Our Counselors

At times life can be overwhelming and it is difficult to know where to turn for help. Circumstances may seem out of control and nothing seems to make sense. When life hands you more than you feel like you can handle, seeking help from a compassionate therapist is a wonderful option. As a therapist I offer a holistic approach, taking into account the whole person. I listen with care and compassion, offering a non-judgmental supportive environment for my clients to express their concerns. I want my clients to feel safe and secure knowing that they are being listened to and valued.

Working with clients, I help them discover ways of interacting with others, find solutions to problems that seem overwhelming, work through personal setbacks. I enjoy seeing a client become resilient when overcoming obstacles to their happiness. .

With over 10 years of experience as a therapist, I use a combination of humanistic, existential and cognitive behavioral techniques to help my clients meet their personal goals and find fulfillment in their lives. I believe that building a relationship with my clients and offering support and encouragement on their life journey will benefit them for years into the future.

Facing challenges in life can be difficult; it can put us in an undesirable position of not knowing what to do or how to face it. The following are a few examples of life’s challenges: the loss of a loved one, a change in careers, going through a divorce, parenting. I would like to help you during these moments to explore your feelings, look at your options, and support the choices you make as you learn new coping skill that will help you overcome those moments in life.

My work in counseling has provided me with the knowledge and experience that I need to support you during your therapeutic journey. It is my goal, that together we will strengthen your skills, learning new ones and change those skills that have not been effective. My approach to therapy is that of Person Center and that the client is in charge of their own progress and well-being.

As a Spanish speaking therapist, I enjoy working with clients who are Spanish speaking. This allows Spanish speaking client to express their feelings and emotions in their own language. It is my experience that clients who are allowed to express themselves in their own language tend to be motivated and invested in their treatment.

Specialties:

I specialize in working with teenagers struggling in primary life domains such as school performance, emotional regulation, communication issues, substance abuse problems, and past trauma. I help adults to explore personal values and spirituality, deal effectively with challenging emotions such as anxiety and depression, and build rewarding relationships. I work with families to the honor parental hierarchy, and improve the quality of communication.

My style is relaxed, open, reflective and interactive. I draw upon years of experience in joining with others to help them overcome challenges, discover their own answers and lead a more full life. My therapeutic approach includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT).

Change involves risk. It is much easier to stay in a comfort zone or in a familiar rut than to reach out and take bold new steps. But the results are far worth the temporary pain or discomfort that accompanies new growth. Making the choice to attend therapy is an excellent way to take the necessary risk in order to move toward a rich, full and meaningful life. As a professional counselor, my role is to help others invest in themselves and relationships by partnering with them in their journey of transformation.

I am a Licensed Clinical and Macro Social Worker. I have practicing for nearly 15 years in the mental health field with both children, adolescents and adults who have been identified with mild to severe, persistent mental illnesses. I have also worked in the medical setting, hospice, and college setting. I help through connecting with where you are emotionally starting at our first interaction, and I continue to keep your emotions at the center of how I am going to help get you to the next level. Understanding someone’s perspective on the “why and how” and not judging your “why and how”. I seek to provide an out-of-the-box approach to counseling services. I operate in a strengths-based capacity to ensure optimum skill acquisition to promote your ability to thrive in the world.

Specialties:

There are many metaphors that help illustrate life and its struggles. No one lives a life that is perfect, we all have our own issues and own inner turmoil. I love to help people, but my job is not to “cure you” of any ailment. Rather, it is to be there when you feel that you need help overcoming or coping with those struggles in your life. I am strong believer in client-driven and client-centered therapy. My job, and my focus, is to create an environment in which you feel comfortable enough to navigate your way through any issue you may be experiencing.

I am a Lansing area native and began studying psychology while I was a student at MSU from which I graduated in 2010. I have been working as a therapist since I began training for my Master’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in clinical psychology in 2012. I have gained valuable experience working with children, adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing various issues (such as: anxiety, depression, identity issues, self-esteem issues, behavioral problems and mood issues). I also have extensive experience in the area of psychological assessment, which I often utilize in therapy to help clients understand some of the underlying issues that may be impacting their behavior. Please feel free to email me or call me with any questions or comments!

Life is full of surprises, and there are times when everyone feels overwhelmed, defeated, or just plain stuck in a rut.  Sometimes it feels that the stresses of life are too much to bear alone.  The good news is you don’t have to, I am here to help!

My approach to therapy is Person Centered; in which I offer clients deep empathic listening, nonjudgmental acceptance, and therapeutic genuineness.  I help clients connect with themselves, strengthen self-esteem, improve communication, promote behavior change, and develop healthy coping skills.

My goal as a therapist is to create a comfortable, collaborative relationship with my clients, and provide a safe place to evaluate concerns, while moving towards openness, self-trust, and an overall greater sense of wellbeing.

Specialties:

Often life’s transitions can be difficult to navigate and we can have barriers, past or present, which inhibit our ability to change and adapt. I believe in the individuals ability to change and reconcile ourselves with the challenges and difficulties that life presents.

I am honored to partner with clients and empower them to find the tools and strength to overcome difficulties and enhance their coping abilities. I offer an objective and safe environment to share your thoughts, emotions and struggles. I believe with balance and openness, clients can create new coping mechanisms to make them stronger and resilient to life’s stressors.

Specialties:

My work, life experience, and most of all being a first generation Latina woman here in the United States has enabled me to work in a supportive and sensitive, yet professional and thorough manner with a diversity of clients with a wide range of issues. My passion is helping people find ways to cope with difficulties and to live, communicate, act, and think in ways that promote well-being. With me you will find a profound and lasting change through our work together. If you are going through difficulties due to anxiety, stress, depression, low self-esteem, difficulties adapting to a new environment, and want a better quality of life, I am here to help you. I work from a philosophy of humility, respect and understanding. My objective is to create a safe space where you can feel supported, get to know yourself better, explore your emotional needs, and overcome the barriers that limityour potential and grow at your own pace. My approach is open-minded, taking into consideration every aspect of your life, work, traditions, cultural beliefs, values, spirituality, identity and sexual orientation. We will work together to resolve the problems that brought you to therapy so you can retake control of your life and reach the human potential you possess.

As a clinical Social Worker, I have worked with children, teens and young adults with behavior problems since 1978. I also have extensive practice experience with adults with mental health presentations. My orientation is strength based; I seek to create a working alliance of safety and trust. I am trained in a number of clinical methods: Family therapy;cognitive- behavioral approaches, and trauma focused interventions. I am a parent of two girls, one a teen, the other, a young adult, both of whom attend school in this community.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” -Buddha

My name is Melissa Terry and my specialties are marriage and family therapy and addiction treatment. I have worked in this field for 14 years and am passionate about helping others reach their goals. I also have experience working with children. If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, substance abuse, or stress related to life transitions, I am here to help. I can teach you how to communicate your wants and needs in healthy ways. We will go at a pace that feels right for you.

Specialties:

“Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do…” – Brene` Brown
We all face our individual struggles, and it is my belief that we all deserve a listening ear during challenging times. As your therapist, it is my goal to help provide a safe space to allow for growth and change. Together, we will process through whatever you may be struggling with to help you gain insight, learn coping strategies and build a sense of empowerment.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and completed my undergraduate degree at Central Michigan University in psychology, along with my master’s degree in professional counseling. My focus is to provide counseling to individuals to help them reach their goals and achieve a healthy state of living by using person-centered, cognitive-behavioral, and strength-based approaches.
I have extensive training in helping individuals who are experiencing symptoms of trauma and have worked as an advocate with survivors of sexual violence and intimate partner violence. I also specialize in helping individuals learn how to cope with anxiety, depression and self-esteem related issues.

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“I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.” Jimmy Dean

Sometimes life can be overwhelming and difficult to manage. When we are faced with life challenges, it impacts our emotional, mental and physical well-being. These challenges can reveal themselves in many ways including mental and physical health issues. I’m here to help you adjust to your life circumstances and reach your goals.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I work with individuals that suffer from depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance abuse and trauma. I also enjoy working with women in transition and self-esteem issues.

Specialties:

I believe we all do the best we can with the tools we have. My hope is to help expand the strategies and coping skills clients have to create meaningful change in their lives.

My approach is person centered and strengths based. I want to assist in building on the skills clients already have to move in the direction they choose to go in life. I utilize techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and many mindfulness based techniques. My experience has been with individuals, couples, families, children and adults.

Specialties:

Life presents challenges to everyone, regardless of their circumstances. You often have no control of the challenges that come your way. Your only control is your response, which creates your experience. As a solutions-focused therapist, I collaborate with you to help you understand the power of your thoughts, and remind you that you have it within yourself to take back control of your emotional health. You are your own expert, and you have an inner vision of what you want to see happen in your life. I will strive to help you develop coping skills, awaken your resiliency and help you to change the long-standing negative perceptions and behavior patterns that prevent you from achieving your inner vision and enjoying your life. In learning to be mindful and self-aware, you will realize that you always have a choice in what your experience will be. Clients who learn to practice this in their daily life enjoy increased confidence, decreased stress, better communication skills, and improved relationships. You already have everything you need to be healthy within you. I look forward to walking alongside you in this process and pointing you towards your health.

Specialties:

Although we have little control over the hand that life deals us, I believe in the hope that it is never too late to heal, to learn new and more effective behaviors…to create the life that you always dreamed of living. What does it take to get there? What is holding you back? Those answers lie within each one of us.

I enjoy creating an alliance with my clients, to be a guide in their own journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and acceptance. I believe in creating an environment that balances just the right amount of acceptance and change…one that is safe, nonjudgmental, and validating.

My name is Jenn Briere and I have been a clinical social worker for the past 11 years. I specialize in trauma work, grief and loss issues, divorce recovery, and working with diverse populations. I look forward to joining with you, exactly where you are, in your life journey.

Specialties:

I am a mental health therapist who is passionate about helping people through challenging times. I’m particularly passionate about helping teens and young adults cope with the depression and anxiety that so often affects individuals of that age, working with those who have body image concerns, and helping individuals recover from Eating Disorders. That being said, I love working with a variety of individuals and concerns. When working with clients, I strive to provide a safe place to share and receive support. Having a place to speak and feel heard is such an important step in healing. I find that clients can best decide what they’d like to achieve in therapy, and let this guide our sessions. I enjoy offering guidance as client’s strive to develop new coping mechanisms, create healthy boundaries in relationships, help loved ones understand their struggles, and gain insight into the problems they are facing. I have experience doing both individual and group therapy. Most of my group experience has been working with those who have Eating Disorders. My individual work has been with a large variety of individuals facing many different concerns; including depression, anxiety, and relationship concerns. I truly enjoy offering support to individuals facing any challenge, and I’d love to meet with you!

I believe that each person is an expert on their own unique experience. I view my role as being a guide in assisting people towards discovering and reaching their goals towards enhancing and enriching their lives. I use a strength-based approach to build a strong foundation for the therapeutic relationship. I work with individuals, couples, and families. I received my Master of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University. My experience encompasses a wide range of diversity. I have worked with teens in a youth shelter who experienced neglect, learning obstacles, and behavioral concerns, women who experienced sexual assault and domestic violence, young adults who experienced first episode of psychosis, and adults with mental health and co-occurring disorders. I have provided case management and psychotherapy assistance to the above mentioned groups. I have connected individuals in the community with appropriate service providers to meet their needs. I am informed in individual resiliency training.

Specialties:

• Early identification and intervention with psychosis
• Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders
• Emotional Disturbances
• Mood Disorders
• Depression
• Anxiety Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• Trauma
• Domestic Violence

I believe that every person has the ability to change and the catalysts for change are unconditional positive regard, empathy and equality. I see myself as being on the same level as the client and consider the therapeutic process to be a partnership between us. I work from a holistic framework. I understand that each individual is unique and complex in nature, so the modalities I use to treat your presenting issues are based on the information you provide and my assessment of your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual characteristics. My goal is to challenge you in a genuinely caring and empathetic way to look at yourself and seek alternative options and strategies to navigate life.

I specialize in grief and loss issues, relationship and family issues, as well as issues unique to college students such as adjusting to college life and social and peer pressure. I look forward to joining with you as you work to reach your full potential.

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