A Bridge Across Counseling LLC

MY HEART I obtained my graduate-level education from Spring Arbor (Michigan) and Clarks Summit University (Pennsylvania - where I graduated) and completed my internship at Beacon of Hope in Holland, Michigan. The choice to seek an education in Christian integrative counseling was intentional. I have a passion for providing an option for Christ-centered counseling for adolescents and adults. You will receive non-judgmental support as you reflect on your life, hurts, and options to create the change for better mental, emotional, and spiritual health. My career as a counselor started a little later in my life than the average graduate student, but that also means I have had a bit more time to gain perspective, have experiences and hardships, and dig in with my faith. Seventeen-year-old April who'd wanted to be a therapist needed to go through a few things before she could effectively achieve that goal. Given my particular personal experiences, I have a special heart and deep respect for the struggles of parents (or guardians) with special needs children (physical or cognitive), personal and professional caregivers, and those ever-navigating chronic illnesses. The agony of grief and loss for answers and evolving quality of life is just as real as the physical death of a loved one. The mindset professionals have to operate in also has a price on how they see the world and interact with their loved ones. No matter the circumstances, there is no such thing as too ugly or shameful for counseling. Positive change is possible. There is nothing you can’t trek through if you choose to keep moving forward, even if it’s a slow crawl. A healthy pace exists, and we can find it. I have crossed a few such bridges and would be honored to help you process your trek across yours. MY APPROACH We are made of soul, mind, and body with many elements moving to shape our being. Some events can create imbalance in one of those parts, causing shifts greater than we can correct easily or on our own. The process of counseling I promote is to develop an individualized treatment plan that identifies the needs and goals of each client and then emphasizes a holistic, collaborative approach to reach them. Though I am partial to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I also facilitate other evidence-based techniques as appropriate. I am also certified in Faith-Based ACT for those seeking integrative Christian counseling. Ultimately, any method used is client-centered. My role would be to help you evaluate the change you desire, ways to shift your focus, and gain the strength you need to grow while embracing the healing you need to keep moving forward. WHAT TO EXPECT Effective counseling occurs when a trusting relationship can be built between the therapist and the client. That connection helps to foster growth, through empowering and emboldening steps toward change. As you allow me to walk you through those steps, we will ponder feelings, emotions, experiences, thoughts, and past and present influences as they relate to your need for counseling. I will not say this process is easy or without its own discomfort. However, I will say it can be life-altering and incredibly rewarding to be free from the weight of shame, anger, guilt, or anything else that is not best for you. Attaining stability, clarity, and peace will help build the bridge for your long-term health in all ways – soul, mind, and body. I will walk with you as you achieve your desire for focus, strength, and healing. PAYMENTS Self-pay: Same rate, year-round $75 per 50-minute session; $100 for couples or families Sliding scale available Insurance Options: Blue Cross, Blue Shield Priority Health Self pay or co-payments due at time of service via: FLEX, HSA, cash, or credit card "If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward." – Martin Luther King Jr.