Parenting Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI
See all therapists in KalamazooNot accepting new clients
Erin Praedel
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LMFT
Verified
Verified
Some of my specific areas of specialty include: couples therapy, pre-marital therapy, family therapy, blending families, co-
parenting
, managing stress, coping with anxiety and depression, and
parenting
.
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.
Acacia A Place for Personal & Family Development
LMSW
Verified
Verified
Common areas of focus include relationship difficulties,
parenting
challenges, and self-esteem.
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.
Andrea Caskey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am trained in positive
parenting
, developmental trauma, and attachment theory.
Human beings are in a constant state of coping, healing or growth. I love having the opportunity to guide and support individuals through these various states. I am trained in trauma informed practice and enjoy working with individuals who have experienced trauma across the lifespan. I also have experience working with individuals with anxiety, depression, gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+, and
parenting
challenges. I believe that self-awareness and mindfulness are powerful tools in helping us navigate life and I want to help you find what works for you.
Melanie Bugnaski
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Have you ever felt alone and like people don't understand you? Or have you ever struggled with, am I making the right choices in
parenting
for my children? My passion in counseling is helping clients understand who they are, to gain skills that help them meet their goals, and to provide educational opportunities for growth. Together WE define your goals and set obtainable objectives to meet those goals... you are the expert of you! Think of me as your helper or guide...
Breigh Montgomery
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My specialties include anxiety, grief/loss,
parenting
issues, postpartum issues, life transitions, divorce/separation, trauma, depression, school problems, impulse control, stress management, emotional regulation, and attachment issues.
My goal is to create a comfortable and safe environment where you can creatively express yourself! I focus on the whole person and use a mix of techniques including mindfulness and creative expression to address a variety of issues. We will work together to set goals and create steps to achieve those goals. Adults that I sit with typically struggle with life transitions, daily stress, trauma,
parenting
difficulties, depression and/or anxiety related issues. In my work with children, I incorporate caregivers and/or families into sessions regularly because I believe that caregivers play a critical role in a child's development.
Jeffrey J LaPonsie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
4 Endorsed
Verified
4 Endorsed
I also work with parents both one-on-one and live coaching sessions in
parent
-child interaction therapy, an evidenced based treatment for children two to seven years old.
Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy,
parent
-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).
Not accepting new clients
LaSonda Wells
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I work with adults, couples and families who are experiencing a variety of concerns such as transitional issues, career issues, grief, anxiety, depression, trauma,
parenting
concerns, relational or communication conflict, and attachment issues.
Simply put, I am passionate about helping others find growth and development that inspires continued betterment of self. My approach to counseling is developmental and holistic. As a part of life, struggles will come and are necessary for personal growth and the ability to successfully overcome adversity. I am here to assist you with Your Conversion, Your Change and ultimately Your Transformation! To that end, I am here to help you develop a plan toward your commitment to becoming your best you!
Curtis S Pierce
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD, children and teen behavioral problems, marital,
parenting
, military and veteran issues are some of the areas which I can help.
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.
Christina Thomason
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Common areas of focus include relationship difficulties,
parenting
challenges, and self esteem.
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.
Not accepting new clients
Susan Hall
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
I have experience working with trauma, depression,
parenting
issues, life transitions, and stress.
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.
Ashley DeCou
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I also have experience working with adults and children presenting with adjustment, anxiety, depression, trauma, substance abuse, anger,
parenting
, and co-
parenting
issues.
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.
Not accepting new clients
Joetta L Carr
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Are you facing a key life transition such as becoming an adult, leaving home, going to college, marriage, divorce, losing a loved one, becoming a
parent
, adoption, job changes, retirement, or illness? I offer a safe and confidential space to discuss your problems and issues.
Are you struggling with situations and relationships that cause distress, pain, anxiety, sadness and loneliness? I can guide you in analyzing your problems in the context of your relationships, families, support systems, work or school environments and other cultural factors. I assist people in improving their lives in areas of intimacy, relationships, health, career or vocation, and self-worth. Identifying and modulating emotions and self-talk can be very therapeutic and decrease stress and worry.
Maggie Severe
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, RN
Verified
Verified
Hello. I work with late teens, young adults and adults as they meet the challenge of difficult emotions such as: sadness, anxiety, loneliness, frustration, anger, fear, disappointment, grief. Navigating what a full life has to offer can be complicated and at times surprising; relationship problems, school issues,
parenting
concerns, family conflict, multicultural issues can leave us feeling uncertain and alone. Life transitions can bring their own unique challenges: marriage/partnering, pregnancy, childbirth, medical and/or mental health diagnoses, divorce, blending family, death and dying each can challenge our usual coping skills.
Amanda Slinkman
Masters Social Worker, LLMSW
Verified
Verified
I have experience working with children and adults with PTSD, complex trauma, anxiety, depression, grief,
parenting
, ADHD, child welfare issues, and suicidal ideation. I have specialty training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and the practice and use of mindfulness strategies. I have seen and experienced the process of trauma recovery and can understand the various levels trauma can impact people's lives. Nurturing a healthy thought-life is a helpful tool towards building resilience and strength in trauma and various other mental health needs.
Karla S Bolkcom
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
We all face trials, setbacks and challenges in life. One of the biggest struggles we all face is having healthy relationships. In order to have healthy relationships, we need to communicate effectively, resolve conflict sand be willing to forgive when offended. I enjoy working with individuals, couples and families as they navigate relationships. I also work with people who have anxiety, depression, eating disorders, addictions, marital issues, spiritual struggles,
parenting
, identity issues and stress. The goal for my clients is to find freedom, peace and balance in their lives
Not accepting new clients
Amber C. Walker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, CAADC, ADS
Verified
7 Endorsed
Verified
7 Endorsed
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor with an interest in adolescent/family issues, trauma, and assisting mothers in their
parenting
journey.
Sometimes we find ourselves in a whirlwind, looking for a place that is safe to express ourselves and our needs. Here is that place...a place where you can find peace to resolve the crushing feelings of hurt, pain, and being misunderstood. Imagine a day when you are able to navigate through life effectively, communicate your needs, and accomplish your goals with less anxiety, less depression, and less anger. Awesome right? It is my intent to help guide adolescents, families, and individuals in learning healthy communication and healthy coping skills to incorporate into their daily lives. Let's learn together.
Kristen (Kris) Badra
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LLP, CAADC
Verified
Verified
Those losses may include death of a
parent
, spouse or child as well as loss of a dream, job, or relationship.
Counseling is a journey that is often filled with self-discovery, new awareness, and difficult choices. Telling your story can bring relief and a new way of looking at the world, and more importantly, a new way of looking at your life. Looking at where you might want to go in your life, or how you want to have better control over your emotions, behaviors, and thoughts are the challenges I’ll help you discover and manage. I have been working in the mental health and substance abuse field for almost 30 years and bring a variety of therapy techniques, expertise, and life experience to my work with clients.
Brandan Mitchell
Master Social Work, LMSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
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.
Sherri Lynn Swinehart
Licensed Professional Counselor, LMSW, LPC, NCC
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My primary focus is on mood issues, behavioral issues, motivational issues,
parent
/child relationships, school performance and court-ordered treatment.
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.
Nichole Holliday
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified
Verified
I have worked with various populations concentrating on Adoption/Foster Care, Anger, Anxiety, ADHD, Behavior, Depression, Divorce Transitions, Impulse Control, Life Changes,
Parenting
Skills, School Problems, Self-Esteem, Cognitive Approaches for Sensory Processing Disorders, Social Skills Development, and Stress Management.
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.
See more therapy options for Kalamazoo
Parenting Therapists
What does therapy for parenting look like?
Therapists may work with parents individually, together, or include the whole family to find solutions for the problems a parent faces. Many parent-based therapies work on a parent’s relationship with their children, problem-solving within the family, and analysis of family dynamics. Therapy conducted remotely by video may be helpful in allowing a therapist to observe how families interact in their own homes.
When should a parent seek therapy?
When behavioral problems begin to disrupt the healthy functioning of a family, it may be a good time to look into therapy. If parents find that children are acting out in school, have started using drugs or alcohol, have developed eating disorders, or other similar red flags, a therapist may be able to help.
How long does therapy take for parenting problems?
Depending on the severity of a family’s challenges and the type of treatment utilized, therapy for parenting can last from weeks to months. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a pragmatic therapy type that can be brief, most often ranging from between 5 and 20 sessions. Structural family therapy, which inspects family dynamics, often takes several months. Parent-child interaction therapy is typically shorter-term, lasting between 10 and 20 sessions. For any therapy, the duration will depend on the progress made and results realized.
Can therapy help parents dealing with burnout or stress?
Parenting is difficult. Parents may dismiss or conceal feelings of exhaustion, overwhelm, or escape ideation—imagining withdrawing from their parental obligations altogether. but left unattended, these feelings can have negative effects on the whole family. A therapist can help parents work on the skills they might need to better cope with the burdens of parenting and help them be the best parents they can be.