Therapists in Holland, MI

I specialize in working with individuals who experience symptoms related to complex trauma, with a special focus on First Responders—including on-duty and retired Law Enforcement Officers, Firefighters, Paramedics, Dispatchers, Forensic personnel as well as Military veterans and personnel. I provide somatically informed psychotherapy for people who experience psycho-biological symptoms and challenges including anxiety, depression, insomnia, relationship problems, chronic pain, physical health problems, parenting challenges, grief and loss, self-harm behaviors and more.

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in the Holland / Zeeland area providing supportive yet challenging services in my specialty areas of couples, family, and their teens. I also specialize in the assessment and treatment of Sexual Addiction. Clients choose me because of my specific training, particularly with couples, and my ability to integrate matters of faith. Please view my website or contact me to schedule an appointment!

Life can get messy. Maybe you found yourself in a situation you didn't choose for yourself, or maybe you can't seem to shake that gnawing anxiety or the voice that says "you will never be enough". Perhaps you found yourself reeling in the wake of someone else's choices, or maybe even your own. Or maybe you are a parent watching helplessly as you see your son or daughter struggle. That's where I come in. I value the opportunity to be invited into life's most fragile areas and walk alongside you toward freedom, wholeness and hope.

I hope you will find working with me to be rewarding, educational and helpful. I am comfortable working with adolescents, men, women and senior citizens. You will receive counseling in a non-judgmental, relaxing and peaceful environment. Life can be a journey that is sometimes filled with struggles. I am here to help navigate that journey and learn some new techniques to get back on the path to a joyful life.

People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.

I believe that every person that comes into therapy has the right to have their own individual life journey be the focus of therapy. I listen to the wants, and concerns of the client and then together we develop a strategy that the client(s) will be willing to apply to their lives. I have many tools from an eclectic range or psychological fields and a lifetime of real-life applications that I offer to each client.

In my time working with children, families, and adults in therapeutic settings, I have found there are moments where a client gets a light in their eyes. Whether it be from feeling understood, or like they are no longer alone-these are the moments that embody my goal as a therapist. With trauma-informed, adaptive intervention approaches such as EMDR, reality therapies, somatic and narrative approaches, I work alongside clients to create a space based in their strengths.

I offer teletherapy and in-office therapy to clients of all gender identities, sexual orientations racial and ethnic identities. With 25 years of clinical experience, I provide a safe and confidential space to explore what needs healing. Trained in trauma EMDR /Polyvalgal /Brainspotting and in-depth Psychodynamic therapy. I help adults and college students with stress, depression, PTSD, sexual trauma, loss, grief, anger, gender dysphoria, parenting, and young adult challenges. I have worked in psychiatric hospitals, special education (ADHD, ASD), & in home-based trauma care (TF-CBT).

I am nurturing, yet direct in my approach and see working towards tangible change as important. Therapy in my office is always client led coupled with some therapist guided cognitive changes to approaching problems and setting concrete goals. I come with 20 years of clinical experience working with individuals, families as well as with couples and groups. My experience has stemmed from a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, psychiatric units, juvenile detention centers, college campuses and private practice.

I enjoy coaching clients and professionals through life-stressors, trauma recovery (PTSD), mediating relational issues in couples and family therapy, and helping clients develop healthy coping skills for anxiety, depression, mood and impulse disorders. I help clients set and reach achievable long and short term goals to give them a sense of productivity and accomplishment through solution-focused therapy. If you are in need of specific resources or community services, I walk alongside my clients to identify needs and coordinate services. I welcome clients at all stages of mental health wellness.

For over 20 years I have been involved in the mental health system and have had the privilege of helping individuals & families achieve their goals and overcome a variety of challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, mood disorders, new transitions, relational, & substance abuse struggles). While speaking both English & Spanish languages, my hope is that each individual that I encounter will gain a better understanding of themselves, and also learn valuable skills to move forward towards a more fulfilling and flourishing life---to be able to find 'Peace of Mind'--within themselves and within their surroundings.

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.

Are you looking for BOTH high quality counseling AND mental health prescribing all-in-one? Alliance Counseling Group is the place for you! We have a team of friendly and highly skilled therapists who can meet your mental, emotional, relational, and behavioral health needs. We also have a mental health prescriber who can talk with you to understand if the addition of medication is the right fit for you. Our team of therapists and prescribers will work closely in collaboration to best manage your treatment, giving you the support you need to have the best chance of achieving your mental health goals.

To start, I am an Internal Family Systems Therapist and most clients I see are looking for IFS therapy. Now, Are you at a place in your life where you just want more? Maybe your marriage is not necessarily "bad" but a part of you feels like you are missing out on what you know it could be. Maybe a part of you is critical of yourself and is keeping you from reaching your dreams. I believe that better understanding and getting to know your own internal world helps you see the world differently. It is from that centered place that you can better get to know your compassionate, curious, and confident self. Life can be so much more!

My personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach. I believe it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive. Every client is different and our responses and approaches should be equally diverse. One person may need a cognitive behavioral approach whereas another would be more responsive to brief counseling. This eclectic approach will be applied to all clients. Techniques will vary between clients to best meet the individual client's needs.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families in areas relating to anxiety, depression, general relationship concerns, health issues, life transitions, marriage counseling, ADHD/ADD, and faith. I also specialize in psychological assessing for ADHD/ADD, professional/organizational development as well as other areas.

I work with people to find balance, reduce stress, feel stronger, more confident and centered. Together, we will work to identify patterns of thinking and behaving that are no longer useful, and may be getting in the way of the changes you want to make. With support, in a confidential setting, you can begin to improve your relationship with yourself, and with others. I work with couples in a similar way, identifying and changing patterns of thinking, communicating and relating so that you can improve communication, get more support, and feel more connected.

Is life feeing more complicated and challenging than usual? Sometimes, an outside perspective or someone to walk along with you through a challenge is needed. I am dedicated to helping empower individuals to meet their goals. My approach focuses on developing coping skills, assisting in creating a long-term plan, and getting down in the trenches with you to help find a way out. I am committed to providing a confidential, safe, person centered and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly share your thoughts, feelings, struggles, and goals.

I believe that through a safe and judgment-free therapeutic relationship true growth, empowerment, and healing can occur in any individual's life. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have an extensive range of clinical experience providing mental health services for depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, grief, family and relationship issues, career exploration, and the LGBT population. All are welcome here. I see clients starting at age 13 through adult and welcome you to take a step towards a better quality of life and self care by contacting me to set up an appointment.