Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

I value openness to new experiences, to different ways of thinking, to honest conversations, to more authentic ways of living. My goal is for the therapy environment to be characterized by openness, where there are no taboo topics and you’re supported in talking about anything. I’m committed to providing an open, affirming therapy experience, where therapy helps you open doors to more genuine and more effective ways of engaging in life.

Life gets difficult. I'm here to offer the support you need in a safe and relational way. I will listen to everything you are going through and we will work together to figure out tools and strategies that suit you so that you can move forward to meet your goals.

I have been in private practice for 33 years having the privilege of serving individuals and couples in our community. I've gained a solid understanding of the struggles we face navigating the difficulties of life. My knowledge and compassion facilitate growth and healing for individuals within their selves and in their relationships. My style of therapy is one of warmth and engaging with each person in the story of their life and the difficulties within that. It is my intention to create an open and inviting atmosphere for people to explore themselves, their relationships, and the environment which they live.

Accepting New Clients with immediate openings! Counseling involves the sharing of personal problems, concerns, and stories with someone that is skilled at helping the client come to a resolution or solution about the situation. The general goals for the client are that he or she can identify the issues/s, develop a plan of action and then implement that plan. This is a very personal process and is educational and developmental by nature. My philosophy of counseling is based on the belief that the client possesses the power to change, my role is to help the client become aware of how to understand and utilize that power.

Welcome, I’m glad you are here. Deciding to make changes in your life and asking for help is a big and sometimes scary step. I am here to help you with that. We are here to explore your uniquely you story. Counseling is a journey. Like all journeys, it is unique and special. Some paths may be tougher than others. Some people may encounter some bad weather along the way. However, more often than not, the view is always worth the journey. My goal as a therapist is to walk the path with you as a guide, not as an expert. You get to determine the path; I help navigate the tough times.

I work with high school students through older adults who are struggling with, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Autism or serious mental illnesses. I enjoy walking with those facing major life transitions such as graduating from college or entering retirement. There are so many difficult thoughts and emotions that come with these times in our lives, and I am here to help sort things out and help you feel positive about the choices you decide to make. I identify as a liberal, open and affirming Christian, and in addition to my MSW, I hold an MDiv which equips me to incorporate spirituality into treatment if a client requests this.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, or problematic behaviors? You want to overcome these obstacles and reconnect with the joy of living. My ideal client is someone like you who wants to achieve goals and live a fulfilling life.

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.

I believe in order to make changes in our lives, we must first examine the impact that past relationships, experiences, and environments have had on us. The therapeutic process allows us to examine and process how things that have happened to us can impact who we are as individuals and integrate the past into who we are in the present. The therapeutic relationship can help us to identify sources of resilience and strength that can help us to overcome past negative experiences. By connecting our past with who we are in the present, we can start the process of change.

For the past five years my focus has been on delivering evidenced-based family therapy to families within our communities. Within this time frame, I have worked with families and individuals to alleviate the various stressors that plague our lives on a daily basis. My focus revolves around empowering those I work with using a strength-based focus and addressing the individuals or families most pressing issues using a collaborative approach.

I received Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, with an emphasis on marriage and family therapy. I work with adults and families and have experience working in a psychiatric setting alongside of medical and psychiatric doctors. I have completed evidence based training in Motivational Interviewing as well as DBT for substance abuse. You are what you think, your mind will return to you exactly what you think. What is it that you want? Substance abuse & Anger management assessments.

We provide professional, confidential counseling and assessment for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. GLPG has multiple locations throughout the Midwest, over 100 therapists in various specialties, and accept most insurance plans. Evening and weekend appointments are available for your convenience.

This world is hard and we all need someone to come alongside of them to be their cheerleader. I have experienced first hand how trauma has impacted the life of families and individuals and do not want you to walk this path alone. Together we can collaborate to ensure that you are living a life of joy and freedom. I have lots of experience working with those in the child welfare system, whether it is children, biological parents, foster parents, adoptive parents or child welfare workers and I want to see you successful in all that you do.

I want to start off by saying that I am proud of you for taking the first step in healing! Making the choice to seek out therapy can be a tough one, choosing your therapist shouldn’t be. My goal as your therapist is to create a comfortable and safe environment (however that may look for you) to process, heal and grow. It is important to me that your therapy space is inclusive, trauma informed and person centered. As a result, I am flexible with where we meet. Do you feel most comfortable in person or over the computer? Do you feel safe at your favorite coffee/tea shop or on a walk? You get to decide! This is your therapy after all!