Racial Identity Therapists in Westside Connection, Grand Rapids, MI

We can get stuck in unhealthy relational patterns with ourselves and others that impact our mood and sense of self. We fear disconnection, rejection, and loneliness. What we desire is to be heard, known, and valued by others. What I hope to provide is a space and partner to acknowledge and express our needs, understand our roles, set boundaries with others, and feel safe and secure in ourselves. Together we can foster a deeper understanding of yourself and provide tools to help cope with life's challenges.

First off - I know it requires a unique type of energy and vulnerability to reach out. Thank you for giving yourself permission to do that! Maybe you’re experiencing self-doubt that makes it difficult to wake up every morning. Maybe you’re having trouble shaking off intrusive thoughts that are staying rent-free inside your head. Maybe you have the impression that your concerns aren’t important enough to talk about. Perhaps other people in your life just don’t “get it”. No matter what is happening, you absolutely deserve unconditional support.

I consider myself to be a compassionate and dedicated Holy Spirit lead psychologist, founder and president of Sagacity Global Psych & Associates. I combine Biblical principles and expertise in psychology to address the psychological needs of my clients. I enjoy working with older adolescents and adults who may be survivors of trauma and abuse, and those dealing with depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, relationship challenges, stress management, Christian spiritual concerns, racial identity development, and/or systemic racism.

Therapy is about uncovering desire. It is an adventure in moving past, dissolving or reducing painful problems and embracing life, love and relationships. It is more than words; it is experiencing oneself in ways that are meaningful, whatever that looks like for each person. I work with individuals and couples (gay, straight, poly, trans), who want more from their lives. I believe there is always hope and possibilities and I passionately work with people to discover opportunities for more of what they want in life.

As a Counseling Psychologist and Certified Trauma Professional, my practice centers on facilitating the transformative journey of healing. I collaborate with clients to co-create a therapeutic environment conducive to exploring and addressing their unique challenges. Utilizing a psychodynamic framework within an integrative approach, I provide a non-judgmental space where clients can navigate issues such as disordered eating, body image concerns, post-traumatic stress, trauma healing, anxiety, and depression.

Life can be challenging and difficult to navigate, especially without support. During the therapeutic process, I look at how our environment, life experience, and current relationships have an impact on the decisions we make. I work with adults and young adults individually and in couples from all walks of life and belief systems who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, low self-esteem, personality disorders, adjustment issues, anger management, relationship issues, and more by using evidenced-based approaches and interventions/techniques.

Each of my clients is seen as unique, while also recognizing the collective nature of our human experiences and the ways systemic oppression, such as racism and classism, effect our lives and mental health. My goal is to engage with you in ways that are safe for you. Over the span of 45 years, 23 of which have been in private practice, I have worked with children, teens, families, couples, women and men individually in a variety of settings. I bring real talk, humor and compassion to my work and I view therapy as a conversation about life. My goal is to help you find your voice as you work to heal from the challenges of life.

There is no one more put together than a person in recovery. Living in recovery is working a program of mental health, staying clean and sober, and living one day at a time. With that being said, each person’s specific program looks different, with the common factor of living a balanced life of being grateful, mindful, spiritual, and finding a sense of community among other recovering individuals. My specialty areas are addictions, mental health, trauma, codependency issues, and how these affect you and those who love you.

Together we'll create a new lifestyle of hope, health, and life-changing opportunities. Whether you're struggling with a particular issue or seeking more life satisfaction, I can help with the problems you may be facing. By using effective treatment methods and self-awareness, we can strategize how to move beyond the limiting beliefs and behaviors that are not serving you. I provide a caring environment where you can explore these issues that are prohibiting a rewarding life, career, and fulfilling relationships. My goal is to work together using insights and tools to enhance your life and overcome obstacles.

As a Marriage & Family Therapist/Counselor my goal is to provide families, couples and individuals with a safe environment where they can explore themselves and the possibility of change within their life and their relationships. Our lives are centered on relationships with others. Relationships are the building blocks of life; but, they can also be very debilitating. When those relationships become troubled, sometimes assistance from family and friends may not be enough to find balance within yourself or other relationships. Lucky for us, there are people who have dedicated their lives to helping others along their journey.

I feel that one of the biggest gifts I have been given is the opportunity to work alongside individuals in their respective life journeys. I value the whole person, respect individual and cultural diversity, and view psychotherapy as a supportive, healing element to people's lives. I identify primarily from an Interpersonal perspective, placing heavy emphasis on the power of relationships. Whether talking about relation to self, family and friends, or significant others, I believe that much of how we experience the world (and its hardships) can be shaped by the meaningful and complicated experiences we have with others.

Life presents us with challenges and opportunities that sometimes require consultation. Often, change and healing are facilitated by assistance from caring others. I have repeatedly witnessed the resiliency of the human spirit. I am eager to meet with clients motivated for change and curious about the possibility of having more satisfying lives. I believe that psychotherapy requires trust and a working relationship. I am a compassionate listener and tailor my approach to best match the uniqueness of each client. I approach problems from a strengths-based, holistic perspective that considers a client's relevant biological, developmental, social, and cultural factors.