Grief counselors and therapists in Muskegon, MI

My name is Amy Plettner and I have 7 years professional experience. I received my masters degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.

I’m Derrick Martinez, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker passionate about helping men, teen boys, and couples build stronger connections, confidence, and clarity in their lives. I know how difficult it can feel to carry the weight of expectations, whether it’s navigating identity, balancing relationships, or facing challenges with communication and intimacy. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you can be yourself and explore what matters most.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Austin and my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor, where I specialized in integrated mental health and substance use. Over the past seven years, I’ve worked in schools, universities, community mental health agencies, and federally qualified health centers, supporting adolescents, young adults, and adults from diverse backgrounds.

I specialize in helping men and teen boys develop emotional insight, self-esteem, and purpose, and I work closely with couples to strengthen intimacy, improve communication, and rebuild trust. Currently, I am advancing my training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy to deepen my work with relationships.

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.

Is your child struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma? Parenting in today’s world is harder than ever, and you don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. I offer a safe, supportive space where your child can develop coping strategies, emotional awareness, and inner resilience. Together, we can help your child build the skills they need to thrive, while also providing you with the tools to support them at home.

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 have a Master's in social work and have been practicing for over 35 years. I am very client- centered. My goal is for you to achieve what you are coming for. I strive to do itI t in the least amount of time as possible. I am certified in EMDR and trained in other trauma focused approaches.