Couples therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and the founder of Circle of Life Wellness Services, where I provide compassionate, whole-person care for adults and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions. My work focuses on supporting people through emotional overwhelm, identity shifts, relationship changes, and the many adjustments that come with different seasons of life.

I have a special interest in women’s mental health and maternal mental health, including pregnancy, postpartum adjustments, caregiving stress, burnout, and balancing personal needs with family, relationships and professional responsibilities. I also support clients coping with grief and loss, life changes, and feeling “stuck” or disconnected from themselves.

At Circle of Life, I believe healing happens when you feel safe, supported, and seen. My goal is to walk alongside you as you move toward balance, clarity, and emotional wellness—at your own pace.

I am intuitive and open minded. I believe it is important for the client to be safe and comfortable to share the good and the bad. If you feel an approach is not working feel free to be honest about this in session so we can discuss options to get past stuck points.

I have been counseling people of all ages for 43 years. I begin with listening to your story. I not only want to hear it; I want to understand it as well. Sometimes, this mutual understanding alone is all that a client needs. During the intake process, I will ask you detailed questions to further understanding of your situation and issues you are dealing with right now. Next, we will work together to form a plan of action which will guide our sessions together, which typically last 45 – 50 minutes. This plan of action will focus on helping you, the client, work towards solving problems and issues that you present. Did I mention that takes work? Achieving understanding of issues and taking appropriate actions towards wellness both take time, concentration and energy.

have been in private practice for the past twelve years, specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders. My nurturing and warm personality makes patients feel immediately comfortable in my office. At the same time it is my highly professional approach which successfully helps individuals and couples learn skills, improving their quality of life and their relationships. I have a subspecialty dealing with women suffering from postpartum depression, helping to guide them and their significant other during their transition to parenthood. Using an eclectic, supportive, therapeutic model I help patients during challenging times, providing them with all the supportive resources possible.

I know reaching out for therapy can feel overwhelming, and finding the right fit matters. You don’t have to have everything figured out before starting. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, stress, feeling stuck, relationship challenges, life transitions, overwhelming emotions, or patterns that no longer feel helpful, therapy can be a place to slow down and better understand what’s going on.

I strive to create a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you feel comfortable showing up as yourself. Clients often describe me as compassionate, down to earth, and easy to talk to. Together, we’ll work to better understand what’s keeping you stuck, build practical tools, and create meaningful changes that feel realistic and aligned with your goals.

You may look like you're holding everything together. But inside, you're exhausted.

Your mind won't slow down. You're replaying conversations, worrying about your child, trying to keep up with work and family, or wondering why things that used to feel manageable suddenly feel so difficult.

Maybe your child or teenager is struggling with anxiety, ADHD, big emotions, school, friendships, or changes at home—and you're not sure what else to try.

Or maybe you're the one everyone depends on, and you've become so focused on taking care of everyone else that you've stopped feeling like yourself.

You don't have to wait until things get worse to get support.

I'm Cynthia High-Gutierrez, LCSW, a bilingual English/Spanish therapist with more than 10 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.

I specialize in helping people navigate anxiety, depression, ADHD/neurodiversity, stress, trauma, relationship and family challenges, women's issues, and major life transitions.

My background in public schools, school-based mental health, hospitals, and outpatient therapy gives me a unique perspective—especially when emotional health, family life, relationships, work, and school begin affecting one another.

Welcome to this courageous journey! If you’ve found your way here—even with hesitation or uncertainty—you’ve already taken a powerful first step: listening to the part of you that longs for healing, clarity, and growth. That alone is an act of strength. You don’t have to walk this path alone. I’m here to walk beside you—as a steady companion—through the valleys and the victories, the questions and the breakthroughs. Together, we’ll create space for your story, your healing, and your becoming.

I hold an MA and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Boston College and Indiana State University, where I received extensive training in multiculturalism and trauma-informed care. Over the past years, I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of clinical settings—including university counseling centers and community mental health agencies—supporting individuals from all walks of life. I am a certified EMDR therapist and an approved consultant of the EMDRIA.

Nice to meet you. I have been a therapist for over 23 years. I work with clients to resolve issues and concerns which may be a problem in their life. I view therapy as a partnership between me and the client where we want the best outcomes.

I earned my bachelors degree in Communicative Sciences and Disorders and my Master of Social Work degrees from Michigan State University and am a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW). I also hold a certification in working with combat veterans, providing specialized training in understanding military culture, combat-related trauma, moral injury, reintegration, and the unique experiences that can continue long after service ends. This has also aided me in expanding my practice from veterans and active-duty service members to law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS, and other first responders. Other areas in which I specialize are with individuals working through anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and other mental health challenges.

With over 30 years of experience in the mental health field, I have dedicated my career to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. As a fully licensed therapist, I bring both professional expertise and genuine care to every session.

Throughout my career, I have worked with people from many different backgrounds, helping them address issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. My approach is centered on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered.

What clients often appreciate most is my ability to truly listen and meet them where they are. I believe healing and growth happen when people feel supported and understood. My role is to help clients gain clarity, develop healthy coping skills, strengthen resilience, and rediscover their personal strengths.

Over the years, I have seen how powerful change can be when someone is given the right tools, encouragement, and guidance. My experience allows me to draw from a wide range of therapeutic approaches to best meet each client’s unique needs.

My commitment is simple: to walk alongside my clients on their journey toward healing, growth, and a more balanced, fulfilling life.