Priority Health Therapists in Howard City, MI

My work consists of providing a welcoming, profoundly non-judgmental atmosphere where one can experience the safety that human relationships may offer. I truly believe people first need the basics. We connect and flourish in therapy when provided with acceptance, respect and dignity in a non-shaming relationship. I take a holistic approach and incorporate foundational needs that are often overlooked. Sometimes the simplest solution may be most effective, while other situations may call for a deeper dive that will uncover a path to healing. Regardless, I leave the direction and pacing up to my clients to preserve autonomy.

The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, an sync with your values.

Immediate openings including afternoon/ weekends! Sometimes we get caught up in the messiness of life and forget to enjoy it! I get it, life can be stressful. All of our feelings are normal but sometimes we feel them more intense and they might even make our day to day lives extra challenging (anxiety, depression, low self-esteem… sound familiar?) You are deserving of a life you enjoy living and I am here to help you get back to your best, authentic self.

I am passionate about counseling pre-teens (age 10 and up), adolescents, young adults, and adults. I especially enjoy helping others untangle and heal from past trauma as well as helping individuals with ADHD develop an understanding for their way of operating and skills around that, viewing it in a positive light. I enjoy using Sand Tray, Play Therapy, and EMDR with clients of all ages.

I am a firm believer that we are not meant to do life alone. It is my hope that I can be one of the people in your life who can offer you the support you need to succeed. Whether you’re facing a major life transition, grieving the loss of a life or a relationship, dealing with family conflict, or navigating one of the many other life challenges we face as humans - my door is open to you.

Life can be messy, unpredictable, wonderful, and fragile. Sometimes there is loss and hopelessness. Other times there is joy and hope. Therapy is a space where you can explore all of life's extremes and constants, as well as the potential extremes and constants of yourself. I’m here to offer an empathetic, non-judgmental, safe space for you to notice, explore, and dive into parts of yourself that may have been left unheard, stuck in the past, or difficult to face in the present.

My career has included working with individuals of all different ages and mental health disorders. I have had the opportunity to be trained in several different therapy modalities. I have training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused – Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). All these trainings have allowed me to develop a large therapeutic toolbox in which I can draw many resources and therapeutic tools from.

I believe that there is much beauty and strength to be found in the process of becoming. The hurt, stress, anxiety, confusion, sadness, or anger that you are currently feeling doesn't have to be your life's story. As your therapist, I will walk beside you on your journey of healing and change, helping you reach the goals and outcomes that are uniquely yours.

When calling office for appointment with me, please say you are requesting me. I work with families, couples, and individuals ranging from ages 12 and up. I use a Strength Based Approach in session, helping you focus more on your personal strengths. Together you and I can build your treatment plan and discuss your goals. My goal is for you to become involved with making the treatment plan so the therapeutic process is successful for you. Throughout my graduate studies I have been trained in multiple therapeutic models.

Have you ever felt like your own worst enemy, that you are not good enough or unlovable? Does your inner critic or negative thoughts sometimes get the best of you? Are you hard on yourself or a perfectionist? Do you have the worst luck or feel that no one can be trusted, or the world is unsafe? On average, we have 70,000 thoughts/day(healthybrains.org) & although negative thoughts are completely normal, they can become problematic. Many times, our negative thoughts are messages we received from others and at some point, we can begin to internalize these beliefs as who we are. You are NOT your thoughts/beliefs & this is the work!

I’d like to help you realize your goals, your hopes, and your dreams. I utilize a variety of evidence based modalities tailored to your individual needs.

I completed my Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan and hold a B.A. in Psychology and Anthropology/Sociology from Kalamazoo College. My diverse work, education, and training experiences have provided the opportunity to work with female and male adults and adolescents in individual and group therapeutic settings. My therapeutic approach derives from a relational perspective and I utilize cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, person-centered, and holistic health approaches in our session.

Sudden or unexpected change, as well as an absence of change or being stuck, can bring on feelings that prevent us from living fully. Change may not be gentle or easy, but dedicated time with the right support can help move you toward improved well-being.

Everyone deserves to be seen, heard, understood and therapy is a great place to start. In therapy, I provide an accepting space to promote healing, and develop skills and strategies to overcome life's challenges. I believe therapy can help you accept yourself and begin to live a life based on who you truly are or who you want to be that is still evolving.

Do you have a behaviorally challenging child whose struggling to follow directions. I help children with behavior problems, unresolved trauma and attachment/relationship problems. I help adopted and foster children connect and form meaningful relationships with caregivers. I use a variety of methods to help children and their family, predominantly though I use play therapy, parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (trauma-focused when needed).

I am a licensed LMSW with a desire to meet clients where they are at and guide them through whatever life struggles are impeding them on their best life! With my client centered approach, I work to bring self awareness and strength to develop better coping and perspective on thoughts and behavior patterns. I look forward to working with you!