Therapists in Garfield Park, Grand Rapids, MI

Let’s be honest. Life gets real sometimes. Things happen and we can wind up feeling stuck, lost, or hopeless. To top it all off, we often feel pressured to put on a brave face and weather the storm. It’s for these reasons that I founded Sunshine Counseling. You deserve a space where you can be yourself, where you don’t have to hide, and where you can safely process life. Truth be told, I named my therapy practice after a mug my friend gave me which sarcastically declares, "I am a ray of freaking sunshine!" This cheeky little mug actually encapsulates my world view. It is not all sunshine and rainbows. And that's ok.

Others consider you a successful woman, but you feel like you’re a mess. The idea of being vulnerable is paralyzing and voicing your needs is a terrifying concept. You’re consumed with guilt and shame. You fear hurting people’s feelings and tend to take care of those around you, even though you might not want to. Your relationships are struggling. You crave a deeper connection but don’t know how to get there. You’re overwhelmed, exhausted, and resentful trying to keep everyone happy. You’re trying your hardest to put on a good face for others, but you feel like things are falling apart. You're ready for real, lasting change.

Rachael has been interested in mental health since she can remember. Growing up, this manifested itself into her being a nosy kiddo :). However, as she aged she turned that "nosiness" into a passion, an education, and a career. Rachael is excited about the relief and clarity offered in working through a therapeutic process. Being a Christian, Rachael is also sure that God cares deeply about the wholeness of His people.

You deserve to be at peace within your body and mind. But after receiving a lifetime of messages telling you to fit into am impossible mold, negative body images can be difficult to change and don't change over night. As a weight-neutral, body positive therapist working from a Health at Every Size paradigm, together we can address your underlying pain and perceptions in a safe space. Together, we will move towards healing your relationship with your body. Through this work you will notice an increase in self-compassion, freedom around food and exercise, and overall happiness.

Hi, I’m Chelsea! Reaching out for support requires immense courage, and I'm here to accompany you on your path towards enhanced mental health and well-being. I work with individuals that feel stuck, insecure and overwhelmed. I can help you develop more compassion, connectedness, and understanding within your relationship to yourself and others so that you can experience a deeper sense of safety, security and fulfillment.

Do you find yourself longing for a deeper connection with yourself and others? You want close relationships and yet these very relationships become a source of pain? Many people find their way to therapy feeling lost, confused, and alone. For me, a most valuable aspect of therapy is connecting with a caring other and being able to undo the loneliness that one feels in their experience. Feeling connected in therapy allows individuals to access important core emotions and gain a deeper sense of themselves. My goal is that people leave therapy with a renewed sense of vitality and a coherent narrative of who they are.

When people seek my counseling services, I do not see them as "problems to be fixed," but as people who have become stuck in patterns of behavior and ways of dealing with their feelings that are not helpful. My first goal with my clients is to establish a safe place where they feel understood and free to really "open up." I respect clients' individuality and consequently work together with them for what will best help them achieve a satisfying, productive life. My ultimate goal for my clients is for them to gain self understanding through awareness of what has influenced them so they can choose healthy ways of conducting their lives

Since completing my master's degree and post-grad training at UM in 2009, I've worked in crisis intervention, inpatient and community-based settings. In these contexts, as well as in my own life, I've found that all of us complicated, unique humans share some basic common goals. In the words of the poet Hafiz, we all want "to love more, and be happy." I've also found that with some bravery, strength and wisdom, the difficulties we face today can serve as catalysts toward positive change and a more meaningful, fulfilling life.

Life is a gift best shared and celebrated with those we love, yet there are times in our lives when we not only do not feel like being around others but also do not feel like celebrating anything at all. Let's work through the challenges that keep you from being your best self and living your best life. We have one life on this planet, why not live it to the fullest in every possible way through our relationships with ourselves and with others? Let's work together so that you can get to a place of healing and restoration; to not just heal, but to grow and THRIVE in every aspect of your life!!!

I have worked with children and families for over 20 years. I consider it a privilege to work alongside families, helping them utilize their strengths. While we could all use counseling from time to time to help navigate life's obstacles, I believe childhood can bring some of the most unpredictable challenges.

Whether you have an ongoing concern or an acute, interpersonal crisis; counseling support can be helpful. No matter how you've gotten to this point in your life, our work will focus on what's going to help move you forward. I believe personal growth requires both insight and action.

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.

For over 30 years I have evaluated and treated children and adults with dyslexia, ADD and other learning disabilities. In 1980, I developed one of the first programs for learning disabled college students at Colorado State University. Over the years I've been a consultant for the Air Force Academy, Harvard's Department of neurology, Michigan Department of rehabilitation and the governor of Michigan.Furthermore, I write a blog on dyslexia for the University of Michigan. I very experienced in helping children prepare for the new 3rd grade Reading law.

As a counselor it is my desire to see people grow and change in order to achieve their goals. I enjoy working with clients to help them see their potential and to take steps in the growth process. Life isn't always easy and sometimes we can all benefit from some guidance as we work to overcome the difficulties and obstacles we face.

How are you going to get through this day, this issue, this relationship? You're trying to keep up with all of the demands with work, at home, with friends or family, it seems like no matter what you do, it's never enough. And now that it's all catching up to you, you've reached your limit. You're stressed out, overwhelmed, and exhausted. You've tried everything, the anxiety just won't go away. You want to live your life without fear or worries that hold you back from making your goals your reality.

I work with you in providing not only support but tools and psycho-education. I strive to provide a safe and inclusive space for children 10 years old and up, teens, and adult clients. I work best with those who seek guidance and skills that will help them overcome past trauma and self-regulate their emotional state. I currently provide mental health therapy in schools and am able to support families navigating 504 and IEP meetings. For teen and adult clients I specialize in CBT and work on empowering clients to overcome present barriers.