Blue Shield Therapists in Holland, MI

I have been working with children, families and organizations for over three decades in various forms. From children with special needs, to teaching, to hospice care, to working in schools and organizations, to now working full time as a therapist. In working as a therapist, I have experience working in schools, churches, foster care, CPS, FOC, family relationships, child behavior, parenting, conflict resolution, and leadership counseling. I have worked with children, parents, grandparents, pastors, principals, and others seeking to move in a different direction, or better manage their current situation.

People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.

Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues for 10 years. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives.

Experiencing an emotional or personal issue that is restricting your ability to enjoy life? I help clients work on those things that are getting in the way, such as, problematic emotional, behavioral or relational patterns, stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Life is really hard at times and it can help to have some extra support, especially, if you are feeling alone, isolated or finding that others don't really understand. NOTE: I am now offering tele-therapy over video as an option for therapy.

I've been in practice 25 yrs - with individuals/couples & families -- kids 6+, many teens, college students & adults. I'm shamelessly informal -- no ties or pressed shirts here!. The office is quite unique - - very large, ultra comfy, w/MANY natural oddities... slightly chaotic -- like life! Good strong coffee/tea/soda & munchies always available. Pets welcome. I'm adopted myself, a licensed foster parent, & work with trauma and attachment. I have a multi-cultural family & lived abroad (Africa). I do co-parenting therapy & am also very familiar w/court systems, working with Dr.'s, lawyers, schools and custody issues.

There are times in life when it feels like you cannot take another minute of toxic stress or anxiety….whether it is about how you are coping with personal challenges or about your children or relationships. Perhaps there are events in your past that keep you from moving forward with your life. I invite you to a calm and welcoming space to help you find a way to resolve these issues. I am an empathetic listener who strives to help others rediscover strengths to heal their hearts so they can achieve their goals.

WE OFFER TELE-THERAPY - BOTH VIDEO AND TELEPHONE-BASED.Understanding and insight are the keys to change and growth. We're a group of more than 80 licensed psychotherapists, with offices in 17 locations, who share a passion for helping others in their journey toward personal growth. Under the clinical direction of Franklin Sollars, PhD, LP, our therapists offer caring and confidential treatment for a variety of concerns and issues. We work together with clients to bring about healing, behavior changes, and new perspectives. Some journeys are brief, others take more time. We offer treatment to children, adolescents, adults and elders.

When a person chooses to participate in counseling I see this as a brave step in investing in yourself in a positive way. I am honored to partner with each person in their journey of healing, self-acceptance, understanding, and growth. We will work together to identify what is important to you to focus on, and the steps to take to pursue the goals you have identified using a holistic approach to treatment. I believe it is important to care for the whole self: physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

My name is Michelle VanNoord and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in working with children, adolescents and adults. As children grow and change, they often think and respond differently than adults would. I meet kids where they are at to help them through their struggles in a way that makes sense to them. I help parents understand the limits of the developing brain and how that can play into some of the struggles their child might be experiencing. I have worked in the school setting, taught college level classes and continue to speak to local teachers about the ways children grow and understand the world.

Deciding to seek help can be one of the most difficult but rewarding steps you will take in your healing journey. The sadness, anger, disappointment, frustrations, stress or confusion you may be feeling does not have to be your life's story. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, post traumatic stress, self-esteem or personal issues, you deserve all that life has to offer and you do not have to feel alone.

Over the past eighteen years, I have worked in community mental health, residential and private practice facilities helping children, adolescents, and adults solve problems and make significant changes in their lives. I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist, Certified Trauma Specialist, Adoption Specialist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I strongly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element in making lasting changes. Helping you feel comfortable so we can build a trusting and secure relationship is my goal.

Since graduating from Grand Valley State University with a Master’s degree in Social Work, Brittany has spent several years working with adults and children struggling with anxiety, depression, sleep concerns, and stress management. Being a mom of three young kids, working with new mothers and families to navigate the transition into parenthood has become a passion as well.

Alexa has spent her life gaining personal and career experiences to provide support and empathy to those who could benefit from an experienced and empathetic emotional wellness partner. With a Masters degree in Social Work from GVSU, experience in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, Alexa comes to your table to be on your team as a partner, mentor, and support person, to help you navigate the twists and turns that life will throw your way.

Joel is a Christian Counselor in Holland MI who works exclusively with children and teens, and helps parents reclaim confidence and joy in parenting. Joel is focused exclusively on kids and family. His passion and expertise lie in his love of kids and getting to know them. He specializes in childhood & adolescent issues, parenting strategies, and coping through divorce. Joel excels at making connections with kids and parents and helping them navigate through the frustrations of family life to reach a place of peace and joy.