Therapists in Ferndale, MI

Lakeside Professional Counseling provides a safe environment for adults, teens, children, families and couples to uncover skills for positive outcomes and happier lives as we work together to process life struggles. We believe in treating people with dignity and respect and work diligently to be aware of your personal perspectives, values, and beliefs.

Salutation. I believe in using a holistic approach to finding self-healing. I am excited to aid individuals and families on their healing journey. I have 6+ years of working with women and children. My expertise is in client-centered care, focusing on the client's needs, and goals. My primary areas of interest are women's issues, trauma/ PTSD, race, and identity conflict. My ideal client groups are youth 5 to 13 years and adults. I have extensive experience working with very diverse groups of people and would love the opportunity to partner with you to see how I could be of service.

Creating and holding space for folks to feel safe in, share, be authentic, be vulnerable, and heal is something I have felt called to do throughout my life. I am an adamant believer that individuals are the experts on their own experience, and that includes providing space to discuss the impacts of various forms of oppression you face. I view therapy as a partnership on a journey toward healing, for which an affirming and non-pathologizing space is essential.

When you have a long history of mental health struggles, healing can feel impossible. This can be especially true for those with a trauma history - trauma manifests in emotional and physical symptoms that can feel too big to confront. However, it is possible to feel better with the right tools and approach. At the heart of my practice is a deep respect for the courage it takes to seek healing. I believe in providing a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space for my clients to explore their experiences and emotions.

At Fusion Consulting & Mental Health Services, our counselors work in a collaborative manner to help our clients achieve success towards their goals.  We believe counseling should be an investment in our client’s wellbeing.   Our mission, values, and approach are founded on current research.  We believe in treating the whole person utilizing holistic and eclectic approaches that are grounded in traditional evidence-based practices.  We strive to meet the needs of the communities we serve and to advocate and be a voice for all people with mental health needs. We work with clients aged 12 and Up.

Sometimes we all need somebody to genuinely meet us where we are at in life with radical acceptance and compassion for who we are and where we want to go from here. But searching for the right person to connect with can be a daunting prospect, especially if you or your loved ones have been met with societal rejection and systematic oppression. As such, my primary goal in therapy is to cultivate an inclusive, warming environment where you can safely and freely express your authentic self, which is why you deserve to know a little about me as well.

*NO OPENINGS* Hello! I’m Fitz. I believe my role as a therapist is to help empower clients explore affirming opportunities for growth and define their own path to wellness. I acknowledge the inherent power dynamic in the therapeutic relationship and the harm this has/can cause. I orient myself in multicultural feminist and humanistic perspectives, engage in collaborative treatment planning, and acknowledge how multiple oppressions/identities impact folks’ experiences to help de-pathologize symptoms and re-center power in client’s hands. I am white, non-binary, queer, able-bodied and am committed to life-long anti-racism work.

Hi! My name is Garrett Shotwell. I provide accessible and relatable therapy in Michigan (in-person & virtually) & Illinois (virtually). In therapy, my goal is to foster a safe environment and for you to create space in your life. This allows for acceptance and integration of one's authentic self. For me, being let into your life is the truest honor- let’s create space together!