Adults Therapists in Belmont, MI

In today's environment, there are so many pressures on individuals, kids, and parents that sometimes it seems overwhelming. Together we can find solutions to make coping with life's stressors easier and more effective. Therapy can help by having someone to talk with, process the stress, and generate solutions unique to the needs of individuals, children, and families. I believe we can work collaboratively to achieve a positive and supportive place where mental and emotional health can thrive.

Life is full of peaks and valleys, and sometimes we all need a little support or guidance. I am passionate about supporting kids, teens, young adults, women, and parents in periods of struggle or transition. I have training and lived experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, pain, child and family issues, and perinatal mood disorders. I have worked with survivors of sexual abuse, clients struggling with suicidal ideation and self-harm, and parents/caregivers trying their best to raise strong and healthy children. I can relate to people from all different walks of life, cultures, religious backgrounds, and sexual orientations.

My ideal clients are young adults navigating family and relationship changes, college students, and adolescents. I currently see people aged 6-30. I treat a variety of concerns including, trauma, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, etc. I am excited to share that I have immediate openings for new clients!

As a clinician, I know it is important to walk beside you in the journey of life and healing. My work with clients is through compassion, humor, gentle confrontation, and unconditional positive regard. Whether you have a specific issue or just don't quite feel like yourself reaching out to someone is a great first step. I work with adolescents and adults using psychoanalysis, internal family systems, and cognitive behavioral therapy to not only treat symptoms but also to understand yourself through your experiences.

If you’re dealing with anxiety and depression, you might sometimes feel alone in your struggles. I’ve been there, and the truth is, so have many others! It’s my goal to provide a safe place for you to share what you’re experiencing, a place where you can express your feelings in an open environment without judgment. As a young college student facing anxiety, finding therapy was eye-opening for me. In fact, it led me to become a therapist myself: I wanted to help others see that they aren’t alone and that they have the ability to bring about real change in their lives.

I believe the ability to heal already exists in you, waiting to be uncovered from beneath past protective patterns that no longer serve you. Maybe you're successful & functioning on the outside, but inside you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Your mind overthinks & your body is tense. From past trauma or current stress, part of you feels broken, not enough, unworthy, or unlovable. You already know this shame, but aren't aware of other parts of you. Those that know how to rest, relax, self-care, balance emotions, & love yourself. You hope you can befriend your own mind, body, & spirit as allies instead of enemies.

Asking for help is difficult and it takes courage to share personal information with an individual you don't know. My goal is to offer a safe and comfortable environment for clients. I am passionate at providing therapy services to individuals, couples, adolescents and families, during major life changes, working through loss or trauma, or relationship stress . I utilize a variety of therapy interventions. Due to my belief in your ability to find your own answers, I see my role as a facilitator. I will provide objective guidance, challenge and support. I will listen without judgment, while helping you to tackle life's challenges.

Are you searching for a place to belong, to be heard and find healing? Mariposa Counseling was founded in 2022 by Alaina Smith. Mariposa is the Spanish word for butterfly, and it was chosen to symbolize the transformation that butterflies represent. Humans go through our own transformative journeys, and while not as obvious as a caterpillar to butterfly, it has potential to be just as impressive and wondrous. We believe every individual is worthy of dignity and respect and treat them as such.

My clients come to me when they are tired of living in emotional pain.  This pain may have lead them to not like themselves, feel alone, and worried and depressed.  They may feel like they have no control or have lost the control that they used to have.  They feel stuck or like they don't belong.  My clients leave with a sense of freedom and empowerment. They understand their value/worth and like themselves. They feel like they are ready to choose what comes next in life. They have hope. Clients have told me "I feel safe now", "I never knew I could feel this good", "I actually like myself now. I didn't know I could".