Child Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

It is my belief that people need truth to be emotionally and spiritually healthy. The Bible is the primary source of truth and directs the counseling services that I provide. My hope is that the loving compassion of Christ 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.

What situation qualifies for counseling? My answer to that is being human. Many believe that counseling is only necessary for major life events. The truth is you do not have to be on the high end of the stress spectrum to seek professional support. Life can be hard. Counseling provides a supportive and nonjudgmental space to process all circumstances.

I have been in practice in Kalamazoo for over 10 years. I am certified in Trauma Informed Assessment and Intervention, as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, play therapy, and have expertise in several parenting approaches. In addition to clinical practice, I am a school social worker, and proud father of 8 children . I use a person-centered approach, allowing clients to set their goals, providing a safe space and supportive environment to move them in the direction of their goals.

My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where we can work together to help you deal with the challenges that life throws your way. I can help by giving you the tools that you need to cope with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I can also help you develop skills for dealing with past or current trauma, mood disorders and self-harm behaviors, among other things.

I work with children and adolescents ages 7-18. I specialize in Trauma across the Lifespan and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) but also work with a range of issues stemming from trauma such as depression, anxiety and/or suicidal ideations. I primarily work with individuals, but seek to create a partnership with parents as needed.

Asking for help can be difficult. At Acacia, we understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected, seen and heard. Our experience includes helping children , adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives. We work to help them feel empowered to make changes in their relationships, careers, or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.

I believe that counseling helps you to discover who you are, and who you want to become. As a counselor, I will assist you, your family, your children to explore through life challenges. I will help you find which self-care techniques work best for you as an individual. Together we will discover what your success looks like and how to find the path that feels comfortable for you to get there. I have worked with individuals and families in a variety of settings for more than 10 years using various treatment models that promote individual strengths. I have worked with children , adolescents, and families in different stages of life.

My ideal client is one that is struggling but wants to improve. Neurodevelopmental disorders are my JAM! ADHD, Learning Disabilities, and Autism Spectrum Disorders is where I direct much of my clinical experience. It's important to me that my clients (and their parents/families/teachers) understand the uniqueness of their disorder and how to turn a perceived deficit into a SUPERPOWER. All children are wonderful gifts, and I love helping children discover and embrace their best selves. A diagnosis does not define you, your child , or your family.

I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years and I have worked in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospitals, community mental health, employee assistance, and now private practice. What I love most about what I do is learning and understanding my clients' individual histories and current life situations. Therapy is not a "one size fits all" treatment plan, everyone's story is unique and their story has to be heard. My clients and I work as a team to figure out what the goals of therapy are and to try to reach those goals as best as we can. My job is to guide, not lead, a client on their journey.

I am passionate about helping clients discover their goals for themselves and learn healthy new coping skills and behavioral techniques to reach those goals. I will join you in your journey of change and personal growth while providing you with support, encouragement, compassion and empathy. My goal is to help all who step into my office to build resilience and improve their mental health. There is strength in realizing we can do hard things!

Need help with your child 's behaviors or attitude? I can provide your child and you with the necessary tools to make positive changes. Need help managing depression, anxiety, anger, or substance abuse? Together we can increase your ability to manage life's challenges. I work with children , young adults, and adults. I provide a non-judgmental, client-centered, and relaxed environment. I will assist you in learning about yourself, and how you can make decisions and choices that best support your mental health.

I enjoy working with clients through life transitions and helping people work toward a better and more comfortable place in their lives. I work with persons of any age with depression and anxiety, addressing the causes and finding treatments options that fit for each individual. I like helping families and children work together on childhood issues such as school problems, worry and anxiety and behavioral issues that are impacting the child 's functioning.

Come find balance and peace of mind. Christina has 20+yrs of experience in providing clinical therapy for children , adults and families in several diverse settings (including outpatient, residential, hospital and home based). She brings with her a unique ability to connect emotionally and on a personal level with children and teens, as well as help guide them towards a more balanced, enriched and purpose-driven life. Her sincerity is clearly felt through her genuine interactions with others. She provides a safe and nurturing environment for children , parents and families to grow together during the therapeutic change process.

My approach to counseling is best described as integrative, utilizing psychodynamic theories and cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe people are capable of reaching their best potential given the right support and tools for change. I believe my clients' goals should be based on their specific individual concerns and reasons for entering into counseling.

Asking for help can be difficult. I understand that entering therapy can be a big step and how important it is that you feel respected , seen and heard. My experience includes helping children , adolescents, adults, and families navigate difficult times in their lives and to feel empowered making changes in their relationships, careers or personal goals. Together, we will develop a treatment strategy that focuses on the issues and changes that you identify and are ready to address.

When working with children , I strive to create a calm and inviting environment where children and adolescents feel safe enough to discuss trauma or any other concerns impacting their daily life. I believe therapy is a very personal experience that requires a non-judgmental, genuine, and compassionate relationship between client and therapist. I understand that building a truly effective, collaborative relationship must include transparency and openness. In therapy, I understand the connection between physiology, environment, and mental health.

You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning. Are you ready to make a change in your life? It takes courage to ask for help, but the rewards of doing so can lead to a lifetime of fulfillment. I understand and have experienced the emotional challenges life has to offer. In working together, we will cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face and develop solutions that can help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals. Ultimately, therapy can lead you to greater self-awareness, self-esteem, and most importantly, a more fulfilling life. Evenings and Weekends work great!