LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Holland, MI

We all have meaningful stories to tell, and I look forward to learning how I can be of service to you, whether it’s easing stress, improving communication, getting your relationship (with others and yourself) back on track or helping you develop healthy thinking patterns. I can help give you “tools for your toolbox” to help overcome life’s obstacles. My goal is for you to feel valued, safe, and heard while building a relationship of trust and understanding. I will walk alongside you and provide collaborative, action oriented and honest feedback to shape your journey towards a greater sense of freedom, meaning & purpose.

There are times in life when it helps to have someone to walk alongside you on the journey. That is what I am here to do. I believe that every person has strengths they can use to help themselves to grow stronger and move forward. I like to use a strengths-based cognitive behavioral approach to help children, adolescents, and young adults unlock their potential. I have worked as a school social worker, supporting students with a variety of needs, and have knowledge of special education supports. I enjoy helping young people work through the circumstances that life brings and transitions that can be difficult to navigate.

I am not accepting new clients at this time. Sometimes we need to be reminded that struggling does not mean that we are weak, broken, or unworthy. It helps to connect with someone who knows that your story is worth listening to. I want your story to be heard and valued without judgment. By providing a safe environment, I help people develop compassion for how their past and current experiences have impacted them and explore new ways of being, thinking, and feeling. I believe that it is the strength of the therapeutic relationship and the goals you create together which builds meaningful change.

I believe that through a safe and judgment-free therapeutic relationship true growth, empowerment, and healing can occur in any individual's life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have an extensive range of clinical experience providing mental health services for depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, family and relationship issues, career exploration, and the LGBT population. All are welcome here. I see clients starting at age 13 through adult and welcome you to take a step towards a better quality of life and self care by contacting me to set up an appointment.

We all want to change in some way, and I believe that real, visible change comes from an internal motivation to be better versions of ourselves. By looking at the uncomfortable or unexamined parts within ourselves, that positive change becomes possible.

My ideal client is motivated to work in therapy and recognizes that therapy is as much about some pain as well as some joy. They have important issues in their lives and are searching for meaning, resolution, and growth because we all live in a world where these are not recognized, honored, or validated.

For the past 30 years, I have had the privilege of helping individuals achieve their goals and overcome a variety of difficulties including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, relational struggles, and life transitions. My hope is that each individual I work with will gain a better understanding of themselves and their context and also learn valuable skills to move forward towards a more fulfilling and flourishing life.

I am a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the state of Michigan, with over 15 years of experience providing therapy in multi-faceted ways. I have worked as a medical social worker, providing therapy for those suffering from a variety of hardships. I have worked as an addictions counselor for those with substance dependence and their families. I specialize in working with other professionals who struggle with mood or substance abuse issues. I have experience treating depression, anxiety/panic, women's issues, relationship issues, career issues, and those with both physical and mental health issues.

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.

For over 20 years I have been involved in the mental health system, and have had the privilege of helping individuals & families achieve their goals and overcome a variety of challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, mood disorders, new transitions, relational, & substance abuse struggles). While speaking both English & Spanish languages, my hope is that each individual that I encounter will gain a better understanding of themselves, and also learn valuable skills to move forward towards a more fulfilling and flourishing life---to be able to find 'Peace of Mind'--within themselves and within their surroundings.

I enjoy clients with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and problems. My personal style is warm and supportive, and my approach with clients is holistic in focus. My goal is for each client to achieve more personal awareness, emotional stability, and effective behavior as a result of our work together. Presenting issues might be: Depression; Bipolar disorder; Anxiety Disorders; Trauma/PTSD; Couple conflicts; Stress related medical problems; or Life transitions. I provide individual and couple therapy for teens and adults.

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.

I work with clients who are wanting to understand themselves more fully, figure out what may be holding them back from the life they've imagined for themselves, uncover what is beneath troubling behaviors, and/or find ways of being and relating that feel healthier and more fulfilling. Some clients come in speaking of feeling discouraged, restless, worried, unfulfilled, or unhappy within themselves and/or their relationships; others come in with just a vague sense that life could feel much better.

*I am currently not able to take new clients.* Hi. I'm Michelle Sheridan. I have over 20 yrs. of experience helping couples and individuals through difficult times, transitions & situations in life. I'd like to help you, if you feel it's "Time For A Change"! I help people to deal with anger, resentment, frustration, depression and overall unhappiness. There's no time like the present to look at what choices you've made in the past & how your past may be affecting today & your future. I can help you succeed in identifying problem areas, understanding them, understanding yourself and others.

**Not Currently Accepting New Clients ** Are you feeling angry, worried, lonely, overwhelmed, or just want someone to listen? You are not alone. I'm a fully licensed clinical therapist with years of experience working with teens, adults, and families. I love meeting new people and feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they find truth in transformation and wholeness in healing.

Life brings many changing seasons that present new challenges and struggles. Throughout the seasons of life, you can find meaning and hope. People who decide to reach out and seek to find meaning and hope are courageous. It can be difficult to be honest and look at your life's path; however, I am continually amazed at each client's strength and desire for freedom in their life. I thoroughly enjoy providing additional support that can meet each client's needs.

***Not currently accepting new clients*** Whether you are seeking treatment for depression, anxiety, managing a chronic condition, grief and loss, parenting challenges, traumatic experiences, or personal growth; psychotherapy is an effective and evidence-based way to move toward greater health, healing, and emotional wellness at any age. I am a therapist who is passionate about empowering others to discover and live into their truest selves. A hallmark of my practice is drawing on a breadth of training and experience to offer an individualized, effective, and safe therapeutic environment for all.

Welcome! I'm SO glad you are here. I believe that everyone deserves access to mental health services, and my hope is to guide the opportunity for you to transform your current self, find acceptance, foster healing, and achieve your individual goals. I specialize in working with kids, adolescents, teens, and young adults. I have extensive experience working within the public school system, with individuals who have disabilities, with college students, and with families. I enjoy working with topics such as self-esteem, perfectionism, emotion regulation, behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm.

I offer teletherapy and in-office therapy to clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations races, and ethnicities. With 25 years of clinical experience, I provide a safe and confidential space to explore what needs healing. Trained in trauma /Polyvalgal /BSP and in-depth Psychodynamic therapy. I help adults, adolescents, and college students with stress, depression, PTSD, sexual assault, loss, grief, anger, gender dysphoria, racial / gender trauma, parenting, and young adult challenges. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, special education (ADHD, ASD), & in home-based trauma care (TF-CBT).