Parenting Therapists in Traverse City, MI
See all therapists in Traverse City
Karen McCarthy
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
For grownups, I offer psychoeducation about trauma and child development, counseling for trauma healing, and
parenting
skills and techniques.
My clients are children from infancy through age 10 (and their parents and caregivers) who want to improve their relationships and the ways they function in this difficult world. I help them understand each other, communicate, process their emotions, deal with life’s problems, and heal from past wounds, especially from trauma. Trauma can affect children’s behaviors and emotions in ways that may be surprising. They may seem withdrawn or angry or highly emotional or defiant ... and sometimes all of these in one day! Children who have not been traumatized may also run this gamut, leaving parents confused.

Amanda Stowe
Master Social Work, LMSW, IMH-E
Verified
Verified
My work is grounded in meeting individuals, children and their families wherever they are at. I believe through a safe and supporting relationship, change, healing and growth can happen. I enjoy working with the littlest members of your family to the oldest. I am specialized in areas around early
parenting
, which include perinatal, postpartum, young children and families. I am here to support you when becoming pregnant and a
parent
and through all the many challenges of this period. I am passionate about helping parents become the
parent
they dreamed of becoming and parents and children feel connected to one and other.

Emily S. Kohler
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, IMH-E, PMH-C
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I have a special interest in working with women in the prenatal, postpartum and early
parenting
stages of their relationship with their children as well as supporting a
parent
's own changing identity.
Are you a new
parent
or preparing for a new baby and wondering how you are going to adjust to the new normal with your worries or depressed mood? Do you currently struggle with anxiety or depression and wonder how the new baby's arrival might impact your moods and well-being? Are you struggling to feel connected with your little one? Do you feel more irritable, frustrated and unhappy more than you thought you would feel during this phase of your life?
Office is near:
Traverse City, MI 49684 & Online

Amanda Sterzick
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
3 Endorsed
Verified
3 Endorsed
I am a licensed clinical social worker with experience working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety,
parenting
, life stress/transitions, and trauma.
I am currently providing Telehealth Therapy to anyone located in the state of Michigan. I focus heavily on a person’s strengths and creative problem solving. I see potential everywhere and enjoy seeing a person develop and bloom into their goals and personal growth! I love to practice the art of connecting, supporting, and developing of those that I work with and I strive to be warm, welcoming, and hospitable. I view therapy as a way to add additional tools in our toolbox, and enjoy working with clients who are up for putting in the work for their goals.
Not accepting new clients

Michelle M Newman
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
In today's world,
parenting
is challenging. In many cases, we are raising our children with little support from others. And, our children are faced with a great deal of stress and outside influence such as social media, high education standards, and reduced opportunity for success after graduation. As a
parent
, you want your children to be happy, self-confident, and contributing members of society.

Kathryn Penfold, M.Sc, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist, BSW, MSc, LLP
My areas of treatment include relationship difficulties (couples,
parent
/child,family) depression, anxiety, stress and trauma as well as other clinical areas.
I employ a diverse approach to therapy based on my knowledge of psychological philosophies and techniques in conjunction with the personality and needs of each client.

Elizabeth Thompson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Sometimes life can be difficult. Especially, when we feel stuck and not sure what to do next. Maybe you're in the the second half of your life trying to decide what to do next. Perhaps you're a
parent
feeling overwhelmed by your responsibilities. Maybe life circumstances have you feeling anxiety or frustration that is getting in the way of your happiness. Whatever your life's situation happens to be, I'd like to work with you, helping you make positive changes to further your joyful experiences in life.

Gary Vann
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Don Dinkmeyer - author of the Systematic Training for Effective
Parenting
and the Training In Marriage Enrichment Programs.
Thank you for taking time to learn how we can partner together. I offer an atmosphere of warmth, encouragement, wellness and 35 years of experience as a marriage & family psychologist. Having raised a son and daughter, married a long time and six grandchildren, I know families, careers and life in general can be very stressful. It is my passion to help you make your journey easier and successful for you. Knowledge is power - the more you learn about yourself, communication skills, and acquire tools to eliminate depression, anxiety, anger, phobias, etc. the happier you will be in all aspects of life!

Aven Purcell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
I often work with individuals facing challenges that arise from life transitions, identity, relationships,
parenting
, career/college, and family conflict. Many topics of concern include but are not limited to symptoms of anxiety, depression, stress, ADHD, trauma background, and grief. My approach to therapy focuses on honoring your strengths and meeting you exactly where you are.

Elizabeth Kickert
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified
Verified
In addition to my extensive experience working with children and young adults, I have worked alongside many adult clients also helping them through grief-loss, job transitions, marital issues, divorce and separation, and
parenting
and co-
parenting
challenges.
Hi, I am Elizabeth Kickert and I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 15 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. Before starting my own private practice, Willow Tree Counseling, I worked as a school social worker in the elementary, middle and high school settings. As a result of my time spent working with youth in the schools, I have a lot of experience in helping individuals over come issues with depression, anxiety, at-risk behaviors and suicidal ideation, anger management, school and home related behavior problems, self-worth, social skills and relationship problems.
Waitlist for new clients

Trisha Short
Counselor, MA, LPC, IMH-E, (II)
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
My work with children and families is based on building safe, supportive relationships. I carefully consider individual, couple and family strengths and needs, providing therapeutic direction based upon this. A combination of child development, mindfulness, and family systems informs my work. I use play therapy, sandtray, narrative-storytelling tools, practical skill building, arts, and
parent
coaching in my practice. The power of relationships and the recognition of one's strengths are emphasized throughout our work together.
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Jennifer Kraus
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Parenting
and relationships have their challenges, but healing from worry, grief, isolation, and disconnection is possible for you and your family! I provide a secure and trusting environment to explore relationship patterns, family culture, and family/personal strengths.
Relationships are hard.
Parenting
is hard. You never thought caring for your baby would leave you feeling depressed, anxious, and/or angry. You and your child could have experienced unexpected stressful events leaving you both wondering how to make sense of it. You may be adjusting to life changes as your family grows or your responsibilities changed causing you to struggle with feelings of loss, irritability, and regret. It’s hard to voice these thoughts which causes you to feel overwhelmed, alone, worried, and confused. For these reasons, it is critical to have support to start to feel connected and excited about relationships.
Waitlist for new clients

Traverse Health Clinic
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified
Verified
There are a variety of reasons you might want to receive behavioral health services: Adjustment issues, anger, anxiety, chronic illness, communication issues, depression, grief/loss, panic,
parenting
issues, relationship issues, stress management, addictions, or trauma.
Traverse Health Clinic provides behavioral health services to adults and adolescents ages 12 and up, even if you haven't established primary care with one of our medical providers. Our behavioral health services are provided by licensed therapists who are trained and qualified to help patients experiencing life stressors or mental health issues. Therapists are able to assist individuals in learning constructive ways to handle problems that interfere with everyday life. Services are usually time-limited and focused on specific goals that you, the patient, have identified.
Waitlist for new clients

Allison Wilson
Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified
Verified
Life has a way of wearing us down, sometimes it is a slow erosion over time and sometimes it swiftly takes our breath away. Perhaps you're battling depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, life transitions,
parenting
challenges, or relationship stress. Or maybe you're providing care for a child or adolescent who is struggling with typical or unique challenges and need additional support.

Julie A Bernhard (Kachadurian)
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, CAADC
Verified
Verified
I work with adults and families on
parenting
and relationships.
My passion is helping people function to the best of their ability and reach their goals. I have been providing therapy for people with mental health and substance use problems since 1988. I have a Master of Arts in Counseling and I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist. I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. My approach to treatment of substance use problems includes therapy, education, relapse prevention skills, and developing a healthy non-using life style. I also provide therapy for clients who participate in medically assisted treatment for substance use problems.

Pam DeVries Grzech
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
Everyday life can be difficult.
Parenting
can be difficult. There is hope. Are you facing major life changes? Feeling stressed? Facing depressed? Worried about your child’s behavior? Talking with a therapist will help. My approach is client-centered, which means it’s all about you. I do not have a pre-conceived agenda or formula. I will listen to your concerns and ask you what your goals are, and we’ll start there. If you are not even sure about your goals, that’s ok too, we’ll work together to sort things out.

Jaime Wetzel
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I offer
parent
coaching to address the joys and challenges of raising strong-willed children.
Caring for strong-willed or spirited children can be entertaining but also exhausting. Parents often feel like they can manage the situations at home but the stress level rises when they repeatedly receive calls from school, camp, or daycare to address their child's behavior. You might wonder how to talk to others about the unique needs of your child without sounding defensive. And while you appreciate your child's passions you also wish that they were easier to
parent
, easier to understand, and generally more compliant. You find yourself saying, "I knew
parenting
would have its challenges, but I never expected this."

Shawn A. Wygant
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, TLLP
Verified
Verified
I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist (Doctoral Temp Educ Ltd) in practice in Michigan. My supervisor is Demosthenes Lorandos, Ph.D., J.D. The primary focus of my supervised practice is forensic psychology which includes assessment of child psychological maltreatment, parental alienation, psychological testing, child custody evaluations, forensic interview analysis, Guardian ad litem appointments,
parenting
coordinator appointments, and expert testimony.

Dr. Megan M. Julian
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I also offer
parent
consultation for those who have specific questions that may not require a full assessment or psychotherapy.
Welcome! I specialize in early childhood (age 0-8) diagnostic assessment and psychotherapy, and psychotherapy for OCD and anxiety disorders in children and teens. For young children, I offer diagnostic assessments to gain a deeper understanding of their symptoms, development, and relationships, and to guide treatment recommendations. Therapy for young children can help them and their caregivers to improve their relationship, improve coping skills, reduce emotional outbursts or other mental health symptoms, and/or reduce
parenting
stress. I use strategies from evidence-based approaches including CPP, PCIT, PMT, CBT, and IMH.

Problem Solved Counseling Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified
Verified
I have successfully helped people with depression, relationship issues,
parenting
, career coaching and anxiety.
Are you struggling with important decisions in your life or feel overwhelmed? Do you experience feelings of anxiety or even panic? Have you felt sad, lonely or unheard? If life is handing you more than you can handle by yourself, it’s time for a positive change. I can help support and guide you and together, we can empower you to face all of life’s challenges. You have already taken the first step to a transformational change in your life and where the mind goes, the energy flows! If you are ready to take the next pivotal step, I am here to support and empower you to do great things.
See more therapy options for
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.