Therapists in Kalamazoo, MI

People come to counseling because they want something to be different in their lives. They may want to change their personal or family situation, solve a particular problem, or simply bring a healthier balance to their lives. The counseling process can be fun and exciting. It can also, at times, be very challenging, difficult, and even painful. However, the goal will always be to bring about some positive change. Personal counseling is conducted in various ways, depending on the counselor. Your time is important to me - willing to work alongside you on your areas of concerns. Ultimately, the desire is to work toward better outcomes.

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.

I am a licensed psychologist with a background in community mental health and university counseling practicing privately since 2011. I take a holistic approach to therapeutic work, using the context of culture, personal development, and multiple dimensions of identity. I also specialize in evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral activation for depression, radically open dbt (RODBT) for issues of over-control, and prolonged exposure for PTSD. I am board certified as a DBT therapist through the Linehan Institute and infuse elements of DBT like mindfulness practice into my general work.

It is safe to say, life doesn’t always go according to plan. And at times seeking help and support is the most courageous step you can take. YOU are the narrator of your story, and it is my hope to guide you to be the best possible version of yourself. Over the past 11 years I have worked with clients dealing with chronic illness, situational stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem & depression through an eclectic approach using CBT, motivational interviewing and EMDR.

Hi there. My goal is to help everyone be the very best version of themselves. I will walk beside you in your journey and create a safe space to share, heal, and create a life that is meaningful to you. It is a tremendous honor to witness and be a part of each individual's growth and work towards serenity. I specialize in Trauma & Resilience, Adult and Children's Grief, Anxiety & Depression.

I completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Cognitive Therapy at the University of Pennsylvania under the supervision of Aaron Beck, M.D. in 1983. I am a Founding Fellow of the Academy for Cognitive Therapy. My primary interest and expertise is in helping people identify and break free from the negative life patterns that underlie long-standing depression, anxiety, and painful relationships. My style is systematic, focused, collaborative and flexible. I see my first task as creating a safe and stable foundation from which clients can begin to meet their core emotional needs and grow.

I work to support people through depression and anxiety, difficult relationships, trauma and loss, PTSD, sexual orientation concerns, grief, and other challenging life transitions. Together we explore ways to shape a life rich with purpose and meaning. While I believe each of us carries the wisdom to create authentic and lasting change in our own lives, often access to this intuitive knowing is blocked or damaged. My goal to help you cultivate, restore, and strengthen the connection to your own inner knowing.

Finding the right therapist can be difficult; asking for help is never easy. I honor the personal struggles, relationship dynamics, and life experiences that have brought you to this moment. As your therapist, I will create a collaborative, safe space in which to heal, developing a plan that focuses on your unique needs and goals. I believe that therapy is about empowering you to navigate life's difficulties by teaching skills and exploring paths that will help you thrive. As a partner in this process, I will uphold your right to choose what is best for you, and I will use my training, compassion, and curiosity to guide us.

The way trauma, anxiety and stress manifest in the body and mind is different for every individual. Some people may develop coping mechanisms such as avoidance or hypervigilance, while others may lash out or mask their feelings with substance use, anger, unhealthy or codependent relationships. Building a strong understanding of how anxiety, stress, and trauma affect the brain is key to understanding why you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with life's curveballs. Everyone experiences and processes life differently; self-awareness and a strong support system are they key to healthy coping.

The hardest step in change is asking someone for help. Therapy is a collaborative, coaching, and self-building journey where we work together to accomplish your desired goals. I enjoy working with men and women on depression, grief and loss, anxiety, men's issues, self-esteem, relationship challenges, obesity and weight loss, chronic pain, and long-term disabilities such as visual impairment.

In our highly pressured and complicated lives, so many of us experience work issues, relationship problems, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, grief, and/or the stress of daily life. It can feel so exhausting and frustrating. You may even feel stuck but know that you deserve more. Through the therapeutic process, we will work together to prioritize your goals so that we knock down the barriers and challenges that you may be facing and restore joy and peace in your life.

Hi! My name is Rachael Gilbert and I graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2017 with my Master’s in Social Work. Most of my early career was spent working with families in foster care and running residential programs. I have experience working with depression/anxiety, self-esteem, relationship concerns, substance use, foster care, trauma, suicidal ideation, and other disorders. Modalities typically include CBT, motivational interviewing, and a trauma informed lens when working with clients.

Our licensed providers offer diverse evidence based interventions to assist you when you need it most. We provide talk therapy sessions in our office suite or through our secure telemedicine platform. We are experienced in assisting adults, children/parents, families, couples and groups. We can assist you in diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support with anxiety, depression, or other mood related issues as well as parenting support and behavior management. Our occupational therapist can also help client's with sensory issues, trauma, and poor attachment patterns helping her clients reach their full potential.

Sometimes we all need a little help in life. Are you in need someone who will listen objectively and pay attention to when you are talking without just nodding in all the "right places?" Then I may be the therapist you are looking for! Life often throws unexpected curves at us in the form of grief, divorce, or job displacement to name just a few examples. Emotions can often overtake our sense of well-being. We may find ourselves in need of extra support and encouragement and someone who will lend a listening ear and engage with us in counseling.

I consider being a therapist a unique privilege. For someone to meet a complete stranger, feel safe enough to take risks, and disclose very personal details of one's life takes great courage and commitment to one's self. I believe in creating a safe, confidential environment free of judgment and one of trust and acceptance. My mission is to help individuals, couples, and families achieve the goals they set for themselves as they seek to be healthier, happier, and create a new life path and, perhaps, a new life story.

Do you have or suspect you have ADHD? Has social media, yes TikTok/instagram, lead you to suspect you may have ADHD but don't know where to start. I'm passionate about helping you understand ADHD, how it affects YOU and what you can do with it. ADHD is widely misunderstood as a lack of focus or attention. ADHD is more accurately an issue of regulation which includes emotions, impulsivity, money, attention, sensory sensitivity etc. I work with clients on managing the symptoms of ADHD, the shame, guilt, anxiety and depression that stem from having ADHD in our society. Let's work together to create an environment that suits your brain.

Are you feeling anxious or physically sick with stress? Having a hard time pulling yourself out of a dark place? Struggling to cope in life with a recent loss? Over-using substances to cope? You're taking a positive step in your journey to wellness by searching for a therapist to help support you through this transformational season.

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 am passionate about helping others on their journey to recovery and healing. My specialties include addiction, alcoholism, trauma, anxiety, depression, and phobias.