Therapists in Michigan

Whether dealing with the effects of trauma, a loss, struggling with anxiety or depression, or coping with a life transition, it can help to explore concerns in a safe and supportive environment. I believe that a therapist’s role is to be a listening ear, provide feedback, offer support, and provide resources as clients explore their concerns, identify solutions, and develop plans of action that best fit their chosen life journeys.

I work with couples, families, & individuals. My work is rooted in relationships & clients come to me feeling disconnected & stuck in unsustainable patterns without knowing how break free from the cycle. Often, clients have inherited these patterns from dysfunctional families or developed them to survive difficult times. The cycles are harder to change when facing depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, betrayal, grief, rejection, or the burden of cultural, religious, & family of origin expectations. Eventually, clients want to find a way to liberate themselves from this pattern but don't know what that looks like or where to begin.

Sudden or unexpected change, as well as an absence of change or being stuck, can bring on feelings that prevent us from living fully. Change may not be gentle or easy, but dedicated time with the right support can help move you toward improved well-being.

I come from a diverse and inclusive frame of work seeking to learn from my clients’ unique lived experiences to help guide their introspective journey of fulfillment. I believe the most important part about an introspective therapeutic journey is the client-therapist relationship, there is no I in wellness, only WE. Therefore, I strive to foster an environment of solidarity and belongingness by treating you with unconditional positive regard no matter your race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or mental wellbeing.

My main focus is on the importance of emotional wellbeing. I believe that everyone experiences difficulties in their lives and see the counseling office as a space for clients to express and normalize difficult feelings in a safe environment. I believe that people have all of the components for a happy and healthy life but sometimes need help processing and navigating through their feelings and experiences to learn new and more effective ways to cope. I operate through the Polyvagal Theory lens to assess emotional regulation and work to stabilize and co-regulate clients as this is essential to healing.

Life is full of ups, downs, and unexpected turns. Sometimes, it can be helpful to have someone in your corner who can assist you in processing all of life's changes. Whether what you are experiencing is the loss of a loved one, stress from a job or school, relationship issues, or something else causing you to feel overwhelmed, I am here to walk alongside you.

Throughout my clinical experience, I've developed a real passion for working with women and fellow therapists. I am honored to work with those who have experienced trauma, grief & loss, pregnancy & fertility issues, and those in the healing/helping professions. Each person's narrative is so unique and important, and I consider it a great privilege to help folks shift their narratives from ones of struggle & hurt to ones of strength & growth.

My greatest privilege is helping people find healing and wholeness as they work through the negative effects woundedness and loss has had on their lives. It's through exploring what's behind the hurts & challenges that allows us to become empowered to live joyfully and successfully as the men and women we were created to be.

Over the last 42 years I've learned that what people want most is to be heard. But, more than that, they want someone to understand the feelings behind the words, and to feel safe in that process. That's when their inner voice gets clearer. With clarity, learning new strategies or making decisions about life or relationships is easier. When you know what you're doing, you can choose to do what you really want!

I am accepting clients for mornings and early afternoon! I specialize in a number of different areas such as, but not limited to: grief and loss, trauma, abusive and non-abusive relationships, family issues, life transitions and daily struggles. I work with individuals and couples who are ready to work on bettering themselves and their relationships. I am here to support and provide you with the proper knowledge and tools to help you achieve your goals! There is no need to filter yourself, if you need to cry, cry. If you need to laugh or joke about something, please do, especially if that's the way you communicate, just be yourself!

As a counselor I approach each client holistically, believing that our lives are shaped by our physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and spiritual experiences. I strive to utilize all aspects of a client’s life to help them achieve their goals. Many techniques may be used in my practice, but are based on a person-centered foundation, believing that the therapeutic relationship is vital to effective counseling. I can offer my years of life experience in addition to my formal training as a counselor to provide empathy and understanding to clients.

For over 30 years I have worked in West Michigan providing counseling, therapy, direction and supervision to adults and children. Each person's situation is unique and therefore requires a unique approach. In my counseling practice I emphasize building a trusting, safe, nonjudgmental and honest relationship with clients. Together we will identify issues, learn to understand them and find solutions to life's difficulties. I specialize in assisting individuals who are experiencing painful situations and need help managing life's most difficult events including depression, anxiety, loss, phobias, trauma, and chronic illness.

Have you recently experienced the death of a loved one, encountered a significant life transition, or needed support in healing and nurturing your relationship with yourself? People usually experience distress and overwhelm long before deciding to begin working with a therapist and often lack meaningful support as they navigate life's challenges. You don't have to figure it all out by yourself. I'm here to help you learn how to embrace and integrate the difficult parts of your life into the rest of your being, a way to find healing and build a life that includes not just these complex parts but also the most joyful aspects of life.

Are you coping with grief, anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, or relationship issues in your life? I would like to walk along side of you and help you be your best. The journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step of reaching out for a free telephone consultation to get your life back on track. I want to help you to live a full and happy life.

Are you seeking a supportive space to explore your emotions? Do you want to foster meaningful connections to yourself and others? In a world where our pain often goes unheard, finding a space to share our stories and experiences can be challenging. As a therapist, I provide a compassionate and non-judgmental space where you can navigate life’s complexities and find your way forward. My approach emphasizes empathy and warmth and I believe that healing and growth happen when individuals are heard and valued within a safe and supportive environment.

My clients tend to be experiencing stress and want to find connections between past experiences, patterns of response, strong emotions and current life circumstances. Life transitions can feel overwhelming and loss can become a catalyst for change. This is often the beginning of an opportunity to gain greater understanding of our selves and the meaning we make in our lives.

I believe that everyone can benefit from gaining insight and awareness into their lives, and has the capacity to change what is not working for them. I will walk alongside of you in a nonjudgmental, empathetic manner offering you a confidential and safe space to share openly.

I believe we all have the ability to live happy, fulfilling and purpose-driven lives. Sometimes relationship problems, grief, past trauma or just our own misconceptions about ourselves can contribute to our unhappiness. We may be compassionate with our friends and family, but not so much with ourself. I believe the role of a therapist is to help guide the client with objective and empathetic listening and non-judgmental suggestions. Sometimes you may need a reality check, and other times all you may need is a reinforcing message that you are on the right track with your thoughts, beliefs and actions.

Unfortunately...Life is not fair. We may get knocked down by things out of our control, but it’s always our responsibility to get back up. Choosing therapy is a brave step in putting your pieces back together, a step towards freedom, happiness, and being the best you. My name is Sheri Leighton and I am a Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker (LMSW). I graduated from The University of Michigan School of Social Work Program in 2005.