Therapists in Macatawa, MI

People enter into a counseling relationship when nothing else seems to be working. Although most people soon make comments such as, “(Counseling) was a lot better than I thought it would be”, few people seek counseling as a first option. More often we seek out techniques that either help us to temporarily avoid (e.g., media, social networking) our anxiety, or we seek temporary shots of pleasure (e.g., alcohol, food, pornography) that make us feel good for a short time. Soon enough we realize that all of these things leave us feeling more hollow and lonely, and that is when we start thinking about counseling.

My counseling service was created to help individual adults and couples untangle the ineffective and unhealthy patterns in life and relationships. Clients receive deep, lasting results with me because we address not just your most pressing problems, but also explore the problematic patterns in life that contributed to your current distress. I have a warm, engaging, open style that provides a trusting environment for successful therapy and change in the lives of my clients.

Over the past eighteen years, I have worked in community mental health, residential and private practice facilities helping children, adolescents, and adults solve problems and make significant changes in their lives. I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist, Certified Trauma Specialist, Adoption Specialist and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. I strongly believe that the therapeutic relationship is the most important element in making lasting changes. Helping you feel comfortable so we can build a trusting and secure relationship is my goal.

Is your young child struggling right now? Are you unsure how to help your family? Is connection feeling impossible? My specialty is child, adolescent, and family work, but I also love working with adults of all ages. In my work with children I believe it is important to come alongside caregivers and support them in understanding what is behind their child’s behavior, learn how to respond in ways that support healthy development, and find ways to care for themself in the process. I also seeks to make therapy fun for the entire family! I utilize approaches including play, sandtray, art, and self-compassion.

I recognize that telling our stories is not always easy, and I am honored to walk alongside those who choose to share their stories with me for a time. I particularly enjoy working with young adults in seasons of self-discovery or life transitions, and specialize in providing therapy to 17-30 year olds. Young adulthood is full of unique, and often overwhelming questions like “Who do I really want to be? How do I create the life I want for myself? Will I succeed? Where do I start?” I will offer support as we explore these questions and develop the vision, skills, and confidence to move forward.

Therapy is an invitation to begin where you are, just as you are. My first goal is to listen well and to seek to understand you. While my training includes many therapeutic approaches informed by research, I see therapy most of all as a creative process that unfolds within a genuine relationship. I believe that good therapy is flexible and responsive - it can be gentle and compassionate, serious and tough, and sometimes even very funny.

Currently accepting new clients. I have extensive experience working with teens and adults who are struggling with anxiety, depression, shame/guilt, trauma, family and relational difficulties, grief/loss and bereavement, school related or social issues. Through cognitive therapy, mindful practices, and skill based coping techniques I can work with you to reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life and relationships.

In my time working with children, families, and adults in therapeutic settings, I have found there are moments where a client gets a light in their eyes. Whether it be from feeling understood, or like they are no longer alone-these are the moments that embody my goal as a therapist. With trauma-informed, adaptive intervention approaches such as EMDR, reality therapies, somatic and narrative approaches, I work alongside clients to create a space based in their strengths.

My ideal client is someone who is looking to become a happier, healthier person. There are many challenges throughout our lives that come unexpectedly and without warning. Though we can't change that, we can change our approach to facing the challenges which can make all the difference. I consider it a privilege to walk next to you in this journey. You are stronger than you realize and I look forward to helping you see that! Life can and will get better on the other side of this.

Kris is skilled with treating a variety of life’s challenges, including adoption and foster care, identity, relationships, depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, body image/self-esteem issues, Obsessive-compulsive disorders and life transitions. She is expertly trained in numerous clinical utilities, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Attachment Focused EMDR, Brainspotting, Child-Centered play therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, Prolonged Exposure, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

I believe we all desire to live freely, love fully, be our real, true selves, and become our best selves. I want that for myself, and I want that you. But this earth we inhabit is a broken place, and life is messy and complicated. Relationships can be tricky too. Understanding and managing our own emotions, while trying to live with, and care for others and their stuff, often seems like an impossible endeavor. We all struggle with something or someone sometime, and there is no good reason to face yours alone. Life cannot be done on our own - it is too complex. We need others, others need us, and we all need GOD.

I currently specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults. As a native Spanish speaker, I am also able to provide clients with bilingual counseling sessions. This allows me to bridge the gap between many individuals who struggle with finding the appropriate services due to a language barrier. Additionally, during my career I’ve worked with clients to treat a variety of disorders including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and depressive disorders. I have additionally worked with clients facing varying challenges including self-harm, suicidal ideation, and trauma

Accepting Clients Ages 10 and Older! As a dedicated therapist, my passion lies in guiding you or your child through emotional and behavioral challenges, helping to heal from past traumas, and fostering a sense of safety and connection. With experience working with children, adolescents, and young adults, I am well-versed in addressing issues such as trauma, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, divorce, transitions to adulthood, toxic stress, self-esteem, and interpersonal communication. My goal is to provide a supportive and empathetic environment where you can find the path to growth and well-being.

I understand that trauma can be a barrier to living a full life. I also understand that anxiety and depression can be completely debilitating. My goal in private practice is to help you learn about your deepest self, develop healthy coping skills, become your best self advocate, and achieve the highest quality of life through cognitive behavioral and solution focused therapy. If you are in need of specific resources or community services, I walk alongside my clients to identify needs and coordinate services. I enjoy working with clients and professionals at all stages of mental health wellness.

I enjoy working with a wide range of people and concerns. I work in person or virtually and work to accommodate to your schedule the best I can. I work with teens and adults and my goal is to help you identify and achieve your goals for a more joy filled and hopeful future.

I am a firm believer that people are extremely resilient and it is a strength to ask for help!  My background is in child welfare where I have witnessed individuals, families and children overcome severe trauma. As a clinician, I aim to create a safe, non-judgmental environment where we work as a team to face any and all barriers within your life.  Because you are your biggest catalyst for change, we work together to create a treatment focus centered around your personal mental health goals.

I have worked as a Hospice Social Worker, an outpatient therapist for Pine Rest, and as a therapist treating adults with major mental health disorders with two Community Mental Health organizations. I have experience treating a variety of issues including depression, anxiety, sleep issues, compulsive behaviors, bipolar disorder, relationship and marital issues, grief and loss, domestic violence, stress, post-traumatic stress, trauma, anger management, and women's issues. I currently have immediate openings and no waiting list.

I've been in practice 25 yrs - with individuals/couples & families -- kids 6+, many teens, college students & adults. I'm shamelessly informal -- no ties or pressed shirts here!. The office is quite unique - - very large, ultra comfy, w/MANY natural oddities... slightly chaotic -- like life! Good strong coffee/tea/soda & munchies always available. Pets welcome. I'm adopted myself, a licensed foster parent, & work with trauma and attachment. I have a multi-cultural family & lived abroad (Africa). I do co-parenting therapy & am also very familiar w/court systems, working with Dr.'s, lawyers, schools and custody issues.