Couples therapists in Grand Rapids, MI

I have been doing this work since 2009 — which means I have sat with a lot of people through a lot of different kinds of hard. I hold a Master's degree in Counseling with a dual focus in professional counseling and marriage and family therapy, and my career has moved through two distinct chapters that have shaped how I practice. The first half was spent in the world of substance use — working with individuals and families where the stakes were high and the complexity was real. The last several years have been in private practice, where I've worked with the full range of human struggle: depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, substance use disorders, parenting stress, and the disorienting moments when life shifts beneath your feet. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. Very few things surprise me at this point — and that's exactly what makes this work feel safe.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, with over 20 years of experience working in the field of psychology. I earned a MS in Behavioral Psychology and a Psy.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Alliant International University (formerly California School of Professional Psychology). Over the years I have had experience working with various populations with diverse psychological problems. I have expertise in working with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, substance use problems, grief/loss, and couples and family therapy. Within my work, I have experienced successful outcomes in improving people's lives both individually and relationally- within the most meaningful relationships in their lives.

When life gives you lemons...

My education gave me the tools to be a skilled clinician. But it was my own trauma that gave me the insight and depth I bring to this work. I know what it feels like to live in a body that doesn’t feel safe—to question everything, including yourself. I spent over a decade learning how to heal, reclaim my voice, and become the kind of guide I once needed.

In the midst of that long journey, I had a quiet moment of clarity: what I was going through wasn’t just about survival—it was about becoming someone who could walk with others through the dark. That experience grounds my work in both knowledge and deep compassion.

Learning to love the desert

I’ve come to believe that being lost isn’t a problem—it’s part of the path. Like La Loba, the mythical bone-gatherer who wanders the desert collecting what’s been buried and brings it back to life, I help others gather what they’ve lost along the way. That process is sacred, slow, and often surprising—but it’s how we come home to ourselves.

There are parts of you that haven’t died; they’ve just been waiting. And sometimes, when it all falls apart, that’s when the wild, wise parts of you rise again.

I offer support and skills to those exploring identity, intimacy, or relational complexity—whether in gender, sexuality, kink, or deocolonized relationships. They may be sitting with grief, unraveling the impact of trauma, or feeling the weight of past experiences in their body. They long for connection but struggle with vulnerability, trust, or belonging. Some feel stuck in cycles of overwhelm, while others are questioning the stories they’ve been told about who they are. They seek a space where they can be seen without judgment, process their experiences, and make sense of the systems shaping their lives.

Do you often find yourself feeling empty – as if you float through your days going through the motions, rather than living an abundant and thriving life? Life can be difficult, and no matter how strong one may be mentally, there is only so much stress one can shoulder alone before it becomes too much. I believe in working together collaboratively in order to unlock one’s innate ability to self-heal. Through support and guided introspection, the answers to our troubles become self-evident.

Hello and welcome,

I’m a dedicated therapist with over 10 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I am truly passionate about the work I do and feel honored to walk alongside my clients as they navigate difficult moments and work toward healing and growth.

My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s unique needs. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and supported. I believe that meaningful change happens when we feel genuinely seen and empowered.

I draw from a variety of evidence-based approaches, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and other modalities. This allows me to adapt our work together in a way that best supports your goals and experiences.

I have experience working with individuals facing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and marital concerns. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply looking for support and clarity, I am here to help you move forward at your own pace.

I look forward to the opportunity to work together.

I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, equipping me with a strong foundation in clinical practice and social work principles.

My professional background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker encompasses a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Biblical Christian Counseling, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Relational Therapy, Solution-Focused Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Family-Focused Therapy.

I am dedicated to providing tailored, compassionate care to male and female adults, as well as the geriatric population, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health, emotional, and relational needs to foster empowerment and well-being.