Family Therapy in Kalamazoo, MI

I believe that people do have the ability to change but often need a little help to reach their goals. I have been successful working with clients who are struggling with addictions, interactions with the legal system, family issues, as well as childhood trauma. I have a common sense, reality based approach that is easy for clients to relate to and am flexible by using several therapeutic theories to help my clients achieve their goals.

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.

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.

It's about relationships . . . We're here to provide guidance in building and strengthening relationships between family members, friends, and even, with yourself. Caring and comprehensive counseling services for: Adults, teens and children of all ages, Individual, couples, family and group counseling.

I believe that each person is the expert of their own experience. My role is not to tell you how to lead your life, but to listen and understand changes you want for yourself. Most of us have a difficult time being observers of our own thoughts and emotions, and my goal is to guide you. We do have good evidence that people begin to feel better when they feel heard. Together, we will create a collaborative, you-centered therapeutic relationship that supports the development of your personal insights with practical coping skills that help you live more fully in ways that are important to you.

Welcome! I would be honored to walk beside you in your healing journey. My years in the education and mental health fields have given me experience with varieties of age groups, diverse populations, and situations. I specialize in supporting children, teens, and young adults through behavioral concerns, neurodevelopmental diversities, or other mental health concerns. My approach is trauma-informed, culturally sensitive, strength-based, and person-centered. My goal is to provide you with a safe, trusting environment, to address and explore your issues as we move through the therapy process.

With mindfulness- and compassion-based therapy, I support clients through grief & loss, relationship issues, healing from trauma, and searching for meaning & purpose. So many of the issues that bring people to therapy are natural responses to the challenges we face as human beings. Through the process of therapy, we bring curiosity and compassion to our inner experience; and in the safety of a non-judgmental space, we explore options for understanding and growth.

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.

Everyone struggles from time to time. Whatever has come your way - depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, emotional conflict or crisis - searching for relief is a courageous first step and a sign of great strength, not weakness. By helping people feel comfortable talking about the struggles in their lives, they can figure out ways to make things better. However, this is not easy, especially when you're overwhelmed. By providing real solutions to your struggles, I strive to help you mobilize your strengths and cope effectively with the life challenges you are facing.

Are you feeling stuck in your current situation? Are you Always putting others’ needs before your own and wish someone would step up to help you? Do you find yourself questioning if you’re good enough? Have you gotten the message that you are unable to make your own decisions, or that you can't trust yourself? Have you experienced an unexpected life change but somehow feel broken and unsure/unable/unwilling to move forward? Do you find yourself feeling burnt out and at the same time feeling like you are constantly having to prove yourself? If this is you trust me, You're NOT Alone and there is help to get you feeling like you again!

Immediate openings for new clients. Are you looking for couples counseling, family therapy , or help for yourself to improve your relationships? Couples counseling can be a great avenue to improve and grow in a relationship; even before serious issues arise. Every family has challenges; through the therapeutic process, families can learn new techniques and skills to better support their loved ones.

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.

Taking the first step towards therapy is often the most difficult. I strive to create a safe and comfortable atmosphere in which to build a caring and collaborative therapeutic relationship where the client and the therapist work as a team. In working with my clients, I practice a strength-based approach where helping my clients with wellness, self-growth, and exploration is vital and foremost. I am particularly interested in trying to help clients feel more like the authors of their own lives, so that they can achieve what they hope for in all areas of their life.

Sometimes life gets complicated, making it hard to move forward. As a clinical psychologist, I am uniquely qualified to offer support and respectful care in a comfortable, safe environment. I treat a variety of mental health issues. Perhaps I can help you. This is YOUR time to unpack some of the baggage that is burdening you, and to develop the tools that give YOU the ability to move ahead intentionally. Life is a journey. It is my privilege to join you along the way, helping you find the path to a better quality of life.

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.