Trauma Focused Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

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.

My name is Carrie Deering and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Michigan, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I have experience working with individuals from the age of 4 and up. I have worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, community settings, and school settings. I also have experience navigating and managing crises.

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.

Reaching out for help takes courage. It means that you are able to admit that you do not have all the answers and have the strength to acknowledge that you may be struggling. Experiencing personal conflicts can make you feel unsteady, anxious, and unsure about how to move forward. It is during these times, I believe that showing up authentically is the first step in moving forward. I believe that leaning into vulnerability and tuning into yourself is key to a transformative journey. Therapy is a safe place to remember who you are and discover the inherent power you hold to create a life that you will simply enjoy living.

If you arrived on this page, you may be struggling with a relationship with your body. I believe each person is the expert in their own life, but I do have experience and training in how to help people make the changes they desire. I can be a partner and provide a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space for this change. Often, with eating disorders, we also experience issues such as shame, trauma, childhood abuse, partner abuse, sexual violence, anxiety and mood disorders, attachment and relationship difficulties. Together, we can work toward finding balance, healing and acceptance.

So, let's not call it "needing" therapy. What if we just say, we're feeling overwhelmed, depressed, anxious, conflicted, or isolated? If you're feeling any of those things, I can help. I often start treatment the 1st or 2nd session. After 6-12 sessions clients usually feel significantly better. I'd be happy to meet with you over the phone confidentially, have a brief discussion (at no charge), and see if it sounds like we would be the right client-therapist fit.

I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and young adults. I am committed to supporting individuals as they navigate difficulties with mood, anxiety, stress, trauma, self-esteem, relationship/peer conflict, anger, behavioral issues, life transitions/life skills, gender/sexual/racial identity, self-harm and suicidal ideation. I am motivated to work alongside clients as they grapple with the intersections of their racial, gender, sexual, and spiritual identities. I am invested in clients who are willing to be uncomfortable as side effect of their lifetime journey of healing and personal growth.

I believe that everyone strives to do the best they can, but sometimes you just don't have the tools or motivation to get to where you want to be. I’m glad that you’re brave enough to take the first step! I’m here to help clients discover and use their strengths to navigate through life’s challenges. My goal is to provide a confidential environment where clients can process current life circumstances, explore new coping skills and meet their goals.

Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or life turmoil, you’ve made a tremendous step in your healing journey and my goal is to help you along the path to restoration and growth! You were gifted with the attributes to reach your dreams and goals. It is my job and joy to supply you with tools to unearth those jewels that are within you. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology from Cornerstone University and Masters of Arts in Counseling from Spring Arbor University. I have served as a life coach for 15+ years. I provide counseling and life coaching services to adults, couples, and families.

Emily is a Licensed Master Social Worker with a focus on treating trauma across the life span. She specializes in utilizing a holistic approach to address issues that arise from unresolved trauma, stress and anxiety, life transitions, and mood disorders. Emily believes by addressing dysfunctional patterns of the mind and body that stem from the past, we can live fuller and more balanced lives in the present and future. Emily aims to bring her whole self to the therapeutic process and hopes for her clients to do the same.

Christina specializes in creating safe spaces for children, adolescents, teens, and families to explore their emotions and experiences in order to facilitate a harmonious family system. With over a decade of experience both locally and internationally in the fields of mental health, trauma recovery, and education, Christina utilizes an eclectic therapeutic approach that is uniquely tailored to meet the family’s needs. Christina believes that the relationship between the client and the therapist is the cornerstone of progress and she values those relationships deeply.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist that has been working with Families, Couples, and Individuals with many diagnosis for over 15 years. I have a very wide array of experience, but do provide specialized training for the following populations: First Responders, individuals suffering from traumatic stress, eating disorders/disordered eating, addiction, and grief as well as their families. I also can support with performance issues related to competition, work, etc. I expect you would find me to be down to earth and practical, but clinically sophisticated in my approach. My goal is partnership and empowerment.

Rob Conrad, LMSW Licensed Master of Social Work, earned his Master’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Rob has experience working with children, teens, families, and adults. He spent 4 years working with individuals who experienced complex trauma and is certified in Trauma Focused – Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. He believes in meeting his clients where they are at and in the collaborative nature of therapy. Rob uses evidenced based practices to help his clients identify and achieve their goals.

In today's environment, there are so many pressures on individuals, kids, and parents that sometimes it seems overwhelming. Together we can find solutions to make coping with life's stressors easier and more effective. Therapy can help by having someone to talk with, process the stress, and generate solutions unique to the needs of individuals, children, and families. I believe we can work collaboratively to achieve a positive and supportive place where mental and emotional health can thrive.

I believe in offering a safe place for personal growth and healing through self exploration. This means meeting you where you are and offering a supportive, non-judgmental space to assist with this healing journey. We all deserve to be the best version of ourselves and I am passionate about assisting in this. Trauma focused treatment is something I specialize in and I am trained in EMDR (Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing). I work with adjustment issues, anxiety, depression, PTSD and a variety of other issues. I use a person centered approach where I value each persons individual strengths, needs and abilities.

Welcome! My name is Alyssa Smith and I know that starting therapy can be an intimidating process, but I aim to provide my clients with a comfortable, non-judgmental space to be themselves and process the conflicts going on in their lives. I view therapy as a partnership, one where I can support you to make your own decisions, set your own goals, and be actively engaged in your own treatment process and healing. My goal is to assist clients in coping and processing with all of life’s difficulties, and ultimately live a life full of confidence and fulfillment.