Services

Individual Psychotherapy

I specialize in long-term, depth-oriented psychotherapy. This kind of work focuses on the psychological roots of emotional and relational difficulties. By exploring the richness of your internal world and your interpersonal experiences, we will gain insight into the underlying forces that influence the way you think, feel, and behave. I will help you identify and break unhelpful patterns, heal from psychological wounds, and move forward in your life with mindful intentionality.

People that tend to work well with me are comfortable with an open and unstructured format, are interested in exploring the impact of their developmental history, and want to meet at least once per week. If this is your first time in therapy, clients often share that it takes some time to adjust to the non-directional format.

Core Elements of Treatment

Developing the capacity to express and regulate emotions
Gaining insight into the impact of past experiences on current functioning
Identifying recurring themes and patterns
Gaining understanding of the dynamics of past and present relationships, including our therapeutic relationship
Exploring and understanding your fantasy life
Gaining insight into your styles of avoidance of distressing thoughts and feelings

Humanism

Together we will focus on the here-and-now, which means attending to the significance of what happens, in the moment, as we meet for our sessions. Learning to live in the present may be one of the most important aspects of any therapeutic journey. What better way to attend to difficult thoughts, feelings, or behaviors, than to simply be here as they arise? Together we can mindfully and lovingly tend to the emergence of your true self.

We will attend to existential issues, including meaning, free will, self-determination, and death. While these major life concerns may not always be at the forefront of our work, they remain the permanent landscape of our journey together.

The Process of Change

The change process is highly personal and can look different for everyone. That being said, there is a general trajectory you can expect while working with me:

Opening up to self discovery
Discovering patterns of relating and perceiving that stand in the way of current functioning
Finding ways to disentangle influences of the past from the present
Finding new ways to cope

Cultural Humility

Psychotherapy is cultural to the core. We are each formed in distinct communities within a broader cultural context that can result in mixed experiences of belonging and marginalization. These experiences, shaped through the intersection of race, gender, sexual identity, ability status, and more, are an integral part of our identities.

It is my responsibility to cultivate a safe and affirming space, by honoring your individuality while attending to the systemic forces that have a daily impact on your well-being. Therapy is only effective if we focus on both internal issues and the impact of external stressors.

Psychological Testing
& Assessment

I offer comprehensive ADHD testing for adults and provide detailed reports that can be used to verify diagnoses for medication management and academic or workplace accommodations.

Testing is a multifaceted process that involves interviewing, behavioral observation, self-report measures, and observations from family or friends. I approach the testing process with warmth, care, and a recognition that you are not simply a diagnostic conceptualization, but a person who is seeking testing to understand and resolve issues that have created significant difficulties in your life.

Ultimately, the assessment process provides us with a snapshot of your functioning. A psychological report does not define who you are as a person, but is a way to gain a deeper understanding into the difficulties that you have experienced, and the path toward appropriate care.

Steps in the Process

The testing process consists of three appointments:

Intake (60-90 minutes): Our first appointment, where we discuss your symptoms and explore important background information. This appointment can be completed in person or via telehealth.
In-person Testing (120 minutes): Our second appointment, where you complete multiple psychological tests that measure ADHD and mood symptoms. These tests will be individually tailored to you, based on concerns you discuss during the intake appointment. This appointment must be completed in person.
Feedback (60 minutes): Our final appointment, where we review the results of the assessment process, including any diagnoses, and I provide you with a comprehensive report with recommendations for further action. This appointment can be completed in person or via telehealth.

Comprehensive Reports

After completing the assessment process, I will provide you with a comprehensive report that includes a brief narrative of your background, results of each test you completed during the assessment process, diagnoses (if any), and recommendations for further action.

If the results of the assessment include a diagnosis of ADHD, this report can be used to:

Procure academic accommodations through your college/university office of disabilities
Procure accommodations through your workplace
Provide documentation and evidence of diagnosis when seeking ADHD medications through your physician or psychiatrist

Supervision/Consultation

Psychotherapy is complex and taxing work, and it is essential to remain connected with supervisors and colleagues to gain support and mitigate the effects of professional burnout. I provide individual supervision for psychologists completing their internship or seeking state licensure, and individual and group consultation for mental health practitioners from any helping profession (counseling, social work, etc.).

My style of supervision is primarily psychodynamic and focuses on the person of the therapist. However, this style might vary depending on the needs of supervision or consultation. For example, beginning therapists who are developing essential skills and knowledge may need more direct guidance, and groups in which the focus is on case conceptualization may have less need to attend to group dynamics.

Internship Supervision

For students completing their master's level internship through a mental health program that will result in LLP licensure, sites sometimes do not have a fully licensed psychologist to provide supervision. If this is the case, you are likely responsible for finding an individual supervisor for your internship experience.

I provide weekly individual supervision, in-person or via telehealth, in order to help fulfill internship requirements.

TLLP/DLLP/LLP Supervision

In order to practice with a limited license, supervision by a fully licensed psychologist is required. I provide supervision for master's level limited licensed psychologists and doctoral level psychologists seeking full licensure.

Individual Consultation

Psychotherapy remains a complicated endeavor, regardless of our years of experience. Sometimes we face difficult cases or respond to our clients in ways that are confusing and in need of resolution.

I provide time-limited consultation for counselors, social workers, psychologists, or any other kind of licensed therapists seeking help on difficult cases.

Group Consultation

Organizations sometimes do not have the time or resources to provide clinicians with ongoing clinical support for complex cases. I provide in-person and virtual group consultation for agencies and group practices looking to provide clinicians with an opportunity to explore cases in more depth.

Get in Touch

1514 Wealthy St SE

Suite 290

Grand Rapids, MI 49506

Phone: (231) 742-8492

Fax: (616) 616-5609