Psychodynamic Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

We’re all in the process of becoming ourselves, aren’t we? Therapy can be a powerful tool that allows us to be seen, heard, and supported. The most significant growth I’ve had in my own life has been a direct result of therapy centered around self-love and acceptance— it’s why I’m so passionate about creating space for others. Maybe you are exploring your gender, sexuality, or another aspect of your identity. Having a therapist you can relate to and that is competent in these areas can make all the difference! If I have a waitlist or am not the best fit, I am happy to provide referrals. Tobin Counseling is accepting new clients.

Counseling is an important way to invest in your health and future. For some, counseling can be a way to work through difficult life seasons, including career transition, parenting or relationship stress, divorce, or grief/loss. For others who may have a history of abuse, depression, anxiety, or other condition, counseling can help one learn to manage symptoms and to pursue a life of joy and contentment. For couples or families, for whom old ways of connecting and resolving problems are no longer working, psychotherapy provides a way to explore how a situation began and to develop new ways of resolving difficulties.

Facing new and stressful situations is common. Sometimes we are satisfied with our ability to respond. At other times, we may feel stuck, inadequate, or unable to find a purpose for moving forward. Maybe we missed something significant, fell into an old and unwanted pattern, or wish things would go differently in our relationships. Whether looking through a lens of deficit or strength, family influence or individual accomplishment, we can examine our lives, learn more about ourselves, and find ways to move through difficult situations.

Dr. Char Houben (she/her) has adopted a holistic approach to wellness and utilizes relational psychodynamic approaches in psychotherapy. She cultivates an authentic therapeutic relationship through collaboration, creativity, and recognition of the environmental and sociocultural factors that impact the way individuals navigate this complex world. She aims to ensure a safe, non-judgmental space to help individuals feel understood and to assist exploration and integration of various intersecting identities. Dr. Houben utilizes the bounty of an individual’s strengths and lived experiences to affect positive change.

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.

Do you feel stuck? Do you wish your relationships could feel more fulfilling? Are you tired of feeling bogged down by your past? While we are all unique and come from unique circumstances, we all have one thing in common: A desire to move forward. Strengthen your SELF and embark on a transformative journey towards personal growth and lasting change!

Being in our own thoughts can be both a positive and negative space. I believe that psychotherapy, matched with a warm, welcoming, and beneficial therapeutic relationship, can be a transitional process in which we are able to navigate our thoughts in different ways. Through my own lived experience with therapy, I found that I was able to allow my positive thoughts/experiences the space to shine, while also freeing space therefore allowing a more beneficial perspective, in which to view my maladaptive thoughts. This is an experience that I hope to be able to replicate with each and every one of my clients.

For whatever reason you are seeking therapy, I want to commend you for taking this first step. I am here for you. For me, the relationship between client and therapist is crucial. It is my goal to create a safe space for my clients to feel comfortable and cared for. Being vulnerable is not easy and having a judgement-free and compassionate environment is essential for us to work together toward your therapy goals.Using a strength-based lens I love to empower my clients to help them recognize their inner strengths. I work from a humanistic approach where I aim to understand my clients from their own identities and upbringing.

We navigate new and stressful situations on a daily basis. Sometimes we are satisfied with our ability to respond. At other times, we feel stuck, inadequate, or unable to find a purpose for moving forward. Maybe we missed something significant, fell into an old and unwanted pattern, or wish things would go differently in our relationships. Whether looking through a lens of deficit or strength, family influence or individual accomplishment, spiritual background, relationships, trauma history, or any other way of filtering our experiences, we are constantly learning more about ourselves.

Kreg is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor who is motivated to help every client learn healthy means of managing mental and emotional difficulties. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, results-oriented, and solution-focused care. Kreg believes that the best way to overcome difficulties and establish confidence is first to seek help. His mission is to be that person where you will feel comfortable to unfold any difficulties you may have in your personal and professional life. He will work with you in a reliable, patient, and compassionate manner that will not only foster authentic but also empathetic dialogue.

Safety, trust and empathy is the foundation of our therapeutic relationship. These features eventually become part of the catalyst to your growth. As a psychodynamic psychotherapist, our work together entails deep conversation about your thoughts, feelings, experiences and life story. I lead with compassion, curiosity and deep respect. Never losing sight of the honor it is to walk alongside you on your journey. I enjoy working with people seeking to better understand themselves while struggling with; anxiety, trauma, life transitions, depression and relationship issues. I am particularly well versed in grief, loss, death and dying.

With an expression of empathy and compassion, I believe that “a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Helping individuals to lovingly heal in order to improve the quality of their lives is my humble contribution to the world. To promote change, I utilize various evidence-based treatment approaches which includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Therapy, Mindfulness, and Strength Based Perspective.

Do you long to experience change in your life? Maybe you're feeling defeated in life, seeking freedom from a shaming voice inside, longing for greater connection in relationships, or facing a significant transition or loss. Whatever you're experiencing, I believe there is no cookie cutter approach to addressing the complex problems of life. I view psychotherapy as a coming alongside journey that creates an open, safe space where you as a whole person and the particulars of your story (including those places where you feel most stuck) can be explored, understood, and worked through to cultivate hope and transformation.

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 believe you possess the potential for positive change! Together we will work on overcoming anxiety, depression, trauma, broken relationship patterns, dysfunctional behaviors, and destructive false beliefs that have kept you stuck (I’m stupid...I’m ugly... I’m powerless...etc). If you are ready to embark on your healing journey - Let’s talk! While we can can't change the past, we can change destructive beliefs resulting from old hurts, traumas, and unmet childhood needs. Get ready to finally accept and love yourself and enjoy healthy, authentic relationships!

Dr Cramer is a licensed clinical psychologist with 11 years of experience as a psychotherapist. She is also a registered nurse. She is a compassionate therapist who strives to create a close and supportive relationship with each patient. She has a strong belief in treating the whole person, utilizing psychotherapy with a focus on wellness, inner peace, spirituality and cultivating a deeper awareness with ones inner self. She has experience in the treatment of a wide range of problems, trauma and stress, relationship/marital or couple problems, issues related to chronic pain, and patients in recovery from substance abuse/addiction.

Eric is attuned to the mental health challenges that athletes face. He currently works as a clinical sport social worker within Harvard Athletics, where he provides individual counseling and co-leads their Mind and Body program. He incorporates mindfulness into his practice, as well as psychodynamic approaches like Internal Family Systems and Self Psychology. Eric works with a limited number of college and professional athletes who are committed and dedicated to improving their relationship with themselves.