Family Therapy in Lansing, MI

Therapy doesn't have to last forever but the benefits will. Most issues people face are relational in nature. There are emotions and behaviors that are problematic. These might include feelings of shame, discontentment, apathy, anger or even numbness. The behaviors might range from avoidance to compulsive and addictive. Are you experiencing problems with yourself or others? In therapy, you'll learn to be challenged and gain tools to handle difficult feelings while making decisions to do the hard work to change behaviors.

Everyone has at least one problem to solve." The "good news" is the solutions you desire reside in you. My goal is to provide you with a safe and comfortable place to discuss these issues. You will gain new insight and tools to move you beyond limiting beliefs and behaviors that have prevented you from reaching your goals. Get ready to experience inner peace, increased stability, and a new momentum to reach your goals.

I am a mature, older woman with a lifetime of experience that I draw on in my practice. I love to listen to people’s stories. I am an empathic, respectful, and careful listener. I also am a very active collaborator in the therapeutic process, sharing my insights when I think they will be helpful. I work eclectically, utilizing approaches to therapy that are trauma-informed, integrative, and experiential. I am trained in many different modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR).

I am a limited licensed psychologist and have been practicing for 21 years. My experience has been in diverse setting and populations. I have worked in both adult and adolescent psychiatric hospitals, residential treatment, intensive foster care and in private practice. I have also been a foster parent an adoptive parent. Specialties include: children and adolescents, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, GLBTQ issues, foster care and adoption, grief and loss issues, self- esteem, autism spectrum disorder and helping people discover how to live life to their fullest potential. I work with all ages and treat individual, families and couples.

I work to help people navigate their complex worlds in order to live a healthier, happier life. I believe that all components of one's life are interrelated. Stress, crisis, life changes and uncertainty happen to everyone, often without warning. When crisis or chaos strike, it is comforting to have someone listen in a safe, open, non-judgmental space in which you can uncover the inner strengths and skills you already possess. I work with clients to create this environment, through which genuine healing, change, and self-empowerment can occur.

I have been practicing in the mental health profession since I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from The University of Michigan, 1977. I am licensed as both a Clinical and Macro Social Worker and am experienced in both the administrative and clinical areas of mental health.

I provide psychotherapy for individuals, couples, and families with an eclectic approach, emphasizing cognitive-behavioral, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Positive Psychology methods and principles. I have over 45 years of experience as a psychotherapist, with experience in a university counseling center, in a community mental health center, with 14 years as an associate professor at Lansing Community College in Michigan, and 38 years in private practice settings.

I believe we all have the strength within us to overcome life's struggles and challenges; however, sometimes that it is not enough. It is during these times that the assistance of a professional counselor is welcome. I strive to work with my clients to provide the necessary skills and tools to rise above these challenges. I describe my style of therapy as eclectic using a variety of therapeutic approaches based on my client's needs and treatment. Often, leaning toward the incorporation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness.

Finding the right therapist to guide you through a particular setback, conflict or crisis along life's journey can be a daunting process....I know. Being a psychologist for 30 years and having been involved in hundreds of hours of my own personal therapy during my doctoral training, I understand the importance of the right client/therapist match. Successful outcomes are more promising when one feels comfortable, safe and confident with a competent experienced professional. Selecting a therapist should not be an impulsive decision so take your time and be particular since you are about to invest time, finances and trust.

Finding help shouldn't be difficult, but it is, and I want to make that process easy for you, from the first contact. I have more than twenty years experience in behavioral medicine, and more than 30 years in helping professions. Using a wide range of expertise and training I treat diverse concerns of pre-teen through older adult clients. By varying treatment with a number of approaches, I strive to tailor therapy to the person, not just the problems identified. I work with mood and anxiety disorders, chronic pain and illness, trauma, addictions, eating and weight issues, and more.

Are you on the struggle bus and can’t find a way off? Adult-ing is hard, amiright?! Most of my clients are young adults navigating ALL.THE.THINGS while trying to make everyone else happy. Spoiler alert: THIS ISN’T SUSTAINABLE!! Our work together is to guide you in sorting through all the mental muck, tapping into the most authentic version of you.

I believe that everyone has the power to change his or her own life and make it what he or she wants it to be. Sometimes, we just need a little bit of help and support. Through therapy, we can find the guidance and encouragement to make it through some of life's toughest times. My experience has allowed me the opportunity to work with adults, teens, and children, families, couples, and siblings. I have supported clients through many challenges, including relationship issues, financial problems I have specific training in the area of sexual offending and have worked with offenders, ex-offenders, as well as victims of sexual abuse.