Solution Focused Brief (SFBT) Therapists in Eastown, Grand Rapids, MI

As a therapist I specialize in Substance Use, Anxiety, Identity development and Couple’s Therapy. Trauma from your past creates messages that can have an impact on how you view yourself. Some of those messages create habits and coping mechanisms that can have negative consequences, consequences that inhibit you from knowing the goodness that lies deep within you. Knowing your inherent goodness gives you the framework and foundation to tackle the tougher issues and is an indispensable starting point for your healing journey.

Whether you have an ongoing concern or an acute, interpersonal crisis; counseling support can be helpful. No matter how you've gotten to this point in your life, our work will focus on what's going to help move you forward. I believe personal growth requires both insight and action.

I work with adults primarily, but will accept ages 17 and 18. I focus on Substance Use Disorders and Co- Occurring Disorders and general Mental Health problems. I am skilled in Couples Therapy and in working with Co dependent spouses. I have experience with the prison system and work with Parolees and Probationers. I treat issues of Self Image, Self Esteem, and Anger Management skills as well as relationship difficulties. Please note that I am no longer with Northwest Counseling. I have joined Bloom Behavioral Health Partners. My personal web site is www.rationaltherapytechniques.com.

Whether this is your first time in therapy or you have tried it in the past, welcome! Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming, from finding the right therapist to unraveling years of trauma and implementing changes. I'm here to support and guide you through it all. I have experience in assisting individuals ranging from 16 to 55 years old, I specialize in addressing anxiety, depression, PTSD/C-PTSD, and panic attacks. My passion lies in assisting those grappling with past traumas, navigating boundaries, communication hurdles, identifying as LGBTQIA+, life transitions, and self-esteem issues.

I work with individuals, teens and couples dealing with issues including ineffective communication, spiritual struggles, depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, high stress, perfectionism, divorce, fertility issues and more. If you are struggling with worrying too much, feeling down all the time, connecting with your young adult, unsure how to co-parent, need help with saving your relationship, or are just looking to make changes in your life, I can help. I create a safe and welcoming environment that starts with understanding and works toward change.

Research shows that joy is the hardest human emotion to truly experience. Challenges with depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, low self-esteem, relationships or many other things, hold us back from fully experiencing these moments of joy in life. Whenever you may be at in your journey, your choice in seeking help is one of bravery. My goal is to partner with you to better understand your present circumstances, create meaningful goals and continue to provide support and hope to you along the way.

I eagerly await to hear your story. Within many of our stories is something that becomes overwhelming. This begins to weigh us down and hinders our quality of life. When you share that something with me, we will find something to do about it. You've already done a considerable amount of work up until this point; its time to share some of that load.

We all carry struggles that affect us to varying degrees — some define us, some protect us, some we hide, and some we let out when we feel safe.

Working together in a collaborative, non-judgmental and client centered manner helps create change and growth. If you are experiencing depression, anxiety, self worth/self esteem problems, addiction, or have difficulty managing your relationships, I can work with you to identify healthy ways in which to cope and better manage your emotions. Together we can identify ways to help make healthy lifestyle changes both emotionally and physically. I encourage a holistic (mind, body, spirit approach to treatment. As you become more aware of your strengths you become more confident in yourself and your abilities.

The foundation of my practice is based on the 4 principles of Empathy, Encouragement, Awareness, and Empowerment. I believe the objective of counseling is to help individuals make sense out of emotional chaos. This comes through primarily understanding two things, 1. We are products of our environment, we do what we know. 2. We all have the power to change unhealthy or unwanted behavior. My experience as a Crisis Counselor as well as an individual counselor has given me experience with just about any issue. Please let me know what you're struggling with and we can determine together if I can be supportive.

I approach therapy with a sense of curiosity and mindful intention. I honor the sacredness of the client-therapist relationship and invite you to explore your feelings in a safe, judgement-free environment. I believe therapy provides the ultimate venue for self- care and personal growth. I am passionate about utilizing creative techniques as a tool to healing and empowerment. I look forward to walking with you wherever you may be in your journey, encouraging you to listen to your inner wisdom, and working together to build the strengths and skills to live your best life.

Let’s be real. Like really real... Life can be more than hard at times, relentless even! When life happens, it can feel unbearable. Life can also feel very lonely and isolating. I am here to tell you that you are not alone because that is where I come in! I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. I have personal and professional experience working with youth in foster care, adoption, neurodivergence, people experiencing homelessness, and concerns related to intergenerational trauma, spiritual confusion, depression, anxiety, and self-esteem.

Let us be the first to say to you, Amazing First Step! We know it's not easy trying to find the right person to partner with you on this healing journey. Are feeling overwhelmed with relationship, school, or family issues? Maybe you're burnt-out with work stress or raising a family on your own? Do you feel alone on your journey? We invite you into this safe space to take this journey together. Our therapy goal is for you to unlock the strengths that are already in you with empathy, guidance, and support. Our goal is to provide a safe space for you to be able to share freely, without judgement, being able to show up fully as you are.