Psychodynamic Therapists in Allegan County, MI

Photo of Kate Smaller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MEd
Kate Smaller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, MEd
Douglas, MI 49406
We are a psychodynamic practice that utilizes a specific 'forward edge' approach.
Whether you're struggling with a specific issue, or you can't quite put your finger on it, I'm here to help.
We are a psychodynamic practice that utilizes a specific 'forward edge' approach.
Whether you're struggling with a specific issue, or you can't quite put your finger on it, I'm here to help.
(269) 231-8404 View (269) 231-8404
Photo of Sara Ruiter, Licensed Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
Sara Ruiter
Licensed Social Worker, MSW, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Douglas, MI 49406
Life is a rich tapestry of pain and beauty, suffering and joy. If you’re feeling hopeless, fearful, lonely or just plain "stuck" - you’re not alone. I’ve walked this path myself and deeply understand the challenges life can bring. With over 20 years of dedicated experience supporting youth, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community across three continents, I’ve learned one profound truth: no matter the struggle, hope is always within reach. If you’ve lost sight of it, I will help you find it. Together, we’ll face challenges head-on, cultivate resilience, and embrace the beauty and possibilities life has to offer. Let's do this!
Life is a rich tapestry of pain and beauty, suffering and joy. If you’re feeling hopeless, fearful, lonely or just plain "stuck" - you’re not alone. I’ve walked this path myself and deeply understand the challenges life can bring. With over 20 years of dedicated experience supporting youth, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community across three continents, I’ve learned one profound truth: no matter the struggle, hope is always within reach. If you’ve lost sight of it, I will help you find it. Together, we’ll face challenges head-on, cultivate resilience, and embrace the beauty and possibilities life has to offer. Let's do this!
(269) 421-6307 View (269) 421-6307
Curtis J Birky PhD
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LMSW, LCSW
Online Only
When things are especially stressful or overwhelming therapy can be a good resource. I am trained to assist as you make significant decisions or figure out how to proceed. Typically I help people with relationship or family matters, depression and anxiety, loss of a loved one, unexpected circumstances, and matters of personal growth or change.
When things are especially stressful or overwhelming therapy can be a good resource. I am trained to assist as you make significant decisions or figure out how to proceed. Typically I help people with relationship or family matters, depression and anxiety, loss of a loved one, unexpected circumstances, and matters of personal growth or change.
(269) 202-4258 View (269) 202-4258
Photo of Angel Michelle Burns, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLCSW
Angel Michelle Burns
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLCSW
Online Only
I enjoy encouraging clients to take an active role in their own therapeutic journey. I believe that each client is the author of their story; and I have the honor and privilege to hear that story from the author. I am a compassionate and empathetic psychotherapist, passionate about diverse genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. I am committed to creating a warm environment where clients feel safe to be vulnerable.
I enjoy encouraging clients to take an active role in their own therapeutic journey. I believe that each client is the author of their story; and I have the honor and privilege to hear that story from the author. I am a compassionate and empathetic psychotherapist, passionate about diverse genders, sexual orientations, and relationship structures. I am committed to creating a warm environment where clients feel safe to be vulnerable.
(269) 457-5083 View (269) 457-5083
Photo of Mark Smaller, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD
Mark Smaller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD
Douglas, MI 49406
As a psychoanalyst with 40+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, parents, and couples, individuals often to come see me when they have reached the limit of how families, parents, friends, teachers, and colleagues can help. People with whom I have worked have taught me how being understood and responded to regarding interpersonal concerns, conflicts, and crises, can help them move forward in their lives. Just as with chronic physical pain, no one deserves to live with chronic emotional pain. Therapy, as I practice it, is based upon a collaborative effort to alleviate such pain and move forward.
As a psychoanalyst with 40+ years of experience working with adults, adolescents, children, parents, and couples, individuals often to come see me when they have reached the limit of how families, parents, friends, teachers, and colleagues can help. People with whom I have worked have taught me how being understood and responded to regarding interpersonal concerns, conflicts, and crises, can help them move forward in their lives. Just as with chronic physical pain, no one deserves to live with chronic emotional pain. Therapy, as I practice it, is based upon a collaborative effort to alleviate such pain and move forward.
(312) 548-1276 View (312) 548-1276
Jean Veenema-Birky
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, ACSW, LMSW, LCSW
Glenn, MI 49416
Professional services by an experienced clinician in a private setting.
Professional services by an experienced clinician in a private setting.
(269) 409-1979 View (269) 409-1979
Photo of Amanda Grace Vollmer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC, CCS
Amanda Grace Vollmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CAADC, CCS
Douglas, MI 49406
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. This can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad, or if you're looking for someone to help you grow into your ideal self.... you've come to the right place! We are humans. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
Hello! Life has a way of coming at us in the most unpredictable, unimaginable ways. This can make the most "put-together-person" crumble. If you are feeling overwhelmed, scared, angry, confused, alone, helpless, worthless, stressed, lost, sad, or if you're looking for someone to help you grow into your ideal self.... you've come to the right place! We are humans. We make mistakes, we fall down, we get hurt, life is messy, and it gets to be too much and is seemingly unmanageable for us. With some help, we will go through the process of rebuilding, stand back up and then become stronger than we were before.
(616) 537-6880 View (616) 537-6880
Photo of Jill E Bawks, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Jill E Bawks
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Limited Availability for New Clients in 2025! Are you feeling exhausted, worried, lonely, confused, overwhelmed, or just want someone to listen? You are not alone. I'm a licensed clinical therapist and I specialize in treating PTSD (+complex trauma) as well as anxiety and depression. I love meeting new people and I would be honored to work together to help you clear a path towards the healthiest version of you!
Limited Availability for New Clients in 2025! Are you feeling exhausted, worried, lonely, confused, overwhelmed, or just want someone to listen? You are not alone. I'm a licensed clinical therapist and I specialize in treating PTSD (+complex trauma) as well as anxiety and depression. I love meeting new people and I would be honored to work together to help you clear a path towards the healthiest version of you!
(616) 326-2564 View (616) 326-2564
Photo of Curt G Bitman, Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Curt G Bitman
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My goal is for you to see the restoration of hope. It is my firm belief that your answers and truths are all within you. It is my desire to make sure that you discover those answers with clarity. Unleashing you potential is vital. Helping to open-up avenues of self-discovery and giving you resources to face life challenges is key. I would want to make sure that you navigate your challenges with a keen sense of focus and determination. Providing you with a sense of safety in getting you there without shame or guilt can be accomplished.
My goal is for you to see the restoration of hope. It is my firm belief that your answers and truths are all within you. It is my desire to make sure that you discover those answers with clarity. Unleashing you potential is vital. Helping to open-up avenues of self-discovery and giving you resources to face life challenges is key. I would want to make sure that you navigate your challenges with a keen sense of focus and determination. Providing you with a sense of safety in getting you there without shame or guilt can be accomplished.
(269) 281-5272 View (269) 281-5272
Photo of Cambron Bryce McCutcheon, Limited Licensed Psychologist, MS, CAADC
Cambron Bryce McCutcheon
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MS, CAADC
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer a uniquely warm and engaging environment that fosters positive growth and change in your life.
I offer a uniquely warm and engaging environment that fosters positive growth and change in your life.
(269) 215-5656 View (269) 215-5656
Photo of Bobbie Jo Heiser-Abel, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Bobbie Jo Heiser-Abel
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Online Only
Have you ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, and no one really sees what’s going on underneath? You might be carrying thoughts you’ve never said out loud or you’re feeling frayed and stuck. You try to hold it together, even though it sometimes seems like you’re barely hanging on. If you're in a place that feels dark, uncertain, or overwhelming, you're not alone and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. I am here to help you find new ways to relate to the world, the people around you, and yourself.
Have you ever felt like you’re barely holding it together, and no one really sees what’s going on underneath? You might be carrying thoughts you’ve never said out loud or you’re feeling frayed and stuck. You try to hold it together, even though it sometimes seems like you’re barely hanging on. If you're in a place that feels dark, uncertain, or overwhelming, you're not alone and you don't have to figure it out by yourself. I am here to help you find new ways to relate to the world, the people around you, and yourself.
(269) 338-8191 View (269) 338-8191
Photo of Christina Thomason, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Christina Thomason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Serves Area
Asking for help can be difficult. I understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected , seen and heard. My experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives and to feel empowered making changes in their relationships, careers or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
Asking for help can be difficult. I understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected , seen and heard. My experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives and to feel empowered making changes in their relationships, careers or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
(269) 266-8264 View (269) 266-8264
Photo of Lydia Cm Boonzaayer, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Lydia Cm Boonzaayer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Life is often really tough. My goal is to provide a safe space for my clients to share their story, their struggles, their victories and their goals so they can feel less alone and also have a therapeutic partner to sort through what they'd like to understand better about themselves in order to take new steps towards wellness and growth. Being understood by a compassionate person is strengthening, and so is having a therapeutic partner to help you think about what you're thinking about and what you'd rather be focusing on.
Life is often really tough. My goal is to provide a safe space for my clients to share their story, their struggles, their victories and their goals so they can feel less alone and also have a therapeutic partner to sort through what they'd like to understand better about themselves in order to take new steps towards wellness and growth. Being understood by a compassionate person is strengthening, and so is having a therapeutic partner to help you think about what you're thinking about and what you'd rather be focusing on.
(269) 528-8653 View (269) 528-8653
Photo of Christina Thomason - Acacia A Place for Personal & Family Development, LMSW
Asking for help can be difficult. At Acacia, we understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected, seen and heard. Our experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives. We work to help them feel empowered to make changes in their relationships, careers, or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
Asking for help can be difficult. At Acacia, we understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected, seen and heard. Our experience includes helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives. We work to help them feel empowered to make changes in their relationships, careers, or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.
(269) 671-7462 View (269) 671-7462
Photo of Brandy Burnham, Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, LPC, NCC
Brandy Burnham
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, LPC, NCC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Does it ever feel like everything is stacked against you? Even when it feels like darkness surrounds you, all it takes is a tiny flicker of light for things to change. That's where Jax and I come in. Jax is my pup who is here to help while we find the spark of hope you need.
Does it ever feel like everything is stacked against you? Even when it feels like darkness surrounds you, all it takes is a tiny flicker of light for things to change. That's where Jax and I come in. Jax is my pup who is here to help while we find the spark of hope you need.
(269) 682-1043 View (269) 682-1043
Photo of Greg Sherman, Psychologist, PsyD, PLLC
Greg Sherman
Psychologist, PsyD, PLLC
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have found that self understanding always brings with it a measure of peace. I offer a collaborative journey to understand your unique story in an emotionally safe and respectful environment. My hope is to bring understanding to the parts of your life that seem to make no sense.
I have found that self understanding always brings with it a measure of peace. I offer a collaborative journey to understand your unique story in an emotionally safe and respectful environment. My hope is to bring understanding to the parts of your life that seem to make no sense.
(616) 379-3063 View (616) 379-3063
Photo of Dr. Rebecca Lynn Gomez de Tuinstra, Psychologist, PhD, LP
Dr. Rebecca Lynn Gomez de Tuinstra
Psychologist, PhD, LP
5 Endorsed
Serves Area
Therapy can be a way to work through difficult life situations, manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other conditions, or a way to explore new avenues of coping. I believe counseling works best when both the therapist and the client are actively involved in the process. I believe therapy should be catered to the individual and the client should be seen as a whole person rather than broken apart into their symptoms.
Therapy can be a way to work through difficult life situations, manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other conditions, or a way to explore new avenues of coping. I believe counseling works best when both the therapist and the client are actively involved in the process. I believe therapy should be catered to the individual and the client should be seen as a whole person rather than broken apart into their symptoms.
(616) 681-3955 View (616) 681-3955
Photo of Emily Darling-Funk, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Emily Darling-Funk
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Serves Area
Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives.
Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives.
(616) 219-8640 View (616) 219-8640
Photo of Hailey Williams Lmsw, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Hailey Williams Lmsw
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We all carry stories that need acknowledgement - the things you talk about but more importantly, the things you don't. In addition to my own life experiences, I have worked alongside individuals who have survived trauma, battled with depression and anxiety, mood disorders, and suicidality, experienced significant family conflict or major life changes, and suffered devastating loss. I am here to walk with you through the hard things: past, present, and future.
We all carry stories that need acknowledgement - the things you talk about but more importantly, the things you don't. In addition to my own life experiences, I have worked alongside individuals who have survived trauma, battled with depression and anxiety, mood disorders, and suicidality, experienced significant family conflict or major life changes, and suffered devastating loss. I am here to walk with you through the hard things: past, present, and future.
(616) 310-8878 View (616) 310-8878
Photo of Anne Elizabeth Rife - Therapist Near Me, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, MA
Therapist Near Me
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, MA
Online Only
Accepting new clients! We offer specialized counseling services via telehealth to anyone anywhere in our home state of Michigan. Engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home or safety of your vehicle! Choose between video counseling offered via a reliable online platform that requires no download or sign-up OR utilize audio-only counseling provided via telephone.
Accepting new clients! We offer specialized counseling services via telehealth to anyone anywhere in our home state of Michigan. Engage in therapy from the comfort of your own home or safety of your vehicle! Choose between video counseling offered via a reliable online platform that requires no download or sign-up OR utilize audio-only counseling provided via telephone.
(517) 836-5905 View (517) 836-5905

See more therapy options for Allegan County

Psychodynamic Therapists

Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?

Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.

How long does psychodynamic therapy last?

Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.

Does psychodynamic therapy work?

Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.

What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?

Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.