MultiPlan Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Finding the right therapist to guide you through a particular setback, conflict or crisis along life's journey can be a daunting process....I know. Being a psychologist for 30 years and having been involved in hundreds of hours of my own personal therapy during my doctoral training, I understand the importance of the right client/therapist match. Successful outcomes are more promising when one feels comfortable, safe and confident with a competent experienced professional. Selecting a therapist should not be an impulsive decision so take your time and be particular since you are about to invest time, finances and trust.

Diana "DeeDee" DiTrapani is a Licensed Master Social Worker. She received her Master's Degree from Wayne State University and has been working in the field for 34 years. Many of those years have been spent working with children and families in child welfare, foster care, and adoption.

Please come and see me at Life Support, LLC. This is a group practice that has many therapist to choose from and information is being updated for opening 9/3/19 website is https://lifesupportllc.info/. This is a safe professional place that everyone can come to for counseling and to get through all the struggles that life throws at us. I am a Licensed Social worker with 15 years of experience working with individuals and families, child welfare, corrections, behavioral health and medical social work to benefit you.

People often seek therapy following life changes where customary ways of coping are no longer sufficient to meet the demands of their world. I consider the focus of my work as a therapist the development of a safe and trusting relationship where I can help a person discuss difficult feelings as well as identify problematic interpersonal patterns that may be getting in the way of personal goals and successful relationships. I then work closely and collaboratively with my client to develop creative and effective ways to move past these roadblocks.

(As a couple or individual) - Experiencing a traumatic event, anxiety/ past pain can send you into a panic, tearful, angry, shut down. Feeling disconnected from yourself or from your partner. Stress feels so intense that sometimes it moves you to withdrawal. Or it rises into agitation: why doesn't my partner see my pain? Why did this/does this conflict/"bad thing" happen? What if it happens again? Feeling distrustful that anyone will be there for you either because you have been let down by someone before (maybe your partner) or have experienced something painful/traumatic & fear it will happen again. Feeling lonely and ignored.

As a Master’s level clinician I strive to help clients improve their lives and learn new skills, techniques, ways of viewing themselves, and the world around them in a way that may reduce pain and suffering. I frequently use Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to help empower and guide individuals in their healing journey. I believe we are all capable of finding relief, strength, and a new way of perceiving ourselves and our environment, despite the difficult and unique challenges we face.

I work to establish rapport with all clients as they can enter a therapeutic relationship that has caring, compassion, and competence as its foundation. Change is difficult and for those who seek help, and should be able to obtain treatment in a healthy atmosphere. My therapy modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Neurofeedback, (Brain regulation with the use of computer software), Motivational Interviewing, and Individual and Group Therapy.

As a therapist and life coach, my goal is to assist you in finding the wisdom and answers to your struggles. I offer therapies and approaches that can get to the core of your struggles, empowering you to transform your life from the inside-out. With support, I help you find those repeated patterns of thinking and behaviors that block your happiness and potential. My 25 years of experience offers the latest in psychotherapy and body, mind, spirit approaches; helping to resolve emotional blockages. If you are ready, I offer holistic approaches that create life changing results.

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.

Where do you begin? How do you choose a counselor? Seeking help and counseling is a courageous act. I’m glad you’re here! Compassionately and collaboratively, I can help you reduce worry, deepen relationships, foster acceptance, improve mood, adapt to change, navigate interpersonal concerns, etc. I’m here to help you hold a “flashlight” to your life: highlight aspects that may be too hard to look at on your own, gain clarity in an area where you’ve shined the light on for quite some time but can’t quite make sense of it yet, and illuminate skills, resources and values that have been muddled for you.

I am certified in DBT and CCTP (certified clinical trauma professional) levels I/II. My clinical expertise focuses on PTSD, dissociative conditions, borderline personality, eating disorders, military personnel/police/first responder issues, and the LGBTQ community. Other areas of clinical experience and treatment provided include blended families, couples issues, anxiety/depression, elder issues, chronic illness, grief/loss, adoption/foster care, parenting issues, and forensics-related issues.

I specialize in helping children, adolescents, and young adults rise above traumatic experiences. Additionally, I am passionate about supporting people with overcoming self-harm and suicidality. I also have experience with, and am passionate about, helping individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, domestic violence, emotional dysregulation, and identity-related concerns.

I am a licensed Master Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I graduated with a Bachelor degree in Psychology and Sociology from Central Michigan University and obtained a Master degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. I have experience in crisis intervention working in the psychiatric setting as well as various residential facilities. Areas I specialize in are depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, self-esteem issues, anger management, strained relationships, family conflict, divorce/breakup, grief and loss and substance abuse.

I work with individuals to recognize and embrace their strengths to overcome life's challenges. It is about overcoming the obstacles that get in the way of you being your best self. My priority is to make sure that I am working at my client's pace to address their needs and their concerns in a way each person feels heard and validated. The foundation of my work is to empower my clients to create success with present day issues and to understand how the roots of their past have impacted the present.

I perform diagnostic assessments/testing for Autism, AD/HD, Achievement (IQ) and Cognititive Impairmairment for Children, Adolescents and Adults for School IEP's, medical reports and ABA Therapy or personal information. I assert Behavioral Observations and conduct a Clinical Interview in order to diagnose any other or additional DSM-5 disorders that the client may have. I am an LLP so I work under the Supervision of a LP and she approves this information on this website.

Therapy? It is difficult to make the decision to enter into therapy but even more important to find a therapist in which you feel comfortable. Understanding these feelings of others have allowed me to be in practice for over fifteen years. Making the first step to call can be a difficult process and I pride myself in empathizing with this difficulty. I have made it part of my practice serving children, adolescents, and adults to take the time to relate to each individual on an individual basis and attempt to make each client to feel comfortable making this difficult step.