Trauma Focused Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

Oftentimes reaching out is the most difficult step in the healing process. Whether you are seeking guidance moving through difficult life transitions, coping with trauma, exploring your identity, or working through difficulty in family or romantic relationships, I aim to create a safe and accepting space for you to share your own unique experience. It is my belief that you are the expert on your own life and my role as a therapist is to collaborate on progress toward your growth and goals as you define them.

Life's challenges can become overwhelming and we can feel anxious, hopeless, depressed, and simply stuck.

When people have experienced loss, trauma, abuse, chronic stress, addiction or disconnection from others they may develop unhealthy patterns of responding. We can transform many of these patterns through increasing our own awareness. We all carry the answers to our own healing within us. I seek to make working with me accessible and welcoming to all. You are invited to come as you are. I'm here for you when you are feeling stuck, limited by stigma or shame, caught in past hurts, fearful, isolated, or in need of getting back to feeling like you.

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.

I believe counseling can bring you a greater understanding and acceptance of yourself. Counseling provides you with an opportunity for self-growth and development. I strive to create a safe and non-judgmental environment in which you can explore the issues that are holding you back from being your best self. I have experience working with children, adolescents, and families, dealing with a wide range of issues such as, anger management, self-esteem issues, relational problems, anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Taking the first step towards growth and healing is always the hardest, and the fact that you are here means you are strong and resilient! I believe that people are the experts on their own lives, and I would love to learn what it's like to be you. I take a client-centered approach and am here to offer a safe, judgment-free space to hold whatever experiences or situations you want to share and process through.

Are you in search of an experienced therapist like myself? I will create a safe space for you to step away from your everyday routines and distractions and focus on you, your family, and or your marriage. I am available to help your heart heal and assist you and or your family navigate your life journey in a healthy way. Together we can address any of the following barriers to healthy living: communication, infidelity, intimacy, financial strains, stress, anxiety, depression, blended families, and career conflicts.

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 have extensive experience in providing trauma focused therapy to adolescents and adults. I use various evidence-based, theoretical orientations which include, but are not limited to, IFS, Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapy.

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).

As a mature woman who has grown from life's trials and challenges, I believe in the inherent resiliency and strength we all possess. While focused on client desired outcomes, I team with individuals to identity strengths which facilitate autonomy, improved coping strategies and empowerment. Together, we would seek to eliminating barriers ranging from multicultural issues, situational hardships and personal crisis. Utilizing my training in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Faith Based Counseling and Crisis Intervention, my aim is to assist individuals in identifying and overcoming obstacles to realize optimal living.

Does stress, anxiety, depression or anger affect your daily living and/or relationships? Feeling sad, hopeless, or stuck and don’t know where to turn? Struggling to find balance with all of life's responsibilities or maintaining healthy relationships with boundaries? You can find comfort in knowing that you are not alone in what you are experiencing, it is not uncommon, and there are solutions. My goal is to create a safe, judgement-free space for an experience that will be meaningful, provide healing, and support your journey of self-discovery.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist that has been working with Families, Couples, and Individuals with many diagnosis for over 15 years. I have a very wide array of experience, but do provide specialized training for the following populations: First Responders, individuals suffering from traumatic stress, eating disorders/disordered eating, addiction, and grief as well as their families. I also can support with performance issues related to competition, work, etc. I expect you would find me to be down to earth and practical, but clinically sophisticated in my approach. My goal is partnership and empowerment.

Oftentimes, the impacts of past pain leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed and confused about our path forward. We can lack a sense of self-worth, after being hurt by the very people who were supposed to take care of us. I help clients reconnect to their inner power to reparent and restore lost parts of themselves. On this journey, I guide clients in reawakening their naturally empowered, vibrant selves. I specialize in working with adults, couples, teens and families seeking healing, connection, and change both inside of themselves and within their closest relationships.