Relationship Issues Therapists in Portage, MI

Let's work together to problem solve, learn skills and strategies to achieve your ultimate goals. Through therapy and increased awareness we can identify possible obstacles in having the life you want as we explore and discover ways to increase happiness and success in areas that are important to you.

I assist individuals and families in solving problems as they work toward recovery from addiction and other mental health conditions. I can serve as a guide, resource and source of strength for those who wish to undertake this journey. For individuals, I have an extensive background in substance use and other mental disorders and can help you work through the problems associated with those disorders. For families, I can also assist in helping parents, spouses and/or children understand what is happening to their loved one and provide coping skills for the challenges presented by the problems of the mind.

I am a licensed psychologist with a background in community mental health and university counseling practicing privately since 2011. I take a holistic approach to therapeutic work, using the context of culture, personal development, and multiple dimensions of identity. I also specialize in evidence-based therapies including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), behavioral activation for depression, radically open dbt (RODBT) for issues of over-control, and prolonged exposure for PTSD. I am board certified as a DBT therapist through the Linehan Institute and infuse elements of DBT like mindfulness practice into my general work.

You are not broken, you are deeply hurt. It is easy to find yourself in unhelpful patterns & ways of being. This might be due to your nervous system being flooded with anger, fear & despair. In a creative way to survive, you have found self-protection strategies. Unfortunately, these strategies are likely no longer helpful. Part of our work together will be unraveling this muscle memory to reveal how you can live a life that is true to you. YOU become the place of self-awareness, peaceful acceptance & intentional action. As a certified trauma professional & art therapist, I integrate these tools into our therapeutic work.

I enjoy working with individuals of all different backgrounds, but with a particular interest in women's issues, addictions, and family conflict. As your psychologist, I will seek to understand the challenges that you face and I will join you in developing and implementing a plan for personal growth.

Everyone has experienced trauma: either "small-t trauma" such as grief/loss, verbal abuse/bullying, injuries/illnesses, or instability in the home or "large-T trauma" such as rape, assault, physical/sexual abuse, or debilitating injury/illness. As a result of trauma, some individuals experience disruptive memories and/or emotional distress from current situations. I assist clients in gaining insight on their situations as well as the development of specific skills and behaviors that will help to reduce emotional distress. I believe that every client has the ability to heal from trauma.

I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist specializing in EMDR Therapy.  I use EMDR to treat the impacts of traumatic events, PTSD, grief, anger, and addictions including substance and sexual addictions. I primarily work with Veterans and First Responders, and individuals on the front lines of taking care of others. When you face the dangers of the world head-on on a daily basis, asking for help may feel counterintuitive. At the same time, avoiding problems, thinking they will get better on their own, or denial of their existance (despite the evidence) is a guaranteed path to less-than-ideal outcomes.

Our world is a busy and complicated place, full of impersonal demands and unrealistic expectations. Living our lives on full display in the digital age can make it even more difficult to find true authenticity, peace and fulfillment. What we really need is the opportunity to pause and take a look at what we truly want for ourselves, and whether our energy and gifts are being used in pursuit of our purpose and passion. Counseling offers this opportunity for self-examination, along with the chance to expand coping skills, develop personal strengths, and solidify and repair relationships.

I am here to support you as you navigate life's challenges and transitions. My first goal is to create a safe, confidential and relaxed environment where you can share freely and be your genuine self. I focus on the whole person and use a mix of techniques including compassion, empathy, strengths-based, skill-building, mindfulness and creative expression to address a variety of issues. We will work together to set goals and create steps to achieve those goals based on what you want and need.

I approach therapy as a process of joining with my clients in dealing with difficult situations that they face. I will listen carefully and strive to provide an emotionally safe and nonjudgmental space to explore and work through your concerns. Experiencing a genuine connection in a relaxed atmosphere is an essential part of the therapy process. Whether you find yourself stuck in old patterns or life changes, I can provide support, discovery and insight that can help you move through painful issues to a life with more joy, meaning and peace.

Maria A. Williams, Licensed Social Worker (LMSW), holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University, with an Interpersonal Practice scope. Maria has experience working with children of all ages, teens, young adults and families. Maria has shown to be effective in developing healthy long-lasting therapeutic relationships. She has experience working with many life themes; grief, depression, anxiety, relationships, self-esteem, academics, teen pregnancy, foster care, substance use, social media, and other difficult issues that adolescents, teens, and adults face.

You have just made a very important step towards finding your healing. Our providers are well-trained and prepared to address your concerns and meet your mental health needs. Chosen, PLLC is a safe, collaborative space for you to explore, learn, grow, and develop skills to help you create the life you desire. If you are tired of your current situation or otherwise just feel like a change is in order, you are in the right place.

"One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious" - C.G. Jung Over the past eight years while in private practice, I have been privileged to work with individuals and families with a vast array of concerns and suffering.

Hello! Thank you for stopping by. I am a Social Worker and therapist with 20 years experience in the mental health field. What sets me apart though? I have a very passionate, upbeat personality that shines through in my practice. I work hard to help my clients see the strength they already have within and that I am just a facilitator to help them achieve any goal they set forth for themselves. I am honest and "real". I would be happy to chat with you about your goals and how we can work to achieve them together!

My goal is to help clients achieve improved functioning as quickly as possible. I believe the most powerful transformation comes from a combination of techniques to understand and reset non-adaptive patterns, including neurofeedback, other forms of biofeedback, such as heart rate variability, emotional freedom technique (EFT), and a personality assessment I use called the Enneagram, combined with behaviorally-based counseling, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The combination of these techniques provide the foundation for holistically examining issues that stand in the way of a fuller life.

Welcome to the therapy community, I’m so glad you’re here. In this safe and supportive space, we'll work together to explore your thoughts, emotions, and goals. I believe in a person centered approach where you are the expert. I’m here to assist you in navigating life's challenges, fostering growth, and achieving lasting well-being. Your journey towards healing and self-discovery begins here.

Brene Brown stated, “Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It’s about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen.” Being our authentic self is easier said than done, but it is totally worth it. To develop this, we need to embrace our strengths, explore our values, pay attention to our self-talk, notice our emotions, practice mindfulness, build a solid social support network, and face our fears. When we live authentically, we generate trust within ourselves and with others. This process can be difficult but is worth it.

Therapy is cool! Let me tell you why. I know that sometimes life can seem like a constant struggle and that change is hard. However, feeling happy and fulfilled IS possible and it is what we all deserve. I understand that beginning the (therapy) process can be overwhelming. I can help you get the ball rolling and guide you into a life that you are excited to live. Every therapist is different and it is important to find one that aligns with your individual personality and style. Let's see if I am a match!

The way trauma, anxiety and stress manifest in the body and mind is different for everyone. Some people may develop coping mechanisms such as avoidance or hypervigilance, while others may lash out or mask their feelings with substance use, anger, unhealthy or codependent relationships. Building a solid understanding of how various stressors affect the brain is key to understanding why you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope with life's curveballs.