Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Life is filled with triumphs, hardships, and a whole lot of challenges. Sometimes we get overwhelmed and feel like there is too much to handle on our own. We all experience struggle with conflict at different points throughout life and I believe nobody should be forced to face these issues alone. My passion is to work with people as they strive to triumph over the challenges that life presents while dealing with hardships in a positive and healthy way. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable place to promote understanding and healing.

Sometimes, the reasons why partners become upset with each other run deeper than the present circumstances. When partners persist in doing or saying things that upset each other over and over again, there is often something more at stake than meets the eye. Stop feeling stuck in the same old problem cycle. I have over 30 years helping couples, individuals, and families find new solutions to old problems. I have found my post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy to be a valuable resource in helping others achieve their goals and potential. I have also presented at national conferences.

My name is Carrie Deering and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Michigan, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I have experience working with individuals from the age of 4 and up. I have worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, community settings, and school settings. I also have experience navigating and managing crises.

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.

Life is full of changes, difficult times and sometimes crisis that can require some extra help navigating. You are in the right place exploring professionals that can help during those times in life. Finding the right therapist, where trusting rapport is built, is an investment in yourself and your mental health. With nearly 20 years of social work experience, I am confident that together we can navigate through a variety of life’s trials including dealing with a significant loss, adjusting to a difficult transition, working through complicated situations and relationships, and improving your mindset and self-esteem.

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS – COUPLES AND INDIVIDUALS Have you considered whether therapy via telehealth is the best option for you? My clients love the convenience and flexibility of video sessions. I work with adult clients from all over Michigan. I have completed Level 3 training in Gottman Couples Therapy. I use this approach because it is evidence based, has the highest success rate, and gives us actionable strategies for healing and wholeness. My master’s degree is specifically in Marriage and Family Therapy. I believe that thriving intimate relationships require trust, vulnerability, forgiveness, mutual empowerment, and growth.

Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or life turmoil, you’ve made a tremendous step in your healing journey and my goal is to help you along the path to restoration and growth! You were gifted with the attributes to reach your dreams and goals. It is my job and joy to supply you with tools to unearth those jewels that are within you. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Cornerstone University and Masters of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. I have served as a life coach for 15+ years. I provide counseling and life coaching services to adults, couples, and families.

The most inspiring part of being a therapist is the trust clients place in me with their most vulnerable selves. You know yourself best, I'm just here to help along the way. I love working with clients who are eager and open to work on themselves. I’ll be your personal cheerleader and help you over the finish line you’re working toward!

The invitation of collaborative counseling is to listen together to the story of your life; the unique strengths you possess and difficult challenges you face. Together we can notice the feelings arising within you, rehearse changes in behaviors or thinking, savor a particular strength or value you hold or simply take time to listen and wait. Developing a trusting relationship where self understanding can flourish, provides a safe space for unpacking wounds and distress and offers an invitation for a changed reality and transformed future.

I enjoy working with a variety of individuals and the unique troubles they may be facing in life. In therapy, I frequently encourage looking at different perspectives and increasing self-awareness. I make an effort to foster a space where difficult, perhaps unanswerable questions can be posed, confronted, and engaged with freely in a safe way. While therapy is typically utilized when issues arise, I also see therapy as a growth-oriented practice through which individuals explore deeper levels of meaning, freedom, and authenticity.

I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate difficulties with mood, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem, relationship/peer conflict, anger, behavioral issues, life transitions/life skills, gender/sexual/racial identity, self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am motivated to work alongside clients as they grapple with the intersections of their racial, gender, sexual, and spiritual identities. I am invested in clients who are willing to be uncomfortable as side effect of their lifetime journey of healing and personal growth.

Loneliness, fear, and worry are powerful feelings that can keep us disconnected from those around us. You might notice yourself thinking “things have to change” or “I can’t do this anymore.” Perhaps you feel like you’ve tried everything and are exhausted from the effort; you’ve tried to talk to others but walk away feeling misunderstood and lonely. It could even be that the fear of sharing your story and experiences feels overwhelming. Counseling is an opportunity to experience the opposite; it’s a space to connect with someone who listens without judgment or distraction.

Tracy Thompson is the owner of the Family Therapy Place, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Tracy specializes in working with children and families who have discovered that life can be a tough journey. Tracy’s training and speciality is with children who have experienced developmental trauma, often due to neglect or abuse. Tracy has a strong belief and training in the experiences of attachment and works with families to rebuild and nurture attachments when they have been broken. Tracy also works with adult families that are working to manage and resolve conflict that has surfaced or created separation within the family.

Each person is on a unique life journey. I look forward to learning where you are on your journey and how I can help you create the life you desire. It is not about dwelling on the past but about using life lessons to move forward in a positive way. Even our most difficult life experiences bring us wisdom, character and integrity. If you are at a low point on your journey, therapy provides an opportunity to sort through the complexities, decrease the feeling of being overwhelmed and make real progress on your current life challenges.

Let's Build Hope! I strive to create a validating, non-judgmental environment to teach you skills to manage anxiety, overwhelming emotions, improve relationships, and modify behaviors. You can develop the healthy life you desire. Humans experience emotions! Sometimes we may think there is a right way and a wrong way to feel and distress means, we are feeling the wrong way. That is a ton of pressure! Sometimes, our emotions become distressing. Sometimes we worry. Few are taught to manage emotions and anxiety effectively and distress can lead to self-blame, defeated feelings, strained relationships, self-harm, and more. I can help!

Are you feeling "stuck", overwhelmed, or confused in your life? Do you have a specific difficulty or problem that seems to be preventing you from finding fulfillment in your life and relationships? I can help. Starting therapy or counseling can be daunting or even scary. I will provide you with an environment that is non-judgmental and warm with a practical orientation to help you overcome difficulties and improve your life.