Sexual Abuse Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

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.

Life is full of peaks and valleys, and sometimes we all need a little support or guidance. I am passionate about supporting kids, young adults, women, and parents in periods of struggle or transition. I have training and lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, pain, child and family issues, and perinatal mood disorders. I have worked with child sexual abuse survivors, people involved in the justice system, those working through suicidal ideation and self-harm, and parents trying to support their children. I can relate to people from all different walks of life, cultures, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

Whether you're struggling with depression, working through a traumatic experience, or grieving the loss of a loved one, sometimes you just need a listening ear. Therapy can provide that non-judgmental, supportive space to sit down with all of life's baggage and sort it out, piece by piece. Chances are, you know what to do next and how to keep going, you just need the time and the space to figure it out. When you sit in my therapy chair, you are the expert on you, while I guide you through the process of understanding yourself more deeply and more clearly.

My specialty is in treating sexual abuse , anxiety, trauma and PTSD effectively and efficiently. My goal is to help you find healing without wasting your time or money. I'm trained in 3 evidence-based (validated by research) therapies for treating PTSD. During your first appointments, we'll determine the best plan for your therapy. Some approaches emphasize talking, while others have very little talking. Some use creative elements and story, while others work directly to treat your brain. Often, it takes as little as 3-5 hours to feel a lot better. I also provide general counseling for depression, anxiety, relationships, etc.

The trials of life sometimes bring sadness and fear. I offer a place for healing and help in a safe environment, for children, adolescents, and adults. I will help you to find the answers to your conflicts and concerns. Whatever the problem we will work together to find the way out. I offer hope for the hopeless.

Everyone experiences life struggles. I believe clients come to therapy already equipped with the tools and skills to make change and therapy is a tool to help accomplish that goal. I specialize in helping individuals with trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship problems. I've worked with adults, children, adolescents and families for 20 years, and take great joy in seeing change happen in the lives of others. I believe in a client-centered approach, which means you are the expert of your own life, and I am a facilitator in helping you accomplish your own goals. I also have experience working with other healthcare professionals.

A wise philosopher once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small changes, even increasing self-awareness, can collect and snowball into life-changing transformations. These changes and transformations currently may be hard to imagine or fully believe, and we can still choose to bravely take that step. Whatever length your journey, I offer support along the road and a safe space for exploration, expression, insight, and transformation.

I believe every individual has the ability to reach their full potential. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental place for you to share your thoughts, identify problems and work toward achieving desired goals. I have worked with individuals of all ages with varying issues including, but not limited to: mood and personality disorders, physical and sexual abuse , anger management, eating disorders, anxiety, stress management, relationship issues and major life changes. I appreciate the uniqueness of each individual and will treat you with respect, compassion, and honesty.

At one time or another we all experience challenges in creating the lives we desire. I am passionate about working collaboratively with you to aid you in developing healthier relationships and learning effective strategies to overcome life's obstacles. I aid clients in addressing issues such as: trauma, anxiety, depression, identity development, sexual abuse , sexual assault , women's issues, and relationship concerns. By developing a greater understanding of ourselves and our relationships I believe that we can find greater meaning in our lives.

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.

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.

*Currently CLOSED to new patients. Please email for referral options* I am a licensed clinical social worker with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Michigan State University and a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan with a speciality in Interpersonal Practice and Health. I completed my post-Graduate certificate in Sexual Health and Sex education at the University of Michigan and am a fully AASECT Certified Sex Therapist.

I have seen people struggle for years with depression and/or anxiety caused by negative thoughts we have about ourselves from things we have been through in life, some things big and bad, others unintentional or seemingly benign. While we all experience challenges in life, you don't deserve to suffer and I can/want to help you find that relief. Medication helps, but is not the answer to long term recovery. Regular talk therapy can also be helpful, but often is not effective for recovery. EMDR therapy has been the most hopeful service for long term recovery I have found and the benefits can be physiologically understood.

The majority of my practice is working with women and "women's issues." Many women seek guidance and counsel as they deal with the stages and changes in their lives. Childbirth through menopause, there are challenges that can provoke thought, action or concerns. Trauma from childhood sexual abuse can cause depression and anxiety. I have worked with many women concerning these issues and with couples struggling with latent affects of abuse. I also work with couple marital issues, parenting issues and teens 12 years and older.

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.

Nicolette is an indigenous therapist, a member of the 2S-LGBTQIA+ community, and a person in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use issues. She is dedicated to helping people find and heal underlying trauma and sources of pain that may be consciously or unconsciously affecting their minds, bodies, and daily lives. Nicolette is passionate about working with those who have experienced physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse as well as anyone who is interested in exploring their relationship with substance use.

I am experienced in providing Marital Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques and Internal Family Systems, among others. I provide therapy for individuals (children ages 4-12, adolescents and adults), groups, families and couples.