Couples Counseling Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

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 .

I am a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist. I specialize in relationship wellness and work with individuals, couples , & families. I earned my master's degree in community counseling with a focus on marriage and family therapy from Western Michigan University in 2010. I am focused on meeting you where you and helping you achieve your goals. My style is kind and non-judgmental. My focus is listening to you and facilitating an environment where you can make the changes in your life that you want. I also have a therapy dog, Rozy, who is available to you, if you would find that comforting.

All people have stories that are worthy of respect and understanding. My first priority is to help you feel comfortable in sharing your story with me. I welcome clients who seek therapy for a variety of topics, including anxiety, depression, bipolar, substance use, trauma, relationship difficulties, insomnia, and forming life goals. I work with adolescents and adults of all ages.

Everyone has experienced trauma: either "small-t trauma" such as grief/loss, verbal abuse/bullying, injuries/illnesses, or instability in the home or "large-T trauma" such as rape, assault, physical/sexual abuse, or debilitating injury/illness. As a result of trauma, some individuals experience disruptive memories and/or emotional distress from current situations. I assist clients in gaining insight on their situations as well as the development of specific skills and behaviors that will help to reduce emotional distress. I believe that every client has the ability to heal from trauma.

I believe in the power of therapy to be a catalyst for growth, to gain new perspectives for tackling challenges, and to improve dynamics between individuals and within families. However, it all starts with relationship . I am committed to creating an inviting, safe space for my clients. My sixteen years as a progressive educator provide the roots of my growth-oriented approach and are the foundation on which I work to collaborate with clients when learning new skills, new perspectives or processing painful life events.

I have a deep passion for community development, culture diversity and human connection. In my experience my clients know themselves better than anyone, they are their own best resource when it comes to choosing the right treatment for them. I see our time together as a joint venture, our knowledge combined creates the solutions and tools needed to uncover patterns and emotions they may not even be aware of. I know that no single approach is the right one for every individual. My role as a therapist is to support you to make choices that empower you, and help you explore and resolve your current predicaments, or diagnosis.

Finding a therapist is about building a relationship with someone you can trust. Beginning the process can be overwhelming and intimidating, but in reaching out, your journey has already begun. I believe in an eclectic approach to meet each person’s individual needs, and have trained in Brainspotting, Art Therapy, Person Centered and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Through our work together, my goal is to provide a warm, caring atmosphere infused with a bit of laughter.