We are addicted to our thoughts. We cannot change anything if we cannot change our thinking.
― Santosh Kalwar |
Our Philosophy:
By design, we interact with our environment and discover what we enjoy and who is best suited to join us as we encounter new experiences. Our behaviors, thoughts, feelings, and actions shape the story of our lives and affect how we interact with our environment. Sometimes, circumstances or conditions interrupt those experiences, or story, which can result in pain, sadness, anger, confusion, and disruption to our routine. The story of your experiences is sometimes simple and may, at other times, be complex. Regardless of what's happening in the current chapter of your life, it is shaped by the chapters before it and will influence how you navigate the journey of your story once this chapter concludes. In supporting our clients in improving the interactions between their experiences and their current circumstance, we hope to share in their discovery of how to craft their next chapter. The foundation of our work with clients is rooted in evidence-based practices, confidentiality, a comfortable environment in which to discover their story, and empathy. We also recognize that the best methods for support are as unique to each client as is their story, so we afford our clients the flexibility to work at a pace that balances their needs and level of comfort with clear and measurable objectives. |
Meet Our Staff:
Clark Beckley, MSW, LCSW
Founder and Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are open to the discovery of their story and how it led them to their current circumstance. I am best able to nurture a relationship with a client that is aware of their reason for seeking support and who is comfortable with a direct approach to realizing their goals. I have considerable experience working with adolescents and families with a wide range of circumstances, mental health concerns, and supporting those who are in crisis. Additionally, my experience extends to working with adults coping with a life transition, relationships, and mental health issues. I am an experienced trauma therapist who is readily available to accompany survivors of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and other personal or professional traumatic experiences in connecting with their journey toward freedom and peace.
My professional experience in law enforcement and child welfare allows me to offer a unique perspective in supporting veterans, medical, public safety, child welfare personnel, and other professionals who are susceptible to experiencing personal, relational, and professional disruption due to post-traumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue or burnout. As an adoptee, I am aware of the experience of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees in processing the complex feelings and thoughts connected to the adoption experience.
My approach to working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families is centered on the idea that we are experiencing components of our personal story each and every day. When we conclude a chapter, it can impact the next chapter. By understanding your experiences and crafting your next steps, we can shape your story.
I serve on the Board of Directors of Male Survivor, a national non-profit supporting male victims of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation along with those that love them (www.MaleSurvivor.org). I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Founder and Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are open to the discovery of their story and how it led them to their current circumstance. I am best able to nurture a relationship with a client that is aware of their reason for seeking support and who is comfortable with a direct approach to realizing their goals. I have considerable experience working with adolescents and families with a wide range of circumstances, mental health concerns, and supporting those who are in crisis. Additionally, my experience extends to working with adults coping with a life transition, relationships, and mental health issues. I am an experienced trauma therapist who is readily available to accompany survivors of abuse, neglect, domestic violence, and other personal or professional traumatic experiences in connecting with their journey toward freedom and peace.
My professional experience in law enforcement and child welfare allows me to offer a unique perspective in supporting veterans, medical, public safety, child welfare personnel, and other professionals who are susceptible to experiencing personal, relational, and professional disruption due to post-traumatic stress, secondary traumatic stress, vicarious trauma, and compassion fatigue or burnout. As an adoptee, I am aware of the experience of birth parents, adoptive parents, and adoptees in processing the complex feelings and thoughts connected to the adoption experience.
My approach to working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families is centered on the idea that we are experiencing components of our personal story each and every day. When we conclude a chapter, it can impact the next chapter. By understanding your experiences and crafting your next steps, we can shape your story.
I serve on the Board of Directors of Male Survivor, a national non-profit supporting male victims of sexual abuse and sexual exploitation along with those that love them (www.MaleSurvivor.org). I am a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the International Association of Trauma Professionals (IATP), and the American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC).
Carla Marquez Ripley, MA, LCPC
Director of Clinical Development and Therapist
I'm blessed by the opportunity to support people who are brave enough to consider seeking therapy. My personal and professional experiences shaped my desire to support those who recently been feeling stuck in some area of life, struggling with life transitions, and those who desire change and healing. In supporting people who are open to learning how they can be more active in altering their current chapter, I can best walk alongside them amidst their renewed strength, understanding, resilience, and hope.
I have extensive experience working with children and adults struggling with ADHD, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and trauma, and I'm a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I enjoy joining clients in exploring and connecting important elements of their story to highlight strength and resiliency.
Therapy can be an intimidating process and identifying a therapist that is the best fit for you, your child, or your family can feel just as overwhelming. The relationship that is necessary for healing, support, and learning is essential to you navigating this chapter. My personal experiences shaped my approach in nurturing an authentic connection.
Director of Clinical Development and Therapist
I'm blessed by the opportunity to support people who are brave enough to consider seeking therapy. My personal and professional experiences shaped my desire to support those who recently been feeling stuck in some area of life, struggling with life transitions, and those who desire change and healing. In supporting people who are open to learning how they can be more active in altering their current chapter, I can best walk alongside them amidst their renewed strength, understanding, resilience, and hope.
I have extensive experience working with children and adults struggling with ADHD, behavioral difficulties, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and trauma, and I'm a Registered Play Therapist (RPT). I enjoy joining clients in exploring and connecting important elements of their story to highlight strength and resiliency.
Therapy can be an intimidating process and identifying a therapist that is the best fit for you, your child, or your family can feel just as overwhelming. The relationship that is necessary for healing, support, and learning is essential to you navigating this chapter. My personal experiences shaped my approach in nurturing an authentic connection.
Angie Young, MSW, LCSW, EMDR
Clinical Lead and Therapist
It is my firm belief that you have the capacity to become the version of yourself that feels the most real. To build understanding about how your experiences, relationships, and culture have impacted your life. I seek to be a companion in the process of sharing your personal story as you sift through the well of your entirety to discover your authentic voice. Together, we will use attachment theories, emotionally focused work, and brain-based approaches like EMDR to reclaim the chapters of your life where difficult experiences stole your sense of who you are. To nurture growth, healing, and overcoming loneliness.
My experience working with individuals and couples covers areas of disruption from complex trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma, purity culture, grief, attachment wounds, abandonment, and shame. As a trained EMDR therapist, I approach each person with empathy and openness to grow towards self-awareness, understanding, and emotional connection.
I find it essential to create an atmosphere of safety and acceptance in any therapeutic relationship. By understanding sexuality, utilizing sex-positive counseling practices, and being an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community in the therapy dynamic, I passionately advocate for vulnerable individuals.
Clinical Lead and Therapist
It is my firm belief that you have the capacity to become the version of yourself that feels the most real. To build understanding about how your experiences, relationships, and culture have impacted your life. I seek to be a companion in the process of sharing your personal story as you sift through the well of your entirety to discover your authentic voice. Together, we will use attachment theories, emotionally focused work, and brain-based approaches like EMDR to reclaim the chapters of your life where difficult experiences stole your sense of who you are. To nurture growth, healing, and overcoming loneliness.
My experience working with individuals and couples covers areas of disruption from complex trauma, sexual abuse, religious trauma, purity culture, grief, attachment wounds, abandonment, and shame. As a trained EMDR therapist, I approach each person with empathy and openness to grow towards self-awareness, understanding, and emotional connection.
I find it essential to create an atmosphere of safety and acceptance in any therapeutic relationship. By understanding sexuality, utilizing sex-positive counseling practices, and being an ally for the LGBTQIA+ community in the therapy dynamic, I passionately advocate for vulnerable individuals.
Mariah Donaldson, MSW, LCSW
Client Services Manager and Therapist
I'm honored to have the opportunity to work with those seeking therapy to have a small part of their journey in overcoming the struggles of their stories, that I believe can turn into triumphs. I look forward to working with individuals who are open to growth, positive change, and confronting their lives' transitions with knowledge and strength. I have experience working with adolescents and adults throughout various stages in their life in a variety of professional and community mental health settings.
Through my professional and personal experience, I strive to embrace the importance of building and nurturing meaningful and supportive relationships with every individual to facilitate their desired change.
I have seen clients of all ages through the progression of their personal stories dealing with anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, relationships, and grief, which has exposed me to resiliency's strength within each of us. Within that resiliency, I believe that we can work together to identify motivation and sustain healing with compassion throughout each chapter of your life.
Client Services Manager and Therapist
I'm honored to have the opportunity to work with those seeking therapy to have a small part of their journey in overcoming the struggles of their stories, that I believe can turn into triumphs. I look forward to working with individuals who are open to growth, positive change, and confronting their lives' transitions with knowledge and strength. I have experience working with adolescents and adults throughout various stages in their life in a variety of professional and community mental health settings.
Through my professional and personal experience, I strive to embrace the importance of building and nurturing meaningful and supportive relationships with every individual to facilitate their desired change.
I have seen clients of all ages through the progression of their personal stories dealing with anxiety, depression, difficult life transitions, relationships, and grief, which has exposed me to resiliency's strength within each of us. Within that resiliency, I believe that we can work together to identify motivation and sustain healing with compassion throughout each chapter of your life.
Ashley Doubet, MSW, LCSW
Therapist, Client Services Coordinator
In our work together, I strive to create and nurture an alliance with children, individuals, and families. It is an honor to be a part of my clients' support system in their journey through change. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various settings, from high-risk crisis circumstances to inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation to outpatient mental health therapeutic centers.
I believe in incorporating my clients' favorite hobbies (art, music, crafts, mental & physical exercise) as coping strategies and interventions to provide a therapeutic process that supports understanding, compassion, self-care, and healing.
My experience allows me to understand that going to therapy can be difficult and takes strength to begin, yet I welcome all who desire relief, change, and growth. My goal here is to make the healing process as supportive, gratifying, challenging, and fun as possible.
Therapist, Client Services Coordinator
In our work together, I strive to create and nurture an alliance with children, individuals, and families. It is an honor to be a part of my clients' support system in their journey through change. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families in various settings, from high-risk crisis circumstances to inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation to outpatient mental health therapeutic centers.
I believe in incorporating my clients' favorite hobbies (art, music, crafts, mental & physical exercise) as coping strategies and interventions to provide a therapeutic process that supports understanding, compassion, self-care, and healing.
My experience allows me to understand that going to therapy can be difficult and takes strength to begin, yet I welcome all who desire relief, change, and growth. My goal here is to make the healing process as supportive, gratifying, challenging, and fun as possible.
Nisha Acharya, MA, LCPC
Therapist
Change can be difficult, feeling stuck can be frustrating, and life transitions can be overwhelming! It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and I respect the people that do so and want to make a positive change in their life. My strength and passion lies in working with children, and individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting, difficulties with relationships and careers. I seek to create an environment that is safe, warm, and supportive.
I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from CBT, RET, person-centered and humanistic therapy. I adapt my approach to meet the needs of my clients and utilize the client’s individual strengths and experiences to empower them and help discover new coping skills to make positive changes.
I believe that people heal when they have a non-judgmental place to reflect and a supportive person joining them in their story. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds and victims of domestic violence. I am committed to lifelong learning and participate in ongoing training and consultation.
Therapist
Change can be difficult, feeling stuck can be frustrating, and life transitions can be overwhelming! It takes a lot of courage to ask for help and I respect the people that do so and want to make a positive change in their life. My strength and passion lies in working with children, and individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, parenting, difficulties with relationships and careers. I seek to create an environment that is safe, warm, and supportive.
I approach therapy collaboratively and compassionately, drawing from CBT, RET, person-centered and humanistic therapy. I adapt my approach to meet the needs of my clients and utilize the client’s individual strengths and experiences to empower them and help discover new coping skills to make positive changes.
I believe that people heal when they have a non-judgmental place to reflect and a supportive person joining them in their story. I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults from a variety of cultural backgrounds and victims of domestic violence. I am committed to lifelong learning and participate in ongoing training and consultation.
Ashley Ullyot, MA, LMFT
Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are looking to enhance the connections within themselves, their relationships, and their families. I believe growth happens when people have a safe place that encourages them to communicate what is often hard to express in times of distress, conflict, and traumatic life experiences. As a trauma-informed therapist, I work with individuals/couples/families and children, utilizing various relationally focused approaches, including play, to identify and support the challenges they are facing. Together in therapy, I strive to uncover healing methods that continually strengthen each chapter of your life.
My experience expands from helping families and children with special needs to relationship conflict, including domestic violence, sexual assault survivors, and divorce. I provide individuals and couples with the support and skills needed to help navigate difficult experiences or struggles with anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
My goal is for you to experience a deeper connection within your relationships or family by empowering each individual's story. In witnessing the transformation of healing in children, teens, families, and couples, I look forward to accompanying anyone on the journey of discovering who they are and want to be—offering a path for you never to walk alone.
Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are looking to enhance the connections within themselves, their relationships, and their families. I believe growth happens when people have a safe place that encourages them to communicate what is often hard to express in times of distress, conflict, and traumatic life experiences. As a trauma-informed therapist, I work with individuals/couples/families and children, utilizing various relationally focused approaches, including play, to identify and support the challenges they are facing. Together in therapy, I strive to uncover healing methods that continually strengthen each chapter of your life.
My experience expands from helping families and children with special needs to relationship conflict, including domestic violence, sexual assault survivors, and divorce. I provide individuals and couples with the support and skills needed to help navigate difficult experiences or struggles with anxiety, depression, and life transitions.
My goal is for you to experience a deeper connection within your relationships or family by empowering each individual's story. In witnessing the transformation of healing in children, teens, families, and couples, I look forward to accompanying anyone on the journey of discovering who they are and want to be—offering a path for you never to walk alone.
Marian Slahor, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
I love to work with individuals, couples, and families. I particularly love working with parents and their children. The issues my clients come in with may be different from each other but the bottom line is life can get confusing, emotional, or just plain exhausting. People need a place in this world where they can go and not be judged. They need a place they can go to express their thoughts, feelings and fears. People need a space to find solutions and ways to cope. People need to discover their strengths.
I can help with a variety of issues such as loss, anxiety, depression, relationship problems in marriage or parent/child, trauma, and more, but people are unique. I may not have the answer to every problem but together we can discover ways to cope. I use a variety of therapy models depending on the needs of my clients. I use play therapy with children.
I became a therapist because life can be very challenging and no matter who you are or what you are going through you deserve to be heard. You have value and deserve to be supported. I really care and would love to hear your story. I invite you to make an appointment so we can go on a journey of discovery together.
Therapist
I love to work with individuals, couples, and families. I particularly love working with parents and their children. The issues my clients come in with may be different from each other but the bottom line is life can get confusing, emotional, or just plain exhausting. People need a place in this world where they can go and not be judged. They need a place they can go to express their thoughts, feelings and fears. People need a space to find solutions and ways to cope. People need to discover their strengths.
I can help with a variety of issues such as loss, anxiety, depression, relationship problems in marriage or parent/child, trauma, and more, but people are unique. I may not have the answer to every problem but together we can discover ways to cope. I use a variety of therapy models depending on the needs of my clients. I use play therapy with children.
I became a therapist because life can be very challenging and no matter who you are or what you are going through you deserve to be heard. You have value and deserve to be supported. I really care and would love to hear your story. I invite you to make an appointment so we can go on a journey of discovery together.
Logan Chambers, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are looking to explore and who are looking for someone to walk with them in their journey. Trauma and other life experiences can be overwhelming to handle on your own. These experiences can also feel lonely. It is important to me to support my clients in their therapeutic journey and to let them know they are not alone. I look to support clients who have experienced trauma, who have been in domestic violence relationships, who have experienced sexual abuse, are veterans, or any other client who simply needs to be heard.
My area of expertise is with clients who have experienced trauma; including domestic violence, sexual assault, and military personnel with PTSD. I have completed the 40-hour domestic violence training and have also had training in sex-positive counseling. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive space to work through topics that can be uncomfortable.
Everyone’s therapeutic journey is different. I want to empower my clients to recognize their own resiliency. Everyone is an expert in their own story. I would appreciate the opportunity to get to know your story and to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey.
Therapist
I enjoy working with clients who are looking to explore and who are looking for someone to walk with them in their journey. Trauma and other life experiences can be overwhelming to handle on your own. These experiences can also feel lonely. It is important to me to support my clients in their therapeutic journey and to let them know they are not alone. I look to support clients who have experienced trauma, who have been in domestic violence relationships, who have experienced sexual abuse, are veterans, or any other client who simply needs to be heard.
My area of expertise is with clients who have experienced trauma; including domestic violence, sexual assault, and military personnel with PTSD. I have completed the 40-hour domestic violence training and have also had training in sex-positive counseling. My goal is to create a comfortable, supportive space to work through topics that can be uncomfortable.
Everyone’s therapeutic journey is different. I want to empower my clients to recognize their own resiliency. Everyone is an expert in their own story. I would appreciate the opportunity to get to know your story and to walk alongside you in your therapeutic journey.
Bianca Rivera, MSW, LCSW
Therapist, Client Services Coordinator
I believe life is all about the journey, not the destination. My goal is to walk alongside you and support your discovery of a path toward identifying and developing a peaceful and purposeful sense of wellness. Whether you are dealing with a daunting new medical diagnosis, chronic or acute illness, a difficult life transition, grieving a loss, or simply feeling stuck, we will discover tools and depth of understanding to promote insight and long-term comfort.
Perhaps you are a healthcare professional encountering chronic distress or a caregiver who is overwhelmed, during our time together, you can safely unpack and understand the complexity of what you think and feel and their interactions with these difficult elements in your story.
My specialties are supporting individuals and families who are attempting to understand and cope with living with a chronic or terminal medical diagnosis, grief and loss, as well as the family caregivers who are caring for a sick or elderly loved one, and health care professionals. I also work well with teens, young adults, and other individuals who would like to better understand how to manage depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
My purpose here is to provide a nurturing, warm, and connected experience for you. I utilize attachment-focused, mindfulness techniques and other evidence-based treatments to empower clients to discover their full potential and make sense of their struggle. Although we cannot rewrite your past story, you have the power within yourself to write multiple endings.
Therapist, Client Services Coordinator
I believe life is all about the journey, not the destination. My goal is to walk alongside you and support your discovery of a path toward identifying and developing a peaceful and purposeful sense of wellness. Whether you are dealing with a daunting new medical diagnosis, chronic or acute illness, a difficult life transition, grieving a loss, or simply feeling stuck, we will discover tools and depth of understanding to promote insight and long-term comfort.
Perhaps you are a healthcare professional encountering chronic distress or a caregiver who is overwhelmed, during our time together, you can safely unpack and understand the complexity of what you think and feel and their interactions with these difficult elements in your story.
My specialties are supporting individuals and families who are attempting to understand and cope with living with a chronic or terminal medical diagnosis, grief and loss, as well as the family caregivers who are caring for a sick or elderly loved one, and health care professionals. I also work well with teens, young adults, and other individuals who would like to better understand how to manage depression, anxiety, and life transitions.
My purpose here is to provide a nurturing, warm, and connected experience for you. I utilize attachment-focused, mindfulness techniques and other evidence-based treatments to empower clients to discover their full potential and make sense of their struggle. Although we cannot rewrite your past story, you have the power within yourself to write multiple endings.
Breanna Todd, MA, LPC, NCC
Therapist
I look forward to working with individuals to support them as they regain some control and insight. Everyone experiences significant life transitions, resulting in anxiety, depression, confusion, and even feelings of loneliness. I’m open to anyone looking for support when the thought of "I need someone to talk to that I can trust," comes to mind.
My specialty in supporting trauma survivors comes from supporting those who experienced different types of trauma including relational abuse, sexual abuse, or anyone who finds themselves in a critical time in their life. I believe trauma and mental health are challenging enough and that you should never have to fight these battles alone. Additionally, I work with teens and adults who find themselves amidst a struggle with anxiety, depression, or life transition.
My experience in this field led to me passionately advocate for the personal growth of those who open up their stories for discovery, awareness, and insight. My deep connection with those who face emotional battles, offers me the knowledge and empathy to truly connect to those who struggle most.
I am here to help clients discover their emotional voice and empower them in reclaiming the chapters of their life they feel their most difficult experiences stole from them. I work uniquely in assisting my clients by newly understanding and rewriting their individual stories. No one will know your journey's experiences as you will, but it would be my honor to have the opportunity to walk alongside you as you choose your next steps.
Therapist
I look forward to working with individuals to support them as they regain some control and insight. Everyone experiences significant life transitions, resulting in anxiety, depression, confusion, and even feelings of loneliness. I’m open to anyone looking for support when the thought of "I need someone to talk to that I can trust," comes to mind.
My specialty in supporting trauma survivors comes from supporting those who experienced different types of trauma including relational abuse, sexual abuse, or anyone who finds themselves in a critical time in their life. I believe trauma and mental health are challenging enough and that you should never have to fight these battles alone. Additionally, I work with teens and adults who find themselves amidst a struggle with anxiety, depression, or life transition.
My experience in this field led to me passionately advocate for the personal growth of those who open up their stories for discovery, awareness, and insight. My deep connection with those who face emotional battles, offers me the knowledge and empathy to truly connect to those who struggle most.
I am here to help clients discover their emotional voice and empower them in reclaiming the chapters of their life they feel their most difficult experiences stole from them. I work uniquely in assisting my clients by newly understanding and rewriting their individual stories. No one will know your journey's experiences as you will, but it would be my honor to have the opportunity to walk alongside you as you choose your next steps.
Sheila Adamo, MSW, LCSW, CADC
Therapist
I enjoy empowering people of all ages to create a unique path that will accentuate their strengths while also providing support and space to address any obstacles that may block their progress. Finding one’s voice and having the confidence and knowledge to guide you in becoming an authentic individual is both a challenging and enriching process that I would feel honored to participate in with you. Whether you have a young child just starting this journey or have many different life experiences, I believe that investing in yourself through therapy, self-care, and introspection will lead to a much happier and authentic life.
I have an extensive history of helping families with special needs, including providing each member of the family the support and guidance needed to address the complicated issues that arise. Through my personal and professional background, I understand the difficulties all members of the family may face. I will work with each member to create boundaries and an individualized self-care program and maintain the family unit to support one another.
My other professional experience includes working with individuals of all ages dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and mental illness. My approach utilizes humor, respect, and support to address the coping skills and the many different life stressors that everyone may face.
Therapist
I enjoy empowering people of all ages to create a unique path that will accentuate their strengths while also providing support and space to address any obstacles that may block their progress. Finding one’s voice and having the confidence and knowledge to guide you in becoming an authentic individual is both a challenging and enriching process that I would feel honored to participate in with you. Whether you have a young child just starting this journey or have many different life experiences, I believe that investing in yourself through therapy, self-care, and introspection will lead to a much happier and authentic life.
I have an extensive history of helping families with special needs, including providing each member of the family the support and guidance needed to address the complicated issues that arise. Through my personal and professional background, I understand the difficulties all members of the family may face. I will work with each member to create boundaries and an individualized self-care program and maintain the family unit to support one another.
My other professional experience includes working with individuals of all ages dealing with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, and mental illness. My approach utilizes humor, respect, and support to address the coping skills and the many different life stressors that everyone may face.
Spencer Schroeder, MS, LPC
Therapist
The work I do as a counselor comes from my firm belief that there is an innate dignity in all people. I encourage and empower my clients to discover the personal values they strive to live up to so they may craft a new yet more abundant chapter in their life. My approach is to meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, to provide those looking for a place they can trust, built on empathy, vulnerability, and communication.
My person-centered approach to therapy allows me to support any individual who chooses to share their story with me in a respectful and trusting way. I trust my clients to make their own decisions, just like I know and respect the inevitable process of change and how it often comes with pain. Together we can create the environment needed to find hope and grace.
My experience and knowledge allow me to comfortably work with people of all ages amongst all cultural backgrounds seeking the encouragement they need or a place to begin. I look forward to working with anyone trying to find clarity in their struggle with depression/anxiety, grief, relational issues, anger, questions of meaning, identity, and trauma.
I know from experience that therapy can feel like an unnatural process that is often hard to admit. A process that puts you in a vulnerable position to ask someone who feels like a stranger for help can be both confusing and liberating. That's why it is so valuable to find a therapist you trust and respect to uniquely support and encourage you through whatever chapter you are currently occupying and finally enjoy the journey we know as life.
Therapist
The work I do as a counselor comes from my firm belief that there is an innate dignity in all people. I encourage and empower my clients to discover the personal values they strive to live up to so they may craft a new yet more abundant chapter in their life. My approach is to meet you exactly where you are, without judgment, to provide those looking for a place they can trust, built on empathy, vulnerability, and communication.
My person-centered approach to therapy allows me to support any individual who chooses to share their story with me in a respectful and trusting way. I trust my clients to make their own decisions, just like I know and respect the inevitable process of change and how it often comes with pain. Together we can create the environment needed to find hope and grace.
My experience and knowledge allow me to comfortably work with people of all ages amongst all cultural backgrounds seeking the encouragement they need or a place to begin. I look forward to working with anyone trying to find clarity in their struggle with depression/anxiety, grief, relational issues, anger, questions of meaning, identity, and trauma.
I know from experience that therapy can feel like an unnatural process that is often hard to admit. A process that puts you in a vulnerable position to ask someone who feels like a stranger for help can be both confusing and liberating. That's why it is so valuable to find a therapist you trust and respect to uniquely support and encourage you through whatever chapter you are currently occupying and finally enjoy the journey we know as life.
Emily Schumacher, Pre-Licensed Professional
Clinical Intern
My unique role at Your Story Counseling is one I've looked forward to growing within. It allows me to serve a wide variety of clients—especially those who face financial hardships that may feel that receiving therapy isn't an option for them. Life offers us all unique struggles, but no one should have to face these encounters alone. My goal is to provide a client-centered environment that includes compassion and support for all those I get the opportunity to walk alongside. Through our therapy together, I hope you will find the power and strength you have amid trials from receiving the encouragement and support we all need through life's difficulties.
I've obtained valuable experience in various issues throughout my work, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, coping skills, and relationship issues. The clients I serve will benefit from the case consultation I receive with my direct supervisor, ensuring the highest quality of care as I expand upon my coursework and areas of expertise.
In meeting each client with openness and freedom of judgment, I hope to work with them in their current place. I strive for a collaborative approach integrating various techniques to best suit you and any experience you are now facing. Most of all, I want to ensure each client feels relaxed, heard, and supported during our time together.
Clinical Intern
My unique role at Your Story Counseling is one I've looked forward to growing within. It allows me to serve a wide variety of clients—especially those who face financial hardships that may feel that receiving therapy isn't an option for them. Life offers us all unique struggles, but no one should have to face these encounters alone. My goal is to provide a client-centered environment that includes compassion and support for all those I get the opportunity to walk alongside. Through our therapy together, I hope you will find the power and strength you have amid trials from receiving the encouragement and support we all need through life's difficulties.
I've obtained valuable experience in various issues throughout my work, including depression, anxiety, self-harm, self-esteem, coping skills, and relationship issues. The clients I serve will benefit from the case consultation I receive with my direct supervisor, ensuring the highest quality of care as I expand upon my coursework and areas of expertise.
In meeting each client with openness and freedom of judgment, I hope to work with them in their current place. I strive for a collaborative approach integrating various techniques to best suit you and any experience you are now facing. Most of all, I want to ensure each client feels relaxed, heard, and supported during our time together.
Karina Ramos
Program Intern
I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Although I consider myself a planner who enjoys planning for just about everything, I also know that things don't always work out exactly how you prepare them. Take the cool part of my story that connected me with Your Story Counseling, for example! Since August 2020, I've served here as their first-ever Program Intern. Something I never planned for now feels like a push from the universe to have the opportunity to learn from this group of fantastic therapists.
I am a bilingual student in my senior year at Governor State University, working to attain my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I've enjoyed the experiences I've gained from my volunteer work, specifically the privilege I had to be a part of the Global Brigades in Panama for legal empowerment and Ghana for public health. My mission is to empower and advocate for the vulnerable population, and it is why I plan to become a social worker upon completing my degree. To use my educational endeavors to achieve my ultimate desire to help those who need it the most.
In addition to my internship, classes, and involvement in a mentor program for young children, I also have the privilege of working at a senior assisted living home. In this role, I serve people from many walks of life, including veterans and those who need support for various mental health and relational difficulties, such as memory care, grief, and loss. I am honored to hold the title of Your Story Counseling's First Intern and am thankful for the opportunity to support and learn from the therapists at Your Story Counseling. As an intern, I am here to learn, ask questions, and add to my skills to succeed in my future career.
Program Intern
I am a true believer that everything happens for a reason. Although I consider myself a planner who enjoys planning for just about everything, I also know that things don't always work out exactly how you prepare them. Take the cool part of my story that connected me with Your Story Counseling, for example! Since August 2020, I've served here as their first-ever Program Intern. Something I never planned for now feels like a push from the universe to have the opportunity to learn from this group of fantastic therapists.
I am a bilingual student in my senior year at Governor State University, working to attain my Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. I've enjoyed the experiences I've gained from my volunteer work, specifically the privilege I had to be a part of the Global Brigades in Panama for legal empowerment and Ghana for public health. My mission is to empower and advocate for the vulnerable population, and it is why I plan to become a social worker upon completing my degree. To use my educational endeavors to achieve my ultimate desire to help those who need it the most.
In addition to my internship, classes, and involvement in a mentor program for young children, I also have the privilege of working at a senior assisted living home. In this role, I serve people from many walks of life, including veterans and those who need support for various mental health and relational difficulties, such as memory care, grief, and loss. I am honored to hold the title of Your Story Counseling's First Intern and am thankful for the opportunity to support and learn from the therapists at Your Story Counseling. As an intern, I am here to learn, ask questions, and add to my skills to succeed in my future career.
Mary Gallagher, MA
Clinical Extern
One of my favorite quotes is from the novel Milkman, set in Northern Ireland. Anna Burns writes, “[T]here were sunsets every day, that we weren't meant to be coffined and buried whilst all the time still living, that nothing of the dark was so enormous that never could we surmount it, that always there were new chapters, that we must let go the old, open ourselves to symbolism, to the most unexpected of interpretations, that we must too, uncover what we've kept hidden, what we think we might have lost…..You never know.. the moment of the fulcrum, the pivot, the turnaround, the instant when the meaning of it all will appear.”
When you are going through something difficult, be it a life event that befalls most of us at one time or another (the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, etc.) or a diagnosed mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, life can seem like a never-ending series of challenges, an insurmountable set of obstacles. However, what we often fail to realize in the midst of our despair is that nothing is permanent—not the good times, nor the bad times. Knowing that we “never know the moment of the […] turnaround” reaffirms for me that change is possible.
I am excited to be a part of that change, as a guide and witness to a client’s inherent ability to access their innermost strengths to begin the journey to a healthier future. As a practicing school psychologist, I love to help my students and their families as they develop the self-awareness and self-compassion needed to believe in a future where change is possible, where growth can happen and where healing is the end goal. In the 25 years I’ve spent as an educator and school psychologist, I have practiced in a variety of settings, both here and abroad. What I’ve come to understand is that we are all more the same than we are different, and that we all want and need the same things in life: to be seen, to be heard, to be validated. I consider it a privilege to be able to do this work, and I look forward to accompanying clients on their journeys as together we form an alliance that allows for a trusting and nonjudgmental space to explore the way forward.
Clinical Extern
One of my favorite quotes is from the novel Milkman, set in Northern Ireland. Anna Burns writes, “[T]here were sunsets every day, that we weren't meant to be coffined and buried whilst all the time still living, that nothing of the dark was so enormous that never could we surmount it, that always there were new chapters, that we must let go the old, open ourselves to symbolism, to the most unexpected of interpretations, that we must too, uncover what we've kept hidden, what we think we might have lost…..You never know.. the moment of the fulcrum, the pivot, the turnaround, the instant when the meaning of it all will appear.”
When you are going through something difficult, be it a life event that befalls most of us at one time or another (the end of a relationship, the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, etc.) or a diagnosed mental health condition such as anxiety or depression, life can seem like a never-ending series of challenges, an insurmountable set of obstacles. However, what we often fail to realize in the midst of our despair is that nothing is permanent—not the good times, nor the bad times. Knowing that we “never know the moment of the […] turnaround” reaffirms for me that change is possible.
I am excited to be a part of that change, as a guide and witness to a client’s inherent ability to access their innermost strengths to begin the journey to a healthier future. As a practicing school psychologist, I love to help my students and their families as they develop the self-awareness and self-compassion needed to believe in a future where change is possible, where growth can happen and where healing is the end goal. In the 25 years I’ve spent as an educator and school psychologist, I have practiced in a variety of settings, both here and abroad. What I’ve come to understand is that we are all more the same than we are different, and that we all want and need the same things in life: to be seen, to be heard, to be validated. I consider it a privilege to be able to do this work, and I look forward to accompanying clients on their journeys as together we form an alliance that allows for a trusting and nonjudgmental space to explore the way forward.
Alexandra Lipp
Marketing and Outreach Manager
I believe our words have the power to impact not only our actions but our connections to others. It’s why in addition to supporting our clients, I compelling work to unite with our community, organizations, and business alike to recognize how our missions align and how together we coincide with reaching our promises to those we serve.
I have a comprehensive history of working with businesses and non-profits to inform, engage, and bring individuals together purposefully. I take pride in finding the core of an organization along with methods best suited to their uniqueness. In utilizing my creativity and individual perspectives, I’ve created connections among strangers through my ability to produce unique content with a purpose. A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Public Relations, Marketing, and Applied Communications.
Marketing and Outreach Manager
I believe our words have the power to impact not only our actions but our connections to others. It’s why in addition to supporting our clients, I compelling work to unite with our community, organizations, and business alike to recognize how our missions align and how together we coincide with reaching our promises to those we serve.
I have a comprehensive history of working with businesses and non-profits to inform, engage, and bring individuals together purposefully. I take pride in finding the core of an organization along with methods best suited to their uniqueness. In utilizing my creativity and individual perspectives, I’ve created connections among strangers through my ability to produce unique content with a purpose. A graduate of Central Michigan University with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) focused on Public Relations, Marketing, and Applied Communications.
Katie Bade
Operations Manager
I believe everyone has a unique set of experiences that help shape who they are. These experiences can be complex and overwhelming at times. Being brave enough to take the first step towards understanding yourself and facing trauma or stressors is the best way to learn about yourself and set yourself free. Taking this journey can have a ripple effect and allow you to use newly developed skills to change how you interact with others within your environment. You can learn to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Beginning the journey of self-discovery and self-improvement can be challenging at times. My goal is to help therapists and this practice to make this process a little easier. I believe the client experience is vital to the outcome of their success. I strive to foster a positive, supportive, and efficient environment that takes the administrative and operational concerns out of the picture so that the therapist and the client can focus on the most crucial task of all: healing and self-discovery within the therapeutic process.
Operations Manager
I believe everyone has a unique set of experiences that help shape who they are. These experiences can be complex and overwhelming at times. Being brave enough to take the first step towards understanding yourself and facing trauma or stressors is the best way to learn about yourself and set yourself free. Taking this journey can have a ripple effect and allow you to use newly developed skills to change how you interact with others within your environment. You can learn to be the change you wish to see in the world.
Beginning the journey of self-discovery and self-improvement can be challenging at times. My goal is to help therapists and this practice to make this process a little easier. I believe the client experience is vital to the outcome of their success. I strive to foster a positive, supportive, and efficient environment that takes the administrative and operational concerns out of the picture so that the therapist and the client can focus on the most crucial task of all: healing and self-discovery within the therapeutic process.
