment and grief. My average length of therapy is 3-6 months. Start healing today.

Everyone needs someone to tell their story to. But they also need meaningful listening; a listening that inspires hope and the thrill of being thoroughly understood. These principles have revived individuals of all ages, many cultures and most problems. I have particular success working with loss, anxiety, cross cultural concerns, relationship problems. . . especially as they have been recognized as persistent. . . feelings that have been with you for a long time such as self dislike, persistent conflicts, fears and anxieties that interfere with work, love, life; low self esteem, and the unrelenting pain related to trauma.

It is written, "Hope is an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." A popular image of an anchor symbolizes safety and stability. Many people - maybe even you - face terrible storms in their lives: addiction, abuse, fear, loss of relationships, joblessness, loneliness and more. In response to life's storms, people turn to compulsive sexual behavior, anger, substance abuse and food to soothe themselves. These "medications" not only do not work, but create chaos in our lives. Other ways of dealing with turmoil include lying, isolation and feelings of shame, guilt and worthlessness. I offer a refuge to chart a new course.

Imagine seeing squirrels scamper or hearing birds chirping during your therapy session. Or feeling the warm sunshine on your skin and fresh air in your lungs. If being in nature sounds more healing and less intimidating than sitting in an office, then walk and talk therapy may be just what you're looking for! Walking helps the brain to release "feel good" chemicals, helping to alleviate depression and anxiety and reduce stress. Walking decreases negative emotions and promotes mental clarity and positive thinking. It can boost self-esteem, increase energy, improve sleep quality, and allow you to reconnect with the natural world.

I believe one of the bravest things you can do is begin to understand your own story. I understand firsthand just how difficult it can be to ask for help. Let’s face it not many of us enjoy feeling vulnerable. Are you tired of feeling judged or facing backlash because of your outlook on life, just want to heal from trauma bonds and negative mindsets? Facing a life changing diagnosis and need help processing? Allow me to assist you with healing through mindfulness based, client centered, cultural sensitive, ect, practices. Life happens even when therapy isn’t in session so learn some new techniques that will help ease your stress.

An important aspect of any therapeutic relationship is the rapport and ease you have in discussing your issues and concerns with your therapist. I believe the right fit between the client and therapist is in large part a function of the flexibility in approach and ways of intervening with you as an individual client. I see the therapeutic relationship as being a collaborative partnership that is outcome focused in addressing your issues and concerns. The emphasis is on doing what is most effective in moving you toward your desired outcomes in the least amount of time possible.

Everyone struggles with their feelings, relationships, expectations and happiness at times in their life. Are you feeling conflicted, confused or angry? By recognizing behavioral patterns and learning how to change these, you can find more happiness in your life and relationships. With over twenty years of experience, I have a understanding and knowledge about family issues and relationships.

Everyone experiences difficulties and pain as part of being human. However, when you're in the thick of it, the path forward can seem terrifying, unclear or out of reach. I help clients to connect with their emotional wisdom in order to find clarity and make changes that support their healing.

Through life you may feel as though you are in a constant fight with yourself. Where the history of your battles have not been won, but only suppressed. Overtime they are unknowingly disarmed and you find yourself walking across an unknown terrain that triggers you to fall apart. With this comes the ability to pick up your broken pieces and put them all back together healthily. What is great about being human is the ability to learn and grow.

I've been practicing privately for over 30 years in the Ann Arbor area. I enjoy working with individuals and couples. I also run groups for adult males sexually abused as children. I am well known for my work in all areas of addiction, and for the treatment of victims of sexual assault.