Photo of Ryan Kuja, Licensed Professional Counselor in 49503, MI
Ryan Kuja
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
My trauma-informed approach draws from IFS, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapy and goes far beyond symptom management.
By the time I was 24, I had been diagnosed with OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder & panic disorder. I intimately know the affliction of mental health struggles. After years of lived personal experience with trauma & a myriad of diagnoses; a two decades long healing journey involving seeing over 50 different practitioners and tens of thousands of dollars; countless hours of training; and 2 master's degrees, I have honed an approach to therapy that weaves ancient wisdom, contemporary neuroscience, and compassionate inquiry into a tapestry of healing. And unlike most therapists, I only treat what I have personally experienced.
My trauma-informed approach draws from IFS, Polyvagal Theory, and somatic therapy and goes far beyond symptom management.
By the time I was 24, I had been diagnosed with OCD, PTSD, depression, anxiety disorder & panic disorder. I intimately know the affliction of mental health struggles. After years of lived personal experience with trauma & a myriad of diagnoses; a two decades long healing journey involving seeing over 50 different practitioners and tens of thousands of dollars; countless hours of training; and 2 master's degrees, I have honed an approach to therapy that weaves ancient wisdom, contemporary neuroscience, and compassionate inquiry into a tapestry of healing. And unlike most therapists, I only treat what I have personally experienced.
(616) 612-1314 View (616) 612-1314
Photo of Megan Bardenhagen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Megan Bardenhagen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
It's difficult when you feel alone, and you are not sure who you can talk to. Especially when you have been hurt in the past, & have felt misunderstood when you tried to communicate how you felt. You want someone who will listen to you without judging or criticizing you and who recognizes everything you have been through. You want to feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for. You're hoping that therapy will help you to build a life that you feel is worth living for. You want every day to feel a little bit easier and to not be in so much pain. I want to help you meet the goals that you have for your life and meet you where you are at.
It's difficult when you feel alone, and you are not sure who you can talk to. Especially when you have been hurt in the past, & have felt misunderstood when you tried to communicate how you felt. You want someone who will listen to you without judging or criticizing you and who recognizes everything you have been through. You want to feel seen, heard, valued, and cared for. You're hoping that therapy will help you to build a life that you feel is worth living for. You want every day to feel a little bit easier and to not be in so much pain. I want to help you meet the goals that you have for your life and meet you where you are at.
(616) 441-4220 View (616) 441-4220
Photo of Restore Therapy Collective, Marriage & Family Therapist in 49503, MI
Restore Therapy Collective
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT, EMDR, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
4/3/24 Updated Availability: Accepting New Clients! Telehealth & In-person. We work with couples, adults and teen clients in Michigan who feel that things are out of control. We know how difficult it can be to ask for help and try to instill hope and specific, creative strategies for change in a relaxed environment. Our therapists at Restore Therapy Collective help develop goals and sort out thoughts and challenges that get in the way.
4/3/24 Updated Availability: Accepting New Clients! Telehealth & In-person. We work with couples, adults and teen clients in Michigan who feel that things are out of control. We know how difficult it can be to ask for help and try to instill hope and specific, creative strategies for change in a relaxed environment. Our therapists at Restore Therapy Collective help develop goals and sort out thoughts and challenges that get in the way.
(616) 228-9244 View (616) 228-9244
Photo of Kimberly Sue Lichon-Tufer, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Kimberly Sue Lichon-Tufer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW, SSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe we can then work together to help identify what is challenging you currently to get you to the life you choose to live successfully.
My passion is helping others find ways to manage their challenges in this ever-changing journey we call life. For over 27 years I have worked with adults, children, adolescents, couples, and families in a variety of settings; including home, school, office, and in the community. I pride myself in building therapeutic relationships with each individual I work with. By achieving this, I believe we can then work together to help identify what is challenging you currently to get you to the life you choose to live successfully.
(616) 201-3474 View (616) 201-3474
Photo of Centennial Park Counseling Center, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Centennial Park Counseling Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, LMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I earned my bachelor's degree in History from Taylor University; a Master's degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University; and a Master's degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. I have over 25 years of experience working in counseling, training, higher education, non-profit administration, and financial planning. My experience as a clinical therapist, has spanned over 23 years. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, addictive personalities, spiritual issues, financial issues, and cognitive restructuring.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I earned my bachelor's degree in History from Taylor University; a Master's degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University; and a Master's degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. I have over 25 years of experience working in counseling, training, higher education, non-profit administration, and financial planning. My experience as a clinical therapist, has spanned over 23 years. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, addictive personalities, spiritual issues, financial issues, and cognitive restructuring.
(616) 426-6701 View (616) 426-6701
Photo of Dan Slane, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Dan Slane
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I interlace myriad strategies for assuaging complex trauma, increasing vulnerability, improving emotional and physical intimacy, strengthening relationships, and decreasing the disconnecting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, specifically Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
I interlace myriad strategies for assuaging complex trauma, increasing vulnerability, improving emotional and physical intimacy, strengthening relationships, and decreasing the disconnecting symptoms of anxiety, depression, and personality disorders, specifically Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).
(616) 207-8013 View (616) 207-8013
Photo of Kaili Ball, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Kaili Ball
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
The decision to start therapy can be overwhelming & anxiety provoking. You may be wondering how therapy can help or who the right therapist is. You're not alone! My hope is to help you feel comfortable & confident in your decision to be here. I have over eight years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, mood disorders, family &/or relational conflict, grief, complex medical diagnoses, & trauma. I strive to create an environment in which we identify where change is needed while highlighting the strengths you already possess. I value building trust, fostering connection, & embracing vulnerability.
The decision to start therapy can be overwhelming & anxiety provoking. You may be wondering how therapy can help or who the right therapist is. You're not alone! My hope is to help you feel comfortable & confident in your decision to be here. I have over eight years of clinical experience working with depression, anxiety, life transitions, mood disorders, family &/or relational conflict, grief, complex medical diagnoses, & trauma. I strive to create an environment in which we identify where change is needed while highlighting the strengths you already possess. I value building trust, fostering connection, & embracing vulnerability.
(616) 947-5049 View (616) 947-5049
Photo of Vicki Nelson Smeby, MA, LLP, Limited Licensed Psychologist in 49503, MI
Vicki Nelson Smeby, MA, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
I view therapy as having three heavy hitters: 1) EMDR - to neutralize strong negative emotions around adverse events (big & little traumas) and 2) Understanding loss and how to release it by feeling it and then not going back to think about it and 3) Learning how to have an attitude of healing and letting go. These culminate in living an empowered life which results in having a calm confidence. My clients set weekly goals and amaze me with their determination and willingness to go the distance to grow, mature and experience full healing. My teachings and handouts are creative and original.
I view therapy as having three heavy hitters: 1) EMDR - to neutralize strong negative emotions around adverse events (big & little traumas) and 2) Understanding loss and how to release it by feeling it and then not going back to think about it and 3) Learning how to have an attitude of healing and letting go. These culminate in living an empowered life which results in having a calm confidence. My clients set weekly goals and amaze me with their determination and willingness to go the distance to grow, mature and experience full healing. My teachings and handouts are creative and original.
(616) 952-2128 View (616) 952-2128
Photo of Brenda Benjamin, Licensed Professional Counselor in 49503, MI
Brenda Benjamin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503  (Online Only)
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling like it's time to better understand what your unsettling feelings are trying to tell you? It could be that these have been present since you were young, or maybe it's an entirely new experience. In either case, I'm glad you found your way here. You deserve to enjoy your days and I will work with you to help you manage any fear or worry by getting to the heart of what is leading you to feel a lack of calm confidence. Maybe you already know the source but simply need to talk about it so that it doesn't have as much control over you. Either way, it's time for a new approach to dealing with this!
Are you feeling like it's time to better understand what your unsettling feelings are trying to tell you? It could be that these have been present since you were young, or maybe it's an entirely new experience. In either case, I'm glad you found your way here. You deserve to enjoy your days and I will work with you to help you manage any fear or worry by getting to the heart of what is leading you to feel a lack of calm confidence. Maybe you already know the source but simply need to talk about it so that it doesn't have as much control over you. Either way, it's time for a new approach to dealing with this!
(616) 952-2525 View (616) 952-2525
Photo of Eric Dawson, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 49503, MI
Eric Dawson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Not accepting new clients
Eric is attuned to the mental health challenges that athletes face. He currently works as a clinical sport social worker within Harvard Athletics, where he provides individual counseling and co-leads their Mind and Body program. He incorporates mindfulness into his practice, as well as psychodynamic approaches like Internal Family Systems and Self Psychology. Eric works with a limited number of college and professional athletes who are committed and dedicated to improving their relationship with themselves.
Eric is attuned to the mental health challenges that athletes face. He currently works as a clinical sport social worker within Harvard Athletics, where he provides individual counseling and co-leads their Mind and Body program. He incorporates mindfulness into his practice, as well as psychodynamic approaches like Internal Family Systems and Self Psychology. Eric works with a limited number of college and professional athletes who are committed and dedicated to improving their relationship with themselves.
(508) 893-4916 View (508) 893-4916
Somatic Therapists

How does somatic therapy work?

Somatic therapy is a form of treatment that focuses on how the body and mind are interconnected. In this approach, physical symptoms are addressed because they may in fact signal emotional distress. Somatic therapists combine mindfulness, talk therapy, breathwork, yoga, dance, and physical manipulations of the body to help patients become more attuned to what their body is telling them.

Is EMDR a somatic therapy?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a form of somatic therapy, as it incorporates mental and physical principles. EMDR involves remembering a traumatic experience while allowing one’s eyes to track a side-to-side visual stimulus from a therapist. This lateral eye movement is believed to diminish the painful power of the memory so that it can be discussed with a therapist.

Is somatic therapy evidence-based?

Somatic therapy has been researched and studied, and some forms of somatic therapy are found to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. Because somatic therapy encompasses many techniques, some, such as EMDR and meditation, have been studied more than others.

What is somatic trauma therapy?

Somatic trauma therapy is based on the idea that when people experience trauma, they can become stuck in the “freeze” part of a “fight, flight, or freeze” response. In this state, trauma can manifest itself both mentally and physically—through tension in the muscles, anxiety, and stress. Popular forms of somatic trauma therapy include EMDR, sensorimotor therapy, and somatic experiencing.