Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Therapy can be a great opportunity to add support for yourself and provide tools that you may not have had access to before. Making the decision to start therapy, either for yourself or for your child, can feel overwhelming. Therapy and therapists are not a one size fits all, so it's important to find the fit that is right for you and/or your family. I believe healing and change can occur, but taking a risk is required to do so. If you or your child are struggling with processing trauma history, grief/loss, parenting issues, stress management, adjustment issues, mood disorders, depression, and anxiety, you don't have to do it alone.

Even though transitions are a part of all of our lives, they sometimes stir up old pain or are just too overwhelming to navigate without some help. You deserve the time and support to work through it and counseling can provide that for you. I believe in a person centered, interpersonal, cognitive behavioral and strength based counseling approach. I have over 16 years of experience using these approaches working with individuals of all ages dealing with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship issues, chronic illnesses and transitions at all stages of life.

You need a space "to call your own" where you can process your joys & concerns, or hopes & fears. You need to be able to do this without being judged, or pressured to conform to a predetermined social standard. I provide counseling & psychotherapy to individuals & couples that is client-focused, culturally sensitive, and contextually relevant to you. Whether you are dealing with depression or anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief & loss, or poor self-worth, you will have your "own space" here. ALL are welcomed & affirmed in their unique personhood. With therapy, you can foster the courage to heal & live again.

I believe that the foundation of mental wellness is about building relationships and helping those gain a better understanding of themselves and others. We all have unique strengths, challenges, and life stories. My goal is to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere, where together, we can write a story that honors the life you’ve led and bring the life you want into focus.

I am interested in working with adults, adolescents, and children ages 8 and up. I believe that no one knows you better than you know yourself. I will try my very best to understand your worldview, values, and beliefs so that we can work together on setting goals and creating effective change throughout the therapy process. I want to empower you to be able to navigate through the ups and downs of life. In order to accomplish that, I am interested in employing a wide range of theories in order to help you reach your goals such as Person-Centered, Strengths Based, Solution Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Are you a young professional who feels stuck in life, held back by anxiety, or lack of motivation because you don’t know where you want to go? Are you an athlete and know you could perform better if you were just more calm and in control of your emotions? Or maybe you have a child who is struggling with emotional regulation, flexibility and anxiety. I work with each of these populations to help the young professional thrive, the athlete maintain mental and emotional stability while performing and the child who’s anxious to calm fear and hyper vigilance.

Starting therapy takes courage. If you're here, you've already got a bit of it. What if instead of avoiding the problems that are making life difficult, we used our strengths to confront them? What could that look like? How might things change? I'm here to help. I am passionate about working with clients who want to gain skills, modify behaviors, and using their strengths to navigate life's transitions.

I 've been in private practice since 1997. Throughout that time I have continued to expand on my knowledge and develop specialties in play therapy, working with the LGBTQ community, substance abuse, and trauma including PTSD. I work with clients experiencing anxiety and depression. I see each client as unique and feel honored to join them in their journey towards health and wellness. I am affiliated with organizations that keep me abreast of evidence-based practices for the unique situations that clients bring to therapy.

I understand that seeking therapy can bring up a range of feelings — from excitement and hopefulness to uncertainty and anxiety. Whether you’ve been in therapy before or it’s your first time, I will tailor my approach to fit your specific needs, and provide a space where you can feel safe, heard, and accepted. You are the expert in your life and I am here to guide, support and walk with you through your healing and growth. In efforts to make each client as comfortable as possible, I offer both in person and telehealth therapy. I am a Limited License Professional Counselor and earned my Master’s from Eastern Michigan University.

There’s such a unique opportunity that therapy provides. I’m really proud of you for even considering it, because for most people vulnerability is not easy. And in my opinion, vulnerability is necessary, both from the therapist and yourself. The way that I approach therapy is not just as a means to relieve your concerns, but as an opportunity to practice wellness going forward. After all, our needs are changing all the time, so having the skills, or knowledge, or validation that helps you navigate whatever challenges might come, both in and out of therapy, is important.

People are complex. My goal is to help you find space for your many different emotions in a safe and comfortable environment. I have worked with a variety of client populations over the last ten years with the majority of my professional career being focused on crisis counseling. I have experience working with those struggling with generalized anxiety, depression, and complex life transitions.

Welcome and I am so glad that you are here. Investing in your mental health is an investment in yourself and your quality of life. Life can bring joy but can also bring challenges that can be too difficult to maneuver alone. And you don’t have to. Engaging in therapy can be the start of unlearning old habits, changing your thinking patterns, and learning to find joy again. Whether you are being weighed down by past experiences, struggling with a recent life change, or just looking for a space to process day to day life, I can help you identify the root causes of these concerns and address them in a healthy and effective manner.

In my practice, I recognize that as people we have many different emotions and experiences that drive us. Sometimes we do not understand what we are feeling, why we are feeling it, and why we are responding the way that we are. That is why I am passionate about helping my clients create a better understanding of themselves that creates a positive change to bring healing.

I like working from a person-centered and strength-based approach as well as looking at connections between thoughts, feelings, and actions. Together, we will identify your strengths and areas you would like to see growth. I am also a certified PREPARE/ENRICH facilitator so I can work in the area of premarital/marriage counseling.