Dialectical Behavior (DBT) Therapists in Zeeland, MI

Kris is skilled with treating a variety of life’s challenges, including adoption and foster care, identity, relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, body image/self-esteem issues, Obsessive-compulsive disorders and life transitions. She is expertly trained in numerous clinical utilities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, Child-Centered play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy ( DBT ) Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

If you are an adult feeling particularly burdened by anxiety, depression, past abuse and trauma, unwanted behaviors, condemning or distressing thoughts, issues of worth, relationship issues, etc., I, with the help of God’s Word, desire to help you find freedom. I strive to create an open and caring space, accepting a client’s current place in life while gently encouraging necessary change toward identified goals.

Working to resolve anxiety and trauma, especially "stacked trauma". I have a variety of approaches which are frequently useful to people who have had recent or early traumas.

Not currently taking new Clients. People are my Passion. If you need a listening ear to process feelings, a helping hand to navigate life transitions or interpersonal relationships, or support for managing mental health conditions, I'm here to help. With over 20 years of experience and being CBT Certified, I use DBT -informed CBT techniques, combined with the healing effects of a positive, supportive relationship, to teach you coping strategies to manage stress and improve your emotional well-being. I especially enjoy working with families of children and adolescents struggling with emotional or behavioral issues.

Carol Rodgers once said If we are able to accept ourselves just as we are, then we can change. Likewise, I believe that everyone has the unique ability to discover significance within themself. This path to personal development is often found within the context of meaningful relationships. A therapeutic relationship can offer helpful guidance towards radical acceptance, profound healing and transformational growth.

I once heard that in order to live a fulfilling life you need to live it fully everyday. Living fully can look different from day to day. Some days living fully may bring joy, peace, excitement, & love as you form new relationships, pursue your passions, & discover more about yourself. Yet other days living fully may bring frustration, sorrow, fear, and pain as you face loss, trauma, and uncertainty. In either of these cases, living fully is done in relationship and living alongside another can bring healing beyond belief. I strive to be that ally, to walk alongside others as they experience the joys & challenges of living fully.

Do you worry about your child's behavior or emotional health? About your own emotional health? Maybe you are grieving the loss of a child? Take hope, because you have come to the right place. I have been walking beside women and couples struggling with these issues for 10 years. I have seen many people in your place recover and begin to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives.

Experiencing an emotional or personal issue that is restricting your ability to enjoy life? I help clients work on those things that are getting in the way, such as, problematic emotional, behavioral or relational patterns, stress, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. Life is really hard at times and it can help to have some extra support, especially, if you are feeling alone, isolated or finding that others don't really understand. NOTE: I am now offering tele-therapy over video as an option for therapy.

Over the past eighteen years, I have worked in community mental health, residential and private practice facilities helping children, adolescents, and adults solve problems and make significant changes in their lives. I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist, Certified Trauma Specialist, Adoption Specialist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I strongly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element in making lasting changes. Helping you feel comfortable so we can build a trusting and secure relationship is my goal.

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 accepting new clients! I have extensive experience working with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, shame/guilt, trauma, family and relational difficulties, grief/loss and bereavement, school related or social issues. Through cognitive therapy, mindful practices, and skill based coping techniques I can work with you to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life and relationships.

I believe that everyone deserves access to mental health care, and my hope is to guide the opportunity for you to transform your current self, find acceptance, foster healing, and achieve your unique goals. I specialize in working with adolescents, teens, and young adults ages 10-35. I have extensive experience working within the public school system, with individuals who have disabilities, with college students, and with families. I enjoy working with topics such as self-esteem, perfectionism, emotion regulation, behavioral concerns, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. You don't have to navigate life alone!

My ideal client is motivated to work in therapy and recognizes that therapy is as much about some pain as well as some joy. They have important issues in their lives and are searching for meaning, resolution, and growth because we all live in a world where these are not recognized, honored, or validated.