Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Grand Rapids, MI covered by Cigna

I have a Masters in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University with Specialisation in Marriage and Family Therapy, a Bachelors in Psychology, Honours Bachelors Degree in Education (post grad) in School Guidance and counseling, Mediator and Divorce Mediator Certificate,SAT Teacher Certification and EMDR Certificate (Emdria)

I've spent 30 years working in some of the harder corners of mental health — public mental health systems, behavioral health leadership, substance use treatment — and what I've carried forward from all of it is this: people heal when they feel genuinely seen. Not processed. Not managed. Seen.I work with adults, adolescents, and seniors who are navigating grief, addiction, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and sometimes the particular weight that comes with illness, loss, and end-of-life experiences — their own or someone they love. I'm a licensed professional counselor in Michigan with dual master's degrees and advanced training in CBT, trauma-focused therapy, ACT, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and Critical Incident Stress Debriefing.My approach is practical in the truest sense of that word: I'm here to help you develop skills you can actually use, not just insight that stays in the room. And I take whatever time we need to make sure the work actually fits your life, not just a textbook version of your situation.

You do not have to figure everything out alone. You deserve to feel understood, supported, and empowered to create meaningful change in your life. I am an open, understanding, and out of the box thinker who believes in helping you recognize your strengths and build a foundation you can stand on. I work especially well with parents and families, with experience in infant mental health, family therapy, crisis management, and supporting children with emotional disturbances. I became a therapist because people have always trusted me with their stories, and I genuinely love helping people feel better. My goal is to create a space where you can authentically be yourself without judgment.

Hi, my name is Melissa and I am a Professional Counselor with over a decade of experience providing therapy to adolescents and adults ages 12 and older. My practice is rooted in trauma-informed care and utilizes evidence-based approaches such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Solution-Focused Therapy to help clients process experiences, reduce distress, and move toward meaningful change. I am also inquisitive and a conversationalist.

As a fully licensed mental health therapist, I believe self-awareness and meaningful connections are essential to finding happiness and stability in life. Taking the first step to seek support can be challenging, so congratulations on reaching out! I’ve been practicing since 2020 and, at the end of 2024, I decided to start my own private practice. I primarily work with individuals (ages 12 and older) who find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, and/or other life adjustment challenges.

I help adults navigate trauma, life transitions, and reentry challenges with structured, supportive counseling that leads to clarity and real change. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to move forward after a difficult season, you're not alone, and you don't have to figure it out by yourself.

I work with mothers who are overwhelmed, burnt-out, or tired of juggling it all. For some, the intensity of motherhood brings up difficult emotions or unprocessed parts of their past. Others feel lost under the burden of care-taking and managing the mental load. With compassion and skill, we’ll tend to the parts of you that have been neglected. We’ll develop strategies for prioritizing your needs. We’ll make space for your brilliant light to shine once again!