Therapists in Lakeview, MI

I believe in the power of therapy to be a catalyst for growth, to gain new perspectives for tackling challenges, and to improve dynamics between individuals and within families. However, it all starts with relationship. I am committed to creating an inviting, safe space for my clients. My sixteen years as a progressive educator provide the roots of my growth-oriented approach and are the foundation on which I work to collaborate with clients when learning new skills, new perspectives or processing painful life events.

I work with individuals, couples and families to alleviate misery and increase wellbeing. MISERY - Depression. Anxiety. Family conflict. Feeling hopeless and helpless, day after day. WELLBEING - Affirmation of one’s value and worth, talents and strengths. Embracing hope. Good health. Fulfilling relationships. Everyone experiences disappointment and pain. You, though, are able to live a full and meaningful life. Embrace hope, be persistent. You will experience joy and meaning in life: “Life’s good and I’m blessed.” These are my focus and my goals for you as your counselor.

I provide counseling to individuals, families, couples, teens and older adults helping to assess and come up with ways to move through life's challenges. Each client presents with unique needs and that is the starting point to come up with a client centered plan to make changes and move forward. I have experience working with various areas; but most of my clients present with depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship conflicts, losses and grief, addictions as well as employment concerns. I have worked in the mental health field for almost 40 years and see how empowerment and guidance can help peoples' lives vastly improve.

I believe that clients have within themselves an amazing ability to self-heal, and the role of the counselor is to find and tap into that ability. I also believe it is important to learn about each client's world and to develop a relationship where clients can feel understood and supported while learning about themselves. This creates the space for exploring the choices they have and any changes they may want to make toward more personal fulfillment. Therapy for children may involve consultation with parents who need support meeting their child's challenges. Play therapy is used with children.

I would like the opportunity to join with you while you are facing challenging times, so you can have more of the life you want with less emotional discomfort and distress. I will provide a safe, nonjudgmental professional relationship. I will carefully listen, provide knowledgeable feedback, and collaboratively work with you toward your desired goal or goals. I have many years of therapy experience. I primarily work with individuals and some couples.

Do you have or suspect you have ADHD? Has social media, yes TikTok/instagram, lead you to suspect you may have ADHD but don't know where to start. I'm passionate about helping you understand ADHD, how it affects YOU and what you can do with it. ADHD is widely misunderstood as a lack of focus or attention. ADHD is more accurately an issue of regulation which includes emotions, impulsivity, money, attention, sensory sensitivity etc. I work with clients on managing the symptoms of ADHD, the shame, guilt, anxiety and depression that stem from having ADHD in our society. Let's work together to create an environment that suits your brain.

The relationship between client and clinician is a key component of treatment efficacy. I believe that this therapeutic relationship is founded in a spirit of collaboration, an emotional bond and an agreement on goals and tasks. Two main characteristics of therapy are critical to the building of this therapeutic alliance: expertise and compassion. I am confident in my ability to help resolve any issues in a satisfying manner, prepared in both theory and practice, clear in my thoughts, ideas, and logical in the problem solving process. Of equal importance, I am accepting, understanding and genuinely interested in you and your needs.

Life is ever changing and at times it can become very difficult. During these times we need others to walk us through these challenges. Together we can explore what is currently not working in your life and the changes you want to make. In sessions, we will develop the needed tools to help you make healthier choices for your life, develop skills to address problems and build a suppport system that works for you. I utilize a variety of counseling approaches and techniques to meet the needs of your situation. I work with individuals, couples and families.

I believe life is a process. Many things occur during this process. The challenge is our perspective and how we chose to look at life. There are times when the lenses through which we use to view life are clouded, but with the proper adjustments our vision can be much clearer.