Blue Care Network Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Life can be messy, complicated, and challenging. It can also be joyful. Sometimes those difficult times overshadow the joy. My goal is to create a welcoming, safe space to promote healing and generate peace. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Dietetics and a Masters in Social Work from Michigan State University. Since then I have worked in various settings such as the medical field, client homes, and the school system.

The vulnerability required of therapy can be overwhelming. As someone who has personally experienced not only the benefits of therapy, but the support & compassion of a therapist, I can safely say working with someone who sees you as an individual can truly do wonders. When clients seek my therapeutic services, I don’t view them as having “problems.” I recognize them as individuals, stuck in patterns of behaviors no longer helpful. As an upbeat & energetic person, I provide a safe, open, & validating environment to facilitate change.

Sometimes life can present us with difficulties, as well as opportunities, that we don't expect or aren't sure how to handle. Many people find ways of healing, growing, and even striving through the counseling process. Once you've decided to seek out psychotherapy, finding the therapist who is the right fit for you can feel overwhelming. The psychologists, professional counselors and social workers at River City Psychological Services (RCPS) strive to create a safe environment where people can grow and heal.

I am a clinical behavioral therapist with a private practice focusing mainly on children and families. I enjoy working with children and use various play techniques to explore the lagging skills which may have developed strong responses and behaviors to stressors in your child. There are many instances in which I will accept the parent as client to address behaviors in the home. I work with siblings when appropriate and have worked with clients ages 4-adulthood.

Are you having trouble coping with your emotions due to a traumatic experience in your life? Many suffer from childhood sexual abuse, betrayal trauma, or sexual addiction. You are not alone! I collaborate with people seeking to transform past suffering into meaning and purpose in their lives. I believe passionately that to live a fulfilled life, one must continue to grow and adapt. I feel a profound sense of gratitude to be able to help others on their path to emotional healing.

Navigating through life can be a rollercoaster ride, with no blueprint telling us what to do. Like a rollercoaster ride, life comes with many ups and downs, and curves in between. At times we may feel stuck or have exhausted all of our options, these thoughts are normal. My goal in counseling is to help you get unstuck and get you back on the ride we call life.

Life is full of experiences that challenge us and shape us, often including periods of grief and loss and learning to adjust to our environment. I am confident in my over 10 years of social work experience, that together we can navigate through the challenges you are facing. Whether you are navigating a life transition, facing grief and loss, working through a complicated situation or relationship or just realizing that you need more tools for your own self-care, reaching out is the first step. Additionally, I have experience supporting people with cancer and their families, recognizing this is a unique experience.

Welcome! As humans, we are all on a path of healing and growing. We are born with intrinsic worth, but through painful experiences, we internalize untruths. Our work is about creating a new truth by trimming the pain that keeps you stuck in shame, toxic relational patterns, negative thoughts, unhealthy habits and loss of purpose. Collaboration is the foundation of my work. Humans are the experts in their lives, but I do have experience and training in how to help people make the changes they desire, as well as providing compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental care.

Not interested in taking medications? At The Well Being, I provide my clients with 10+ years of experience as a therapist, and an opportunity for them to begin using cardiovascular exercise as an effective mental health "medication" . At The Well Being, I offer traditional outpatient counseling services, largely based in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I was trained at the Beck Institute), while also providing the means for exercise to become a key component of your treatment. This is an alternative evidence-based approach for those who aren't interested in taking medications, or a more comprehensive alternative for those who are.

Asking for help can be challenging so give yourself credit for taking the first step. I am honored to serve as a guide and provide support while you work through this part of your life. My goal is to provide a safe and judgement free environment where you can navigate the challenges of everyday life and process past experiences.

There are many different reasons to seek therapy and whatever it is, I will create a safe place where you will feel heard and respected and supported. It is my goal to work together to help you better understand yourself, name and address obstacles, and help you work towards the life you want.

Your anxieties and worries are controlling too much of your life. That anxious inner voice won’t quiet down, and it’s just so convincing - you're frustrated that you listen to it, but you're scared not to. What if you ignore it and your worst fears come true? You know it’s irrational, but your anxiety just won’t let your brain believe the truth. You overthink so many things, and your inner dialog is exhausting you.

As a LMSW, I’ve had the privilege and honor to be alongside those experiencing grief, chronic and life limiting illness, anxiety, depression, lack of confidence and self-esteem, relationship issues, parenting, new life challenges, substance or behavior dependence, and anger management. In my therapeutic practice, I use a variety of techniques including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Narrative therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. Drawing from a Holistic and Person-Centered approach, we explore and emphasize your strengths to achieve your individual goals.

I am licensed in Professional Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy, and a Certified Yoga Instructor. I love working with clients who are struggling, yet motivated to make the changes needed to create a more content life. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or experiencing conflict in your relationships - and you are confused about what your next steps might be - set up your free phone consultation today. I can help you get more clarity about what is right for you. Life and relationships are stressful and overwhelming enough, don't walk through your pain alone - let me walk with you and we will find your peace of mind together.

My clients come to me when they are tired of living in emotional pain.  This pain may have lead them to not like themselves, feel alone, and worried and depressed.  They may feel like they have no control or have lost the control that they used to have.  They feel stuck or like they don't belong.  My clients leave with a sense of freedom and empowerment. They understand their value/worth and like themselves. They feel like they are ready to choose what comes next in life. They have hope. Clients have told me "I feel safe now", "I never knew I could feel this good", "I actually like myself now. I didn't know I could".

Nikki has served in the Army, been a teacher and brings her experiences with people of diverse nationalities, languages, faiths, and cultures led to her therapy. As a licensed clinical social worker, Nikki has assisted clients of all ages in diagnosis and assessment and adolescents, adults, and seniors in therapy. She enjoys working with people who are going through life changes, depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma to help create a more stable and happier sense of self in order to better understand and process where they are in their lives.

Congratulations on your decision to begin outpatient therapy. Every person has a unique journey that has made them who they are today. The path to healing can be overwhelming, however, the process is life-changing. My goal as a therapist is to support individuals, families, and couples as they navigate the intricate complexities of their lives in an effort to improve life satisfaction and self-efficacy.