Grief Therapists in Ann Arbor, MI

I have a passion for individuals, couples and families who are experiencing the darkness of grief , the heartache of broken relationships, the discomfort and uncertainty that promotes overwhelming fear and anxiety; the trials of family life and the stress of difficult careers. I integrate my deep faith and trust in God's provision to help guide my work with my clients or for those whom I am supervising. My greatest desire is for you, my client, to know your great value and worth as you grow deeper in the own knowledge and wisdom of your calling and purpose in life. I invite you to learn more about me at my website: KareCounseling.com

Are you finding that you have less patience at work for yourself and others around you? Are you feeling disillusioned and wondering if you are experiencing burnout? What you may be experiencing is “moral injury” rather than “compassion fatigue.” You realize that the reasons you went into your profession are not able to be actualized because of the system your profession exists in. Together, we can find a way through all the chaos, so you can feel and live as the person you know yourself to be.

There is never a better time to take the first step than the present. I am an LMSW and LCSW and practice telehealth therapy in CO, NM, MI and SD. Mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, along with various life stressors can feel overwhelming and debilitating. The therapeutic journey begins with listening, understanding and a non-judgmental environment. We all want to be heard and understood. I offer a variety of flexible psychotherapeutic interventions to deal with life stressors such as grief , trauma, work and relationship obstacles that cause mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.

When life hurts the most is often when we have the greatest capacity for growth and evolution. Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, loneliness, grief ? Are you having anxiety about a life transition? With a guided hand, you can learn the tools to heal and thrive. You can feel more assured and in alignment with your life's path and purpose. Our process and timeframe will be tailored to the concerns and goals you present. I can help you work through grief and loss , adjust to life transitions, and decrease symptoms of anxiety and depression.

I help creative explorers (artists, healers, clergy, teachers....) who seek support to lead their lives with authenticity and meaning. Our collaboration and attention to sensation and imagery can help you to align with your wise body and to witness yourself with compassion and curiosity. We'll listen for ways to support your needs; access resources for vitality and wellness; or find support in tending grief and loss . I hold my role as an educator who practices somatic therapeutic work with care. I acknowledge that I'm not a licensed psychotherapist and as such hold integrity as to what my areas of "expertise" are and are not.

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" (Mary Oliver) -- This question lies at the heart of my work, with my goal being to help clients live more authentic and connected lives through self-awareness, resilience and positive change. My approach is flexible, interactive and solution-oriented. I bring a mindful perspective to psychotherapy and tend to see life transitions as opportunities for transformation and growth. My clients have said that my calm demeanor and my careful, empathic listening promote a safe and reflective environment, fostering self-compassion, self-awareness and change.

I have experience with treating clients with a variety of diagnoses including Depression, Anxiety Disorder, Bi-polar Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Sexuality Issues, Transgender issues, Substance Abuse, Psychosis, Behavioral and Parenting Issues. I've worked in the Behavioral Health Unit of a local hospital for the past several years and have practiced in clinics in urban and rural areas. I have seen clients from a variety of educational backgrounds including higher education such as teachers and professors.

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.

What are your short-term and long-term goals? I hope to facilitate your growth by assisting you in identifying and making progress toward reaching those goals. I am enthusiastic about working with adolescents and adults addressing general mental health concerns as well as relationship issues, significant loss , and substance use issues. In addition to a certificate in chemical dependency, I have experience working with clients who are struggling with depression, anxiety, traumas of various experiences, and death , loss and grief .

At its core, therapy is about supporting a life lived with awareness and choice, which is not only the best way to honor it, but also to meet the suffering that comes with it. Jung says: "I am not what happened to me, I am what I choose to become". In a way both are true; the family we're born into, and life's events impact us deeply, and we can learn and grow through our experiences, the good and the bad, as opposed to letting them trap or control us. We can all lead lives consciously and choicefully.

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.

We know what's not working in life, but what do we do about it? How do we get back in the driver's seat when we feel out of control? Life is hard and transitions are stressful! We feel stuck, overwhelmed, or both. I offer an accepting, empathetic environment, where you can heal, grow, and make sense of your life. I work with people facing the kinds of challenges life throws at us: relationships, career change, aging, grief and loss . Anxiety, depression, family history, and traumatic events can be complicating factors. We will focus on building self-compassion and self-acceptance, and discerning what is and is not within our control.

Are you experiencing anxiety, depression, or grief ? Feeling irritable, fearful, overwhelmed, or hopeless? Maybe you are navigating a challenging life transition or seeking enhanced self-awareness, increased self-confidence or greater balance in your life. There is no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ reason to seek therapy. First, I want to remind you that, you are not alone.

Sometimes you need to tell the negative committee inside your head to just sit down & shut up. Or maybe you've experienced a significant loss & wonder how life will ever feel normal again. You are someone who is motivated to make change but still find yourself struggling, feeling overwhelmed, unsure, & in need of direction. You're ready & this is the time to make a change. Most of all, you're ready to take control of your thoughts & emotions.

Everyone experiences stress, yet how one copes is very individual. When life challenges us beyond our limits, we may need professional help. I am a PhD social worker with 30 years of experience in health and mental health. I work with individuals and couples utilizing a strengths-based, psychodynamic counseling approach. Different therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and stress reduction methods are provided in a safe, empathic, and nonjudgmental space to maximize treatment effectiveness. My work focuses on grief and non- death related losses, as well as mood disorders, i.e. depression and anxiety, and chronic health and mental health conditions.

Have you ever wondered what circumstances would look like if you felt welcomed, supported, and validated? All too often, we wait until we are unable to ask for help or life has gotten to the point of where we feel there is no hope, worth, or option to rebuild or heal ourselves. We may simply not be ready and that's okay! This may be a result of fear, negative experiences, trauma, loss , grief , etc. or maybe you just aren't sure it will help. These are questions we can work together to to explore.