Our Counselors

Asking for help isn’t easy. We are typically much better at caring for others than we are for ourselves. When we’re experiencing emotional pain, it can be hard to make sense of it all and know how to work through it. Everyone experiences difficulties throughout their life, whether it’s a loss, relationship conflict, emotional struggles, troubling thoughts, life transitions, or trauma. I am here to meet you right where you are during those vulnerable times in a supportive and non-judgmental way. We will work together to help you learn and understand more about who you are and what your experiences mean to you. Feeling lost and finding your way again can feel impossible, scary, and overwhelming. My goal is to develop a therapeutic partnership with you, set personal goals, and help you walk away feeling stronger, more confident, and empowered. We will work towards gaining a different perspective; where painful experiences no longer define who you are, and you’re able to reflect on those difficult times in a healthier way. This is a pivotal point in healing, changing, and personal growth.

I have been working with individuals, children, couples, and families in various settings for nearly 15 years. I believe people have the capacity to change and understand themselves on a deeper level through the therapeutic process. We often feel immobilized and stuck during hard times. We have difficulty putting our experiences into words and finding meaning in it all. My therapy approach is individual-based and person-centered, meaning we work together to learn more about your needs and what interventions are best for you. My specialty is trauma-informed and strength-based treatment modalities of all ages and stages in life, including play therapy, art, music, and self-reflective activities. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to overcoming and creating a fulfilling and meaningful life. I look forward to being your supportive guide on your personal journey in a safe, non-judgmental, and confidential setting

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.

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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 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.

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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 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!

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.

Through my work as a therapist I have found that success looks different for each individual. I believe that we are the experts into our futures and how we obtain the goals we desire. Although we are the experts, we at times need guidance and support throughout our journey.
As your therapist my intention is to provide to you that push needed to seek out your strengths, and focus on you as an individual. Together we will process whatever struggles you may be going through and discover how you will overcome life challenges. I believe that focusing on internal strengths and building upon our best qualities we will view ourselves and our goals with a more positive outlook.

I began my journey to becoming a therapist at MSU where I obtained my undergraduate degree, and completed my Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago at Illinois. I have experience working with individuals, couples and families dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, workplace conflict, stress management, life balance and relationship difficulties.

Hello, my name is Reid. Searching for a therapist takes tremendous courage, even if you have experienced therapy before. I would be happy to walk with you on your own personal journey of life and mental health.

I graduated from University of Michigan’s School of Social Work and am passionate about helping people realize their inner strengths and innate problem-solving skills, even in the darkest of times. I previously worked with people on an inpatient psychiatric unit and learned to form relationships quickly with people in crisis, as well as those diagnosed with serious and persistent mental illnesses such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I chose to begin working as an outpatient therapist because I believe in the power of a strong therapeutic relationship to help people achieve their goals, and value relationships in all realms of life.

I am passionate about helping individuals through grief and loss, both death and non-death related. Loss can come in many forms, such as loss of a job, a relationship, an identity, a home, and many others. Loss of course also encompasses death of loved ones, pregnancies, pets, and other important members of our lives. I seek to provide validation of your loss and support of your grief journey. I am particularly experienced and interested in suicide loss and have been privileged to work so closely with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention on both a local and national level.

I welcome clients from all ages, gender identities, sexual identities, and religious/spiritual orientations. I am especially interested in working with college-aged/ young adults. I appreciate the complexity, confusion, change, and loss that has led you to our office, and would be honored to hear and hold your story with you.

Are you concerned because you have noticed your child is struggling with managing their emotions or controlling their behaviors? Is your child having difficulties in school or social settings? Does conflict seem to surround your child? Young people can benefit from having a therapist help them through these complex stages of life.

I have over 15 years of experience working with preteens and teens ages 10-19 who might struggle to handle life’s transitions to those who exhibit extreme behavioral issues. My background includes working with those who have experienced traumatic life events, juvenile justice programs, at-risk youth, foster care and various mental health diagnoses such as depression and anxiety.

My approach to therapy is to provide a relaxed, safe, non judgmental place where we can work together to develop a plan that helps your child become more adjusted emotionally which helps both of you feel less stressed. I believe in recognizing the unique challenges my clients may experience and building on their strengths. I integrate various evidence based treatment models in therapy because I believe everyone is an individual and there is not a “one-size-fits-all.”

In addition to working with youth, for the past 5 years I have had the privilege to listen to and support women who have received the earth shattering news of a cancer diagnosis. This news can be traumatic, paralyzing and exhausting. If you are a woman and have recently received a diagnosis, are currently receiving treatment or are trying to figure out how to live life after diagnosis and treatment, I can provide an compassionate, confidential environment to move past the diagnosis and the anxiety that often goes along with living through it.

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.

Hello! I am so glad you’re here. It takes courage to reach out when difficulties arise. I believe we all need help sometimes and my approach to counseling is collaborative, strengths based, and holistic. You are the expert on your life and I am here to provide a listening ear, supportive presence, and real-world techniques you can use to start feeling better. My goal is to provide you with a safe, nonjudgmental space to work through your challenges and achieve your goals.

I have a Masters Degree in Social Work from Illinois State University and am currently licensed in Illinois and Michigan. Throughout my career I’ve had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life and in all life stages. From the transition that happens when a family welcomes a child to planning for end-of-life and everything in between.

Whether you are experiencing a brief moment of difficulty, are at the precipice of a life change, or simply want to understand yourself and decisions on a deeper level, I would be honored to help you overcome life’s trials and empower you to confidently navigate your path.

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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My goal as a therapist is to help you reach your potential to become that person who you truly want to be! I have begun my journey as a therapist working with individuals in crisis either through suicide hotline, sexual assault, or other forms of trauma and have spent the last five years working with individuals who needed treatment through an inpatient hospitalization. I thrive in creating an environment of empowerment and strength for each of my clients as they explore ways to promote their most healthy self. I excel in meeting my client where they are through a Rogerian based therapy style with a focus on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Rogerian based therapy is most recognized now as “Person-Centered Therapy”. What this means is, I focus on your needs and what unique solutions will help you seek your best self through many different trusted therapy techniques. I explore the passions of each client and build a holistic approach to help them create ways to support and empower their journey. I believe in creating a holistic approach that results in a strong and confident client.

I am active within the mental health community and have provided Trauma-Informed Trainings and education on LGBTQ+ issues to other mental health therapists, counselors, social workers, and Kent County Law Enforcement. I have been on a panel for the movie “Hope Bridge” bringing awareness to suicide prevention, multiple published interviews including Kent County School District about our youth and mental health and the Grand Rapids Woman’s Magazine about the need for wellness around the holidays and encouraging women to promote their most health lifestyle. I continue to provide trainings on Trauma-Informed Care in the Lansing and Kent County areas and debriefings for individuals, companies, and groups working through intense or traumatic events.

I am co-founder of a non-profit called A Way Out where we empower and educate children/adolescents and their care provider(s) on the signs and symptoms of sexual abuse with the hope of stopping further victimization. Most recently I have begun working with the Human Trafficking Task Force and will complete my training as a facilitator to educate with the hope of eradicating Human Trafficking.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor through the state of Michigan with specialized training in trauma, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

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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.

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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“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.

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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.

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I view therapy as a process that can be emotionally difficult at times, but is ultimately rewarding in that it has great potential to impact a person’s life in tremendously positive ways. Therapy accomplishes this by providing hope, support, validation, relief from residual effects of painful past experiences, reflective guidance that instills insight, and psycho-education for deepened understanding of their diagnoses and other sources of distress. The fundamental purpose of therapy is to foster lasting closure and equip the individual with healthy, effective tools to cope independently.
While my primary approach to therapy is Psychodynamic, I do not hesitate to integrate other approaches if I feel that implementing those interventions in tandem with techniques from other
therapeutic perspectives, such as Gestalt, Client-Centered, and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, would benefit my client. I believe strongly that no client is the same and so it would be
unrealistic to expect that an identical treatment strategy would be effective for all. Even with similar histories and the same diagnoses, each individual’s perception of and response to those
experiences and symptoms will be profoundly different. I feel that my flexibility in the way I conduct psychotherapy allows me to better guide my clients toward the closure, catharsis, and
mental stability necessary to achieve their goals, maintain healthy, fulfilling relationships, and enhance their quality of life.
I am truly passionate about what I do and helping my clients gain relief from their distress and achieve psychological stability is my priority. My genuine belief that my clients and I are equals is the foundation on which I work to build our therapeutic relationship.

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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!

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.

I want to create a safe place where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings with me.
I use a variety of counseling methods and techniques. My favorite is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). You first need to be aware of your thoughts before you can change your feelings or behaviors. Together, we will examine those thoughts and ask Are they true? Are they helpful? If the answers are no, then we can change those negative/self-defeating thoughts to more positive/empowering thoughts.
The purpose of therapy is to help you develop skills, insights, and perspective so you can take what you’ve learned and apply it on your own. Together, we will establish goals and work toward accomplishing them.
My areas of focus are: anxiety, depression, self-esteem, fears, relationships, aging parents, loss, and grief. I enjoy working with individuals and couples.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2005 with a Master’s Degree in Counseling.
I look forward to meeting and working with you.