Our Counselors

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:

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.

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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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.

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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.

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I am a mental health therapist and am passionate about working with individual adults on a variety of concerns in order to help increase quality of life. Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and you may not know what to do or where to turn. You are not alone. I am here to help. I work with individuals that suffer from depression, anxiety, grief, loss and trauma. I strive to create a safe environment for clients to present and work through their concerns at their own pace. My therapeutic approach is client-centered which allows for me to help guide clients through any issues they may be experiencing. I look forward to working with you!

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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, 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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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:

I specialize in working with teenagers struggling in primary life domains such as school performance, emotional regulation, communication issues 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 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, 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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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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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.

Hello and welcome to Therapy Today.

I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with my Bachelor’s in Social Work and then went on to get my Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. I have experience working with individuals of all ages ranging from children and families in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to adults on an inpatient psychiatric floor. I also have experience working as a therapist in an outpatient setting. I have great passion for this work because I find it important for us to explore ourselves and our environments with someone we can trust.

It is my mantra that we all have things we can work through to be a happier healthier people- we are all human. I am passionate about helping individuals recognize their strengths and achieve resilience. I prefer to use a strengths-based, person-centered approach, and to meet my clients where they’re at along their journey. I strongly believe in the power of mindfulness and self-awareness. I enjoy working with adolescents and adults, but I am especially passionate about working with folks who are experiencing domestic violence in any capacity and folks with personality disorders. I am an LGBTQ+ friendly therapist and I am dedicated to providing safe and non-judgmental spaces for all individuals.

When I am out of the office, I can be found adventuring or relaxing with family and friends. Some of my hobbies include reading, traveling, being outdoors, and nurturing and growing myself!

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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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.

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.

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

Life is nuanced. It is filled with choices, priorities, curveballs, imperfection, and grace. It is a commemoration of beginnings and endings. I specialize in working with individuals going through significant transition. This could be career change, terminating a relationship, processing through grief or simply wanting to change a habit. I am here to support, empower, and advocate for you as you go through change and find secure footing in uncertain times.

While I have experience in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Compassion-Focused Therapy, my approach to therapy is purposely eclectic and person-centered, and sometimes incorporates creative/artistic recovery into treatment. It is my experience that positive change is best achieved through a collaborative approach to treatment.

It is my intention through our therapeutic relationship that you understand the inherent wisdom you possess and that you recognize your personal strengths which allows you to live an authentic and purposeful life.

Specialties:

Are you feeling anxious, stressed, and/or worried about your relationships with others? Have you experiencing a life transition that is difficult? Are you wanting to gain
emotional insight and healing to feel a greater sense of strength, courage and bravery? I am here to help! You don’t have to go through it on your own. Areas I focus on
include: high school/college transitions, stress and anger issues, health-related difficulties like chronic pain and HIV, family conflict, relationship concerns, self-esteem
and identity, grief, loss and trauma and issues related to gender identity development.

My approach is holistic, meaning I take into account who you were, who you are now, and who you want to be. I consider all aspects of you to be important and I validate who
you are by providing interpersonal, trauma-informed, and culturally sensitive counseling.

I have 10+ years working with clients across various age-ranges who struggle with painful life experiences. I am a counseling psychology doctoral student at Western Michigan University with an LPC (MI), and a MS in Clinical/Mental Health Psychology. I have taught at WMU on Drug Use: the personal/social impact and assist in teaching a Holistics course, Choices in Living.

I have a special interest in working with teens and young adults. I’ve volunteered for crisis lines and have experience working with all ages, including extended time with college students specifically. While I am qualified to work with a variety of ages and issues, my focus tends to be anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships and young adult life transitions.
I believe that the client is an expert in themselves and sometimes people just need a place to be open and honest about their struggles. When dealing with lifestyle changes, it can help to gain an outside perspective. I strive to provide a relaxed, low pressure environment where clients feel free to be themselves and share openly. It’s my goal to help guide clients to a happier, more mindful life.

I have worked in the mental health field for over 16 years and obtained my Master`s in Professional Counseling from Central Michigan University. Throughout my time of practice I have received several certifications: CAADC, DOT/SAP, Certified Forensic Counselors, Sex Offender Treatment Specialist. As a therapist I provide individual therapy, group therapy, and crisis intervention. I take pride in being a listening ear, with non-judgmental sensitivity. I have experience in working with various age groups from adolescence to adult seniors. Ultimately, my goal is to provide tools that will aid the client’s ability to find clarity in their challenges, and to continue applying those tools in other aspects of their life.

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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 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, Legal problems/Probation programs.

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.

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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.

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Collaborative Problem Solving: “The belief that if kids could do well, they would do well. In other words, if the kid had the skills to exhibit adaptive behavior, they wouldn’t be exhibiting challenging behavior.” -Ross Greene

I am a strengths-based therapist who works collaboratively with children and their families to recognize their strengths and build upon them. I have experience working in residential treatment facilities working with youth in foster care. I also worked at a Short-term Evaluation Program that worked with kids who exhibited particularly challenging behaviors. During those years I developed a deep passion for helping children work through their struggles, as well as provide an additional adult in their lives that they can trust.

I received my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. Afterwards, I attained my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan. While there, my graduate internship was at the Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at Michigan Medicine. I worked with adults of all ages who were in acute crises.

While I have experience working with individuals of all ages, I specialize in working with children, teens, and young adults.

Hi my name is Nala! I assist in sessions as an emotional support animal. I am extremely goofy and friendly. My main goal is to make you smile, and not to brag, but I’m very good at it. I’ve been working in a therapy office ever since I’ve been rescued. My favorite hobbies include napping, making new friends (humans and dogs), and going for bike rides with my mom.

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 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 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.
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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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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Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must. But take the step” – unknown.

Maneuvering through life’s troubled waters can sometimes be overwhelming. In today’s hectic fast passed world sometimes it’s good to let your guard down, relax, and release all those emotions and troubles in a safe, comfortable environment. I am a fresh new face here ready to help you heal, explore, and gain insight into resolving any issues to live a more serene, well-balanced life.

Let me help you bring back the laughter, the confidence, and security that only someone caring and committed with comprehensive treatments designed for each individual in mind can do. I have experience in working with individuals of diverse backgrounds in all stages of life from childhood issues to adolescence to adulthood. I have assisted individuals experiencing emotional and behavioral impairments as well as those struggling with adjusting to life’s hurdles and transitioning into new beginnings.

Graduating from Michigan State University with my Masters in Social Work has given me opportunity to work in such a rewarding field allowing me to walk beside those seeking a brighter life.

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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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“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 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 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.

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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 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.

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.