Emotionally Focused Therapists in Cass County, MI
My professional experience has extended over the past 25 years. I have worked with clients of many ages 6-66 years old.. My training includes using EMDR and Internal Family Systems for trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for increased rational thought, Art Therapy for expression of emotion and release of negative emotions, as well an alternative way to encounter problems; and Reality Therapy to identify concrete needs and how to get those needs met. I am a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. I have worked in, and have experience in addictions.
My professional experience has extended over the past 25 years. I have worked with clients of many ages 6-66 years old.. My training includes using EMDR and Internal Family Systems for trauma, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for increased rational thought, Art Therapy for expression of emotion and release of negative emotions, as well an alternative way to encounter problems; and Reality Therapy to identify concrete needs and how to get those needs met. I am a licensed mental health counselor and art therapist. I have worked in, and have experience in addictions.
Online Therapists
Ustina Shives
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48823 (Online Only)
I am a fully certified Emotionally Focused Therapist.
Finding a counselor can be a challenge, especially when there are so many options. My approach to counseling is personal. I take the time to listen and am honored to be trusted with your stories. My goal is to make sure all my clients feel seen, heard, and held. I specialize in helping adult individuals and couples tackle negative cycles, improve boundaries, improve their relationships, navigate life transitions, and manage anxiety and depression. Let's embark on this journey together!
I am a fully certified Emotionally Focused Therapist.
Finding a counselor can be a challenge, especially when there are so many options. My approach to counseling is personal. I take the time to listen and am honored to be trusted with your stories. My goal is to make sure all my clients feel seen, heard, and held. I specialize in helping adult individuals and couples tackle negative cycles, improve boundaries, improve their relationships, navigate life transitions, and manage anxiety and depression. Let's embark on this journey together!
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.
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.
Amy Pradna-Waugaman
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LLC, LLMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portage, MI 49002
I use a culturally responsive approach, integrating theoretical orientations such as Feminist & Family System therapies, CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Relational Life Therapy.
I work with couples and individuals. My work is rooted in relationships and clients come to me feeling stuck in unsustainable patterns, seeking help to break free. These patterns are a response to unmet attachment needs, typically developed as a means to survive dysfunctional family dynamics. Change can be harder to achieve when also dealing with the burden of depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma and betrayal, grief, or cultural and religious expectations. Eventually, clients want to find a way to liberate themselves, but don't know what that looks like or where to begin.
I use a culturally responsive approach, integrating theoretical orientations such as Feminist & Family System therapies, CBT, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Relational Life Therapy.
I work with couples and individuals. My work is rooted in relationships and clients come to me feeling stuck in unsustainable patterns, seeking help to break free. These patterns are a response to unmet attachment needs, typically developed as a means to survive dysfunctional family dynamics. Change can be harder to achieve when also dealing with the burden of depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, trauma and betrayal, grief, or cultural and religious expectations. Eventually, clients want to find a way to liberate themselves, but don't know what that looks like or where to begin.
Ted Wohlford
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
10 Endorsed
Greenville, MI 48838
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. Former established clients are always able to be rotated in regardless of my intake status.
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. Former established clients are always able to be rotated in regardless of my intake status.
Starr Golembiewski
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Okemos, MI 48864
Are you frustrated with just surviving when what you really want is to thrive? Maybe for you thriving means having healthy relationships. Or maybe you want to feel more confident, and able to identify and express values to live a more authentic life. Perhaps it's time to re-write narratives formed from childhood abuse or other traumatic event(s). My goal is to create a safe environment where you feel heard, and your problems understood, so we can begin the process of helping you live your best life. I serve individuals, couples and families with a strengths-based, mindful, emotionally-focused approach that empowers change.
Are you frustrated with just surviving when what you really want is to thrive? Maybe for you thriving means having healthy relationships. Or maybe you want to feel more confident, and able to identify and express values to live a more authentic life. Perhaps it's time to re-write narratives formed from childhood abuse or other traumatic event(s). My goal is to create a safe environment where you feel heard, and your problems understood, so we can begin the process of helping you live your best life. I serve individuals, couples and families with a strengths-based, mindful, emotionally-focused approach that empowers change.
Kelly Ibarra Emdr Sex Addiction Betrayal Infidelity
Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR, CSAT, EFT ACS, LPC, SCL
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Byron Center, MI 49315
She is a CSAT & is trained in Somatic EMDR & EFT.
I know you're "fine, totally fine, absolutely fine"...but just in case you're a little "not fine", I'm here. Maybe you are here because people whom you’ve naturally turned to for care and protection have hurt or neglected you in some way. Or maybe you're here because you have found yourself unable to honor the commitments and promises that you have made to yourself; or those whom you love due to your addictive behaviors. It takes time to allow the reality behind our symptoms to reveal themselves. Treatment can help you feel more present in the moment, in control of your world, compassionate towards all of your parts, and safe.
She is a CSAT & is trained in Somatic EMDR & EFT.
I know you're "fine, totally fine, absolutely fine"...but just in case you're a little "not fine", I'm here. Maybe you are here because people whom you’ve naturally turned to for care and protection have hurt or neglected you in some way. Or maybe you're here because you have found yourself unable to honor the commitments and promises that you have made to yourself; or those whom you love due to your addictive behaviors. It takes time to allow the reality behind our symptoms to reveal themselves. Treatment can help you feel more present in the moment, in control of your world, compassionate towards all of your parts, and safe.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and specialize in working with clients who are seeking marital and couples therapy.
Are you feeling like you and your significant other are stuck in a cycle of having the same argument? Do you get that "here we go again" feeling when conflict arises? Are your relationships impacted by your past? Are you looking for healing, growth, and freedom from burdens? If you can relate to any of these statements, I would love to help.
I am trained in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT) and specialize in working with clients who are seeking marital and couples therapy.
Are you feeling like you and your significant other are stuck in a cycle of having the same argument? Do you get that "here we go again" feeling when conflict arises? Are your relationships impacted by your past? Are you looking for healing, growth, and freedom from burdens? If you can relate to any of these statements, I would love to help.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) with over six years of experience working with Michigan residents to improve their mental health and reach their personal goals. I am enthusiastic about assisting couples improve their relationship satisfaction, as well as working with individuals to enhance the quality of their lives. My focus in relationship-therapies relies on methods from Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapies ( EFT). I have experience in working with individuals struggling with substance use concerns, trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual identity concerns, grief, management of ADHD symptoms, and life transitions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW) with over six years of experience working with Michigan residents to improve their mental health and reach their personal goals. I am enthusiastic about assisting couples improve their relationship satisfaction, as well as working with individuals to enhance the quality of their lives. My focus in relationship-therapies relies on methods from Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapies ( EFT). I have experience in working with individuals struggling with substance use concerns, trauma, depression, anxiety, sexual identity concerns, grief, management of ADHD symptoms, and life transitions.
Joelle King-Parrish
Licensed Professional Counselor, LLPC
Not Verified Not Verified
Okemos, MI 48864
EFT trained for couples.
Each person is unique. My primary approach to counseling is an integration of person-centered, mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral therapies. This approach strives to balance mindful awareness and collaborative effort to identify and change the clients' behavioral disturbances. I assist you in developing healthy solutions and coping skills to place in your 'toolbox' for life challenges. Treatment focuses on changing negative thought patterns in order to change behavioral and emotional stages. It is understood that therapy is not an instant fix, but I am eager to assist you in each step of your growth.
EFT trained for couples.
Each person is unique. My primary approach to counseling is an integration of person-centered, mindfulness-based and cognitive behavioral therapies. This approach strives to balance mindful awareness and collaborative effort to identify and change the clients' behavioral disturbances. I assist you in developing healthy solutions and coping skills to place in your 'toolbox' for life challenges. Treatment focuses on changing negative thought patterns in order to change behavioral and emotional stages. It is understood that therapy is not an instant fix, but I am eager to assist you in each step of your growth.
Sara B Dupuis
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LP, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
East Lansing, MI 48823
Waitlist for new clients
I have had specialized trainings in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Gottman, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART, Master Level), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches.
Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When relationships get off track, it can be so overwhelming. As such, I work with individuals, couples, and families to help heal the hurts and the pain of relational dynamics as well as trauma.
I have had specialized trainings in Emotionally Focused Therapy ( EFT), Gottman, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART, Master Level), and Internal Family Systems (IFS) approaches.
Relationships play an important role in our everyday lives. When relationships get off track, it can be so overwhelming. As such, I work with individuals, couples, and families to help heal the hurts and the pain of relational dynamics as well as trauma.
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.
Jessica Lee Carpenter
Pre-Licensed Professional
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48933
Waitlist for new clients
I am also EFT informed and use this approach with couples.
Life’s challenges are difficult to navigate alone. I believe there is hope for every difficult circumstance. My goal as a counselor is to come alongside you to help you discover your path to healing and growth. My approach is warm and genuine. I want to know your story and work collaboratively with you to discover your best path forward. I practice from a person-centered approach, utilizing elements from ACT, CBT, IFS and EFT.
I am also EFT informed and use this approach with couples.
Life’s challenges are difficult to navigate alone. I believe there is hope for every difficult circumstance. My goal as a counselor is to come alongside you to help you discover your path to healing and growth. My approach is warm and genuine. I want to know your story and work collaboratively with you to discover your best path forward. I practice from a person-centered approach, utilizing elements from ACT, CBT, IFS and EFT.
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 in 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 we can see the light in the darkness. 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 in 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 we can see the light in the darkness. 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?
Amber Parsell
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Lansing, MI 48912
I have training in EFT, Gottman, and CBT, but these will often be silent theoretical underpinnings to the conversations and relationship we will build.
I became a therapist because the journey towards holistic health is worthy of recognition and support. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, relationship struggles, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, and religious trauma.
I have training in EFT, Gottman, and CBT, but these will often be silent theoretical underpinnings to the conversations and relationship we will build.
I became a therapist because the journey towards holistic health is worthy of recognition and support. I specialize in working with adults experiencing anxiety, relationship struggles, divorce and co-parenting, grief and loss, and religious trauma.
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 provide a warm and supportive therapeutic space that acknowledges and respects your emotional experiences. Together, we will work towards uncovering your authentic self, freeing you from the oppressive 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 provide a warm and supportive therapeutic space that acknowledges and respects your emotional experiences. Together, we will work towards uncovering your authentic self, freeing you from the oppressive fog of depression and anxiety.
Amber R Drake
Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCP, LCPC, MA
Verified Verified
Marshall, MI 49068 (Online Only)
My approach with ACT, EFT, and Gottman Therapy offers new ways to manage emotions and improve relationships.
I love to help individuals or couples feeling stuck or overwhelmed and want to manage their emotions to improve and deepen their relationships. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, stress, or depression together we can use ACT to embrace mindful living or EFT and Gottman methods to enhance communication and deepen bonds. If you are ready to engage deeply and committed to growth, I am here to guide you toward achieving lasting emotional health and stronger relational bonds.
My approach with ACT, EFT, and Gottman Therapy offers new ways to manage emotions and improve relationships.
I love to help individuals or couples feeling stuck or overwhelmed and want to manage their emotions to improve and deepen their relationships. Whether you want to overcome anxiety, stress, or depression together we can use ACT to embrace mindful living or EFT and Gottman methods to enhance communication and deepen bonds. If you are ready to engage deeply and committed to growth, I am here to guide you toward achieving lasting emotional health and stronger relational bonds.
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.
Heather A. Frick
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Sparta, MI 49345 (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 Cass County
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.