Therapists in Traverse City, MI

I believe that counseling is a collaboration between client and therapist. I combine both traditional therapy techniques (CBT, DBT, etc.) with the knowledge that each member brings about themselves to help them create the best rest of their lives. Humor, feedback, support, skill building and education are all used in this collaboration. Warning: I give homework! I use lots of humor in therapy. Some of the issues I am adept at working with are: Pet Loss/Grief, People Loss/Grief, Native American Issues, Menopause, Neurodiversity and Introvert issues, Self Esteem and Confidence, Caregiver issues, Isolation and Loneliness, and much more

As a client-centered therapist, I believe you are the expert in your own life. I consider it to be a privilege and blessing to be a part of your journey to find fulfillment in your life. I work from a holistic framework, holding the central hypothesis that every person has the innate potential for personal awareness and growth. I strive to maintain the creative and dynamic process of therapy utilizing theory and interventions from multiple models of therapy. I am committed to creating a therapeutic environment based on collaboration, action-oriented interventions, skill building and honest, supportive feedback.

My clients are children from infancy through age 10 (and their parents and caregivers) who want to improve their relationships and the ways they function in this difficult world. I help them understand each other, communicate, process their emotions, deal with life’s problems, and heal from past wounds, especially from trauma. Trauma can affect children’s behaviors and emotions in ways that may be surprising. They may seem withdrawn or angry or highly emotional or defiant ... and sometimes all of these in one day! Children who have not been traumatized may also run this gamut, leaving parents confused.

Have you ever felt trapped by intrusive thoughts, worry, or fears that don’t go away? You might be afraid to share these thoughts or concerns with others, even those closest to you. Or maybe you're embarrassed because you easily misplace things, often arrive late to important meetings, have difficulty paying attention when others are talking, or constantly feel disorganized no matter how hard you try. It might not seem possible to have a life without your thoughts or feelings taking over. I'm here to tell you that relief is possible and you don’t need to suffer anymore! Together, we will pick a treatment that’s best for YOU.

Jennifer obtained both her Bachelors and Masters in Social Work from Ferris State University, and is a Limited License Masters of Social Work (LLMSW) Clinician. She has experience working in the mental health field and has the ability to connect with families, adults and children, her approach is strength based and person centered.

Are you are experiencing anxiety or depression? Are you distressed in your relationships or with your gender identity or sexual function? Are you in grief, confronting mortality, and managing a complex medical illness or disability? Have you lost what it feels like to be yourself?

Mental Wellness Counseling is a Northern Michigan Counseling Practice. Our counselors use their passion, experience and specialties to help clients heal from traumatic experiences, address symptoms related to anxiety and depression, help strengthen relationships and help guide you through the journey of finding the best version of yourself. When you call we try to make the best fit for you based on your needs and goals. We offer face to face and virtual sessions to best meet your needs. We now have 3 locations! Two in Traverse City and a new office in Manistee!

These last few years of the pandemic have been very difficult for most people. I have seen a surge in anxiety, depression, loneliness, stress on marriages and family relationships, health issues, and loads of despair and grief. The pandemic has seemed to push some of these issues to the front and center for people and they can no longer be avoided or dismissed. It is a sensitive time for people to begin addressing their need for help. It can be so overwhelming and difficult to know how to begin talking about it - especially with someone who is a stranger such as myself.

WELCOME! I am so glad you are here. As a pain psychotherapist (etymologically, “psychotherapist” means an “attendant of the soul”), I begin with the conviction that transformation is only possible in the context of a safe and trusting relationship and that your highest Self already knows what it needs to heal. I also am of the Palliative Care Philosophy that “True Pain” consists of at least five dimensions: physical, psychological, emotional, social, and spiritual/existential.

Need some help? I did too. No one has it all together. I work with frustrated parents, kids & teens with behavioral/mood issues, searching young adults, & individuals dissatisfied with their life. Life is a journey, at times through the journey we can lose our sense of direction, hope, and purpose. I would like to come along side of you on your journey, & help you find solutions so you can move forward!

I consider counseling a sacred space. My hope is to provide a safe environment where we can delve into what concerns you. Sessions are intimate where we learn and share. The power of counseling and talking and releasing fears, worries and relinquishing your feelings is therapeutic. My objective is to empower you to create a better lifestyle for yourself through understanding, self-confidence, control, and carrying out your goals.

I am licensed in Michigan with 20 years of counseling experience. I have worked to help people cope with stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD, C-PTSD, trauma and abuse as well as attachment and intimacy related issues. I have had the privilege of working with a wide variety of people with various racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ community. I believe in a strength-based and resilience-informed approach to therapy.

I believe in the inner strength and wisdom of each individual. As a therapist, I see my role as helping each person access their own wisdom through the therapeutic healing process. Each person deserves to enjoy their life and thrive by being who they are meant to be. Therapy is a collaborative process and I work with clients within a safe, non-judgemental, and non-pathologizing relationship. Being a therapist has been a life-long vision and I am honored to work with each individual. As a gifted, caring and intuitive therapist, I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, Addictions, Eating Disorders, and Trauma.

I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.

Through therapy, I help people navigate challenges and find resilience. For couples, I offer guidance in building intimacy and overcoming issues such as infidelity and communication barriers. For individuals, no matter what significant life challenges you may be facing, I’ll work with you to explore the best paths forward. Known for integrating strength and practical insights, I guide you towards happiness with a truthful and compassionate approach. As a Christian counselor I can help you heal, establish boundaries, and cultivate a life filled with joy and spiritual fulfillment.

Are you a person or couple whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns.

Hi! My ideal client is someone who is struggling with anxiety/depression or both. Trauma is also one of my specialties. My client wants to get to a place where he or she can be comfortable with themself and recognizes they are not living their best life. They are ready to delve into their past & present and are ready to divulge that which is preventing or getting in the way of experiencing life to the fullest. Be ready to reacquaint yourself with yourself, let go of crippling fear and gain self confidence that has been lost. I am ready to help you. Are you ready to help yourself?

Thank you for taking time to learn how we can partner together. I offer an atmosphere of warmth, encouragement, wellness and 35 years of experience as a marriage & family psychologist. Having raised a son and daughter, married a long time and six grandchildren, I know families, careers and life in general can be very stressful. It is my passion to help you make your journey easier and successful for you. Knowledge is power - the more you learn about yourself, communication skills, and acquire tools to eliminate depression, anxiety, anger, phobias, etc. the happier you will be in all aspects of life!

I believe that all humans are created with the desire to heal and move to wholeness. Life events, family of origin or trauma can disrupt this wholeness often leaving in it's place anxiety, depression and feeling stuck. It is my honor to collaborate with my clients to restore balance and return to a place of wholeness, joy and security.