INTENTIONAL COUNSELING GRAND RAPIDS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Therapist in Grand Rapids, MI
Alexa Bates, LMSW, is a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI that offers therapy for adults, couples, children and families struggling with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Alexa identifies as a white, cisgender female. Alexa graduated from Western Michigan University with a masters in clinical social work. Alexa spent time during her studies as an intern therapist at a private practice in the area where she spent the majority of her time working with women, couples, and families. Following graduation, Alexa went on to be a community based therapist for Kent County, where she worked extensively with at-risk youth and families. She spent much of her time working with individuals who experienced trauma, and is formally trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Alexa enjoys empowering clients to recognize their strengths and potential in life, and feels honored to partner with them on their healing journey. She welcomes all clients regardless of age, race, gender, or background.
Anna Utter, LLMSW is a therapist serving all of Michigan through online and in-person therapy. Anna is a graduate from Wayne State University with a Master of Social Work degree. She obtained her Bachelor of Social Work and Minor in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. Anna has continued her education becoming trained in EMDR, TF-CBT and DBT. Anna provides individual therapy from a trauma-informed lens, specializing in working with survivors of sexual assault and neglect. Although all ages are a pleasure to work with, Anna continues her specialty counseling adolescents, young adults and adults. Her approach is rooted in person-centered, believing there is no one evidence-based modality that fits all. Instead, Anna meets her clients where they are at, acting as a guide who holds the lantern.
Ashley Dykstra is a therapist serving all of Michigan through in person therapy in Grand Rapids and online telehealth therapy. Ashley uses she/her pronouns and is married with two children. She is a graduate from Grand Valley State University and has a Master of Social Work degree. Ashley provides individual and family therapy from a trauma-informed lens for children, adolescents, and adults. Her therapeutic experience has been focused in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Solution Focused Therapy. Ashley's therapy approach is rooted in evidence-based interventions utilizing a strengths-based approach, mindfulness practice focused on the unique individual.
Job Titles:
- Practice & Billing Manager
Job Titles:
- Education / Grand Valley State University
- Therapist in West Michigan
Billie Walters LMSW is a therapist in West Michigan who is committed to providing counseling services within the model of holistic health care. An expert in Mindfulness Based Therapy, Billie provides excellent counseling services in Grand Rapids, MI and the surrounding area. Mindfulness based cognitive therapy and other types of mindfulness can help those suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, major life changes, and more. Billie Walters works to provide counseling that isn't just talk therapy, but involves holistic healing in all parts of your life. You can see Billie at Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids.
Having studied comparative religions, Core Shamanism and many types of Energy healing modalities, Billie has naturally evolved her practice into a Transpersonal one. Billie has an understanding of how an individual's holistic life experience plays an integral part in their healing process. Through utilizing psychological framework, including many traditional therapeutic tools, Billie also brings wisdom through life experience and learning to encourage and empower her clients to heal themselves.
Brendan Cole MA LPC is a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI serving the West Michigan area both in-person and through telehealth. Brendan has extensive experience working with adults, young adults, and teens from a variety of backgrounds through individual therapy, couples counseling, pre-marital, and using EMDR Therapy. Brendan has helped people overcome issues with athletic performance, business performance, relationship conflict, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other issues. Brendan specializes in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and Strengths-Based Therapy to help you meet your goals. Brendan identifies as a married white male who cares deeply about the community.
Caley Weisgerber, LMSW, identifies as a white cisgender, progressive Catholic woman who currently is in a closed monogamous relationship. Her practice is sex-positive and gender-affirming. Caley loves to utilize mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy skills to help people who are struggling through negative patterns and move from surviving to thriving. Caley is an advocate for all people and works to empower them through education. Caley is also trained in Internal Family Systems and works with people to get to the emotional roots that may be difficult for them, so that they can fully express themselves and get their needs met.
Dana Kennedy, LLMSW, is a relational therapist serving the Grand Rapids area and all of Michigan through online telehealth therapy. She has a Masters degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University, and has been practicing social work for over 6 years. Dana provides individual and family therapy from a trauma-focused, strengths based approach, and her background is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Ecological counseling. Her practice is rooted in the power of relationships, authenticity, and compassion.
James Love, LLMSW, graduated from Fordham University in The Bronx, New York, and also holds a Masters from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA. With multiple years of experience in spiritual direction, James shifted to focus on individual and family therapy. He specializes in men's mental health, family-oriented treatment, spirituality, and grief. James has experience working with clients from a variety of backgrounds with quite different needs.
James offers a safe and supportive space for individuals, couples, and families to explore their emotional well-being. With a focus on helping people overcome anxiety, depression, and life stressors, James is particularly skilled at working with men's issues, including navigating masculinity, overcoming porn addiction or impotence, and managing anger. James also works with adult women and provides an empowering perspective for navigating difficulties.
James is also a TF-CBT certified therapist, trained in a powerful approach to address trauma in adults and children. James has experience working with children 5 and older-and of course, adults of all ages.
Jennifer McKinstry, LPC, is a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI offering personalized therapy to individuals. Jennifer provides a safe and non-judgmental environment, including experience in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Jennifer has extensive experience in the area of sexuality, sexual violence and spiritual issues, including spiritual abuse and faith reconstruction. Jennifer believes in helping others become the best version of themselves, and that the journey towards wholeness is always worth it. Jennifer utilizes EMDR therapy as well as traditional talk therapy in her work.
Job Titles:
- Empowering Counseling for All, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy
Josh Zheng MS LPC is a counselor in Grand Rapids and Ada, Michigan that holds the counseling relationship to be sacred and of the utmost importance in the courageous work of self-learning and healing. Josh specializes in Counseling for people of all ages, EMDR Therapy, Internal Family Systems Therapy and seeks to cultivate a space of compassion, courage and creativity that can help those struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma and interpersonal or family conflict.
Job Titles:
- Empowering Your Journey: Culturally Inclusive, Integrative Therapy for Healing and Growth
Job Titles:
- Education
- Therapist in Grand Rapids, MI
Kathryn Barcelona, LMSW, is a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI that offers therapy for adults and families struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use recovery, or terminal illness. Kathryn identifies as a white, cisgender female who is currently in a closed, monogamous relationship. As a recent graduate from Western Michigan University, Kathryn graduated with a specialty certificate in alcohol and drug abuse as well as a holistic health emphasis. Kathryn spent time during her studies with elementary-aged children as well as women in early recovery from alcohol and drug abuse. Kathryn has almost a decade of experience working with elderly and disabled individuals including hospice patients in a home health care setting. Kathryn enjoys motivating clients and giving them the tools to make changes in their own lives. Kathryn is available and welcomes all clients regardless of age, race, gender, background, or struggle.
Kay Foster MA LPC is a therapist serving the Grand Rapids, MI and West Michigan area. Kay provides both traditional talk therapy and EMDR therapy as well as a blend of the two modalities. Kay takes a holistic approach rooted in mindfulness, bottom-up regulation, and the existential-humanistic philosophies. Her methodology is trauma-informed and collaborative, which she applies to a variety of mental health concerns. She has experience working with Anxiety and Anxiety-Related Disorders, Mood Disorders, Trauma and Trauma-Related Disorders (including C-PTSD), and Human Sexuality.
Kay has a master of arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University and is qualified to provide counseling services because this program was accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) and she holds a license to practice professional counseling in the state of Michigan. Kay complies with the American Counseling Association's code of ethics as well as the American Mental Health Counseling Association's code of ethics when making professional decisions. Kay has been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy through an approved EMDR International Association trainer. She is currently working on becoming certified in EMDR.
Job Titles:
- Education
- Therapist in Ada, MI
Lauren Huisman-Woy, is a therapist in Ada, MI that offers therapy for adults, teens, children and families dealing with trauma, depression, anxiety, and behavioral concerns.
Lauren has over 7 years of experience as a therapist. Lauren is trained in EMDR Therapy, Trauma-Focused CBT, the CE-CERT model among other advanced modalities. Lauren graduated from GVSU with a Master's of Social Work and has served as an in-home therapist, outpatient clinic therapist, supervisor, and trauma therapist. Lauren enjoys empowering children and adult clients alike to use their strengths and to overcome the trauma. She welcomes all clients regardless of age, race, gender, or background.
Job Titles:
- Counselor in Grand Rapids
Margie Muñoz, MA LPC is a counselor in Grand Rapids, MI specializing in counseling for adolescents, young adults, and Adult women navigating the impacts of trauma including anger, depression, anxiety, and exaggerated reactivity, which can impact experiences at school, work, and in social and family environments. Whether it is life transitions, past traumatic experiences, or new disruptions, Margie is dedicated to supporting individuals develop a sense of independence, autonomy, and sustainable support as they navigate their relationship with themselves and the world around them.
Margie is a bicultural, bilingual counselor who is able to provide counseling services in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- EMDR, Strengths - Based, and Relational Therapy for Adults: Relationships, Men 's Issues, Trauma, Etc
Job Titles:
- Education
- Licensed Master 's Level Social Worker
Melissa Wade LMSW is a Licensed Master's Level Social Worker with over 10 years of experience in the field. She most recently held a position as a school social worker, where she facilitated individual, small group, and whole classroom social/emotional/behavioral skills lessons. Melissa specializes in working with children, adolescents, and their families. Her approach is rooted in psychoeducation, goal setting, CBT, and skills building, and is strength-based! Melissa uses a variety of evidence-based interventions and strategies that start with building a safe, trusting relationship. Melissa is LGBTQIA+ affirming.
Job Titles:
- Education / Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University, Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Michigan State University
- Therapist
Michael Egan, LMSW, is a therapist serving the West Michigan and Grand Rapids and Ada, MI communities. Michael is bilingual and is able to provide counseling sessions in both English and Spanish. In addition, Michael serves all of Michigan through online telehealth therapy. Michael provides individual counseling and therapy from a trauma-informed lens for teenagers and adults. Michael focuses on utilizing a holistic approach to therapy through a trauma-informed lens to help all people in deep ways. Michael has experience working with those suffering from issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, relationship and family issues, anger, as well as substance use disorders.
Job Titles:
- Sex Therapist Using Creative Solutions and Trauma - Informed Counseling for Couples, Adults, and Teens
Job Titles:
- Clinical Director
- Clinical Director, MA LPC
Education
Michigan State University, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling in Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant and EMDRIA Certified Clinician, host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, and Counseling Supervisor. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Therapists. Paul hosts weekly EMDRIA consulting groups for therapists. Paul also developed an online course for the Parents of Young Adults (Parenting Young Adults).
Paul Krauss MA LPC is also a therapist in Grand Rapids, MI. However he rarely accepts new clients now due to his other roles at Health for Life Counseling-he spends a great deal of time training therapists and working to ensure quality clinical services with his goal to make Health for life Counseling and Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids the most respected therapy practice in Grand Rapids with the most well-rounded and well-trained therapists in West Michigan. Paul has extensive training and experience providing EMDR therapy. Paul Krauss provides counseling in the West Michigan area and is an expert at treating trauma utilizing EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy), but also works with people suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, social anxiety and many other concerns.
Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today.
Job Titles:
- Education / Grand Valley State University
- Insurance
Sarah Denick, LMSW, has practiced in West Michigan within the social work field since 2015. Her therapeutic work has mostly focused on children and adolescents who have experienced trauma, as well as their families and other community partners. Sarah is passionate about working with those who have experienced trauma, especially those who have experienced sexual trauma. Sarah is trained in several therapeutic approaches, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR Therapy, expressive arts therapy, and play therapy. When she isn't spending time with her cat, Pooka, you may find Sarah playing the piano, or reading a mystery novel.
Shanna Beebe MA LLPC is a therapist working in Grand Rapids, MI. Shanna has experience working with LGBTQIA+ people, non-binary people, individuals leaving abusive situations, pregnant individuals, and those seeking support after experiencing religious trauma/ spiritual abuse.
She enjoys utilizing dance and movement modalities, nature-based interventions, and mindfulness-based approaches to wellness.
Shanna graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health, a CACREP accredited program that complies with the American Counseling Code of Ethics. Her background in dance education created a lifelong passion for somatic interventions.
Job Titles:
- Empowering Survivors to Heal and Use Their Voice