Therapists in Berrien Center, MI
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Check out therapists located nearby or offering teletherapy in Michigan below.Online Therapists
The Wellness Institute of Michigan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
Jackson, MI 49202
If you would like help with issues regarding daily life, work, family, blended families, academics, life decisions, gender identity we can help. If you have feelings of fatigue, worry, and being overwhelmed we can assist you. We operate a group practice with several therapists in three locations. In your initial call to us we listen carefully to understand what your needs are and then match you with the best method of treatment and therapist to help you. We understand that calling for counseling is an important choice and offer excellent customer service to facilitate the process. We provide highly professional services in a peaceful setting.
If you would like help with issues regarding daily life, work, family, blended families, academics, life decisions, gender identity we can help. If you have feelings of fatigue, worry, and being overwhelmed we can assist you. We operate a group practice with several therapists in three locations. In your initial call to us we listen carefully to understand what your needs are and then match you with the best method of treatment and therapist to help you. We understand that calling for counseling is an important choice and offer excellent customer service to facilitate the process. We provide highly professional services in a peaceful setting.
Gabriel Kangas
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CCS
Verified Verified
Portage, MI 49002 (Online Only)
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.
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.
Transgender Therapists
As a gender-diverse individual, why might I want to see a therapist who is also gender diverse?
A trans or gender-diverse client may want to see a therapist who is also trans or gender diverse because the client may feel safer sharing their experiences and more confident that the therapist will understand, validate, and support them. But trans or gender-diverse clients can also benefit from therapy with cisgender therapists; this is a personal decision based on the connection between the client and the therapist, and if that connection is strong, therapy will be successful.
What if I cannot find a therapist who shares my gender identity?
Therapy can still be effective if a therapist does not share a client’s gender identity; a large body of research indicates that the most important factor in successful therapy is the therapeutic alliance. A therapist can also be interviewed for sensitivity and competence on gender identity and expression to ensure they possess appropriate knowledge and skills. Many therapists have excellent training and extensive experience working with gender-diverse clients, and that expertise can be invaluable despite a therapist not sharing the same firsthand experiences.
How can I recognize a good therapist for working with gender-diverse clients?
An experienced therapist should be able to help clients explore their gender identity and expression, alleviate discomfort related to their gender identity, treat mental health challenges and trauma, address existing relationships and communication with family members and loved ones, and determine the next steps pertaining to nonmedical or medical gender-affirming interventions. To recognize a good therapist, clients can ask about these topics and explore their comfort and connection with the clinician.
How might I inquire about a therapist’s experience working with transgender clients?
Clients should feel comfortable asking therapists directly about their experience working with transgender or gender-diverse clientele. For example, clients may ask about the therapist’s training and education with regard to gender identity, how many trans clients they’ve worked with in the past, and what sorts of matters were discussed. You may wish to inquire how a therapist specifically supports the needs of transgender clients or clients questioning their gender identity. A good clinician who is nonetheless not the right fit for you is often happy to make referrals to others based on the concerns you articulate in a preliminary conversation.