Coaching Therapists in Portage, MI

I warmly welcome you into this space. Let us first take a moment to acknowledge the time and effort you are already giving to your health: by doing the preliminary work of finding a counselor to contact. This part can be really difficult. Time and circumstance, information overload, perhaps previous negative experiences, and the human tendency to lean away from the unknown, all serve as barriers to keep us down in our old patterns. However, in taking this step, regardless of the outcome, the work toward health has already begun for you.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Limited Licensed Psychologist. I have worked in the field for over 20 years and have a variety of experience across multiple clinical environments. I have special interests in adoption/child welfare, trauma, developmental differences, anxiety, depression, life adjustments, grief and loss, career coaching, co-parenting, to name a few. I work with kids/youth of all ages and adults, with a love for teenagers and young adults transitioning to independent life. I am well-versed in community resources and services. I can also provide outreach to school or home if appropriate and desired.

Maria A. Williams, Licensed Social Worker (LMSW), holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, with an Interpersonal Practice scope. Maria has experience working with children of all ages, teens, young adults and families. Maria has shown to be effective in developing healthy long-lasting therapeutic relationships. She has experience working with many life themes; grief, depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, academics, teen pregnancy, foster care, substance use, social media, and other difficult issues that adolescents, teens, and adults face.

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.

I have worked with adolescents and adults as a counselor and as an educator for more than 17 years. As a therapist, I use a holistic approach to wellness with an eclectic incorporation of many techniques in mental health and education. I believe in empowering clients in determining their best use of resources to overcome obstacles and achieving their overall wellness and potential. I enjoy working with clients who are in transition - end of a relationship, loss of employment, heading to college - to name a few. These are stressful times, and I partner with clients as they navigate these changes.

Life can be challenging, and at different times in our lives we are all in need of additional support, whatever the reason may be. If you are at that point and ready to explore therapy, I would be privileged to join you, and support yourself, your child, or your family. I have been working in the field for over 15 years and strongly believe that you are the expert on yourself and your family, together we will focus on strengths, to create goals that allow you and/or your family to grow and improve your daily living. I can help you develop skills for dealing with anxiety, mood disorders, depression, among other things.

As long as you have breath in your body, there will always be a need to talk to someone about life. What if we told you there is a difference between talking to someone and sharing your life experiences? As your therapist, it is important to express yourself in the best way you know how. It’s important that your decisions are respected in a safe space, so you feel comfortable, healthy and happy. It is our goal to empower you to engage in healthy behaviors through challenging alternative thoughts to increase your capability to recover from difficulties. we are in this with you. We celebrate your joys and process tough times with you.

Feelings of depression, stress, anxiety, hopelessness or struggling with adjusting to new circumstances in our lives is normal. There are times when we are able to navigate on our own, however, that may not always be the case. Working with a therapist is an investment in yourself. Coming to therapy is a big step, however it can be a life altering step. I understand and have experienced the emotional challenges life has to offer. In working together, we will cultivate growth by understanding the obstacles that you face and develop solutions that can help you gain control of your life and achieve your goals.

Feeling overwhelmed and defeated? Does life simply have you down in the dumps? Is it hard for you to appreciate the good in the world when everything around you seems to be falling apart? Have you had a traumatic experience that is holding you back? Are you having a difficult time navigating a relationship? Whatever it is you might be facing, I am here to help. My goal is to cultivate a safe and empathetic environment while developing a trusting and secure relationship with you. I want therapy to be a place where you feel comfortable exploring, processing, and healing from your past hurts and traumas.

Everyone needs a little extra support from time to time; finding the right therapist can be a trying, anxiety provoking task. As a therapist, my responsibility and pledge to those I serve is to holistically attend to each individual. Through strengthening your inner healthy self-talk, affirming your values and beliefs, and walking alongside you to further develop your "true" self, we can build a bond of trust and hope.

I believe counseling is a place to learn and grow. I will use techniques that encourage clients to find the solutions to their dilemmas within themselves. We have the freedom to choose what directions our life takes and the responsibility to take control of that freedom. As the counselor, I don't have the answers to clients' problems but am a guide in the process that helps the client(s) take responsibility, action, and come to a resolution. I may assign small homework that will help you learn and reach your goals. Your happiness and well-being are my main concerns.

Overwhelmed, confused, anxiety, frustration, stuck or numb? All relationships (marriage, partners, parenting, work) can create these feelings. Positive changes can happen with a caring and skilled professional. I work with adults and couples in issues of loss, children/adolescence, life changes, blended families, parenting, using a variety of helpful methods. I specialize in a holistic approach including cognitive therapy, DBT, marital/vocational/school issues, assertiveness, relationship support, parenting strategies, behavioral and insight based in a supportive and caring style. I have been a therapist and an educator and I have life experience that connects me with my clients.

My personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach. I believe it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive. Every client is different and our responses and approaches should be equally diverse. One person may need a cognitive behavioral approach whereas another would be more responsive to brief counseling. This eclectic approach will be applied to all clients. Techniques will vary between clients to best meet the individual client's needs.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and have been working in the mental health field and as a clinical school counselor for over 29 years. With a passion for working with youth,I am dedicated to creating a nurturing and non-judgmental environment where young minds can thrive. I use a variety of child friendly techniques, personalized approaches and evidence-based techniques to help children explore their emotions. I enjoy helping youth develop goals around how they can continue to learn and grow into better versions of themselves throughout their childhood. I am committed to providing compassionate support every step of the way.

Everyone has their own unique paths in life. These paths may lead to unexpected turns, different destinations, or hit a few bumps along the way creating feelings of uncertainty. Such experiences and feelings of anxiety and uncertainty may lead us into uncharted territory, challenging us to overcome. Change is hard, and change can vastly impact our social, emotional, behavioral, and physiological responses. I strive to create an atmosphere of safety, acceptance, openness, trust, and respect.

Are you confused, lost, overwhelmed, or anxious about your next steps? As a career counselor, I have over 19 years of experience counseling individuals who are facing major life transitions including career crossroads, job loss, underemployed, career dissatisfaction, relocation, anxiety, school issues, grief, and divorce. I help individuals who feel lost and overwhelmed about their lives and careers, create strategic plans toward career satisfaction. The anxiety and confusion created by major life transitions can be debilitating. My empathetic and compassionate nature helps individuals feel understood and find a focused path.

Are you struggling with overwhelming emotions, negative self-talk, or relationship issues? As a licensed therapist, I offer a variety of counseling services aimed at helping individuals overcome difficulties and improve their overall well-being. I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. My approach is tailored to each client's unique needs and goals. My goal is to foster positive change by providing the support and guidance necessary to overcome challenges, manage stress, and live a more fulfilling life.

2024 Update: I can take BCBS or self-pay, with availability about a week out (probably for a short time!). To stay true to my specialization and passion, I only accept new clients for relationship counseling purposes (or through a personalized referral). This can be for couples or individual counseling that centers around relationship issues. I also work closely with the queer community (LGBTQ+, nonmonogamy, kink-friendly, etc.), and I love helping clients create and maintain boundaries while becoming their authentic selves.

Relational Life Therapist. Cross cultural therapist. I help couples (and other dyads) get to the source of their issues and learn how to create the relationship they long for. Some dyads that see me may be on the brink of relationship rupture and dissolution. Some may be stuck having the same arguments with the same lack of progress and feel like Sisyphus with his boulder. Some may be ahead of the game and seek therapy before they ruin a good thing. All of them want to learn healthy relationship habits that stick. The individual clients I see often struggle with spiritual questions, self acceptance, and/or relationships.