Psychodynamic Therapists in Pleasant Ridge, MI

I provide psychodynamic psychotherapy for adults, College students and adolescents. I am also a psychoanalyst working with issues that require numerous sessions a week. Both approaches allows you to express internal thoughts and feelings and worries you have, and it can begin to help you understand them in a deeper way. Many people suffer from negative thinking and get stuck in that state of mind, thinking those feelings are their reality. It is only a partial state of mind, it holds us back from being more productive and enjoying life.

I offer a safe space for you to be vulnerable, heard, and validated. I understand that no single approach is right for any one person. We will work together to clarify your needs in a non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and ideas. We will navigate fears, process your past, and learn the coping skills that will be best suited for you. Through therapy you will feel more understanding and compassion toward yourself, experience fulfillment in your relationships, and feel more confident moving forward in life.

At Michigan Modern Psychology (MMP) we offer therapy and evaluations for individuals of all ages in a private and comfortable setting. With multiple therapists on staff to meet your clinical needs, we provide comprehensive and well-rounded treatment for children, individuals, couples and families. We are committed to providing the latest in clinical innovations from the behavioral sciences within a psychodynamic context. The practice first opened in 1996 and continues to grow.

I will help you become the architect of your own life - overcoming the internal obstacles that prevent you from experiencing, freedom, control & happiness. You may wish to conquer a strategic goal, or address a more complex problem - relational, emotional, professional or behavioral - or perhaps something you cannot define. I am adept at understanding human dynamics, and can bring clarity to your mental chaos or confusion. I'm comfortable with all manner of personal experience and emotional expression. I will approach you with genuine interest, compassion & non-judgmental curiosity.

I am a clinical social worker and psychotherapist with over a decade of professional experience in various social work roles. I have provided psychotherapy to individuals with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, complex trauma, and relationship issues. While my focus has mainly been on working with adult individuals, I also have experience and training in working with adolescents.

Couples - Have you been working through your “stuff” but still finding yourselves in conflict? Do you KNOW it doesn’t have to be this hard but everything you try just ends in a fight anyway? I work exclusively with couples where both people have some insight into what they bring to the conflict and are psychologically-minded enough to know that it doesn’t have to be this hard. I'll help you identify patterns, develop alternative behaviors, and deeply connect; creating safe space for each of you to heal, grow, and find the support and compassion for yourself/each other to live a wholeheartedly conscious and fulfilling life together!

You’ve been living by everyone else’s needs instead of your own. You want to stop abandoning yourself, but everyone else is relying on you, and you can’t let them down. You attempt to prioritize your wellbeing, but every time you plan to do something for yourself, you feel a pervasive sense of guilt. Knowing you’re everyone’s go-to counselor and cheerleader provides temporary relief from the profound feelings of worthlessness that plague you. While you’re dedicated to the happiness of others, the true reason for your incredible care is that you’re terrified of being alone and disappointing others.

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.

My primary goal as a therapist is to assist you in achieving your goals and support you through any adversities that may come your way. Therapy is not a “one size fits all” approach—each client is unique and has different techniques that work and do not work to achieve their goals. I am passionate and dedicated to the mental health field, and I believe each client is more than their symptoms and should be treated with dignity and respect. I graduated with a BA in Psychology and received my MSW from the University of Michigan, where I specialized in the area of Interpersonal Practice with a concentration in Mental Health.

My area of experience and expertise is in helping you to reduce symptoms and suffering. I believe that through a therapy approach that focuses on learning about oneself, problem-solving, and empowerment, personal growth and overcoming obstacles is very possible. I have worked as a psychotherapist for over 10 years, (and in the social services industry for about 25 years), with consumers from many backgrounds, and with a wide range of mental health issues. Currently at Start My Wellness I am primarily working with adults and children/adolescents from age 13 and up.

I believe it is our nature to heal and as individuals facing adversity, we often need support from others. My goal in therapy is to partner with clients to foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect that acts as a container for healing, resilience, and growth. It is my passion to empower others to better understand themselves and the world around them so they can show up more fully in their lives. We’ll do this together by exploring challenges and strengths, uncovering blind spots, and developing new strategies for leading a happier and healthier life.

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.

I believe that therapeutic change comes from the process of building and maintaining relationships while remaining connected to our sense of self, including within the therapy room. I work primarily from a relational and psychodynamic stance, meaning that I am interested in how your past experiences impact you in the present. My approach to therapy is also informed by attachment patterns (how we act and feel in relationships) and somatic sensations (what our body is telling us about our environment).

Our emotional landscapes are frequently influenced by past experiences, challenges, or traumas. Inner struggles might manifest as anxiety or depression. Perhaps it's simply a sense that something isn't quite right. Addressing challenging emotions or experiences can lead to healthier coping mechanisms. One's personal history often shapes their present emotional state. By navigating painful experiences from the past and present, individuals can develop resilience.