Psychoanalytic Therapists in East Grand Rapids, MI

As relational beings, we are instinctively wired for connection. It is within the context of relationship that we discover our potential for transformative change. Therapy is a collaborative process of uncovering this potential by cultivating a deep, trusting relationship. I believe it's imperative to provide therapy that goes beyond merely treating symptoms. This is why I take a depth-oriented approach in order for us to discover the root causes & work through barriers. I also believe in the importance of honoring the developmental, biological, sociocultural, and interpersonal parts of yourself to assist in the healing process.

Many people who work with me have a strong desire not only to find relief from their suffering, but also have a desire to better understand how and why they find themselves suffering in similar ways, over and over again. Often people have tried other approaches to therapy with varying degrees of success, but are still searching for a way to resolve persistent and repetitive problems and to live fuller and more meaningful lives.

I am a Training and Supervising Psychoanalyst on the faculty of the Chicago Psychoanalytic Institute and I welcome individual adults whom are questioning why their attempts to improve the quality of their life is not working. A questioning individual suggests to me a person whom wants to change and live more creatively. Often there can be mixed feelings about change. I recognize that change is difficult. I feel that self exploration is a challenging enterprise that often requires courage and risk. I would like to help you understand why your best efforts have not worked.

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.

Hello! It has been a joy of mine to work with children, teens and young adults dealing with life transitions. My passions include working with clients who are experiencing stress, trauma, and/or behavioral issues. I can assist clients in developing the skills necessary for self-regulation, self-control and increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. I consider myself an active therapist, combining experience, education, creativity and sense of humor with a realistic approach to counseling.

I enjoy meeting clients' needs by starting therapy where they are comfortable, and forming a supportive relationship. Offering a safe space for diversity and equality I offer suggestions, education, and healthy perspectives in order to help facilitate growth. Helping to empower individuals I use specialized treatment methods, which include verbal processing, play therapy, sand tray therapy, and writing and drawing methods. Whether someone is looking for guidance moving through a new stage of life, or finding courage to work through a history of trauma, my ideal client is someone who is open to feedback and ready to create change.

Psychotherapy and counseling are most effective and long lasting when provided with compassion, understanding and hope. I believe in these values strongly. Talking about your doubts, worries and fears with a stranger can be daunting at first. When you are offered an open, responsive dialogue that is nonjudgemental, accepting and respectful this initial discomfort is replaced by a sense of emotional freedom rarely experienced before.Self acceptance and resiliency emerge and grow so that life challenges that before seemed so inhibiting are now met with confidence. I have been honored to witness and participate in these hard work miracles for over 35 years.

I am currently accepting new clients. My specialties include trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, depression, and anxiety. I am also passionate about working with the LGBTQIA+ community, BIPOC, Women’s issues, and those who struggle with body image. As a queer black woman in a larger body I understand that simply existing in a society that has marginalized you can be a trauma in and of itself. I’m here to guide you on your journey to healing.

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.

Erica Springer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional/Certified in Grief Counseling, with 16 years of experience. Erica believes that although an individual may be affected by life challenges, those experiences need not serve as a barrier to growth. She believes in the power of therapy and faith toward helping clients nurture their strengths, accept themselves, and heal from and ultimately use life challenges as catalysts for growth. Erica owns and is a therapist at IMPACCT (Innovative Mentoring Passionate Advocacy and Creative Community-Based Treatment Techniques), treating children, teens, an

I help people work through the difficulties that come when our emotional lives or relationships are upset. I work to help you identify and address the patterns in relationships and the feelings that can leave us depressed, anxious, disconnected; grieving. My role is to listen​ to your story with care and attention, seeking to understand what has happened. This may lead me to share my ideas about how I see and understand you and what you bring in to talk about. Together we work to resolve the difficulties you are having by helping you connect with yourself and others.