Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

Sometimes we all need a little help in life. Are you in need someone who will listen objectively and pay attention to when you are talking without just nodding in all the "right places?" Then I may be the therapist you are looking for! Life often throws unexpected curves at us in the form of grief, divorce, or job displacement to name just a few examples. Emotions can often overtake our sense of well-being. We may find ourselves in need of extra support and encouragement and someone who will lend a listening ear and engage with us in counseling.

When we experience trauma, anxiety or any kind of struggle in life, it can leave us feeling lost. While meeting you where you're at, I help you to gain insight on what you're experiencing. I teach clients to notice where we feel emotions in our bodies and the relationship between thoughts, emotions and behaviors. In order to begin healing, we need safety and someone who holds space for us to process our experiences. It is my goal to create an environment of trust and safety where clients feel any and all emotions are welcomed in session. I bring a calm, empathetic, and compassionate approach to the therapeutic relationship.

Life can be difficult, especially in preteen through young adult years, where you can feel in constant change. Working with someone to help guide you through rough patches and work on developing certain skills and routines can help ease those transitions.

Hello! Congratulations on taking your first steps to bettering your mental health. My name is Cassandra (Cassie). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with a wide range of clients from young children to adults and families. My undergraduate degree was obtained from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte in Psychology. My graduate degree was obtained in 2016 from the University of Phoenix in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I believe that each individual is unique and special; therefore, I prefer an eclectic and collaborative approach to counseling; developing the treatment plan to reflect your unique needs.

I’ve worked in many capacities including corrections, child welfare, health care, and more. The complexities of substance abuse, sexual trauma, dysfunction within a family, and mental health are some of many issues that individuals I’ve worked along side have faced. Through those different journeys, I found I really enjoy helping people! Going thru some of the darkest times of your life shouldn’t be spent alone. I love providing a safe space, one without judgement or worry to others while guiding them with evidence-based practices.

We all have the need to be understood, valued, and supported just as we are right now. Healing comes from having a safe place to share your struggles and fears without judgment. I use compassion and empathy to support individuals, couples and families. I believe each person has a unique lived experience and a therapist is there to support and guide people to live a healthy, happy and fulfilling life. I have advanced training and specialize in attachment theory to support healing in people that have experienced trauma. I believe that our relationships are a central component in our health.

We go to doctors for check-ups, but we sometimes leave our mental health for last on our list:) I believe therapy should be fun and enlightening, highlighting what strengths you already possess to help you with life's barriers. Combined with my education, humor and my direct approach, your goals can be met in a brief, focused amount of time.

It's about relationships . . . We're here to provide guidance in building and strengthening relationships between family members, friends, and even, with yourself. Caring and comprehensive counseling services for: Adults, teens and children of all ages, Individual, couples, family and group counseling.

I have experience working with children and adults with PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, ADHD, child welfare issues, and suicidal ideation. I have specialty training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the practice and use of mindfulness strategies. I have seen and experienced the process of trauma recovery and can understand the various levels trauma can impact people's lives. Nurturing a healthy thought-life is a helpful tool towards building resilience and strength in trauma and various other mental health needs.

Life is hard, and I’m here to help. As a therapist, I believe by making conscious choices we have the power to make purposeful change. If you're feeling anxious, sad, overwhelmed, or angry, I'm here for you. Sometimes we avoid our troubles, but they always seem to catch up one way or another. I want to walk alongside you through this season of life and guide you to the best version of yourself.

As counselor, I see therapy for adults involving a very individual, 'person centered' approach. "I believe that every person has the internal resources they need for growth & healing, and to find their direction and progress in the therapy process." I support the client on their path to success, providing empathy, acceptance for who they are and where they are, while offering a non-judgmental orientation. I encourage the client with the freedom to explore thoughts, feelings, and life experiences in our time together.

Counseling can serve many different purposes--it can help us gain understanding into ourselves, gain understanding in how we navigate our world and relationships, it can help us heal from past hurts. I strive to offer a therapeutic setting where clients feel welcome and safe to process challenges in life and to gain perspective. For some clients building skills and tools can be helpful in overcoming struggles. I provide an avenue to equip clients in this way. I have been a counselor for over 30 years, and believe people are uniquely created with God given potential to live a victorious life.

Brené Brown says "Courage is contagious. Every time we choose courage, we make everyone around us a little better and the world a little braver." Starting the process of healing, asking for help, and building support around you takes courage: I specialize in mind-body medicine and helping women. Most of the clients that work with me are looking for support with anxiety, stress, or navigating a big life change that includes loss, transition, uncertainty.

The clients that I feel I am able to most helpful to are struggling with stress, and feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of life. They are often high-achieving people, who have perfectionistic tendencies at times. They want to feel better so that they can live more fully although aren't quite sure how to get there.

BILINGUAL - My cultural background has been a major inspiration in my efforts to guide and empower ethnically diverse people through effective counseling by offering services in both English and Spanish. My comprehensive approach to mental health seeks to deliver holistic, individualized guidance based on the needs of my clients through the implementation of various therapies best suited for their lifestyles: group, individual, interpersonal, family therapy, and more.

As a holistic-minded therapist who works with both individuals and couples, I see the counseling process as an opportunity to examine old ways of relating to oneself and explore new ways of interacting. I use a whole-body approach to guide clients in becoming more self-aware and finding the strength to initiate long-term positive change for themselves. With couples, my goal is to improve intimacy and commitment using a research-based approach that identifies your strengths, and models healthy relationship patterns. I will walk with you as we navigate creating new interactions and a happier, stronger partnership.

Everyone goes through challenging situations in life! While you may have successfully navigated through other difficulties, there's nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it. I provide long lasting benefits and support, giving you the tools you need to avoid triggers, redirect damaging patterns and overcome whatever challenges you may face! I can also help you attain a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values. Develop skills for improving your relationships. Cope with stress, anxiety, depression and other emotional pressures. Most importantly improve your self-esteem and boost your self confidence!

I believe that therapy is a very personal experience and requires a nonjudgmental, genuine, and compassionate relationship between client and therapist. Often, people come into therapy to discuss some of their most vulnerable feelings and experiences. This takes a lot of courage and self-reflection. I strive to create a space that is safe, comfortable, and inviting for individuals, families, and couples to share these challenges with me. My hope is to help guide my clients to recognize positive things in their lives as well as explore different ways of thinking, feeling, and reacting to challenges that occur.

Finding the right therapist for you is important. My style tends to be warm and soft-spoken but I can be gently confrontational when necessary. I decided to become a therapist because I deeply care about helping others in meaningful ways.