East Lansing

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!

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!!!

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 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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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!

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.

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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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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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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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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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 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.

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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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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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.

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.

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.
 

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

“I 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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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.

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.

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

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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.

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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