Toddler Therapists in Allegan County, MI
I am a limited license psychologist In Grand Rapids Michigan. I have my own practice where I specialize in working with adults and children. I have a CBT focused, Mindfulness approach to helping people with Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and other cognitive challenges.
I am a limited license psychologist In Grand Rapids Michigan. I have my own practice where I specialize in working with adults and children. I have a CBT focused, Mindfulness approach to helping people with Anxiety, ADHD, Autism, and other cognitive challenges.
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.
Life’s journey is an unpredictable adventure, filled with seasons of splendor and seasons that shake us to our core. At times, it can feel like wandering through a maze, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. As a clinician, my calling is to stand beside you—whether you are a child, adolescent, or adult—offering solace, support, and hope as you navigate the path toward healing.
Life’s journey is an unpredictable adventure, filled with seasons of splendor and seasons that shake us to our core. At times, it can feel like wandering through a maze, facing challenges that seem insurmountable. As a clinician, my calling is to stand beside you—whether you are a child, adolescent, or adult—offering solace, support, and hope as you navigate the path toward healing.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Let’s face it, when life gets tough, it can be helpful to know you have someone to walk alongside you in your journey; to have a place where you can feel heard, valued, and supported. A place where you can express your honest feelings and develop strategies to improve your overall well being. To know that you are not alone. Whether you are looking for counseling for yourself, or your child, I am confident you will find our time together as an invaluable experience, where you have a deep-felt sense of support and understanding, where you feel confident in your ability to navigate life’s challenges.
Michelle Van Elst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Allegan, MI 49010
I offer virtual therapy and in person in Allegan, Jenison, and Holland, MI. I am passionate about working alongside children, adolescents, and young adults struggling through depression, anxiety, difficult life stressors, and low self esteem. My passion as a therapist comes from a desire to help each client feel empowered to share their unique story and voice with the world. I create a safe space to navigate challenges, build coping skills, and ultimately, take control of your life and your story.
I offer virtual therapy and in person in Allegan, Jenison, and Holland, MI. I am passionate about working alongside children, adolescents, and young adults struggling through depression, anxiety, difficult life stressors, and low self esteem. My passion as a therapist comes from a desire to help each client feel empowered to share their unique story and voice with the world. I create a safe space to navigate challenges, build coping skills, and ultimately, take control of your life and your story.
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.
Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
Have you ever wished for a way to feel better and learn to manage your emotions or a way to a better future? I work with children and adolescents, and those who care for them. I have experience in the areas of stress reduction/coping, post-partum depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. With children, I treat trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, grief, and behavioral disorders such as ADHD and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. I have also worked with PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) with children who have autism and are nonverbal.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Online Therapists
Ariana Berrios
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMH-E
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Some parents are looking for support around adjusting to parenthood and understanding infant and toddler development.
Many families come to therapy feeling like they have tried everything and are lost as to helping their child manage their emotions and behaviors. This is especially true for caregivers of children who have been adopted or in the child welfare system. I work with caregivers to understand their children's behaviors through a developmentally appropriate framework and discuss tangible ways to create positive change in family dynamics. Together, I work with children and caregivers to increase secure attachment, bonding, and mutual enjoyment.
Some parents are looking for support around adjusting to parenthood and understanding infant and toddler development.
Many families come to therapy feeling like they have tried everything and are lost as to helping their child manage their emotions and behaviors. This is especially true for caregivers of children who have been adopted or in the child welfare system. I work with caregivers to understand their children's behaviors through a developmentally appropriate framework and discuss tangible ways to create positive change in family dynamics. Together, I work with children and caregivers to increase secure attachment, bonding, and mutual enjoyment.
Hello! Thank you for stopping by. I am a Social Worker and therapist with 20 years experience in the mental health field. What sets me apart though? I have a very passionate, upbeat personality that shines through in my practice. I work hard to help my clients see the strength they already have within and that I am just a facilitator to help them achieve any goal they set forth for themselves. I am honest and "real". I would be happy to chat with you about your goals and how we can work to achieve them together!
Hello! Thank you for stopping by. I am a Social Worker and therapist with 20 years experience in the mental health field. What sets me apart though? I have a very passionate, upbeat personality that shines through in my practice. I work hard to help my clients see the strength they already have within and that I am just a facilitator to help them achieve any goal they set forth for themselves. I am honest and "real". I would be happy to chat with you about your goals and how we can work to achieve them together!
Shira Glogower
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, LCSW, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864
You’ve come to the right place. Parenting is the hardest job there is, and everyone could use some support from time to time. I am a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting young children and their families. I have clinical expertise in working with children aged 0-8yrs, with a master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute, along with 8 years of experience working as a therapist.
You’ve come to the right place. Parenting is the hardest job there is, and everyone could use some support from time to time. I am a licensed clinical social worker dedicated to supporting young children and their families. I have clinical expertise in working with children aged 0-8yrs, with a master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago and a master’s degree in Child Development from Erikson Institute, along with 8 years of experience working as a therapist.
Immediate openings. My ideal client is ready to work, yet needs guidance to help them get started and create a plan to tackle their goals. Have you spent a lifetime feeling like you never quite fit in no matter how hard you tried and are ready to dig into why that might be and develop the confidence to step out as your full authentic self in the life you've always wanted, not one that was handed to you. ready to blast through barriers interfering with their work, relationships, schooling, or other activities and replace survival skills that are no longer serving them with positive coping skills for their current lifestyle.
Immediate openings. My ideal client is ready to work, yet needs guidance to help them get started and create a plan to tackle their goals. Have you spent a lifetime feeling like you never quite fit in no matter how hard you tried and are ready to dig into why that might be and develop the confidence to step out as your full authentic self in the life you've always wanted, not one that was handed to you. ready to blast through barriers interfering with their work, relationships, schooling, or other activities and replace survival skills that are no longer serving them with positive coping skills for their current lifestyle.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and in-person therapy and psychiatry services, covered by major insurance plans.
Clinical Psychology Services, PLLC (CPS) is a clinical group practice that provides psychological assessments, neuropsychological evaluations, pre-surgical assessments, and follow-up counseling if needed to their client base. CPS works closely with organizations, hospitals, family practices, and individuals in West Michigan. Your referral question; and a timely turnaround for evaluations is our priority. Please visit the rest of our website to find out more about clinical psychology services
Clinical Psychology Services, PLLC (CPS) is a clinical group practice that provides psychological assessments, neuropsychological evaluations, pre-surgical assessments, and follow-up counseling if needed to their client base. CPS works closely with organizations, hospitals, family practices, and individuals in West Michigan. Your referral question; and a timely turnaround for evaluations is our priority. Please visit the rest of our website to find out more about clinical psychology services
Melanie Bugnaski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Have you ever felt alone and like people don't understand you? Or have you ever struggled with, am I making the right choices in parenting for my children? My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! Think of me as your helper or guide...
Have you ever felt alone and like people don't understand you? Or have you ever struggled with, am I making the right choices in parenting for my children? My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! Think of me as your helper or guide...
Amanda Maluchnik, LMSW, is dedicated to helping individuals across Michigan navigate their mental health challenges and find lasting healing. Specializing in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, Amanda supports clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and depression, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). She also offers extensive experience in supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), helping clients build the skills needed to manage intense emotions and improve their relationships.
Amanda Maluchnik, LMSW, is dedicated to helping individuals across Michigan navigate their mental health challenges and find lasting healing. Specializing in working with individuals who have experienced trauma, Amanda supports clients dealing with PTSD, anxiety disorders like Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), and depression, including Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). She also offers extensive experience in supporting individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), helping clients build the skills needed to manage intense emotions and improve their relationships.
See more therapy options for Allegan County
Toddler Therapists
What are the behavioral signs indicating a toddler might need counseling?
Common behavioral signs that a child may need counseling include high levels of emotional distress or anxiety, learning challenges, interpersonal conflict, anger, or social withdrawal. Any drastic changes in toddler behavior or self-esteem can be indicative that a child may benefit from therapy. Seeing a therapist at the early stages of any behavioral changes can be most impactful on behavior, as well as helpful to caregivers who may receive guidance on what symptoms to look for in their child in the future, even if therapy is not warranted at that time.
Can a two-year-old see a psychologist?
Children and adults of all ages can see psychologists and other forms of mental health professionals, such as counselors, psychiatrists, and social workers. Families seeking therapy for their toddler should just be aware that any guidance they seek should come from a professional who has specific experience working with young children, as well as the specific modalities that are appropriate for young children, such as play therapy.
What is the most effective type of therapy for toddlers and preschoolers?
In general, play therapy is the most effective and common form of therapy for young children. Play therapy helps facilitate behavior change by offering an age-appropriate way for children to express their emotions and develop more effective coping strategies. Toddlers with specific concerns may benefit from more specialized forms of therapy, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy for children with autism or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) for toddlers in families in which there is significant parent-child relational conflict.
What happens during therapy sessions for toddlers?
What occurs in therapy sessions for toddlers depends on the therapeutic approach being used by the therapist. Most toddler therapists will use some form of play therapy in sessions to encourage toddler engagement. In play therapy sessions, children are encouraged to use toys within the therapy setting to express their emotions; subsequent responses by the therapist and/or family members can help guide toddler behavior and behavior change. Toddler therapy sessions can also involve family therapy or Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), which can help improve parenting behaviors and reduce strain on families.