Experiential Therapy in Kentwood, MI

I have deep passion for helping individuals on their journey to healing, I specialize in working with those who are motivated to overcome complex trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and personality disorders. I believe in the power of experiential therapy and the transformational potential of Narrative therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and ADEP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). These therapeutic approaches form the cornerstone of our practice, guiding my clients toward a more profound understanding of their inner worlds and the narratives that shape their lives.

I truly care about my clients and will provide a confidential, empathic, and non-judgmental environment. My ideal client might be in distress and simply in need of relief or someone who wants to investigate themselves and grow through the process. My ideal client might not be sure if therapy will help. I would try a variety of strategies to show you that it can. I have had challenges in life and I have received help from many people along the way. I believe that we should receive help when we need it and help others when we are able to do so. I look forward to collaborating in our work together!

My name is Michelle Grabill, and I am a therapist at Life Journey Psychological Services. I am excited to offer my services to clients of all demographics, and I am passionate about incorporating horses into therapy to create a unique and effective experience. I understand that seeking therapy can be a difficult decision, and I commend you for taking this step towards self-improvement. I believe that everyone deserves to have access to mental health care, and I am committed to providing a safe and supportive space for all of my clients.

You deserve the support you need and I am here to help you find it. I specialize in treating many forms of trauma. My priority is to help you find strength, support, and confidence in and out of session. If you are dealing with trauma (Including C-PTSD), anxiety, depression, or relational issues I can help you find control and agency over your experience that create overwhelming thoughts and feelings.

Feeling overwhelmed by perfectionism and anxiety? Does it feel like you are constantly having to put others first or that no matter what you do it isn't good enough? If past trauma or challenging family dynamics are impacting your sense of self and happiness, you're not alone. I specialize in helping adults navigate the effects of childhood trauma and significant life events. My approach integrates advanced frameworks like NARM, IFS, and EMDR with a holistic blend of somatic and talk therapy. By addressing both the mind and body, I tailor my methods to support comprehensive healing.

My goal as your therapist is to support and empower you toward your goals and promote healing. I believe in listening to your story, helping you uncover your priorities, and offering the tools to help you decide next steps. This may involve utilizing the healing power of exercise, art, or play; it may also involve processing your thoughts on a deeper level verbally or through writing. I believe optimal health encompasses the whole person physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and creatively. I see all these areas as connected. Because every person is unique, I will tailor our time to your individual needs and interests.

I am a Licensed Master Social Worker. I earned my bachelor's degree in History from Taylor University; a Master's degree in Student Personnel Administration in Higher Education from Ball State University; and a Master's degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University. I have over 25 years of experience working in counseling, training, higher education, non-profit administration, and financial planning. My experience as a clinical therapist, has spanned over 23 years. I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, addictive personalities, spiritual issues, financial issues, and cognitive restructuring.

Your mental health matters! I'm here to help! Taking the next step can be intimidating and difficult, but a different perspective may help you create balance and a renewed sense of stability. It is my intention to help you expand your life beyond the “couch,” where even the smallest of adjustments can make a huge impact. One of the most crucial parts of the therapeutic process is connection. I approach each session with warmth and an empathetic, listening ear to provide you a space where you feel heard, understood, and hopeful for your future.

I eagerly await to hear your story. Within many of our stories is something that becomes overwhelming. This begins to weigh us down and hinders our quality of life. When you share that something with me, we will find something to do about it. You've already done a considerable amount of work up until this point; its time to share some of that load.

If it has come time to make behavioral changes that can transform into positive pro-social skills (weight loss, quitting smoking, better parenting, vocational training, basic needs training, and many obsessive behaviors. At the same time, it coincides with marriage/couple counseling, families, and individual sessions. Please reach out and chart a new path and see a new cusp of opportunities.

I approach therapy with a sense of curiosity and mindful intention. I honor the sacredness of the client-therapist relationship and invite you to explore your feelings in a safe, judgement-free environment. I believe therapy provides the ultimate venue for self- care and personal growth. I am passionate about utilizing creative techniques as a tool to healing and empowerment. I look forward to walking with you wherever you may be in your journey, encouraging you to listen to your inner wisdom, and working together to build the strengths and skills to live your best life.

I believe you possess the potential for positive change! Together we will work on overcoming anxiety, depression, trauma, broken relationship patterns, dysfunctional behaviors, and destructive false beliefs that have kept you stuck (I’m stupid...I’m ugly... I’m powerless...etc). If you are ready to embark on your healing journey - Let’s talk! While we can can't change the past, we can change destructive beliefs resulting from old hurts, traumas, and unmet childhood needs. Get ready to finally accept and love yourself and enjoy healthy, authentic relationships!

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 have specialized in working with Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders since the late 1990's and have worked with hundreds of patients, trained other professionals all over the US, and published a range of books on optimal OCD treatment ("The OCD Meditation Book"; "The ERP Cure"). OCD is the result of miscalibrated circuitry in the brain that should be looking for danger, but for those of us with OCD is looking for perfection which it can never find. Having OCD myself I will be able to more quickly understand the way your OCD works and develop a specially tailored plan to get your brain working better.

Do you long to experience change in your life? Maybe you're feeling defeated in life, seeking freedom from a shaming voice inside, longing for greater connection in relationships, or facing a significant transition or loss. Whatever you're experiencing, I believe there is no cookie cutter approach to addressing the complex problems of life. I view psychotherapy as a coming alongside journey that creates an open, safe space where you as a whole person and the particulars of your story (including those places where you feel most stuck) can be explored, understood, and worked through to cultivate hope and transformation.