McLaren Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

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.

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, adults, and couples. My training and work experience include individuals with histories of complex trauma, personality disorders, trauma affiliated with a religion, addiction(s), grief, sexual health, and medical trauma.

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.

Life can be challenging at times. Trying to make sense and work through painful and difficult life experiences can often seem like a daunting task. Whether you are struggling with day to day stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues or behaviors that interfere with you living the life that you desire, my practice provides a safe and warm environment where you can identify personal goals, engage in meaningful therapy and find resolution and healing. Empathy and sensitivity to your struggles are key components of my work. This first step towards change solidifies your courage and innate potential toward intentional living.

Our counseling exists to serve individuals and couples through professional counseling. Our counseling goal is to impact lives on a spiritual, emotional, and mental level. Counseling also involves the sharing of personal problems, concerns, and stories with a professional who is skilled at helping the client or clients come to a resolution or solution about their particular situation. The general goals for the client are that he or she can identify the issue(s), develop a plan of action, and then implement that plan to move forward and progress in spite of their spiritual, emotional and/or mental setbacks.

Are there issues weighing on your mind and you know something needs to change? Are you in need of a safe space to feel feelings, process hurt, and challenge yourself to grow? Do you have specific goals you want to address? Or not sure where to start? I believe sometimes the hardest things to talk about are the best things to talk about. I am honored to be featured in Voyage Magazine in the "Hidden Gems Series: Local Businesses and Creatives you should know." I want to help you identify, process, and express your thoughts, feelings, and concerns in a healthy way.

I began as a life coach and became a therapist in 2017 because I wanted to help people in a deeper way. I adjust to your pace: maybe you are coming in with a concern about something that happened recently and you just want another person's insight on it; or maybe you have past trauma that you'd like to finally unhook from. With deeper work, I like to get an idea of your whole picture -- emotionally, psychologically and spiritually -- so I can help you reach whatever goal or resolve whatever issue you come in with.

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.

Life experiences can impact us in surprising, often difficult and even traumatic ways leaving us feeling out of touch with ourselves and those around us. With over sixteen (16) years of experience working alongside individuals and families in a variety of clinical settings, my clinical approach begins with meeting you where you are at, without judgement or preconceived notions, to help create a safe, warm and welcoming environment for change. Combining my experience as a clinical social worker and as a parent, my aim is to provide resources and tools that can be used to breakdown the barriers that may exist in your life.

Change can be extremely difficult, and having a supportive, unbiased opinion can be helpful when experiencing tough situations, especially for both children and teens. I believe that my goal as a therapist is to help guide your child, and teach them how to be an expert in their own life, as well as identify their emotions and utilize tools they learn. I want to learn from them and work with them on how to work towards that change. I have experience working in the Schools, and my goal is to help your child be successful and build their confidence at school and in the rest of their lives.

The most important choice you will ever make is not the one you made yesterday, but the one you make today. Tomorrow is in the future, today is now, choose today. The time is now. I empower people to achieve personal, professional, and spiritual growth in their lives. I am committed to helping others change their lives by exploring personal strengths.

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.

Life gets difficult. I'm here to offer the support you need in a safe and relational way. I will listen to everything you are going through and we will work together to figure out tools and strategies that suit you so that you can move forward to meet your goals.

Emerging professional seeking an Opportunity as a clinical social worker to utilize a highly compassionate nature to help individuals lead better lives.