If there is something that needs to change in your life, and you have been unsuccessful at bringing this change yourself, therapy may be just what you need. Most of us suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, relationship problems, grief, loss, etc., at some point in our lives, and studies show that over eighty percent of people that experience these things can benefit from counseling.

Typically, you will meet with your counselor virtually or in-person for about 45 to 50 minutes (optimally) at the same time once a week. For more severe issues, you may meet with your counselor several times a week, and for less severe issues, you may meet with your counselor every other week. During sessions you may be asked to provide historical information, to share concerns, and to discuss current issues. Counseling is a collaborative effort between the counselor and client. Professional counselors help clients identify goals and potential solutions to problems. Counselors help by examining the behaviors, thoughts, and feelings that cause difficulties, and by establishing goals that will improve communication, coping skills, strengthen self-esteem, and promote behavior change and optimal mental health. Counseling helps clients learn effective ways to deal with problems by building upon personal strengths, encouraging personal growth, and fostering the client’s interests and welfare.

When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted through in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process.  In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients I have worked with feel that the temporary pain of the working through process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously.

A typical counseling session with a licensed, Master’s level professional counselor costs from $100-160. Most insurances will cover at least some of this cost.  If you have concerns regarding affording psychotherapy, we can discuss these and whether or not you may meet my guidelines for a sliding fee scale. I work out mutually agreeable payment options with all of my clients so that cost does not hinder them in pursuing counseling. While many clients are initially very concerned about whether or not they can afford counseling, most find that as their life and priorities change new ways of funding therapy appear--whether through less need to consume to distract from pain or through new means of income due to increased energy and investment in life. Please see our Services page for more information on rates.

I practice from a framework that acknowledges the presence of God within each person I work with and seeks to promote justice, healing, and grace as ways of being in the world.  Spirituality is deeply important to us as human beings and is the source of meaning, purpose, and healing in our lives. Human beings are so much more than simply their behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. As I therapist, I also recognize that many people have been deeply hurt through the practices of organized religion and the experiences of their life.  Struggling with one’s spiritual beliefs is a normal part of being human.  Often important healing needs to take place in this realm as well, as clients come to understand how they have been shaped, hurt, and/or helped by their spiritual practice.  All spiritual practices are welcome in my clinical practice.

Currently we accept:

BCBS/BCN
Priority health
Optum

Soon we will be accepting Meridian, Molina, and McLaren.

We also accept credit/debit card payments online, as well as cash or check in-person.

If you would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at (586) 697-2324. You can also click on the “Request Appointment”, buttons located on every page of our website. Prior to beginning therapy, you will be asked to fill out several forms as well as sign applicable consents. These forms will be made available online.

If you are unsure about needing therapy, give us a call at (586) 697-2324 for a free consultation. We will help you assess your current situation free of charge.

After establishing a video counseling / telehealth appointment, you will need a computer or smart phone with a wifi or satellite connection, as well as a working camera and microphone. Most laptops and smartphones have a camera and microphone built in. Please determine you have these items available before establishing a video counseling appointment. For best results, acquire a strong wifi or ethernet cable connection. You will also need to select a private location of your choice for your appointment. You will not need to download any software to your laptop or telephone to participate in our HIPPA compliant video counseling.

We will work to establish your appointment in the timeliest manner possible, usually within one or two weeks from the time of your request. We will occasionally be able to establish your appointment within a few days if you remain flexible and we receive a cancellation.

If you need to reschedule or cancel an appointment, please do so no less than 24 hours prior to the appointment. There is a cancellation fee required for missed appointments and this fee is required prior to your next scheduled appointment.

The code of ethics and standards of practice established by the American Counseling Association (ACA) require that professional counselors protect the confidentiality of their communication with clients. As a client, you are guaranteed the protection of confidentiality within the boundaries of the client/counselor relationship. Any disclosure will be made with your full written, informed consent and will be limited to a specific period of time. The law in the State of Michigan provides the following exceptions to confidentiality, but even in these circumstances you will be informed before confidential information is revealed whenever possible:

-If the counselor has knowledge of abuse of a child, elder, or a person with a disability.

-If the counselor has knowledge of intent to harm himself/herself or others.

-If the counselor receives a court order to the contrary.

One of the most important things when selecting a counselor is determining whether the

counselor is a good fit. Do you feel comfortable and compatible with the counselor when you’re

communicating? If you feel uncomfortable with the counselor, share this information with the counselor and/or select a different counselor. Some people do not always fit well with others and sometimes it takes meeting with a few different counselors before finding the right fit.

“We either make ourselves happy or miserable; the amount of work is the same”  -Carlos Castenada  

“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places.”  -Ernest Hemingway