Psychodynamic Therapists in Detroit, MI

I am a fully licensed clinical psychologist with over 22 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families. My primary client base has been adults of all ages where we address a wide variety of treatment issues, specifically utilizing a treatment style that caters to each client’s individual needs.

My motto is: Culture Shapes Psychology. I have my PhD in International Psychology and my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology, which gives me a unique approach to psychodiagnostic assessment, psychoeducational testing, and psychotherapy. I specialize in utilizing a holistic approach to assessment and therapy, including taking into account one’s life experiences, background, and cultural influences on symptom presentation and treatment.

We all find ourselves on a different part on the spectrum, from dis-ease to wellness, at different times during our lifetime. How do we gravitate back towards well-being? That is an answer we can explore together as I accompany you through your journey to health! I have worked with adults in all levels of care and advocated for destigmatizing the need for therapy! My career started in 2008 working with severely mentally ill in crisis intervention for suicidal and homicidal clients. I now dedicate my time in healing mostly women and other minorities from trauma, and liberating them from daily norm imposed stress.

In order for one to heal one must release what they’re suppressing. Together we will work on effective positive coping skills to address the root cause to any difficulties you’re struggling with, to get back to “a healed and healthy version of you”. My goal as your therapist is to provide guidance that will help you navigate through the challengs that life brings. We will work together to achieve your mental health balance and wellness goals. I aim to break barriers and obstacles that are associated with the mental health stigma.

I believe that people are so close to their own life’s challenges and stressors that they often miss what is right in front of them. Therapy provides an opportunity to step back and regain perspective. I know that each individual is an expert in their own lives, and at the end of the day, only they know what is best for them. Through therapy, I create a supportive and nonjudgmental space for you to speak your truth and look at things in a different way. I will point out and empower you to use your strengths to your advantage. Finally, I will sprinkle in some humor, swear words, and quote The Office because laughter is important.

In therapy, I try to incorporate an understanding of the impact of culture on mental health using an intersectionist framework. Whether looking at the intersection of race and gender or sexual orientation, age, and religion, at the heart of each individual is a nexus of several different social identities, which are associated with different cultural norms. At any given time, one or multiple identities may be made salient. These beliefs and values affect the expression of psychological distress, and therefore should be used to inform treatment.

In my therapeutic approach, I aim to support my clients by utilizing compassion, empathy and genuineness. In my practice, I typically use an integrative therapeutic approach. Different symptoms require different levels of care, and they also require the use of different therapeutic methods.

My primary goal as a therapist is to assist you in achieving your goals and supporting you through any adversities that may come your way. Therapy is not a “one size fits all” approach—each client is unique and has different techniques that work and do not work to achieve their goals. I am passionate and dedicated to the mental health field, and I believe each client is more than their symptoms and should be treated with dignity and respect. I graduated with a BA in Psychology and received my MSW from the University of Michigan, where I specialized in the area of Interpersonal Practice with a concentration in Mental Health.

I work with individuals who know things need to change, but find themselves held back and unsure of their next steps. Maybe you're usually in control of life, but now have decided that you, of all people, need support. It could be a need for clarity within yourself, making future changes, or healing old wounds. Let's discuss what it is that you feel drawn to discover in your experience with therapy.

We all face challenges in life. Some problems in life are tolerable where as others may cause you to feel overwhelmed, alone, and unmanageable, causing grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and or relationship problems. Our staff here at Phoenix Arising Therapeutic Services will help you reconnect and identify your feelings. We assist with gaining coping skills interventions and prevention tools to avoid the feelings of loneliness in your thoughts, self isolation, feeling different or experiencing self doubt. We service dual diagnosis, Mental Health and Substance Abuse.

“Self-care is the constant practice of not letting more pain accumulate.” -Susan Raffo. I have a special interest in the wellness and wholeness of QTPOC, and helping each person uncover the underlying foundations of their discomforts. I believe in treating the intersections of the mind, body, and spirit. Listening, witnessing, empathizing, and being present are tenets of my therapeutic framework.

Life can be difficult, and managing the emotions and thoughts that come with it can be overwhelming. Whether that consists of relationship or family concerns, or school or work stresses, I can help to navigate the changes that life brings. We will work together to find the deeper meaning of what you are feeling and use that to bring positive change to your life.

Are you having relationship problems or sexual difficulties? I specialize in working with women and couples seeking sex therapy and couples counseling to improve intimacy and communication and to deal with desire discrepancy and conflict. I work with women's sexual health issues: vaginismus, sexual trauma, past abuse, pelvic pain, low desire. There is help, don't suffer! Call me. I offer a client-centered approach and trauma-informed care to help you as a unique individual or couple. I am honored to work with you. Together we can also address anxiety, grief and loss, depression, PTSD, and more! Website: www.paulakirschlmsw.com