Christian Therapists in Downtown, Kalamazoo, MI
Trauma is defined differently by everyone and NO ONE understands what you are going through like you do. As a therapist trained in EMDR I can use my knowledge to help you process life experiences and provide realistic tools to manage reactions caused by trauma. I have previous work experience in healthcare and I enjoy working with teenagers and adults. My training and work experience include individuals with histories of complex trauma, first responders, personality disorders, trauma affiliated with a religion, addiction(s), grief, sexual health, and medical trauma.
Trauma is defined differently by everyone and NO ONE understands what you are going through like you do. As a therapist trained in EMDR I can use my knowledge to help you process life experiences and provide realistic tools to manage reactions caused by trauma. I have previous work experience in healthcare and I enjoy working with teenagers and adults. My training and work experience include individuals with histories of complex trauma, first responders, personality disorders, trauma affiliated with a religion, addiction(s), grief, sexual health, and medical trauma.
Do you struggle with conflict in your relationship, unresolved trauma, or a sense of disconnection that affects your daily life and emotional wellbeing? Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated trying to navigate endless arguments, isolation, or unprocessed pain? Do you hope for deeper connections or to feel more grounded in yourself? Now more than ever, couples and individuals feel uncertain about how to heal and reconnect. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—together, we can work toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Do you struggle with conflict in your relationship, unresolved trauma, or a sense of disconnection that affects your daily life and emotional wellbeing? Do you feel overwhelmed or frustrated trying to navigate endless arguments, isolation, or unprocessed pain? Do you hope for deeper connections or to feel more grounded in yourself? Now more than ever, couples and individuals feel uncertain about how to heal and reconnect. You don’t have to face these challenges alone—together, we can work toward a healthier, more balanced life.
Merry S Battles
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, CAADC
2 Endorsed
Downtown, Kalamazoo, MI 49007
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself feeling irritated or angry without a clear reason? Are you a married or single mother struggling to raise happy, well-adjusted children? Do you sometimes turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms during stressful times? If so, it’s time to address those feelings and make positive changes.
Do you find yourself feeling irritated or angry without a clear reason? Are you a married or single mother struggling to raise happy, well-adjusted children? Do you sometimes turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms during stressful times? If so, it’s time to address those feelings and make positive changes.
You deserve to heal. Life happens and we need the tools to learn how to navigate through various challenges and overcome past trauma. No one can do it alone. That is why therapy is so important and plays a big role in helping people to overcome and heal. With me, you can expect to feel warmly welcomed, safe, supported, heard, and validated. I understand that there are a variety of emotions that you may feel when meeting a new therapist. I want you to know that your emotions are all valid and it is okay to feel those emotions. It’s my responsibility to help you feel as comfortable as possible and I take this very seriously.
You deserve to heal. Life happens and we need the tools to learn how to navigate through various challenges and overcome past trauma. No one can do it alone. That is why therapy is so important and plays a big role in helping people to overcome and heal. With me, you can expect to feel warmly welcomed, safe, supported, heard, and validated. I understand that there are a variety of emotions that you may feel when meeting a new therapist. I want you to know that your emotions are all valid and it is okay to feel those emotions. It’s my responsibility to help you feel as comfortable as possible and I take this very seriously.
To put it simply, life can be hard. You deserve a safe place and a trusting therapist to navigate it with. I have a passion for working with children of all ages and understand the importance of meeting them where they’re at while creating a therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with a variety of issues that impact youth including anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, ADHD, school difficulties, family changes, loss, and more. I am a certified Special Education School Social Worker with extensive knowledge in in this area and the ability to support and advocate for your child in the school setting.
To put it simply, life can be hard. You deserve a safe place and a trusting therapist to navigate it with. I have a passion for working with children of all ages and understand the importance of meeting them where they’re at while creating a therapeutic alliance. I have experience working with a variety of issues that impact youth including anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, ADHD, school difficulties, family changes, loss, and more. I am a certified Special Education School Social Worker with extensive knowledge in in this area and the ability to support and advocate for your child in the school setting.
Nobody knows you like you know yourself. Your past decisions weigh on you and stop you from moving forward, to a place of peace and growth. Your past does not determine your future, each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. You may doubt who you are or what you want out of life, but you are the keeper of your story and do have power over your future. Your journey to finding the best life possible begins when you decide to make the change. I consider it an honor to walk down the path of exploration with you. No journey is too big or small, I believe in honoring all of life’s moments with my clients in a nonjudgmental environment.
Nobody knows you like you know yourself. Your past decisions weigh on you and stop you from moving forward, to a place of peace and growth. Your past does not determine your future, each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. You may doubt who you are or what you want out of life, but you are the keeper of your story and do have power over your future. Your journey to finding the best life possible begins when you decide to make the change. I consider it an honor to walk down the path of exploration with you. No journey is too big or small, I believe in honoring all of life’s moments with my clients in a nonjudgmental environment.
Life's challenges can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what comes next. Whether you're coping with trauma, anxiety, stress, life transitions, or family and relationship challenges, you don't have to face them alone. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain insight, and develop practical tools for healing and growth.
Life's challenges can sometimes leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of what comes next. Whether you're coping with trauma, anxiety, stress, life transitions, or family and relationship challenges, you don't have to face them alone. I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, gain insight, and develop practical tools for healing and growth.
We all heal in different ways, and I value the importance of meeting each client where they are at in their healing journey, remaining patient each step of the way. I am dedicated to cultivating a safe space for all of my clients, working collaboratively with each individual as they work towards their goals, while ensuring a consistent, non-judgmental environment is maintained.
We all heal in different ways, and I value the importance of meeting each client where they are at in their healing journey, remaining patient each step of the way. I am dedicated to cultivating a safe space for all of my clients, working collaboratively with each individual as they work towards their goals, while ensuring a consistent, non-judgmental environment is maintained.
Welcome, I’m She’Hetia. I work with young adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, identity exploration, mood regulation, self-doubt, trauma, and the quiet weight of feeling unseen in systems not built with them in mind. Over time, these experiences can shape how we see ourselves, wear down our confidence, and pull us further from who we truly are. Whether you’re stepping into therapy for the first time or returning after a pause, it’s completely natural to feel unsure of where to begin. Here, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Welcome, I’m She’Hetia. I work with young adults navigating anxiety, low self-esteem, identity exploration, mood regulation, self-doubt, trauma, and the quiet weight of feeling unseen in systems not built with them in mind. Over time, these experiences can shape how we see ourselves, wear down our confidence, and pull us further from who we truly are. Whether you’re stepping into therapy for the first time or returning after a pause, it’s completely natural to feel unsure of where to begin. Here, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Helping people is my passion and I feel honored that God has placed me in a position to help those find hope and healing through the counsel I offer. I create a safe place for you to share your story and the challenges you face. My hope is that you feel compassion from me as I journey with you to healing and wholeness. It is a process and my commitment is to walk alongside you at your pace.
Helping people is my passion and I feel honored that God has placed me in a position to help those find hope and healing through the counsel I offer. I create a safe place for you to share your story and the challenges you face. My hope is that you feel compassion from me as I journey with you to healing and wholeness. It is a process and my commitment is to walk alongside you at your pace.
As a Christian and a Counselor I understand the importance of healing the whole person.
Are you looking to identify new ways to cope with the effects from trauma, family conflict, stress, relationship or life transition issues? Perhaps anxiety and depression are disrupting your life and robbing you of peace. Wherever you find yourself, know that you are not alone. Step by Step Counseling is here to journey beside you to help you reach your goals and be the best possible version of yourself. I approach the therapeutic process with a goal to get to the root of the problem and empower you to make the necessary changes with empathy, compassion and respect. I offer a space to explore and discover your "why's"of life.
As a Christian and a Counselor I understand the importance of healing the whole person.
Are you looking to identify new ways to cope with the effects from trauma, family conflict, stress, relationship or life transition issues? Perhaps anxiety and depression are disrupting your life and robbing you of peace. Wherever you find yourself, know that you are not alone. Step by Step Counseling is here to journey beside you to help you reach your goals and be the best possible version of yourself. I approach the therapeutic process with a goal to get to the root of the problem and empower you to make the necessary changes with empathy, compassion and respect. I offer a space to explore and discover your "why's"of life.
Online Therapists
Any client I see will immediately feel the desire and eagerness to first get to know them, then their reason for pursuing counseling and what we as a team can do about it. I come into all my counseling sessions with a humble and empathetic heart, and am honored to be able to be a part of God’s work in my clients’ lives as they overcome difficulties, find healing, and experience personal growth. Regardless of my client's faith and background I work to establish a strong direction for healing with goals decided upon by the collective agreement of the client and myself as their counselor.
Any client I see will immediately feel the desire and eagerness to first get to know them, then their reason for pursuing counseling and what we as a team can do about it. I come into all my counseling sessions with a humble and empathetic heart, and am honored to be able to be a part of God’s work in my clients’ lives as they overcome difficulties, find healing, and experience personal growth. Regardless of my client's faith and background I work to establish a strong direction for healing with goals decided upon by the collective agreement of the client and myself as their counselor.
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the messiness of their relationships and life's challenges. Whether it be the death of a loved one, illness, caregiving, relationship struggles, family issues, or life transitions, I specialize in walking alongside my clients through grief, loss, and anxiety.
I am relational in my approach, meaning that when you meet with me, you get the real Kelsey. No blank slate here! I have a cozy space where I hope you feel comfortable to dig into whatever you need-often doing so over a warm cup of coffee or tea.
I am passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the messiness of their relationships and life's challenges. Whether it be the death of a loved one, illness, caregiving, relationship struggles, family issues, or life transitions, I specialize in walking alongside my clients through grief, loss, and anxiety.
I am relational in my approach, meaning that when you meet with me, you get the real Kelsey. No blank slate here! I have a cozy space where I hope you feel comfortable to dig into whatever you need-often doing so over a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Relationship and sexual issues can be hard to talk about. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in cycles that no longer serve you, or simply unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, past trauma, unwanted sexual behaviors or sexual problems, you're not alone in feeling like things shouldn't be this hard.
You want clarity. You want relief. You want to feel like yourself again—or maybe discover who that is for the first time. My role is to walk alongside you as we explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want to live.
Relationship and sexual issues can be hard to talk about. You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in cycles that no longer serve you, or simply unsure of how to move forward. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, past trauma, unwanted sexual behaviors or sexual problems, you're not alone in feeling like things shouldn't be this hard.
You want clarity. You want relief. You want to feel like yourself again—or maybe discover who that is for the first time. My role is to walk alongside you as we explore what’s getting in the way of the life you want to live.
My calling as a counselor is rooted in a deep belief that each person is created with purpose and holds the capacity for healing. It is a privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s complexities. My work is guided by compassion, clinical excellence, and a faith-based perspective.
My calling as a counselor is rooted in a deep belief that each person is created with purpose and holds the capacity for healing. It is a privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples, and families as they navigate life’s complexities. My work is guided by compassion, clinical excellence, and a faith-based perspective.
Opening up to someone new while going through hard times can be very difficult. I believe it's important to create a welcoming space and acknowledge the privilege it is to walk alongside clients during these challenges. My goal is for every client to feel met with acceptance and dignity; Where they can safely process, explore their emotion, and cope with challenges. I hope to create a warm and inviting space using evidence-based practices, laughter, and encouragement.
Opening up to someone new while going through hard times can be very difficult. I believe it's important to create a welcoming space and acknowledge the privilege it is to walk alongside clients during these challenges. My goal is for every client to feel met with acceptance and dignity; Where they can safely process, explore their emotion, and cope with challenges. I hope to create a warm and inviting space using evidence-based practices, laughter, and encouragement.
Valarie Cunningham/Synergy Health Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DMin, LMSW
2 Endorsed
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
I help clients get to the root of their issues through the evidenced base and life approaches, be it life changes, midlife crises, or just need to get back on track. This is all done through a person-centered approach where we focus on the needs and desires of the client. Goals are attainable in any case, I only ask for honesty reflection of self.
I help clients get to the root of their issues through the evidenced base and life approaches, be it life changes, midlife crises, or just need to get back on track. This is all done through a person-centered approach where we focus on the needs and desires of the client. Goals are attainable in any case, I only ask for honesty reflection of self.
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused approach, The Gottman Method, Developmental psychology, EMDR, and Biblical counseling approaches.
It is my belief that people need truth to be emotionally and spiritually healthy. But I believe that the truth needs to be compassionately delivered with a heart full of grace. My sincere hope is that encouragement is evident in my counsel, whether I am visiting with a troubled married couple or an 8 year-old child who has been the victim of abuse. The identified desire of the client is the target of the counseling sessions and my goal to help each individual, couple or family experience freedom.
I utilize Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused approach, The Gottman Method, Developmental psychology, EMDR, and Biblical counseling approaches.
It is my belief that people need truth to be emotionally and spiritually healthy. But I believe that the truth needs to be compassionately delivered with a heart full of grace. My sincere hope is that encouragement is evident in my counsel, whether I am visiting with a troubled married couple or an 8 year-old child who has been the victim of abuse. The identified desire of the client is the target of the counseling sessions and my goal to help each individual, couple or family experience freedom.
I draw from talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed care, integrating Christian and spiritual support, including prayer when desired.
Alongside private practice, I provide agency-based Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. MST is an intensive, evidence-based treatment addressing behavior across home, school, peer, and community systems to reduce court involvement, strengthen families, and support lasting change for youth and caregivers.
I draw from talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, solution-focused strategies, and trauma-informed care, integrating Christian and spiritual support, including prayer when desired.
Alongside private practice, I provide agency-based Multisystemic Therapy (MST) for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. MST is an intensive, evidence-based treatment addressing behavior across home, school, peer, and community systems to reduce court involvement, strengthen families, and support lasting change for youth and caregivers.
For clients who desire it, I am happy to thoughtfully integrate Biblical principles into the counseling process.
I work with individuals across the lifespan—from young children to adults—who are navigating life's challenges, transitions, and difficult moments. I believe that every person has a unique story shaped by their experiences, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they share theirs. My goal is to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to be yourself and explore whatever brings you to therapy. Together, we'll build on your strengths, work through life's challenges, and support healing, personal growth, and meaningful, lasting change.
For clients who desire it, I am happy to thoughtfully integrate Biblical principles into the counseling process.
I work with individuals across the lifespan—from young children to adults—who are navigating life's challenges, transitions, and difficult moments. I believe that every person has a unique story shaped by their experiences, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they share theirs. My goal is to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you feel safe to be yourself and explore whatever brings you to therapy. Together, we'll build on your strengths, work through life's challenges, and support healing, personal growth, and meaningful, lasting change.
Nearby Christian Therapists Searches for Downtown, Kalamazoo
See More Christian TherapistsNearby Searches for Downtown, Kalamazoo
See More Therapists FAQ - About Christian Counselling
What can a Christian therapist help with?
Many Christian counselors incorporate faith-based principles into psychotherapy and draw guidance from biblical writings. This approach may be particularly helpful if you are experiencing concerns related to faith, prolonged grief, substance use, or questions about life’s purpose. Christian therapists may also offer marital, premarital, or family counseling. These can be helpful options if your concerns are more relational in nature, such as communication challenges in a marriage, conflict within a family, or adjustment following a major family transition, such as divorce or a move.
How does Christian faith shape the therapy experience?
Christian faith can shape the therapy experience by giving you a familiar framework for discussing meaning, purpose, forgiveness, relationships, and hope in sessions. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may draw on Christian values, prayer, or spiritual reflection alongside other therapeutic approaches. In addition, while training, qualifications, and experience are always important, research has shown that a strong alliance between you and your therapist is a major contributor to therapeutic success. An alliance is likely to be strengthened with a therapist who not only is responsive to questions and concerns, but also shares a client’s faith and values. Nevertheless, an ethical Christian therapist should be clear about how they incorporate faith and should respect the level of spiritual discussion that feels right for you.
Does Christian therapy work across different denominations?
Christian therapy can be helpful for people from various different Christian traditions, including Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, and Anglican backgrounds. Many Christian therapists are able to support clients across denominations by focusing on shared Christian values, such as faith, prayer, forgiveness, and hope. That said, denomination can matter for some clients. A person’s identified denomination may shape how they understand relationships and life roles. If these differences are important to you, it may be helpful to ask a therapist whether they have experience working with clients from your specific denomination or faith tradition.
Can a Christian therapist help with marriage and couples counseling?
Christian faith-based therapy can take many different forms, including marriage counseling and couples counseling. Some therapists may also offer Christian pre-marital counseling. In these settings, Christian therapists may work with couples on concerns such as communication, conflict, trust, intimacy, parenting, and major life transitions. A Christian therapist may also help couples explore how shared Christian beliefs shape the relationship. They may encourage you and your partner to practice skills learned in therapy in your everyday lives, including both faith-based practices and non-faith-based tools, such as prayer or communication skills.
Can a Christian therapist help with sensitive issues like sex, trauma, or addiction?
Licensed therapists with adequate training should be equipped to help with a number of sensitive issues, including sex, trauma, and addiction. For clients who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may help explore how your spiritual beliefs relate to your challenges, healing, and recovery. A competent and ethical Christian therapist should not judge, shame, or impose a particular belief when discussing these topics, and if you feel judged, it may be time to seek another therapist.
How can a Christian therapist support family therapy?
Christian family therapy can help families address conflict, communication challenges, parenting concerns, grief, or adjustment following a major life transition. A Christian therapist may support family members in understanding one another’s perspectives, improving communication, setting healthier boundaries, and rebuilding trust. For families who want faith included in therapy, a Christian therapist may also help explore how family values related to Christianity can support healing.
How might I inquire about a therapist's experience working with Christian clients?
If religion is important to you in therapy, it can be helpful to ask a prospective therapist whether they have experience working with Christian clients. In initial conversations with potential therapists, you might ask how they incorporate Christian values into therapy or how they approach certain topics that matter to you. As sessions begin, it can be helpful to notice how the therapist responds to your concerns. A strong therapeutic alliance does not necessarily require a therapist to share your religious background, but they should respond to your concerns with respect and cultural humility. If you feel dismissed, misunderstood, or find yourself having to explain your beliefs constantly, it may be worth considering another therapist.
Who is included in Psychology Today's directory of Christian therapists?
The directory of Christian therapists includes professionals who have shared their background in their profiles and have identified as Christian. It shows therapists who indicate that they have extensive experience working with Christian clients, regardless of their own background or religious affiliation. However, not all therapists choose to disclose this information, and they may not appear in search results for this reason.