Psychodynamic Therapists in Franklin, MI

I have been a licensed clinical psychologist for 26 years. My career has had several chapters. I have been fortunate to work in a variety of clinics, hospitals (both inpatient psych and medical), the VA system, and two eating disorder programs. I was an academic for 10 years and a tenured professor at GVSU before returning to private practice full time. I am versed in cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychodynamic and internal family systems theory. I value mindfulness and exploring the meaning of life. I am also certified in EMDR and enneagram interpretation.

Accepting new patients now! Are you feeling stuck, in a rut or down? Do you know what you want but feel confused about how to get there? Getting stuck sometimes is normal and I can help. I believe that every person possesses a self-correcting impulse but, can only access this given the right circumstances. I will offer a safe & nurturing space to reconnect with this part of you. My goal in therapy is to help you gain personal insight and self mastery as well as self-compassion so that you may learn to overcome difficult or overwhelming feelings. As we work together, I will support and guide you toward confidence and independence.

In 30 years of private practice, I have learned some basic truths about people: each person is a unique individual, is attempting to do the best they can with their circumstances and abilities, seeks recognition and validation of their worth, desires a sense of belonging and purpose, and has an inner source of empowerment and health that can be accessed. I am an actively engaged, compassionate therapist, addressing the difficulties of adult life: anxiety, relationships, marriage, loneliness, anger, depression, addictions, not fulfilling one's dreams, coping with illness, loss and death, struggles with creativity and spirituality.

Be more at ease with yourself and in your relationships. Be better able to expand your life and experience more enjoyment. Decreased anxiety and improved mood are essential to unlocking these possibilities. You can develop tools for resolving present issues and ongoing struggles. I am an experienced therapist who works with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, situational stress, and issues that arise with life changes and challenges. I provide a warm, safe setting for expression of your concerns. I work in a collaborative format toward understanding self, moving through issues, and working toward goals.

Facing challenges is inevitable in life, but that doesn't mean those challenges have to be faced alone. As a therapist, I have a genuine interest in understanding your story in a deep & meaningful way. With time, we can work together to help you develop a stronger sense of self & agency as we learn about your patterns of emotions, thoughts & beliefs through treatment.

Therapy helps us gain valuable insight, tap into latent potential, break free of negative cycles, and cultivate new ways of being. I specialize in treating people who struggle with anxiety, social anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. I also focus on issues concerning self-worth, identity, interpersonal conflicts, toxic family/relationship dynamics, and personal meaning. My style is accepting, non-judgmental, and collaborative. As a therapist, I act as an ally, guide, and fellow traveler. I believe that with the right support, tools, and strategies, everyone is capable of positive growth.

For many people depression and anxiety, as well as other mental health problems can be difficult to treat successfully due to unresolved 'developmental trauma', or trauma related to the attachment type you had to your parent(s) / caregiver(s). I utilize psychodynamic psychotherapy and attachment theory which mainly deal with early connections, good or bad, with primary caretakers. I am also trained in many new treatments based on the latest understanding of brain science, that are effective in treating unresolved developmental trauma, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Life can be difficult, but I believe that with the aid of therapy people can obtain a deeper understanding of themselves, and find ways to overcome their obstacles. I work with children, adolescents, and adults, and have experience with treating mood and personality disorders, anxiety, behavioral problems, relationship/marital conflicts, and parental/family issues. I believe every person is unique, therefore I utilize a variety of treatment approaches, including- Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Family Systems.

My ideal client would be someone who is invested in the process of exploring their greater capabilities and open to change and personal growth. I enjoy working with individuals who are curious about the world and their role in it, and who are eager to explore the depths of their inner selves. I am very comfortable treating a variety of mood disorders, including Major Depressive Disorders, Phobias, Generalized and Social Anxiety Disorders, and Trauma. In addition, I love to assist individuals to reach their highest levels of functioning through Life Coaching.

I have over 22 years of mental health experience with a Doctorate Degree in Clinical Psychology from the MiSPP and Master of Arts Degree from the UDM in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in addiction studies. I provide Compassionate and Individualized treatment. My approach to therapy is eclectic utilizing a variety of modalities, including psychodynamic, solution focused, insight orientated. I have experience working with adolescents, adults, and geriatrics seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, health issues, divorce, life transitions, stress, LGBT+ issues, parent training, couples counseling, and consultation.

I provide psychotherapy and treat individuals and families. We can work together to help you alleviate stress and distress, improve self esteem and relationships, strengthen academic and occupational dynamics and enhance your quality of life. Comprehensive experience with depression, anxiety (PTSD & OCD), sexual abuse, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-esteem, relationship issues and behavioral problems. I also conduct psychological testing, including the need for school/ standardized testing accommodations, IQ, ADHD, learning disabilities, information processing, achievement/academic, and personality and emotional functioning. Theoretical orientation is psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral and family systems. I am in network with various insurance companies and will offer sliding scale if indicated.

Are you someone who is ready to move in a new direction, release past hurts, overcome lifelong challenges? Are you struggling with addiction, depression, grief, anxiety, a trauma history or life transitions such as divorce, job loss, graduation, marriage or new parenthood? Maybe anger and stress or medical diagnosis are your challenge. If so, I can help. We will work together to help you find your way through this time in your life, to find more balance, ease and peace within yourself and your relationships.

I have experience working individually with children, adolescents, and adults as well as families. I strive to connect with all of my clients on a deep authentic level while fostering a safe and supportive environment. People develop conscious and subconscious strategies of getting through difficult periods of their lives. Frequently, these strategies result in maladaptive behaviors, thought patterns, and interpersonal struggles. Through empathetic connections, nonjudgmental acceptance, and evidence based modalities, we can unearth long-standing behavior patterns or negative perceptions that may be holding you back from your goals.