Chronic Illness Therapists in Clare County, MI
I am the clinical psychologist and director of a team of treatment providers who offer an integrated approach to mental health therapies. We strive to provide empirically established and structured mental health treatments while integrating psychotherapy, psychiatric medication management, and counseling. We are scientist-practitioners who pursue long-term positive changes for our patients and we believe that the ultimate goal of clinical work is not only the alleviation of psychopathology and symptoms, but the realization of long-term aspirations, the pursuit of meaning, and interpersonal satisfaction.
I am the clinical psychologist and director of a team of treatment providers who offer an integrated approach to mental health therapies. We strive to provide empirically established and structured mental health treatments while integrating psychotherapy, psychiatric medication management, and counseling. We are scientist-practitioners who pursue long-term positive changes for our patients and we believe that the ultimate goal of clinical work is not only the alleviation of psychopathology and symptoms, but the realization of long-term aspirations, the pursuit of meaning, and interpersonal satisfaction.
I specialize in therapy for for those who may be struggling with their sense of self. This may look like changes and adjustments happening in your life, especially pregnancy and postpartum. I am able to serve not only those pregnant and postpartum, but also those who are struggling to feel like themselves, know what they want, or find calm in the chaos of their lives. You may worry how boundaries or expectations might impact your relationships, keeping you from exploring your genuine self. This may leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or angry.
I specialize in therapy for for those who may be struggling with their sense of self. This may look like changes and adjustments happening in your life, especially pregnancy and postpartum. I am able to serve not only those pregnant and postpartum, but also those who are struggling to feel like themselves, know what they want, or find calm in the chaos of their lives. You may worry how boundaries or expectations might impact your relationships, keeping you from exploring your genuine self. This may leave you feeling stuck, misunderstood, or angry.
If you have stumbled upon my profile, you might be at a place in your life where there is pain, confusion, feelings of sadness, and anxiety for what life has brought and might still bring. Turning to a therapist is one of the bravest things a person can do, and I view my time with you, the client, as sacred work in your journey to healing, wholeness, and self-awareness. I will always bring understanding, kindness, and, humor, when appropriate, to build a positive rapport in our counseling relationship.
If you have stumbled upon my profile, you might be at a place in your life where there is pain, confusion, feelings of sadness, and anxiety for what life has brought and might still bring. Turning to a therapist is one of the bravest things a person can do, and I view my time with you, the client, as sacred work in your journey to healing, wholeness, and self-awareness. I will always bring understanding, kindness, and, humor, when appropriate, to build a positive rapport in our counseling relationship.
You’ve maintained this far. You keep pushing: just one more dish, one more email, one more day until the weekend. You’re holding on by a thread and you feel ready to unravel. The typical things you do to ‘reboot’ aren’t working. You feel disconnected, off, worn incredibly thin, and are very aware that this feeling is just lurking under the surface. With years of experience in mental health and a passion for helping people regain their inner strength, you can escape that slow drowning feeling you are currently experiencing. You are the expert of your life, even if right now you feel anything but, and I can help you find that path.
You’ve maintained this far. You keep pushing: just one more dish, one more email, one more day until the weekend. You’re holding on by a thread and you feel ready to unravel. The typical things you do to ‘reboot’ aren’t working. You feel disconnected, off, worn incredibly thin, and are very aware that this feeling is just lurking under the surface. With years of experience in mental health and a passion for helping people regain their inner strength, you can escape that slow drowning feeling you are currently experiencing. You are the expert of your life, even if right now you feel anything but, and I can help you find that path.
Online Therapists
I have spent most of my life surrounded by people who are uncomfortable with or unwilling to discuss their bodies and sexual desires. This has always felt like an injustice as having a someone that you feel comfortable discussing sex with can be a very healing and enlightening experience. Our bodies and sex are inherent parts of self and I believe that your relationship to and understanding of your body is one of your core forms of knowing yourself. I am passionate about the relationship between neurodivergence and your ability to experience both sexual desire and sexual gratification as it is largely under-discussed and important.
I have spent most of my life surrounded by people who are uncomfortable with or unwilling to discuss their bodies and sexual desires. This has always felt like an injustice as having a someone that you feel comfortable discussing sex with can be a very healing and enlightening experience. Our bodies and sex are inherent parts of self and I believe that your relationship to and understanding of your body is one of your core forms of knowing yourself. I am passionate about the relationship between neurodivergence and your ability to experience both sexual desire and sexual gratification as it is largely under-discussed and important.
My areas of expertise include working heavily with trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, grief, chronic illness and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as the neurodivergent community.
My experience has equipped me to work with clients facing a wide range of challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm/self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, attachment issues, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, phobias and more. No modality works for everyone all the time, so I utilize whichever evidence-based practice is best for you!
My areas of expertise include working heavily with trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, grief, chronic illness and LGBTQ+ issues, as well as the neurodivergent community.
My experience has equipped me to work with clients facing a wide range of challenges including PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-harm/self-injurious behavior, suicidal ideation, attachment issues, body dysmorphia, gender dysphoria, phobias and more. No modality works for everyone all the time, so I utilize whichever evidence-based practice is best for you!
Does something feel off? Do you feel like you're getting by okay but need a little something? Therapy might be just the right tool to get you back to your full functioning self again. Sometimes life makes us carry way more than we can handle (although we rarely admit it) and that load takes a burden on us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It affects our relationships at work, home, and even our sex lives! It's not YOU, it's LIFE! My Specific areas of interest include marital conflict, divorce and/or remarriage, Infidelity, sex addiction, grief/loss, and more. If your LIFE is weighing you down, let's talk.
Does something feel off? Do you feel like you're getting by okay but need a little something? Therapy might be just the right tool to get you back to your full functioning self again. Sometimes life makes us carry way more than we can handle (although we rarely admit it) and that load takes a burden on us emotionally, physically, and mentally. It affects our relationships at work, home, and even our sex lives! It's not YOU, it's LIFE! My Specific areas of interest include marital conflict, divorce and/or remarriage, Infidelity, sex addiction, grief/loss, and more. If your LIFE is weighing you down, let's talk.
Welcome! My name is Christa, and I'm glad you are here. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, health or disability, we can conquer it together. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and providing a safe, non-judgmental space. Much of my work is based in trauma-informed CBT, positive psychology, and collaboration, with a humanistic approach.
Welcome! My name is Christa, and I'm glad you are here. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, health or disability, we can conquer it together. I believe in meeting my clients where they are and providing a safe, non-judgmental space. Much of my work is based in trauma-informed CBT, positive psychology, and collaboration, with a humanistic approach.
If you are in the midst of a daunting medical diagnosis or grieving a painful loss, I am glad you found my page. Perhaps you are caring for a loved one, and find yourself mentally & physically exhausted, or you're struggling with religious or spiritual questions. Or maybe you are about to embark on treatment for cancer or fertility and are struggling with a tangled ball of emotions. In my work with clients, I create a safe, compassionate space to unpack and explore these issues, and to be a companion on your journey toward healing, growth, and transformation. Whatever brought you here today: I am here to listen.
If you are in the midst of a daunting medical diagnosis or grieving a painful loss, I am glad you found my page. Perhaps you are caring for a loved one, and find yourself mentally & physically exhausted, or you're struggling with religious or spiritual questions. Or maybe you are about to embark on treatment for cancer or fertility and are struggling with a tangled ball of emotions. In my work with clients, I create a safe, compassionate space to unpack and explore these issues, and to be a companion on your journey toward healing, growth, and transformation. Whatever brought you here today: I am here to listen.
Stressed, depressed, overwhelmed? When you feel you have no one to talk with who understands you and really listens, its time to reach out for help. You are unique and so are your problems. When you believe there is no hope, there is. If your coping methods are no longer working and you are sabotaging your health and relationships, its time to learn new ways to cope. You deserve to feel better, think clearer, regain hope, and trust in someone again. You may be tired of weight loss programs that don't work and tired of being overweight but not knowing what to do about it.
Stressed, depressed, overwhelmed? When you feel you have no one to talk with who understands you and really listens, its time to reach out for help. You are unique and so are your problems. When you believe there is no hope, there is. If your coping methods are no longer working and you are sabotaging your health and relationships, its time to learn new ways to cope. You deserve to feel better, think clearer, regain hope, and trust in someone again. You may be tired of weight loss programs that don't work and tired of being overweight but not knowing what to do about it.
I strive to provide a welcoming and safe space for all individuals, founded on respect, empathy, and understanding. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, I integrate a variety of evidence-based practices in my work, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy, each tailored to promote healing. My goal is for the client to feel heard as we work together to address the presenting concerns and achieve the envisioned goals.
I strive to provide a welcoming and safe space for all individuals, founded on respect, empathy, and understanding. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, I integrate a variety of evidence-based practices in my work, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, existential therapy, and solution-focused therapy, each tailored to promote healing. My goal is for the client to feel heard as we work together to address the presenting concerns and achieve the envisioned goals.
Wellspring Healing Center, LLC
Limited Licensed Psychologist, LLP, RYT-200, MACP
3 Endorsed
Caro, MI 48723
Sarah Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien, LLP (they/them) specializes in Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folx with Bipolar Disorder. They offer trauma-informed, humanistic, existentialist, and liberation-based therapy for older teens and adults. Emerson Delacroix, LLP, RYT-200 (they/them) specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, CNM/non-traditional relationships. They have certifications in yoga, and the Safe and Sound Protocol, they integrate these therapies into sessions to support healing, emotional wellness, and holistic recovery for diverse clients.
Sarah Abdel-Wahab-O'Brien, LLP (they/them) specializes in Social Rhythm Therapy (IPSRT), a modality specialized for folx with Bipolar Disorder. They offer trauma-informed, humanistic, existentialist, and liberation-based therapy for older teens and adults. Emerson Delacroix, LLP, RYT-200 (they/them) specializes in LGBTQ+ issues, CNM/non-traditional relationships. They have certifications in yoga, and the Safe and Sound Protocol, they integrate these therapies into sessions to support healing, emotional wellness, and holistic recovery for diverse clients.
Maybe you feel troubled by something bad that happened to you. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by life and all that is going on in the world. Maybe you feel disconnected from those closest to you or how you thought life would be. Maybe you feel unsure of how this IS your life. Maybe you are struggling with panic and worry and nothing is working to help. Maybe you feel sad, unmotivated and stuck. Maybe you are a new social worker to the field and need some help. These are things we can work on together with my over 25 years experience in the field of Social Work as a Clinician, Case manager, Supervisor and Team Lead.
Maybe you feel troubled by something bad that happened to you. Maybe you feel overwhelmed by life and all that is going on in the world. Maybe you feel disconnected from those closest to you or how you thought life would be. Maybe you feel unsure of how this IS your life. Maybe you are struggling with panic and worry and nothing is working to help. Maybe you feel sad, unmotivated and stuck. Maybe you are a new social worker to the field and need some help. These are things we can work on together with my over 25 years experience in the field of Social Work as a Clinician, Case manager, Supervisor and Team Lead.
Seeking support can be a difficult step, but you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I am here to support and walk with individuals like you who want change yet are struggling with their current challenges. You are able to do more than what you allow yourself to take credit for, and I am here to help you tap into the person that you desire to become.
Seeking support can be a difficult step, but you don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. I am here to support and walk with individuals like you who want change yet are struggling with their current challenges. You are able to do more than what you allow yourself to take credit for, and I am here to help you tap into the person that you desire to become.
At North Star, we believe that it is possible to find peace and be content even in difficult times. When we hold pain gently and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, our problems can pass with more ease and we can grow more authentically - we become wiser and more connected to ourselves and others. Strength isn't the absence of vulnerability or fear. Happiness isn't the absence of sadness. Safety isn't the absence of threat. Our peace can come from knowing how to be vulnerable, how to express sadness, how to navigate threat.
At North Star, we believe that it is possible to find peace and be content even in difficult times. When we hold pain gently and allow ourselves to be vulnerable, our problems can pass with more ease and we can grow more authentically - we become wiser and more connected to ourselves and others. Strength isn't the absence of vulnerability or fear. Happiness isn't the absence of sadness. Safety isn't the absence of threat. Our peace can come from knowing how to be vulnerable, how to express sadness, how to navigate threat.
I have been a fully licensed clinical psychologist for 25 years. My clinical focus is on helping adults (ages 22+) identify and build upon their own unique strengths, while also learning to manage personal weaknesses (which we all have), in order to develop more personally satisfying ways of living. I have a particular background in assisting clients during life changes and transitions, helping people move from one life stage or situation to another. My goal is to provide a respectful, compassionate, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment, and my style is supportive, yet honest and straightforward.
I have been a fully licensed clinical psychologist for 25 years. My clinical focus is on helping adults (ages 22+) identify and build upon their own unique strengths, while also learning to manage personal weaknesses (which we all have), in order to develop more personally satisfying ways of living. I have a particular background in assisting clients during life changes and transitions, helping people move from one life stage or situation to another. My goal is to provide a respectful, compassionate, and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment, and my style is supportive, yet honest and straightforward.
I help clients build practical skills that support emotional regulation and greater steadiness in daily life. Together, we focus on developing self-awareness, learning cognitive and mindfulness-based tools, and understanding how your nervous system responds to stress. I believe that once we understand why we react the way we do, meaningful change becomes possible. Our work is structured and supportive, helping you turn insight into action and respond to challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I draw from evidence-based approaches and have specialized training in working with anxiety, dissociation, and PTSD.
I help clients build practical skills that support emotional regulation and greater steadiness in daily life. Together, we focus on developing self-awareness, learning cognitive and mindfulness-based tools, and understanding how your nervous system responds to stress. I believe that once we understand why we react the way we do, meaningful change becomes possible. Our work is structured and supportive, helping you turn insight into action and respond to challenges with greater clarity and confidence. I draw from evidence-based approaches and have specialized training in working with anxiety, dissociation, and PTSD.
I work with teens and adults navigating all the messy, confusing, and meaningful parts of life: moving through a big life transition, processing trauma or anxiety, untangling family dynamics, or making sense of your relationships. My approach is warm, humorous, and collaborative. I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and equipped to step into the version of yourself you want to become. As a trauma-informed, relational therapist, I believe healing happens in safe connection, where honesty- even the messy kind- is welcomed. I blend meaningful emotional work with practical tools you can use in real life.
I work with teens and adults navigating all the messy, confusing, and meaningful parts of life: moving through a big life transition, processing trauma or anxiety, untangling family dynamics, or making sense of your relationships. My approach is warm, humorous, and collaborative. I’m here to help you feel safe, seen, and equipped to step into the version of yourself you want to become. As a trauma-informed, relational therapist, I believe healing happens in safe connection, where honesty- even the messy kind- is welcomed. I blend meaningful emotional work with practical tools you can use in real life.
With a background in medical social work, my heart lies in working with teens and young adults coping with chronic illness and the trauma, grief, and loss that often accompanies this journey.
I see clients through the lens of their strengths and work to empower them to identify their own self-worth. I recognize and draw on the important connection between physical and mental health and incorporate a variety of interventions into my work with clients depending on their needs.
With a background in medical social work, my heart lies in working with teens and young adults coping with chronic illness and the trauma, grief, and loss that often accompanies this journey.
I see clients through the lens of their strengths and work to empower them to identify their own self-worth. I recognize and draw on the important connection between physical and mental health and incorporate a variety of interventions into my work with clients depending on their needs.
Debbie O’Berry is a Christian counselor, and group facilitator in the Mason/Lansing, Michigan community, and is considered a valuable resource for anyone interested in promoting health and wellness within their personal lives, families or communities. Debbie is available for personal individual and marriage therapy. I have been married since 1970; I have three adult children, two daughters, one son and three grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. I have been a Christian since 1983, attending and being very active. Branch Counseling has a great website with lots of info on it about myself and my practice. branchcounseling.com
Debbie O’Berry is a Christian counselor, and group facilitator in the Mason/Lansing, Michigan community, and is considered a valuable resource for anyone interested in promoting health and wellness within their personal lives, families or communities. Debbie is available for personal individual and marriage therapy. I have been married since 1970; I have three adult children, two daughters, one son and three grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. I have been a Christian since 1983, attending and being very active. Branch Counseling has a great website with lots of info on it about myself and my practice. branchcounseling.com
See more therapy options for Clare County
Chronic Illness Therapists
How does therapy for chronic illness work?
Many people living with a chronic illness may feel they cannot speak honestly about their experience out of embarrassment or fear of being a burden, or because those close to them do not understand, for example, that they may “look good” even if they do not feel good. Therapy sessions are an opportunity to speak openly with someone who knows their symptoms are not in their head and who can offer practical, proven suggestions for managing feelings of grief, shame, or fatigue, such as techniques to challenge unhelpful thoughts about symptoms and develop new ways to respond to them, such as distraction or calming breathing practices.
Can therapy help with physical symptoms of chronic illness?
Yes, especially if an individual with chronic illness has developed depression. People with depression are less likely to maintain their health treatment regimens or to take positive steps to manage physical symptoms when they arise, thereby potentially complicating their medical prognosis. Treatment of depression, through talk therapy, medication, or both, will often improve one’s physical state as it eases the emotional burden of illness.
What are the most effective treatment options for chronic illness?
No one living with a chronic illness, or their loved ones, should see depression as an unavoidable result of their condition. Instead, they should actively seek treatment. Research shows that people with depression are less likely to devote the required time and effort to maintaining or monitoring their health, and so therapy to limit the risk of depression can be vital for physical health as well. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been found to help individuals reduce stress and anxiety.
How long does therapy for chronic illness take?
There is no set timeline for therapy for people living with chronic illnesses, but many will see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 weekly sessions. Some people feel that they experience progress faster than others but even some who quickly feel improvement may continue with sessions for months or years. Some people may benefit from maintenance therapy if their symptoms change or they experience a decline in physical health. Others find that the skills learned in short-term therapy can be used on an ongoing basis, even after therapy has concluded.