Emotionally Focused Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI
Elise Waugh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and am trained in evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Just as we sometimes need help caring for physical aches and pains, we often need help improving our mental health. I am passionate about helping others look inward to learn more about themselves and connect with their inner voice through the power of therapy. At its heart, therapy is as powerful as what you put into it. Being vulnerable can often feel daunting, but by working together, my goal is to help you build the confidence you need to bravely take the reins when you feel like the life you want is just out of reach.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and am trained in evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Just as we sometimes need help caring for physical aches and pains, we often need help improving our mental health. I am passionate about helping others look inward to learn more about themselves and connect with their inner voice through the power of therapy. At its heart, therapy is as powerful as what you put into it. Being vulnerable can often feel daunting, but by working together, my goal is to help you build the confidence you need to bravely take the reins when you feel like the life you want is just out of reach.
When working with relationships, I pull techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment theory, meaning-making and Gottman.
I am excited to provide affordable mental health services for Michigan residents through Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy as an intern through May 2025. I am currently taking new adult clients with a focus on issues pertaining to relationships, sexuality, gender, trauma, aging, illness, and adjustment. I am trained to work with culturally diverse populations, alternative relationship structures, various sexual orientations, and gender-expansive clients. I can also see clients remotely. As an intern, I cannot bill insurance, but offer $30 out-of-pocket sessions. I will graduate in May 2025 and start taking insurance at that time.
When working with relationships, I pull techniques from emotionally focused therapy, attachment theory, meaning-making and Gottman.
I am excited to provide affordable mental health services for Michigan residents through Grand Rapids Specialty Therapy as an intern through May 2025. I am currently taking new adult clients with a focus on issues pertaining to relationships, sexuality, gender, trauma, aging, illness, and adjustment. I am trained to work with culturally diverse populations, alternative relationship structures, various sexual orientations, and gender-expansive clients. I can also see clients remotely. As an intern, I cannot bill insurance, but offer $30 out-of-pocket sessions. I will graduate in May 2025 and start taking insurance at that time.
Eric Fullen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49504
I tend to pull from Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy because of their nonjudgmental approach, but I am also trained in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Are you feeling stuck personally, professionally, or in your relationships? Do you tend to blame yourself when things go wrong? I’m here to tell you you’re not alone. We've all been there, and I know firsthand how hard it is to reach out for help, but that is your first step toward healing. I believe you have what you need to heal and grow, but I also know that sometimes feels impossible. That's where I come in. My goal is to create space for all of you, including the parts of you that keep you going and even the parts that you are ashamed of, scared of, and maybe even hate?
I tend to pull from Internal Family Systems and Emotionally Focused Therapy because of their nonjudgmental approach, but I am also trained in CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Are you feeling stuck personally, professionally, or in your relationships? Do you tend to blame yourself when things go wrong? I’m here to tell you you’re not alone. We've all been there, and I know firsthand how hard it is to reach out for help, but that is your first step toward healing. I believe you have what you need to heal and grow, but I also know that sometimes feels impossible. That's where I come in. My goal is to create space for all of you, including the parts of you that keep you going and even the parts that you are ashamed of, scared of, and maybe even hate?
Miranda Ward
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LLPC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I have additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman method to help explore how family systems impact what we are seeking from our relationships.
I am honored to support couples, families and individuals who want to begin to explore difficulties within their relationships. I offer a relational space that focuses on feeling safe and understood. My approach is from a family systems lens with somatic influences. My specialty is relationship repair through emotional exploration. My ideal client includes family and couple relationships, sexual intimacy, non-traditional families, addiction, high conflict, the family court system, play therapy, and more.
I have additional training in Emotionally Focused Therapy and the Gottman method to help explore how family systems impact what we are seeking from our relationships.
I am honored to support couples, families and individuals who want to begin to explore difficulties within their relationships. I offer a relational space that focuses on feeling safe and understood. My approach is from a family systems lens with somatic influences. My specialty is relationship repair through emotional exploration. My ideal client includes family and couple relationships, sexual intimacy, non-traditional families, addiction, high conflict, the family court system, play therapy, and more.
Tristen Davis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49512
Empathy is central to my approach, and I’m dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. With specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I provide effective support for issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger, and ADHD. As a gay therapist and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m especially committed to offering affirming, affordable care for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring you receive the sensitive, inclusive support you deserve.
Empathy is central to my approach, and I’m dedicated to creating a therapeutic space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. With specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS), I provide effective support for issues such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Anger, and ADHD. As a gay therapist and part of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m especially committed to offering affirming, affordable care for LGBTQ+ individuals, ensuring you receive the sensitive, inclusive support you deserve.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Popular approaches include CBT, DBT, EMDR, Christian Counseling, PCT, Motivational Interviewing, EFT, Positive Psychology, Psychodynamic therapy, Relational therapy, Narrative therapy, and more.
At Thriveworks, we're dedicated to providing top-tier mental health services that are easily accessible to everyone. With over 340 locations nationwide and flexible online therapy options, our professional therapists are equipped to assist you through any stress, life transitions, or ongoing mental health concerns. We prioritize your convenience and needs by offering flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments, ensuring that you can start your therapy journey as early as this week. Plus, we accept most major insurance plans, making your path to mental health support smoother and more affordable.
Susie Kim-VanderGriend
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I have specialized training in EMDR, CBT, PMAD's, EFT & Parts/IFS.
Life can be complicated with challenging experiences, thoughts, feelings and even body sensations and my hope is that you are not holding it all alone. As a therapist, I strive to provide a secure space for you to engage in a non-judgmental, collaborative relationship. I believe in the strength and healing power that resides in the core of each person. Whatever challenges you are facing, I seek to come alongside you in the therapy space to facilitate healing and growth. I trust that together, we can work to make sense of what is happening - now and in the past to lead more empowered and fulfilled lives moving forward.
I have specialized training in EMDR, CBT, PMAD's, EFT & Parts/IFS.
Life can be complicated with challenging experiences, thoughts, feelings and even body sensations and my hope is that you are not holding it all alone. As a therapist, I strive to provide a secure space for you to engage in a non-judgmental, collaborative relationship. I believe in the strength and healing power that resides in the core of each person. Whatever challenges you are facing, I seek to come alongside you in the therapy space to facilitate healing and growth. I trust that together, we can work to make sense of what is happening - now and in the past to lead more empowered and fulfilled lives moving forward.
Amanda Walker
Limited Licensed Psychologist, MA, LLP, CAADC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49544 (Online Only)
I utilize an integrated approach of therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Gottman Method Couples; Therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborate space where it is safe to share life’s difficulties. I find joy in working together to learn to cope with stressors and develop healthy habits for better managing relationships, mental health concerns, and whatever situation might be important in that moment. I enjoy working with adults and couples. My primary areas of expertise include treating mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as working with adjustment disorders and substance use disorders. Therapy is about helping people through situational life stressors or relationship conflicts.
I utilize an integrated approach of therapeutic models, including Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy ( EFT), and Gottman Method Couples; Therapy.
I view therapy as a collaborate space where it is safe to share life’s difficulties. I find joy in working together to learn to cope with stressors and develop healthy habits for better managing relationships, mental health concerns, and whatever situation might be important in that moment. I enjoy working with adults and couples. My primary areas of expertise include treating mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, as well as working with adjustment disorders and substance use disorders. Therapy is about helping people through situational life stressors or relationship conflicts.
My therapy style is heavily influenced by attachment-based and emotionally focused therapy.
Depression and anxiety can feel like a heavy fog that won't lift. I am here to walk with you through the fog, helping you to find clarity and relief from emotional pain. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that respects your emotional journey, helps you to feel more authentically yourself, and releases you from the fog of depression and anxiety.
My therapy style is heavily influenced by attachment-based and emotionally focused therapy.
Depression and anxiety can feel like a heavy fog that won't lift. I am here to walk with you through the fog, helping you to find clarity and relief from emotional pain. I offer a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that respects your emotional journey, helps you to feel more authentically yourself, and releases you from the fog of depression and anxiety.
Melanie Szucs
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Waitlist for new clients
Depending on your particular needs and experiences, I draw from several different treatment models, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and client-centered therapy.
Our lives are stories and we all want them to be stories worth telling, that give us hope. Maybe you long to rewrite the story you are living. I believe everyone has the ability to change their story. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an individual, you can have hope. I desire to walk alongside you in your struggles and help you to forge a new path. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear; sometimes it takes long, hard work. But you have the choice-to step out in courage and to start writing a new story.
Depending on your particular needs and experiences, I draw from several different treatment models, including Emotionally Focused Therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and client-centered therapy.
Our lives are stories and we all want them to be stories worth telling, that give us hope. Maybe you long to rewrite the story you are living. I believe everyone has the ability to change their story. Whether you are a couple, a family, or an individual, you can have hope. I desire to walk alongside you in your struggles and help you to forge a new path. Sometimes all it takes is a listening ear; sometimes it takes long, hard work. But you have the choice-to step out in courage and to start writing a new story.
Catherine A VanDeWege
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW, CAADC
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
I love learning new therapeutic strategies to help my clients such as EFT, the preferred treatment for PTSD and emotional pain.
My therapeutic intervention is looking at the past as necessary in making changes for the future. I'm certain that any unwanted behavior can be unlocked by recognizing the purpose or wanted outcome for said behavior and my passion is helping you identify that unmet need and make healthy changes. I enjoy working with clients that are willing to do things outside of the therapeutic office setting such as writing, art, and/or practicing skills learned, and then reporting back in session the helpfulness of each strategy.
I love learning new therapeutic strategies to help my clients such as EFT, the preferred treatment for PTSD and emotional pain.
My therapeutic intervention is looking at the past as necessary in making changes for the future. I'm certain that any unwanted behavior can be unlocked by recognizing the purpose or wanted outcome for said behavior and my passion is helping you identify that unmet need and make healthy changes. I enjoy working with clients that are willing to do things outside of the therapeutic office setting such as writing, art, and/or practicing skills learned, and then reporting back in session the helpfulness of each strategy.
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Justin Smyly
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CEFTCT, CEFTS
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49544
I work exclusively with couples utilizing a gold standard approach; Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I’m an EFT certified supervisor & therapist working tirelessly to be a leading expert in the world of couples therapy. I am honored by couples who invite me into their journey, and am grateful for the privilege of walking with them through painful and difficult moments. I admire the courage it takes to intentionally move towards growth, and through the stuck places we find ourselves in.
I work exclusively with couples utilizing a gold standard approach; Emotionally Focused Therapy.
I’m an EFT certified supervisor & therapist working tirelessly to be a leading expert in the world of couples therapy. I am honored by couples who invite me into their journey, and am grateful for the privilege of walking with them through painful and difficult moments. I admire the courage it takes to intentionally move towards growth, and through the stuck places we find ourselves in.
Through a combination of emotionally focused therapy and Internal Family systems, we will do our best to get to the root cause of your conflict and explore the power that lies within your internal world, having the potential of changing your life.
Are you searching for relief, hope, clarity, or a sense of direction? Finding the right therapist with whom you feel comfortable and connect with can be nerve-racking. Will they understand me? Are we the best fit? Is therapy worth my time? These are valid questions! My goal is to make this experience as smooth as possible for you. Whether you are looking for couple, individual, or family therapy, going at your own rhythm, pace, and comfort will guide us when working together. Bring your pain, struggle, anxiety, and stress, we will explore it together.
Through a combination of emotionally focused therapy and Internal Family systems, we will do our best to get to the root cause of your conflict and explore the power that lies within your internal world, having the potential of changing your life.
Are you searching for relief, hope, clarity, or a sense of direction? Finding the right therapist with whom you feel comfortable and connect with can be nerve-racking. Will they understand me? Are we the best fit? Is therapy worth my time? These are valid questions! My goal is to make this experience as smooth as possible for you. Whether you are looking for couple, individual, or family therapy, going at your own rhythm, pace, and comfort will guide us when working together. Bring your pain, struggle, anxiety, and stress, we will explore it together.
Samantha Kingma
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
I am trained in EFT and EMDR, as well as ERP, ACT, and CBT.
Feeling like you can't enjoy the present moment because you are stuck in your head? Lying awake at night going back through all the things you said today (or last year, or 10 years ago)? Maybe you've created multiple to-do lists and come up with plans and systems to make life easier - yet something is still keeping you stuck. Anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, and burnout can significantly impact the way your brain handles the stresses of day-to-day life. But there is hope – you don’t have to stay stuck. I'd love to talk to you about how you can begin to feel like yourself again.
I am trained in EFT and EMDR, as well as ERP, ACT, and CBT.
Feeling like you can't enjoy the present moment because you are stuck in your head? Lying awake at night going back through all the things you said today (or last year, or 10 years ago)? Maybe you've created multiple to-do lists and come up with plans and systems to make life easier - yet something is still keeping you stuck. Anxiety, OCD, perfectionism, and burnout can significantly impact the way your brain handles the stresses of day-to-day life. But there is hope – you don’t have to stay stuck. I'd love to talk to you about how you can begin to feel like yourself again.
Amanda Worst
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), as well as the Gottman Method.
Sometimes life brings challenges that leave us standing in need of additional support. You may find yourself surviving anxiety, hurt in relationship, grieved by loss, or trying to find footing in a life transition. You may desire a safe space to lament, to ask questions, to learn, and to build upon your strengths. I will partner with you, as you work to understand and address the challenges before you.
I have extensive training in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), as well as the Gottman Method.
Sometimes life brings challenges that leave us standing in need of additional support. You may find yourself surviving anxiety, hurt in relationship, grieved by loss, or trying to find footing in a life transition. You may desire a safe space to lament, to ask questions, to learn, and to build upon your strengths. I will partner with you, as you work to understand and address the challenges before you.
Cheryl L. Cooper
Counselor, MA, LPC, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49546
Waitlist for new clients
When working with couples and families, I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Gottman Method Therapy.
We all face challenges, but we don't need to face them alone. When you struggle with relationship issues, depression/anxiety, or other personal crises, you may feel alone, stuck, and helpless. As your therapist, I will come alongside you and help you to move forward with a greater sense of well-being and empowerment.
When working with couples and families, I primarily use Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and Gottman Method Therapy.
We all face challenges, but we don't need to face them alone. When you struggle with relationship issues, depression/anxiety, or other personal crises, you may feel alone, stuck, and helpless. As your therapist, I will come alongside you and help you to move forward with a greater sense of well-being and empowerment.
Ted Wohlford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Waitlist for new clients
Combining EMDR, ACT, EFT, and Cognitive-Existential therapies, I tailor evidence-based techniques to your unique needs.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to turn obstacles into opportunities? Whether you're looking to enhance the positives in your life, prevent downward spirals, or explore how childhood trauma and attachment issues impact your relationships, counseling can be your next step. I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families understand how past experiences shape their present, fostering growth, healing, and resilience. I invite you to learn more about my approach by visiting my website.
Combining EMDR, ACT, EFT, and Cognitive-Existential therapies, I tailor evidence-based techniques to your unique needs.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready to turn obstacles into opportunities? Whether you're looking to enhance the positives in your life, prevent downward spirals, or explore how childhood trauma and attachment issues impact your relationships, counseling can be your next step. I specialize in helping individuals, couples, and families understand how past experiences shape their present, fostering growth, healing, and resilience. I invite you to learn more about my approach by visiting my website.
Vanessa Benaway
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LLMFT, RYT
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49506 (Online Only)
Oftentimes, the impacts of past pain leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed and confused about our path forward. We can lack a sense of self-worth, after being hurt by the very people who were supposed to take care of us. I help clients reconnect to their inner power to reparent and restore lost parts of themselves. On this journey, I guide clients in reawakening their naturally empowered, vibrant selves. I specialize in working with adults, couples, teens and families seeking healing, connection, and change both inside of themselves and within their closest relationships.
Oftentimes, the impacts of past pain leave us feeling drained, overwhelmed and confused about our path forward. We can lack a sense of self-worth, after being hurt by the very people who were supposed to take care of us. I help clients reconnect to their inner power to reparent and restore lost parts of themselves. On this journey, I guide clients in reawakening their naturally empowered, vibrant selves. I specialize in working with adults, couples, teens and families seeking healing, connection, and change both inside of themselves and within their closest relationships.
Emrielle VanCleave
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LLMFT, CTP
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Grand Rapids, MI 49501 (Online Only)
My treatment focuses on parts work and is highly influenced by Structural Dissociation, Gestalt, Psychodynamic/analytic, DBT, IFS, and EFT.
As an integrative therapist, I’m here to help you feel whole again. If you struggle with complex trauma, dissociation, a personality disorder, or other experiences that are difficult to let go of, I’m here to help you reconnect with all your parts and come together as a whole person, whether this be in individual, couples, or family sessions. Through our treatment together, you’ll be able to recognize the resiliency within you that is needed to take on life’s challenges and heal from those challenges you have already faced.
My treatment focuses on parts work and is highly influenced by Structural Dissociation, Gestalt, Psychodynamic/analytic, DBT, IFS, and EFT.
As an integrative therapist, I’m here to help you feel whole again. If you struggle with complex trauma, dissociation, a personality disorder, or other experiences that are difficult to let go of, I’m here to help you reconnect with all your parts and come together as a whole person, whether this be in individual, couples, or family sessions. Through our treatment together, you’ll be able to recognize the resiliency within you that is needed to take on life’s challenges and heal from those challenges you have already faced.
Heather A. Frick
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Grand Rapids, MI 49525 (Online Only)
I work with clients from an attachment-based lens and specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hi there! My name is Heather, and I am a doctoral-level licensed marriage & family therapist licensed in CA, MI, and IL. As a relationship-focused therapist, I am committed to helping couples, individuals, and families create strong, secure, and lasting connections in their relationships. Whether you are feeling stuck in relationship patterns that leave you feeling disconnected from your partner, have experienced a relationship injury like an affair or addiction, or are facing a new or ongoing medical diagnosis that you are unsure how to navigate mentally, emotionally, or relationally, I would love to help.
I work with clients from an attachment-based lens and specialize in Emotionally Focused Therapy.
Hi there! My name is Heather, and I am a doctoral-level licensed marriage & family therapist licensed in CA, MI, and IL. As a relationship-focused therapist, I am committed to helping couples, individuals, and families create strong, secure, and lasting connections in their relationships. Whether you are feeling stuck in relationship patterns that leave you feeling disconnected from your partner, have experienced a relationship injury like an affair or addiction, or are facing a new or ongoing medical diagnosis that you are unsure how to navigate mentally, emotionally, or relationally, I would love to help.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
Nearby Emotionally Focused Therapists Searches for Grand Rapids
- Ada
- Byron Center
- Caledonia
- Cascade
- Comstock Park
- East Grand Rapids
- Grandville
- Hudsonville
- Jenison
- Kentwood
- Walker
- Wyoming
Emotionally Focused Therapists
Who is emotionally focused therapy for?
Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is for couples who are emotionally distressed, stuck in an unsatisfying relationship pattern or feeling deeply alienated. They may even believe the relationship is beyond repair. Very often, the partners display intense anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal in the relationship. In addition, EFT is helpful to couples and individuals who have difficulty expressing emotions and those who have trouble regulating emotions.
Why do people need emotionally focused therapy?
People need emotionally focused therapy because the need for others is built into the brain, but the pressures of daily life can erode feelings of love, and couples often do not have the skills to find their way back to the comfort of each other. Instead, they may be stuck in repetitive patterns of anger, fear, grief, loss of trust, or a sense of betrayal. Emotionally focused therapy regards such strong negative feelings as expressions of protest over the loss of connection and turns them into pathways of reconnection.
What happens in emotionally focused therapy?
Over the course of eight to 20 weekly sessions, couples de-escalate their negative emotional reactivity to one another so that they can listen to each other and be responsive to each other’s needs. Then the deep emotional and physical bond is restored, giving partners a sense of comfort and security, which they can use to solve whatever problems come their way. The therapist plays an active role, helping partners understand how anger and withdrawal are actually misguided cries for connection.
What problems does emotionally focused therapy treat?
EFT is designed to help couples stuck in dysfunctional relationship patterns regain closeness and rebuild their relationship. Typically, such couples experience considerable distress, with partners feeling alienated and distrustful of one another, not certain their relationship can survive. EFT is also helpful to individuals experiencing attachment-related fears of loss; it helps them learn to use their fears as a way of eliciting the closeness they desire.