Women's Issues Therapists in Michgan Oaks, Grand Rapids, MI

As a therapist I work to create a safe, empathetic, judgment-free and welcoming space for you to process difficult experiences, manage life transitions and gain insight. While I have been a counselor for about 3 years, I have been working with trauma survivors and building on that knowledge for almost 9 years. My foundation as a therapist was built on advocacy work for survivors of sexual violence. Additionally, I have worked on several college campuses with students as they manage life transitions and stressors that come with this. Lastly, I love working with young adults in processing grief and loss, identity concerns and more.

I am a clinician at Grounded in Growth, a Grand Rapids-based practice specializing in trauma-informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness. I work with young-adult and adult individual clients on issues, including anxiety disorders, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, stress, and more. I help clients uncover deeply rooted beliefs that prohibit them from living how they desire. My style of therapy is compassionate, accepting, and mindful. My clients and I work together to enhance awareness and explore the interconnectedness between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

My goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children and adults, in order for them to process individual difficulties, devise a plan of action, and facilitate emotional health and well-being. My client base includes those experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, sexual and physical abuse, parenting difficulties, relationship issues, and family discord. I view myself as a coach to help identify strengths, determine what might be hindering progress, and pave the way for moving forward.

The choice to seek therapy is often complicated and forming a relationship with your therapist is an important part of the process. I create a collaborative space where you can discuss your concerns, identities and story. Together we can identify where you would like therapy to take you, build on day-to-day techniques and explore deeper patterns and experiences that may create barriers. My approach is integrative and incorporates skills, narrative processing, metaphor, and intentional decision making. I hope that through our work you will feel empowered to make changes and feel more secure, stable, an sync with your values.

Thank you for being here! I strive to be authentic, compassionate, and insightful in the therapy space. I'm a real human being and partner with clients to make sure you feel fully comfortable and seen. I primarily work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationship problems. Together, we can improve your coping to effectively manage symptoms and life stressors, learn how to express emotions that may be challenging to face, and explore the roots of who you are and what you desire. Our work will help move you towards where you want to go.

Depression and anxiety can feel like a heavy fog that won't lift. I am here to walk with you through the fog, helping you to find clarity and relief from emotional pain. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that respects your emotional journey, helps you to feel more authentically yourself, and releases you from the fog of depression and anxiety.

Each person is on a unique life journey. We look forward to learning where you are on your journey and how we can help you create the life you desire. It is not about dwelling on the past but about using life lessons to move forward in a positive way. Even our most difficult life experiences bring us wisdom, character and integrity.

My speciality is in treatment of addiction, unresolved trauma and grief. I also have experience in outpatient, hospital, and residential settings treating issues of anxiety and depression. Therapy with me incorporates wellness through exercise, nutrition, yoga, and other holistic practices. My 23 years of experiences have led me to work well with educators, mothers who have experienced pregnancy and birth traumas, and transgender adults.

It is my belief that we all need a supportive ear to hear us and guide us. It is my goal as your therapist to create a safe environment for you to share your story. I will be there to meet you where you are at; whether that is to lead and encourage you, walk beside you, or congratulate you for your success.

Life can be challenging; there are moments of happiness, sadness and everything in-between. Managing complex emotions on your own can be overwhelming. Together, we’ll create a safe space to explore your emotions by using the tools you already have, but may not have tapped into quite yet. Through collaboration we can navigate your past, present and future. Together we will create a safe space for you to thrive within.

I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important thing when starting therapy. I work diligently to provide a safe and comfortable space for my clients. It is important to me that my clients experience an atmosphere of trust and empathy in building the therapeutic alliance. Through deep processing, my hope is that the unconscious may come forward and bring new realizations to help in growth, healing, and understanding while navigating your life circumstances. I believe that growth comes in the uncomfortable circumstances that we face in life.

An ideal client would be someone willing to put in the effort to change for themselves. During my internship experience, I had the opportunity to work with individuals who dealt with issues ranging from anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and much more. As everyone's journey is different, their goals and needs can be similar. Everyone craves a sense of belonging, and the path to finding a place where one belongs can be tough, but with the help of a caring and compassionate clinician, the journey can become clearer.

My therapeutic philosophy encourages individuals to take the initial step in becoming introspective and engaged in the wellbeing of their mental health. Everyone has unique perceptions of their mental health that require personalized approaches to accomplish their goals.

My ideal client is neurodivergent on some level, perhaps they have sensory issues, communication issues, and relational issues. Their goals might be to find help making the world a more tolerable place for themselves and to increase their skills emotionally/verbally. This client is ready to get into it and is insightful.