Therapists in Ypsilanti, MI

With a dynamic professional background spanning New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Ann Arbor, and Melbourne, Australia. I bring extensive experience as a dedicated therapist. My journey through the performing arts, fashion, technology, and non-profit sectors has provided me with a unique perspective on personal growth and transformation. In my therapeutic approach, I prioritize creating a safe, culturally sensitive, and non-judgmental space for clients to explore their inner selves. My commitment to empathy and trust is unwavering, and I believe in the power of collaboration on the journey towards healing and self-discovery.

Is something out of balance in your life? With yourself? Your child? Your effectiveness as a parent? Your relationships? Life circumstances/transitions? If it is, please know that my way of practicing is to non-judgmentally understand what is going on--what area of your life is being negatively impacted. Then we can collaboratively work on establishing goals and a treatment plan. Whether it is Anxiety, OCD, Autism (including very young kids with autism), Depression/Bipolar, Behavior Problems, ADHD, Trauma or Insomnia, there is a way for you or your child to feel more in control, grounded and balanced.

The purpose of spiritual counseling is to support you in living from your deepest, most authentic self. As we continually develop, it can be difficult to remain authentic, difficult to balance our own highest values with cultural, vocational, and familial challenges. Especially in times of transition, it takes support, reflection and encouragement to remain true to who we are. While I bring my experience as an ordained Zen Buddhist to my spiritual counseling practice, ultimately my goal is to meet clients where they are, using the particularities of their strengths to help them settle more deeply into their true selves.

I work well with people who are experiencing emotional or psychological distress and are motivated to overcome their challenges. You may be struggling with issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, or trauma. You want a therapist who can understand your feelings and provide a safe, non-judgmental environment for you to express your thoughts and emotions. I am here to provide the type of care that you are seeking.

You find yourself feeling on edge more often than not. There’s a general sense of feeling trapped - trapped in a situation, stuck in time, or frozen by a sense of inactivity. This uneasiness may leave you feeling numb, irritable, or disconnected. You feel detached from others or yourself, and you struggle to find release from that internal tension. Something feels like it’s holding you back, and you cannot feel at ease in your body.

Designed by neuroscientist and psychiatrist, Dr. Stephen Porges Ph.D., The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) is an evidenced-based auditory intervention based on the Polyvagal Theory. This intervention helps one’s nervous system to get “unstuck” from: underactivity of the nervous system (e.g. depression, inattention, impulsivity, social inhibition), overactivity of the nervous system (e.g. anxiety, emotional dysregulation, sleep issues), and complex dysregulation (e.g. sensory issues, food sensitivity, trauma, social difficulties). It is a powerful adjunct to regular therapy, and can be done at home and on your own schedule.

I've been told my easy-going, approachable spirit provides quick comfort for those I encounter along my path. Whether it's humans, trees, or little critters strolling the landscape, I can't seem to help but beam with love and curiosity for all of life. Trust me - this isn't because I have lived some seamless walk-in-the-park existence. In fact, it's growing through the depths of my gut-wrenching heartaches, gnawing mistakes, and bold transitions that have allowed compassion to be my guide. I am guessing you found me because you are going through a heartache or transition yourself. Well, I am glad you're here.

This world can be a challenging and unforgiving place. I want to invite you into a space of safety and healing without stigma or judgment. It is important to be heard and understood. I come from a trauma informed approach which simply means I understand how the past can shape our present. I provide services to an array of beautiful souls that may have survived abuse, tragedy, grief, or loss. If you have made it this far, then that means you are a survivor. I want to help you transition into a place of balance and hope.

Is music an important part of your life? Music sometimes expresses how we feel in a way that talking alone cannot. Music therapy is the use of music to meet nonmusical goals. You do not need to have experience studying or making music in order to participate in music therapy. I work with musicians and non-musicians alike. Music is a powerful tool, when used skillfully, to help you meet your health goals. I have successfully helped people use music to explore their emotions in order to better understand, & manage, them. Music therapy may include learning how to make music, or it may focus on listening to, analyzing & feeling music.

Each person is a universe of complexity. The way we view and interact with ourselves and the world is shaped by our families, life experiences, culture, society, and countless other factors. What’s going on in our minds and bodies is complicated to understand. We can’t see the lenses we use to perceive the world because they are a part of us. Therefore, introspection alone isn’t always the most effective way to reflect, heal and grow; communication with a dedicated supporter is.

In my practice, I adopt an approach that puts your intrinsic strengths front and center, focusing on you as a unique individual. I take into account your overall well-being and draw from a specialized understanding of chronic, toxic stress, and complex trauma. My commitment is to establish an environment that fully embraces your needs, concerns, and aspirations. I strongly believe in the transformative power of recognizing and magnifying your inner strengths. Through a person-centered approach, my sole focus is on you – your experiences, your emotions, and your unique journey.

I work with adults and adolescents of all ages to overcome challenges related to relationship & family conflict, stress, grief, depression, anxiety, and trauma. I believe the foundation of effective therapy is rooted in compassionate listening, honest and open communication, and respect for one another. I believe in the client-centered approach for healing and bring your voice and experiences into our work. I'm also committed to social justice and acknowledges how injustices play a role in the healing process. Together, we can work towards healing and self-determination. I offer evening sessions.

My Clinical Psychology private practice allows for maximum individual attention and confidentiality. Since 1988, I have specialized in treating trauma conditions resulting from war, auto, workplace, violence and residuals of childhood abuse. Related conditions include depression, anxiety, physical pain, relationship difficulties, addictions and cognitive disorders. As a result of auto and occupational injuries, many patients/clients suffer Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injuries; and they can greatly benefit from my individual and group psychotherapy. I am a Clinical and Forensic Psychologist so some of my work involves cases in litigation including evaluations, testimony and expert witness services.

I utilize a wide variety of evidenced-based treatments alongside holistic interventions tailored to the individual or family to help them get from where they are to where they want to be. I work with my clients to accomplish this change by first addressing foundational basics of mental health, working together to address underlying stressors and trauma, and implementing life-changing daily practices to achieve a greater level of functioning. I offer an integrative approach utilizing CBT, ACT, DBT, polyvagal exercises, Somatic Experiencing, attachment-based neuro-affirmative care, person-centered therapy, and psychodynamic theory.

Guided Grace Family and Youth Services takes an altruistic approach to therapy. We realize that the world has evolved and therapeutic services cannot stay the same. We provide individual and family therapy by offering multiple services. Our newly renovated space allows us provide an “out of the box” approach to your journey to total wellness by offering groups such as; anger management, Grief, LGBTQ, Batterers Intervention, Sensory and much more. We offer on and off site Licensed therapists, pharmacy services, and an onsite Psychiatric Services. With added programs, we provide a wraparound approach to therapeutic services.

Deciding to seek therapy can seem overwhelming and yet could be the most important decision you make for yourself and your loved ones. Facing our fears and recognizing we need help facing life’s challenges is the first step in healing our wounded self or our dysfunctional family interactions. I see this desire to change or get to the root of our difficulties as a sign of mental health, not as weakness or “being broken.” I believe that everyone is doing the best that they can with the tools they have and change happens when we realize our ways of being in the world are no longer working for us.

For many of us, problems with concentration, low energy or motivation, and conflict with those close to us make each day a challenge, resulting in unhealthy coping methods. Anxiety and depression are oftentimes the cause for these difficulties. I help clients using a cognitive behavioral approach to treat those issues and others such as guilt, self-esteem, trauma, anger, addiction, GLBT issues, and family/behavior problems. I rely on a solution-focused, collaborative approach. My practice is geared toward children ages 8 & up, adolescents, and adults. Call for an appointment today so we may begin helping you achieve your goals.