Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
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Misty LaFree

Counselor, MA, LPC (she, her)

Verified by Psychology Today Verified by Psychology Today
5 Endorsed
Call Me
Let's Connect (616) 253-6648
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Available both in-person and online
5360 Cascade Road Southeast Suite 1 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Is life feeling hard right now? Is your child or teen struggling? Is entering young adulthood feeling "weird"? My specialization is is working with children and teens (ages 5 and up), young adults and families. I specialize in OCD and anxiety, using consensual Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) along with creative, hands-on methods like play, art, and sand tray therapy. I’m also working toward my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential because I believe play helps children communicate and heal in powerful ways. I'm neurodiversity affirming and create an atmosphere where my clients can show up authentically as themselves.
I support children, teens, and families navigating big emotions, trauma, neurodivergence, and school-related challenges. I’m EMDR-trained and offer trauma-informed, whole-family care that promotes healing at home and beyond. Domestic violence is a specialty area of mine. I also offer virtual sessions for adolescents and young adults seeking flexibility.
I welcome clients from all faith backgrounds and can integrate Christian faith when requested. My goal is to help families rediscover connection, resilience, and hope. I believe there’s no such thing as “too broken," and every person and family has the capacity to heal and grow. Let’s begin that journey together. I'm excited to join you on the journey!
Call or Misty LaFree now for a free 15 minute consultation - (616) 253-6648

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Leadlight Counseling - Cascade Location

5360 Cascade Road Southeast

Suite 1

Grand Rapids, MI 49546 map

(616) 253-6648
My website
I offer sessions in-person and online, in an office that sparks creativity, integrates the senses, and promotes play!
I specialize in Child, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Anxiety 
$165 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and families  
Let's Connect (616) 253-6648
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC

My Practice at a Glance

Available both in-person and online

Leadlight Counseling - Cascade Location

5360 Cascade Road Southeast

Suite 1

Grand Rapids, MI 49546 map

(616) 253-6648
My website
I offer sessions in-person and online, in an office that sparks creativity, integrates the senses, and promotes play!
I specialize in Child, Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) and Anxiety 
$165 Per Session, I accept insurance 
I see individuals and families  

Finances

Fees

  • Individual Sessions $165

Payment Methods

American Express, Discover, Health Savings Account, Mastercard, Visa

Insurance

  • Aetna
  • ASR Health Benefits
  • Blue Care Network
  • BlueCross and BlueShield
  • Cigna and Evernorth
  • Cofinity | First Health
  • Medicaid
  • Molina Healthcare
  • Optum
  • Priority Health
  • UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH
"
I am happy to accept Medicaid and private pay options in addition to listed insurances.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648
"
I am happy to accept Medicaid and private pay options in addition to listed insurances.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648

Qualifications

  • Verified by Psychology Today Licensed by State of Michigan / 6401224284 Misty LaFree
  • Education and Years In Practice

  • In Practice for 5 years
  • Attended Cornerstone Seminary, Master's of Clinical Mental Health, Graduated 2019
"
I am currently pursing my registered play therapy (RPT) credential. I am EMDR trained in Safe EMDR. Over the last decade, I have volunteered and worked with numerous domestic violence groups.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648
"
I am currently pursing my registered play therapy (RPT) credential. I am EMDR trained in Safe EMDR. Over the last decade, I have volunteered and worked with numerous domestic violence groups.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648

Specialties and Expertise

Top Specialties

  • Child
  • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)
  • Anxiety

Expertise

  • ADHD
  • Anger Management
  • Autism
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Borderline Personality (BPD)
  • Coping Skills
  • Depression
  • Divorce
  • Domestic Violence
  • Emotional Disturbance
  • Family Conflict
  • Parenting
  • Peer Relationships
  • Relationship Issues
  • School Issues
  • Self Esteem
  • Self-Harming
  • Sexual Abuse
  • Stress
  • Trauma and PTSD
"
When I work with children and teens, I am comfortable taking a whole-family approach if therapeutically appropriate. In our initial sessions we will create a plan as a family unit that promotes and sustains healing for the whole family as well as the individual. I also value incorporating school support for a wrap-around approach.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648
"
When I work with children and teens, I am comfortable taking a whole-family approach if therapeutically appropriate. In our initial sessions we will create a plan as a family unit that promotes and sustains healing for the whole family as well as the individual. I also value incorporating school support for a wrap-around approach.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648

5 Endorsements

Ashlie Morgan
Ashlie Morgan
CounselorMSLLPC
Misty creates a fun, supportive environment where individuals and families feel safe to express themselves. With a warm and engaging approach, Misty makes therapy a positive experience, turning challenges into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
Jennifer Hayden
Jennifer Hayden
Clinical Social Work/TherapistMSWLMSW
Misty specializes in play therapy, sand tray, and expressive arts interventions. Her therapy room is full of creative resources to help kids express themselves and heal! She also is a wonderful EMDR therapist and is knowledgeable in domestic violence.
Allie Hoekstra
Allie Hoekstra
Licensed Professional CounselorMALPC
Misty does a fantastic job working with children!
Rebekah Karel
Rebekah Karel
Clinical Social Work/TherapistLMSWRPT™
Misty brings a warm, friendly presence to her therapy relationships. She is excellent at forming relationships with children and teens and does great family work! Misty also is especially experienced at working with children and teens with OCD.
Stephanie Vail
Stephanie Vail
Licensed Professional Counselor
Misty does a fantastic job meeting people where they are and working with clients (and guardians) with care and respect.

Client Focus

Age

Toddler
Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen

Participants

Individuals
Family

Religion

Christian

Age

Toddler
Children (6 to 10)
Preteen
Teen

Participants

Individuals
Family

Religion

Christian

Treatment Approach

Types of Therapy

  • Art Therapy
  • Attachment-based
  • Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
  • EMDR
  • Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)
  • Expressive Arts
  • Family Systems
  • Integrative
  • Person-Centered
  • Play Therapy
  • Sandplay
  • Somatic
  • Strength-Based
  • Trauma Focused
"
I often use play attachment-based interventions in counseling, especially with children and adolescents. This may come in the form of play therapy, sand tray, or CBT. I am also trained in EMDR and use in trauma work. While I am happy to work with families of all faith beliefs (or nonbelief) I am also able to incorporate Christian faith in sessions at family's specific request.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648
"
I often use play attachment-based interventions in counseling, especially with children and adolescents. This may come in the form of play therapy, sand tray, or CBT. I am also trained in EMDR and use in trauma work. While I am happy to work with families of all faith beliefs (or nonbelief) I am also able to incorporate Christian faith in sessions at family's specific request.
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call or for a free 15 minute consultation now - (616) 253-6648

Location

Primary Location

Leadlight Counseling - Cascade Location

5360 Cascade Road Southeast

Suite 1

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

(616) 253-6648

Nearby Areas

"
I offer sessions in-person and online, in an office that sparks creativity, integrates the senses, and promotes play!
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call for a free consultation now - (616) 253-6648
"
I offer sessions in-person and online, in an office that sparks creativity, integrates the senses, and promotes play!
Photo of Misty LaFree, Counselor, MA, LPC
Misty LaFree
Counselor, MA, LPC
Call for a free consultation now - (616) 253-6648