Our Counselors

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:

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.

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“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.

Specialties:

I am a mother of four who has been working as a private practitioner since August 2011. I have a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling from Western Michigan University, where my focus was on addictions; sex, gambling, shopping, drug and alcohol. I also have experience and interest in depression, anxiety, gender/sex issues, anger management, eating disorders, grief, and communication/conflict issues between couples. I use Cognitive Behavioral practices to assist in your healing, as well as mindfulness and meditation. I also spend my time as a clinical director at a local rehabilitation treatment center where my focus is addiction, and healing from holistic approaches. I look forward to taking this healing journey with you.

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.

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When life is challenging or we have experienced trauma it is important to find a safe place to be heard and begin to heal. I am a certified Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist. Children’s natural communication is through play and behavior. I utilize a variety of direct and indirect play as well as teaching concrete skills to manage big emotions. These skill building techniques work great for any age.

I believe in meeting people with acceptance, respect and empathy. My goal is to create a safe place for people of all ages to begin to heal in a way that fits them.
 

Specialties:

I have been a practicing clinical psychologist for the past 25 years, working in the areas of psychotherapy, assessment, rehabilitation, and crisis counseling. I completed a doctoral degree program in Clinical Psychology at Michigan State University, and also engaged in numerous practica and internship experiences focusing on time-limited, and longer-term psychotherapies, inpatient treatment, group psychotherapy, substance abuse, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, as well as recovery from acquired brain injuries. All of these experiences deepened my knowledge and understanding of individuals who strive to grow, to heal, and to realize their unique potentials. I utilize an eclectic treatment approach that is supportive and goal-directed.

Specialties:

I am a Mental Health Therapist who is passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds toward positive growth and change. We all experience times in our lives that are challenging and moments that may seem difficult to overcome. My goal is to provide a warm, safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment to explore the issues and challenges individuals are experiencing. I strongly believe in the therapeutic alliance to help discover one’s strengths to bring about the changes one desires in their lives and to work together to reach their goals and create a fulfilling and meaningful life.
Although I adhere to an eclectic approach that is client-based, I find myself utilizing Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), strength-based therapeutic approaches, and mindfulness-based interventions. I also believe that humor is a valuable tool in therapy. I work with adolescents (15+) and adults dealing with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, emotional dysregulation, PTSD, self-esteem issues, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief and loss, issues related to the LGBT community, and mood disorders.
I look forward to meeting you and joining you through the therapy process!

I have been practicing in the mental health profession since I graduated with my Masters in Social Work from The University of Michigan, 1977. I am licensed as both a Clinical and Macro Social Worker and am experienced in both the administrative and clinical areas of mental health. I am a caregiver by nature and I support individuals to grow emotionally and spiritually, at their own pace. Our authentic self is within each of us, waiting to blossom. My role as a therapist is to promote self-determination by supporting you to look inward for ways to find solutions to perceived barriers to attaining life goals.

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Life is a journey, not meant to be travelled alone ~ Anonymous

I’ve been a Clinical Social Worker for the last decade and I have found joy working with individuals and families helping to make the above statement true. My diverse background has been an asset in this field because it has allowed me to connect and bring a different perspective to those I work with. I have worked in acute clinical settings like the ICU and stroke unit in the hospital as well as with domestic violence survivors in shelters in the area and with individuals recovering from substance abuse. My work has also included working with adolescents and families in crisis through one on one sessions, group sessions and the suicide prevention line. I’ve also worked with young children and the elderly in private practice.

My approach is to empower the people I work with using the different strength based approaches found in clinical practice.

I’ve lived in the beautiful Traverse City area for the last 20 years with my family and am proud to work in this field as we journey this life together.

Everyone experiences rough patches in life from time to time. Every relationship has its struggles. It is simply part of being human to struggle and get stuck sometimes. When it is happening to YOU, it can seem daunting to know how to cope or make changes you want to make in your life. I have been helping people learn to find their own inner wisdom, and move through the painful times for over 20 years. Whether it is emotion or a relationship you are dealing with, you will find here a supportive partner in your healing or in healing your relationship.

Specialties:

It is a privilege to hear a person’s life story and help them heal, grow, and navigate through challenges. I will listen and respect your uniqueness. I have over 20 years of experience working as a Master’s Level, Limited Licensed Psychologist. Together we can find a path that guides you toward growth, healthy coping, improved relationships, and helps you fulfill your life’s purpose.

I am a yoga instructor and avid practitioner. I often utilize the relationship between the mind and body to aid in becoming the healthiest version of oneself, mentally, emotionally, and physically.

I have been trained in psychodynamic and attachment theories, as well as CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, Meditation, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed therapies. I have experience with the following issues: Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Relational Difficulties, Adjustments to life changes, Grief/Loss, Personality Disorders, Substance Use, Legal problems/Probation programs.

To me, therapy is the act of helping people learn to experience their emotions safely in the moment, to be truly present and their genuine selves as they go about their day. I work with people to bring awareness to the impact of the past, to make conscious the connections and patterns that inform our everyday experience so that they can decide whether they want to continue with them or if they want to try something new. Therapy is the practice of getting to know yourself and working out what’s best for you. It is the practice of loosening these binds and learning to live free and fully present in our lives.

I began my journey to this profession ten years ago, working with students at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, helping them transition to a new life away from home, often in a new country on a new continent. My experiences since have involved working with a host of people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures; immigrants, new Americans, new students, new brothers and sisters, new parents – people adjusting to displacement and change, forging new identities in their new lives.

Employing an integrative approach utilizing both psychodynamic and cognitive-based interventions, I have experience providing both long and short term treatment for individuals, groups and couples focusing on issues such as trauma, sexuality and relationships, developmental issues, self-harm, grief and loss, and depression and anxiety as well as more severe and persistent mental illness. People seek therapy for all sorts of different reasons but with a focus on their emotional experience in-session and the connection between the body and the mind, I work with people to help them be their best, authentic self even in the face of challenges and change.

Whatever you have been through, whatever you are going through, you have the power to take control of your mental and emotional health; therapy simply means you don’t have to do it alone.

Reaching out for assistance takes courage, and finding the right “fit” in a therapist is very important. I believe that we all need help from time to time, and that we deserve to be heard, honored, and respected as we sort things out and decide future directions. I strive to create a comfortable, nonjudmental atmosphere where you can express yourself, (re)discover your unique strengths and abilities, and pursue your goals.
I truly love my chosen profession and consider it my calling in life. I earned a Master’s degree from Michigan State University and have been practicing for over twenty years. Whether you are going through a particularly difficult period in your life, are seeking to better understand yourself, want to improve your relationships, and/or want to learn healthier ways of coping with life’s challenges, I would consider it an honor and a privilege to work with you!

I have worked in the Mental Health field for over 15 years on a full and part-time basis. I am passionate about working with people to discover, build and strengthen skills to create a healthy mind and healthy relationships. Life can present opportunities for personal growth that often feel painful or confusing. I believe in providing a compassionate, hopeful, informed objective position to support you as you work through life stress, trauma or personal challenges. My experience includes work with adults age 18 through end of life stages. I primarily work with individuals, but I’m also comfortable working with your family or friend support system if needed. My specialties include work with grief and loss, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, exploring life transitions, the mind/body connection, relationship issues and working with people to build skills around mindfulness and balanced living.

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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:

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:

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.

It is my pleasure to serve as a clinical consultant to Therapy Today. I am excited to share my helping philosophy and will take just a few moments to introduce myself. My private practice has been a part of the East Lansing community going on 24 years. I earned my doctorate in clinical psychology (“Psy.D.”) at Central Michigan University and internship in Pediatric Psychology at the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Over the past nine years my “day job” has been with the MSU Counseling Center where I work as a staff psychologist, doctoral intern training supervisor, and coordinator of the Psychological Testing & Consultation Service. Since starting at MSU my practice has become part-time. I primarily work with school-age children, teens, families and adults.

On occasion I get asked if I ever tire of being a psychologist or regret my career choice. What I express consistently is my great love and passion for the people I’ve worked with, and the appreciation for how my life has been forever enriched. This is not to gloss over the many trying situations I’ve traveled through with clients and families. Conflict and change are inevitable in life, and my goal is to foster acceptance, hope and authentic partnerships throughout the therapeutic process. To this end, my care philosophy is holistic, multiculturally informed, guided by ethics of social justice and focused on fostering client strengths. My practice is unquestionably inclusive of everyone and I am committed to proactively supporting and advocating for the rights, dignity and welfare of all clients.

As I have learned from clients my helping approach has broadened and continues to be open to new ideas and ways of tackling problems. I lean toward mindfulness and acceptance and commitment change strategies although I find being flexible in the treatment approach essential. Psychodynamic, humanistic, family systems, dialectical behavioral, and cognitive behavioral therapies are often integrated into the client care plan. In the “old days” I was known for psychological testing for ADHD, learning disabilities, and childhood developmental problems. Testing is a service I continue to provide as my part-time practice schedule allows.

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“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of you.”

Maya Angelou

What is your story and how will you tell it? Therapy is about your story and looking at how you will create and share it. Creating the space for you to tell that inner story, review it, honor it and shape it is how I approach working with people seeking support.

With more than 25 years in the human services, my approach to therapy includes helping you honor your strengths, because we all have them. As a licensed clinical social worker I have worked with adolescents, families and adults in the areas of anxiety, depression, as well as grief and loss. I have experience and specialization in trauma-informed treatment, mindfulness, human sexuality, and working closely with LGBTQIA+ individuals and groups.

I hold degrees from the College of William and Mary in Virginia and a Master’s in Social Work from the Smith College School for Social Work. LGBTQIA+ populations and anti-racism work were the foci of my graduate degree studies.

There are many things in life that impact mood; stressors, diet, sudden changes in circumstance such as job loss or illness of a loved one. It is my belief that we can greatly impact our ability to cope by taking a holistic approach to mental, emotional and physical health. I have dedicated my life to learning about many different modalities to assist others in learning the skills and knowledge necessary to deal with life’s difficulties, in an effective and often enjoyable way. We are all individualistic in how we define a happy and productive life. I feel honored and excited to be a part of my client’s process of self-discovery and empowerment.

People can find the support they need during the planned and unplanned changes life brings. I believe as difficult situations arise, these challenges can be understood as opportunities for gaining purpose and a more meaningful understanding of our self as well as in our relations with others. My therapeutic approach is motivating and adapted to the needs of person I am helping. I have enjoyed assisting people in their change processes for the past 17-years. My education and training as a psychologist was completed at the Gothenburg University, Sweden.

Specialties:

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who believes everyone has the potential to learn and grow throughout life’s Journey. I’m passionate about helping people reach their personal life goals. I’ve been in the helping profession for 20 plus years with a wealth of knowledge and experience. My specialties include depression, anxiety, grief and loss, divorce and relationship issues. I work with youth ages 12 to 17, young adults and adults. My treatment approach is person-centered and eclectic utilizing mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Together we can find the keys to live your best life!!!

I am a strong believer in instilling hope in my clients, because hope is the single most effective component for achieving personal goals besides focused/mindful effort. I prefer an eclectic/ motivational treatment approach that is flexible, supportive, goal-directed, and allows me to meet my clients at whichever place they are in their life’s struggles.
I have over 25 years of experience in the field of clinical psychology, in both hospital and private practice settings. Working with diverse population in different clinical settings has given me experience in both time-limited and longer-term psychotherapies, inpatient treatment, group psychotherapy, substance abuse, and psychological assessment. All of these experiences deepened my knowledge and understanding of the tremendous human potential for resilience, growth, healing, and for realizing our unique potential.
I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and additionally am multi-lingual with fluency in English, Punjabi, and Urdu/Hindi. I also work as a Case Manager/Therapist at Community Mental Health, providing counseling in individual and group settings. Previously, I lived in Pakistan, and worked as a clinical psychologist in a hospital for two decades.

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