In Person Therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

Currently accepting new clients, including individuals, couples, and families. It can be overwhelming reaching out for help when you are feeling lost, hopeless, anxious, or confused. It can be scary to begin your therapy journey. My role is to make sure that you feel comfortable to open up in ways that have previously felt impossible. On day one, I will join with you, hear your story, find where you want to go, and walk this path with you in a thoughtful, intentional, and caring way.

I believe that every person possesses the solutions they are searching for they just need someone to help them “mine” the answers. My role as a therapist is to help you find your answers, the answers that work for you and your life. I view myself as your companion on the journey towards the answers that you are searching for. I’ll challenge you and your thoughts by asking questions and offering varying perspectives while at the same time respecting you as the expert on your own life. I provide support, not judgement, as you work towards finding your own answers.

I work well with clients seeking help for problems with anxiety and depression. Those referred to me with these issues find that symptomatically they are struggling with panic, sleep disturbances, worry thoughts, self-defeating thoughts/behaviors, eating disorders,addictions and unknowingly, at times, some of their difficulties have been attached to old trauma. Many people with these sorts of struggles find that this spills over into problems with relationships and/or functioning at work and school. Areas of intimacy, both emotional and sexual are important work also. I work with individuals, married couples,families, and groups.

I truly enjoy partnering with adults to help them identify and achieve goals to improve their mental and physical health, and ultimately, their quality of life. I believe all people are unique, have an important life story, and deserve a counseling experiences that addresses their unique needs. As human beings, we often become trapped in doing, thinking, and feeling the same things over and over, without being aware of it, and wonder why we aren't making any progress in our jobs, relationships, health, and emotional well-being. How can we break out of this cycle?

The foundation of my practice is based on the 4 principles of Empathy, Encouragement, Awareness, and Empowerment. I believe the objective of counseling is to help individuals make sense out of emotional chaos. This comes through primarily understanding two things, 1. We are products of our environment, we do what we know. 2. We all have the power to change unhealthy or unwanted behavior. My experience as a Crisis Counselor as well as an individual counselor has given me experience with just about any issue. Please let me know what you're struggling with and we can determine together if I can be supportive.

Whether you are feeling disconnected, or hoping to break unhealthy patterns, or are looking to recover from a traumatic experience, we can work together to build on your strengths. I provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment, which helps clients to feel relaxed and at ease. My style is sincere, open and warm, and I encourage self care and self acceptance throughout the therapeutic process. Through honest, non-critical communication, I enjoy collaborating with clients to develop insight and clarity. My ideal client is ready to make the time to reflect and to take the steps toward positive change.

Do you need someone to walk alongside you as you navigate difficult times and seek personal growth? I am honored to offer a safe place for healing conversations. I have over 10 years of experience working with youth, families and individuals both in Latin America, as well as in the United States.

It takes a lot of strength to reach out when you are in need, and it says a lot about you that you are seeking support. If you choose to work with me, I promise to be patient as you address the challenges in your life. My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) which teaches individuals to change negative patterns of thinking to more positive and helpful thoughts. CBT helps individuals understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and actions and is one of the most common forms of therapy. It is evidence-based and has proven to be effective for a variety of mental health issues.

Are you seeing a counselor you don't vibe with? I specialize in going beyond traditional talk therapy to help people who are struggling with LIFE. My goal is to help you feel empowered to live as your true, authentic self. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support. Therapy is a process of growth and self-discovery, and can be experienced in various forms. I promote behavioral transformation by encouraging a positive outlook and the adoption of new attitudes and relationships through the use of expressive arts. I have the tools and professional experience to help you get back on track to obtain your successful outcome.

Everyone who takes the risk to try counseling needs to be listened to and their unique story heard. During counseling sessions you will feel valued, supported, and equipped to face the struggles of life. Together we'll figure out how you can move forward, if you feel stuck, and reach your goals. We'll use your strengths to overcome what may be holding you back, and holistic strategies for healing and growth. Whether dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulty, or some other issue, we can work together to develop solutions. As a therapist I offer you a fresh perspective, some new skills, guidance, and hope.

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.

Sometimes life can be overwhelming, and it can be difficult to manage the stress and trials that come. Our experiences can leave us feeling overwhelmed, alone, or unsure where to turn. When we feel stuck or scared, we can act in ways we question, lose track of what we value, or begin to feel unworthy of those around us. This can impact the way we interact with others and show up in our day to day lives. Through the counseling relationship you can learn to explore more about yourself, process your experiences and emotions, begin to heal, and take charge of the life you want to live.

Life can be difficult and sometimes we find ourselves feeling stuck, stressed, and lost. I seek to provide an affirming, nonjudgmental, and compassionate therapeutic environment to help you navigate life’s challenges and work toward a healthier and more meaningful life. My work involves helping people to explore the impact of past experiences, understand unhelpful patterns in their thinking and relationships, process painful emotions, and learn new skills to cope with their distress.

Life is often stressful and living with chronic illness only makes life more challenging. Having a therapist who also understands the mental and emotional side of chronic illness/diabetes can be really helpful. In my practice, I work with clients by compassionately building from their strengths, increasing their coping strategies for more insight and self-understanding, increased emotional regulation and stress management, and improving depression, anxiety, trauma, and diabetes-related distress.

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 am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the field as a therapist with children, adolescents, adults, and families since 2011 both in home-based and outpatient settings. I have a diverse experience using a variety of evidenced based treatments including psycho- dynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused therapy and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. My areas of practice include, but are not limited to: working with youth, young adults and families with the clinical focus of trauma related disorders, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and adjustment difficulties.

There has been a constant stream of worries, no matter how hard you try “not to think about it.” Once one thing subsides, your mind immediately moves on to the next. You feel tense and tight all the time and it’s affecting your sleep and ability to concentrate on anything else. If you’re being honest, it feels really lonely and isolating. People say you just need to let it go, but it’s not that easy. It feels like drowning in an ocean of negative thinking at times.

Many of us struggle to get out of the same cycle we're in and we want or need a change. Maybe you're in an unhealthy cycle in your relationship/marriage, in your parenting; or maybe your past trauma/abuse that was never dealt with is contributing to your current hardships. Maybe you're struggling with a cycle of depression, fear/panic, or addiction that you can't get out of. Sometimes it's hard to know where to start changing, but this is hopefully where I can begin helping you. I would love to hear your story and to provide you the clinical insight and direction you want/need to help you find healing, freedom, and contentment. :-)

I have found that self understanding always brings with it a measure of peace. I offer a collaborative journey to understand your unique story in an emotionally safe and respectful environment. My hope is to bring understanding to the parts of your life that seem to make no sense.