Relational Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

I work well with clients seeking help for problems with anxiety and depression. Those referred to me with these issues find that symptomatically they are struggling with panic, sleep disturbances, worry thoughts, self-defeating thoughts/behaviors, eating disorders,addictions and unknowingly, at times, some of their difficulties have been attached to old trauma. Many people with these sorts of struggles find that this spills over into problems with relationships and/or functioning at work and school. Areas of intimacy, both emotional and sexual are important work also. I work with individuals, married couples,families, and groups.

I'm passionate about providing support and compassionate counseling to individuals, couples, & families facing life-challenging crises, addictions, or illness with a heart of sincere concern. I assist clients in developing healthy life skills, resolving conflict, and accessing needed resources as they seek to fulfill their personal, family, and vocational goals. I'm experienced in a breadth of crises and family needs through years of church-based pastoral care and clinical counseling. I provide Individual, Couples, and Family Counseling, and Group Therapy. I can help address Men's Issues, Grief Support, and Conflict Mediation needs.

My ideal client is someone who is looking to become a happier, healthier person. There are many challenges throughout our lives that come unexpectedly and without warning. Though we can't change that, we can change our approach to facing the challenges which can make all the difference. I consider it a privilege to walk next to you in this journey. You are stronger than you realize and I look forward to helping you see that! Life can and will get better on the other side of this.

Counseling looks different for everyone-it is not one size fits all. I use methods that work for you in that moment and can vary by session. What you may need one day may not be what you will need the next. I aim to give you a safe, non-judgmental space to tell your story how and when you are ready. Together, we will have honest, sometimes uncomfortable but needed conversations. We will address barriers, examine boundaries, set goals, and work towards finding your voice.

Pamela Rybka is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducational therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. Her philosophy of care is to involve clients in their treatment plans.

Psychotherapy can help you with worries, anxiety, depression, and troubled relationships. I can assist you in becoming more constructive in your approach to life; you will discover in treatment abilities that you posess but that you might not even have known about which, when they are known to you, help you to be in a stronger position to feel more confidence and comfort dealing with the challenging aspects of your life. My therapeutic method consists of a process of problem solving with a focus on exploring ones thinking, imagining, feeling and experiencing.

My focus is to help people recover, heal and live with purpose and strength. We achieve this together by holding a safe space, listening to your concerns, and customizing an individualized treatment plan that's about you. I work with people on substance use issues, traumatic stress, and other causes of depression, anxiety, anger, or grief.

Thank you for visiting my page, I specialize in anxiety, depression and communication, especially about interpersonal, marital, and premarital relationships. My faith is grounded in the Catholic church and many of my clientele appreciate and benefit from a shared belief, but my professional religious framework does welcome and include other faiths. God willing, I will be ordained a Catholic Deacon in April, so this is the lens through which I see and interact with the world.

Jennifer has been working in the field since 2008 with children, adolescents and adults. She has experience in the areas of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, family adjustment and life change events. She has a special interest in the LGBTQIA+ populations. She enjoys partnering clients as they navigate life’s many challenges. Jennifer often works from a balance of interpersonal, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral therapies. She appreciates that a therapeutic relationship is built on trust and respect.

Are you struggling, confused, depressed, or anxious about your circumstances and relationships? Life is complicated and I am committed to truly hear you in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I am a skilled, caring, compassionate, counselor who will give you exceptional care, offer solution-based, holistic treatment that gives hope for change, and uses carefully selected therapy to best meet your unique needs.

Do you need someone to walk alongside you as you navigate difficult times and seek personal growth? I am honored to offer a safe place for healing conversations. I have over 10 years of experience working with youth, families and individuals both in Latin America, as well as in the United States.

Everybody has issues, grief, disappointment, illness,hurt, confusion, failures, and we can learn to cope, change,and grow no matter what the situation. I offer competent & compassionate counseling for those who seek help. At the moment we all are impacted by the C-19 virus. During this time I can offer phone consultations so don’t hesitate to call me . I am a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors, American Counseling Association,National Board for Certified Counselors (see other credentials and professional certifications.)

Are you exhausted from trying to cope with your mental health challenges, or feeling hopeless as you watch your child struggling? I primarily work with people wrestling with mental-health challenges such as depression/anxiety, relationship issues, parenting challenges or difficulties coping with cycles of self-harm. I specialize in working with people diagnosed with BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) as well as parents of children with BPD or other mental health challenges. I am a LGBTQIA+ welcoming counselor, antiracism educator, and offer Christian counseling if desired. I'm not licensed to provide substance abuse treatment.

I believe having the ability to quickly build rapport and a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients is one of the most important aspects of helping enable and support change. Throughout the course of my career as a school social worker and therapist, I have worked closely with preteen, teen, and young adults going through a wide range of behavioral and mental health concerns. Within my practice, I provide an empathetic and non-judgmental environment that meets preteens, teens and young adults where they are so they can express their thoughts, feelings, and emotions in a safe and welcoming environment.

I view therapy as having three heavy hitters: 1) EMDR - to neutralize strong negative emotions around adverse events (big & little traumas) and 2) Understanding loss and how to release it by feeling it and then not going back to think about it and 3) Learning how to have an attitude of healing and letting go. These culminate in living an empowered life which results in having a calm confidence. My clients set weekly goals and amaze me with their determination and willingness to go the distance to grow, mature and experience full healing. My teachings and handouts are creative and original.

Oftentimes, we experience barriers in achieving our desired future, and may or may not be able to identify or overcome them on our own. We will work together to unravel your questions, concerns, or frustrations so you are able to become a better version of yourself by obtaining clarity, closure, and/or modifying behavior. Life's challenges are real, and you don't have to face them on your own. I hope to help you understand yourself and your relationships more fully, so you are able to feel more free, authentic, and fulfilled.

I am honored to come on this journey with you. As a therapist I create a safe and non judgemental environment for you to explore who you truly are. Clients can expect me to be warm and empathetic. I believe therapy is a sacred space where we get to discover who you are, how you got here and who you want to be. I desire clients who are interested in exploring the unknowns of themselves and learning to discover their unique place in the world; those who have found that their old way of existing isn’t enough and want a better life. I want you to flourish and we will create an environment and relationship for you to do that.

Many people who work with me have a strong desire not only to find relief from their suffering, but also have a desire to better understand how and why they find themselves suffering in similar ways, over and over again. Often people have tried other approaches to therapy with varying degrees of success, but are still searching for a way to resolve persistent and repetitive problems and to live fuller and more meaningful lives.

Sometimes, the reasons why partners become upset with each other run deeper than the present circumstances. When partners persist in doing or saying things that upset each other over and over again, there is often something more at stake than meets the eye. Stop feeling stuck in the same old problem cycle. I have over 30 years helping couples, individuals, and families find new solutions to old problems. I have found my post-graduate training in marriage and family therapy to be a valuable resource in helping others achieve their goals and potential. I have also presented at national conferences.