Therapists in Traverse City, MI

Building trust and connection with my clients is a vital part of my practice. I am diligent about exploring goal progress, satisfaction levels and potential barriers, because I know that mental health and well-being does not happen in a vacuum. The only way therapy and possible medications can do their job is through a wholistic approach that is focused on achieving lasting results.

Do you notice yourself avoiding your fears, grief, trauma, social gatherings, or pleasurable activities? Do you wish to overcome these avoidances or feelings of excessive worry? Avoiding these emotions and issues may cause uncontrollable panic or wreak havoc on your day-to-day life, forcing you to engage in other negative or maladaptive behaviors. If your avoidance behaviors are getting in the way of your life, you're in the right place. Together we will practice innovative and creative skills in therapy to overcome waves of emotions, mental breakdowns, overwhelming stress, anxiety, and complex trauma.

Through my clinical experience, I have worked with a wide range of client populations – from young people navigating thoughts of self-harm to older adults attempting to understand their emotions and behavioral responses. Many clients have come to me to work through issues like anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Using a wide range of tools, including motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and psychodynamic therapy, I help individuals negotiate complex life obstacles with an emphasis on empathy and empowerment, cultivating self-compassion and resilience.

Life can be confusing and, at times, difficult to navigate. The path to personal development and growth is not always linear. Wherever you may be on your personal journey, I will meet you there. Together, we will utilize evidence-based practices to explore any unproductive thought patterns to change the way the brain processes and responds to our environment. Our goal; to improve overall quality of life. I work from a strength-based, person-centered model, and believe the only person who can determine what is best for you is, of course, YOU!

Starting therapy can be a little bit frightening, and overwhelming, but I will provide a supportive and nonjudgmental space where you will be able to explore your past experiences, and current conflicts. It is a relief when you figure things out, put feelings into words, understand yourself, and build from your strengths. As a parent you will learn how to communicate with your kids and teens since they do not come with instruction manuals. There are no silly questions when it comes to parenting. I am trained in psychoanalytic psychotherapy, attachment-based, and mindfulness-based psychotherapy.

I am dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals from all walks of life, with a particular emphasis on assisting athletes. With a background in Sport Management from Western Michigan University and as a former youth athlete, I understand the unique pressures and challenges that athletes face both on and off the field. Performance anxiety, high expectations on the self and possibly from others, or the frustration of in juries are simply a fraction of the issues that athletes of all ages can face.

Your smile is different – once natural, it is now wavering, feeling more like a lie with each passing day. You’ve had to keep it plastered on your face for as long as you can remember: to look happy, to keep the peace, to not be noticed as a problem. The thought of standing out now as someone who needs help, who isn’t okay all the time, is terrifying. Yet you don’t know how long you can keep this up. Everything in your life feels out of control, and anxiety and isolation weigh heavy on your heart. You’re wondering why, after so many years of successfully keeping your emotions under wraps, they now seem to be running your life.

Psychotherapy is about improving your life. I am a highly trained, motivated and experienced therapist. I am passionate about helping you. Many people feel stuck and unsure of what is causing their symptoms. If you would like to understand yourself better, find relief and learn new skills, call me. We will work together to help you get more of what you want out of life. I have 15 years of professional experience and I'm a Board Certified Psychoanalyst. We will work together to help you feel more empowered to deal with challenges, reduce symptoms and improve your relationships.

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.

A wise philosopher once said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Small changes, even increasing self-awareness, can collect and snowball into life-changing transformations. These changes and transformations currently may be hard to imagine or fully believe, and we can still choose to bravely take that step. Whatever length your journey, I offer support along the road and a safe space for exploration, expression, insight, and transformation.

Perinatal and Postpartum therapy is so important to me and I wish I had had access when I was in my postpartum period. Providing support and a safe place for moms and their partners is one of my main priorities.

Embarking on the journey of therapy requires trust and finding the right fit is essential. I approach therapy as a sacred space, where you can feel safe to explore your innermost thoughts and emotions. I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, tailored to your unique needs and experiences. Throughout my professional career, I’ve honed my skills in working with diverse populations, specializing in anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, and related challenges. In our sessions, my goal is to empower you to navigate life’s complexities with confidence and resilience.

My area of expertise is assisting, empowering, and supporting children, adolescents, and women. I am committed to working as a partner with individuals and families to address life’s difficulties, offer new skills and perspectives, and empower healthy relationships and personal growth. I have over twenty years of experience in the social services field, specifically working with diverse populations in child welfare, school-based mental health, and victimization/trauma. I particularly enjoy working with children and adolescents, ages 5 through 21, as they develop coping strategies to maintain emotional and mental health.

Are you having Mental health symptoms or awakening symptoms? Do you feel stuck in the OLD and wanting to become NEW? Are you experiencing symptoms mentally, emotionally and physically from the fear and uncertainty that is present ? Lets explore together what you need to move forward on this journey with more ease which will bring you into alignment and embodiment with your Whole Self. I have been on this Journey for years and facilitating others in this process of integration/transmutation along my path. Come and explore this 3 step process of natural awakening and evolve to new YOU! -

My experience is working with individuals exposed to trauma, interpersonal issues, and mood dysregulation, such as anxiety and depression. I have significant experience working with individuals with autism across various environments. Starting therapy can be nerve-wracking, and finding a therapist is an important decision to best suit your needs. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and identify if we would be a good fit. My focus in therapy is to build a safe, open, and warm environment, and to use this as an opportunity to help you practice and hone skills learned in therapy that can be transferred to your daily life.

I have experience working with women and children who are survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. I also have experience working with elementary school-aged children who have been diagnosed with ADHD and autism spectrum, as well as kids who struggle with impulse control, emotional regulation, mindfulness, and self-esteem. I would like to help you overcome the challenges you face.

My practice is based on the belief that we all have the potential for growth, and we have the ability to create meaning and happiness in our lives. I am a licensed social worker who has been in private practice for over twenty years. I have seen that growth and positive change can occur in therapy, and I offer a safe and supportive setting where new insights and understanding can be gained. That first step, making the contact with a therapist, can be the hardest step, but it can also be incredibly rewarding.

"Learning, Healing, Growing" is my goal for your journey in life. I work from a Cognitive Behavorial Therapy system and take a mindfulness approach. I believe that our daily activities are based on our thinking processes. I like to teach hollistic approaches to dealing with life issues (deep breathing, mindfulness, meditation, etc.) and incorporating positive thinking into sessions. This works with many life issues: depression, stress/anxiety, emotional issues, grief, relationship issues, etc. I have experience with couples, helping to find communication errors and helping to relieve some of the issues that cause the space between two people grow larger.

Are you a new parent or preparing for a new baby and wondering how you are going to adjust to the changes that are ahead coupled by your worries or depressed mood? Do you currently struggle with anxiety or depression and wonder how the new baby's arrival might impact your moods and well-being? Are you struggling to feel connected with your little one? Do you feel more irritable, frustrated and unhappy more than you thought you would feel during this phase of your life?