Relationship Issues Therapists in Westnedge Hill, Kalamazoo, MI

I believe that clients have within themselves an amazing ability to self-heal, and the role of the counselor is to find and tap into that ability. I also believe it is important to learn about each client's world and to develop a relationship where clients can feel understood and supported while learning about themselves. This creates the space for exploring the choices they have and any changes they may want to make toward more personal fulfillment. Therapy for children may involve consultation with parents who need support meeting their child's challenges. Play therapy is used with children.

At times, people experience a loss of hope and an inability to find meaning in their lives. They may struggle with depression, trauma, grief, addiction, relationship problems, or developmental issues that can affect us at any time across the lifespan. Through counseling, I will work collaboratively with you to resolve your current issues. I also work with parents struggling with raising their children, and couples who struggle with communication issues and/or repeated core conflicts. Our goal will be to develop better ways to manage emotions, improve problem solving strategies, and find new ways to look at the world.

Sometimes, a good cry is just what you need to release all the hurt you have built up inside! People come to counseling because they want something to be different in their lives. They may want to change their personal or family situation, solve a particular problem, or simply bring a healthier balance to their lives. The counseling process can be fun and exciting. It can also, at times, be very challenging, difficult, and even painful. However, the goal will always be to bring about some positive change and meaningful outcomes!

I am here to help you find the healthiest, most whole part of you. I believe recovery is EVERYWHERE. My primary purpose is to help you heal your whole self. Working under a philosophy based in compassion, acceptance and mindfulness, I want to partner with you to bring out your strengths and help find the joy that's waiting for you.

Together we will create a compassionate & emotionally safe space for you to explore how you became the YOU that you are today. We will discover who you want to be & how you hope to change. I will help you understand your positive, affirming, challenging & disturbing relationships & experiences. We will collaboratively decrease your emotional & physical pain. You will grow to have comfortable & healthy thoughts, feelings & behaviors. I will respectfully guide you towards being mindful with your strength, with your ability to act assertively, with skills to experience self control & contentment & to become who YOU CHOOSE to be.

You are unique in all the world! There is no one just like you with your story or life. Your family, pets, friends, community--where you came from--what you have overcome and endured-all these make you the unique person you are. At some time you may wish to turn the page on your story. My therapy involves walking with you while you decide where you want to go from here--who the person is that you want to be--how you want your life and story to change. I will listen and challenge, support and invite you to learn new skills and growth.

Are you feeling anxious or physically sick with stress? Having a hard time pulling yourself out of a dark place? Struggling to cope in life with a recent loss? Over-using substances to cope? You're taking a positive step in your journey to wellness by searching for a therapist to help support you through this transformational season.

I’d like to help you realize your goals, your hopes, and your dreams. I utilize a variety of evidence based modalities tailored to your individual needs.

I have over ten years of experience providing psychological and counseling services in outpatient and residential treatment settings. I have had the privilege to work with many individuals, couples and families struggling with a variety of challenges, and have specialized training in a range of psychological treatment options. An initial phone conversation is welcomed.

I believe therapy should take place in a safe, supportive, empowering, and confidential environment. Clients are active in the process, exploring areas including feelings, beliefs, and behaviors while working through personal history and identifying aspects of their lives they wish to change. Clients take a journey to better understanding of themselves and others. We will set personal goals, and work together toward desired change through reflection, processing and skill building. When working with children I work with the child individually and also invite parents/guardians into session to learn skills to utilize at home to support the child with change.

I believe the human capacity for change and growth is incredible. Difficult experiences, negative environments, and challenging relationships can distort our connections with ourselves and others. These disconnections can create problems, and I see relationships as powerful change agents--particularly our relationship with ourselves. When clients are given the opportunity to feel heard and understood, healing and growth are possible. To do this, I believe it is vital for us to establish a strong relationship to support the change you would like to make. I provide culturally sensitive therapy to motivated individuals and couples.

My compassion for all beings began long ago and has been the cornerstone of my personal and professional life. It is the compelling reason I practice counseling. I am profoundly aware of the vast amounts of suffering we all experience throughout our lives. Experiencing and releasing this pain is the goal. I believe in the emergence of self knowledge, positive energy and right action as fear and resistance are diminished. I prefer not to label conditions and symptoms ,but strive to fully understand and appreciate the individual sitting before me.

All of us will have times in our lives when we meet challenges that are difficult to deal with alone. During these times, therapists can provide the support and guidance that we need to identify our strengths and resources and learn new ways to deal with our problems.

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.

I work to support people through depression and anxiety, difficult relationships, trauma and loss, PTSD, sexual orientation concerns, grief, and other challenging life transitions. Together we explore ways to shape a life rich with purpose and meaning. While I believe each of us carries the wisdom to create authentic and lasting change in our own lives, often access to this intuitive knowing is blocked or damaged. My goal to help you cultivate, restore, and strengthen the connection to your own inner knowing.