Michelle Dinesen, Author at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners

Navigating Life’s Transitions

Life is a journey filled with constant movement. We experience exciting new chapters and navigate challenging endings, all of which shape who we become. While some changes feel like a breath of fresh air, others can bring significant stress and require a period of adjustment. These pivotal moments can sometimes feel like navigating a stormy sea, and at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, we understand the complexities of these times and are dedicated to offering support and guidance.

Wendy Kopitsch, LLMSW, a valued part of Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, offers insights into navigating these shifts. Her experience helps us understand the common experiences and effective strategies for finding our footing during times of change.

Many people feel they don’t “qualify” for therapy or that their problems aren’t “big enough” to warrant seeking support. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Therapy isn’t reserved for extreme situations; it’s a resource for anyone seeking a supportive and confidential space to explore their thoughts and feelings, gain self-awareness, and develop coping skills for the everyday ups and downs of life.

Understanding Common Life Changes and Their Impact

Life throws a variety of transitions our way, each with its unique set of challenges. When we consider the types of life changes that often lead to stress, Wendy highlights several key areas: “Relationships: both when they begin and when they end, are often the biggest sources of stress. Following closely is any kind of loss… this could be a shift in family dynamics, like a child leaving for college, or the difficult transition to becoming a caregiver.”

Think about it: the excitement and vulnerability of starting a new romantic relationship, the grief and re-evaluation that comes with a breakup or divorce, the profound shift in identity and routine when a child leaves home for college, or the immense responsibility and emotional toll of becoming a primary caregiver for a loved one. These are all significant life events that require substantial emotional and practical adaptation. Even if these experiences don’t feel like a “major crisis,” the emotional impact can still be significant, and therapy can provide valuable support in navigating these adjustments.

Beyond these, other major life changes can also be incredibly difficult to navigate alone. Consider the stress of a significant career change, whether voluntary or involuntary, which can impact not only your financial stability but also your sense of purpose and identity. Moving to a new city or state can uproot your social support system and require building a new life from scratch. Even seemingly positive events like becoming a parent, while filled with joy, also bring immense responsibility, sleep deprivation, and shifts in relationships and personal time. As we journey through life, the process of aging itself can bring about changes in our physical health, social roles, and sense of self, requiring ongoing adaptation.

Whether it’s the joy of a new relationship, the sadness of one ending, the evolving dynamics of family life, the pain of loss, the demands of caregiving, the uncertainty of a career shift, the isolation of a big move, the overwhelming nature of new parenthood, or the gradual shifts of aging, these transitions all demand significant emotional and logistical adjustments. You don’t need to be at your breaking point to seek support in navigating these experiences.

The Emotional Side of Change

It’s completely normal to experience a wide range of emotions when facing a life transition. Wendy explains some of the most common feelings: “The most common emotion I see is anxiety, which often stems from fear of the unknown. Overwhelm is another very frequent response.”

The uncertainty that comes with change can easily trigger feelings of anxiety and worry about the future. The sheer task of adjusting to new circumstances, learning new routines, and facing the unfamiliar can also lead to feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, and emotionally drained.

Knowing When It’s More Than Just Adjustment

While some stress is a natural part of adapting to change, it’s important to recognize when those feelings become too much to manage on your own. Wendy offers some key signs that it might be time to seek support:

“If you find yourself constantly thinking ‘I’m overwhelmed,’ or if you notice physical changes like significant shifts in your sleep patterns (sleeping too much or too little), it’s a red flag. Another sign is when self-care becomes nonexistent, or the thought of it doesn’t even cross your mind because you feel you don’t have the ‘time’ or your mind is constantly racing.”

These indicators suggest that the stress of the transition is having a significant impact on your well-being and your ability to cope effectively in your daily life.

When to Seek Professional Support: Recognizing the Red Flags

Wendy emphasizes critical times when reaching out for professional therapy or counseling is particularly important, pointing out specific “red flags”:

“Changes in sleep patterns, persistent anxiety, ongoing sadness, or increasing isolation are all reasons to seek support. A significant red flag would definitely be an increase in substance use as a way to cope, or any kind of addictive behavior like gambling, excessive shopping, or overeating.”

These are serious signs that someone is struggling to cope in healthy ways and that professional help can provide essential support and guidance to navigate these challenges.

How Therapy Can Help During Times of Change

Therapy can be an incredibly valuable resource when navigating significant life transitions. Wendy explains some of the key ways a therapist can help:

“Having someone who will truly listen and offer a different perspective can be so helpful. For example, a therapist might point out that feeling exhausted is a completely normal response to a challenging situation. We also use techniques like mindful self-compassion to help people accept that it’s okay to struggle during these times. And, of course, therapy provides practical coping strategies for things like low mood, sleep difficulties, and anxiety, such as breathing exercises and simple mindfulness to help quiet racing thoughts and worries.”

A therapist offers a safe and supportive space to process your emotions, gain new insights, develop healthy ways to cope, and practice self-compassion during challenging times, empowering you to navigate the complexities of change with greater resilience. Many of our experienced partners here at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners have specialized expertise in helping individuals navigate the complexities of life’s transitions.

If You’re Hesitant About Therapy

For those who feel overwhelmed by a life transition but are unsure about seeking therapy, Wendy offers this reassuring thought: “We all need support at different points in our lives… think of it like medicine – if it’s available and can help, why not use it?”

Reaching out for therapy is a sign of strength and self-awareness, not weakness. It’s about proactively taking care of your mental and emotional health during times when you might need it most.

Finding Strength and Support Beyond Therapy

In addition to professional support, Wendy shared some helpful resources for finding strength during times of change: “I often recommend the app Insight Timer. It offers a wide variety of guided meditations, talks, music, and even binaural beats that can be really helpful for relaxation and finding a sense of calm.”

Utilizing calming apps and exploring websites that offer mindfulness techniques can provide valuable tools to manage stress and support your well-being in between therapy sessions, offering accessible ways to cultivate inner peace.

Navigating life’s transitions is a fundamental part of being human. By understanding the common challenges, acknowledging our emotional responses, and knowing when to seek support, we can move through these periods with greater resilience and self-compassion. Remember, therapy is a valuable form of support available to everyone, regardless of the perceived size of their challenges. It’s about investing in your well-being and having a dedicated space to process your experiences.

If you’re currently facing a significant life change and feeling overwhelmed, we encourage you to reach out for support. You can connect directly with any of our dedicated therapists listed on our team page, or contact our main office at 616-202-2138. You can also fill out the convenient form on our “Contact Us” page. We are here to help you find your footing and navigate these waves with greater ease.

Supporting Teens & Young Adults Facing Pain, Chronic Health, and Mood Difficulties

We’re incredibly excited to introduce our newest team member, Dr. Dina Karvounides, a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for supporting adolescents and young adults. Dr. Karvounides brings a wealth of experience and a compassionate approach to Bloom Behavioral Health Partners, focusing on helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with resilience and strength.

Dr. Karvounides specializes in working with adolescents and young adults facing chronic pain and illness, understanding the profound impact these conditions can have on daily life and emotional well-being. She also provides crucial support for individuals dealing with related mood difficulties like depression and anxiety, recognizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. “I believe in a holistic approach,” she explains, “recognizing the intricate link between mind and body.” While she doesn’t offer psychological testing, she focuses on delivering effective therapy and personalized support to clients and their families.

Her expertise extends to addressing a wide range of issues, including pediatric chronic pain and other chronic health issues with associated mood difficulties that can impact daily functioning, stress related to navigating the medical system, and other generalized mood difficulties such as depression and anxiety, particularly in adolescents (12+) and young adults. “My goal is to create a safe and supportive space,” Dr. Karvounides shares, “where individuals can explore their experiences and develop effective coping strategies.”

She tailors her therapeutic approach to each client’s needs, drawing from evidence-based interventions like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), prolonged exposure, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

Knowing everyone’s path is unique, Dr. Karvounides goes beyond the session to provide tailored resources designed to meet each person’s needs. When needed, she carefully selects various pain management and mindfulness based interventions for continued care and guidance as they navigate their week.

Dr. Karvounides’ decision to join Bloom Behavioral Health Partners was rooted in her deep respect for the organization’s values and integrity. “I was drawn to Bloom’s ethical values and commitment to providing quality care,” she says. “I’m excited to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for helping others.”

One of the common misconceptions she encounters is the perception of therapy as a passive experience. She emphasizes, “Therapy as a collaborative process, not a one-sided conversation.” She also highlights the accessibility and convenience of virtual therapy, acknowledging its benefits for individuals with mobility limitations or low motivation while recognizing the value of in-person sessions.

Dr. Karvounides offers this insightful advice for those considering therapy: “Reflect on your current life and consider what you’d like to change. It’s about exploring how you live now versus how you want to live. Therapy is a journey of self-discovery and growth, and it’s a courageous step towards creating a more fulfilling life.”

Dr. Karvounides’ areas of expertise include:

Chronic Pain and Illness: Including somatic and functional disorders and sleep disturbances.
Trauma: Supporting individuals who have experienced abuse, assault, medical trauma, or other complex traumatic experiences.
Anxiety: Addressing generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and social anxiety.
Adjustment Difficulties: Assisting with life transitions and adjustment to chronic health symptoms.
Depression: Providing support for low mood and feelings of isolation.
Social Stressors: Helping adolescents navigate bullying and peer pressure.

We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Dina Karvounides to the Bloom Behavioral Health Partners family. Her dedication and expertise will undoubtedly make a positive impact on the lives of our clients.

If you or a young adult you know is navigating chronic pain, mood disorders, or any of the challenges Dr. Karvounides specializes in, we encourage you to reach out. Her compassionate and personalized approach can provide the support and guidance needed to foster healing and well-being.

Please contact us today to learn more about Dr. Karvounides’ services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today. We’re here to help you take the next step towards a brighter future.

Therapy for Children and Families: Knowing When to Begin and What to Expect

We are pleased to introduce our inaugural blog post, designed to provide valuable insights into the services offered at Bloom Behavioral Health Partners. One core focus of our practice is supporting children and families, and we are privileged to feature Analicia Martinez, a therapist on our team specializing in this area. We are eager to share her expertise with our readers.

Why Children and Families?

Analicia’s dedication to working with children and families stems from a deep-seated passion and a recognition of the need within her community. “I am passionate about working with children, adolescents, and their families,” she explains. “I believe what drew me to specializing in therapy with children and families was that I saw a big need for it in my own community. I acknowledge a tremendous importance in taking time to work with children as they are the next generation and are the future.”

Her work addresses a range of challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, school-related stress, and more. A significant goal is to help families “break generational curses,” fostering healthier communication and collaboration. “I enjoy working with children and their families as they reflect on their tendencies of communication and they collaborate with one another regarding difficult topics that may not have been accessible to them previously.”

A Playful and Trauma-Informed Approach

Analicia creates a welcoming and comfortable environment in her office, filled with resources and a warm, approachable demeanor. When working with children, Analicia understands the need for a different pace and style. “Working with children may differ from working with adults in the level of pace that you’re going to go,” she notes. She also incorporates play therapy and creative techniques, recognizing that “working with children comes naturally for me that may be due to my own playful personality.”

Her office is filled with fidget tools, games, and books, creating a welcoming and comfortable space. “With each client I try to remind myself to let them teach me what ways that they enjoy learning and I do my best to implement this into our therapy sessions.” This helps create an atmosphere where children feel safe and encouraged to engage in the therapeutic process.

Analicia’s therapeutic approach is grounded in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). “Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is essentially exploring what disarray may be occurring within our minds and connecting what we are noticing is occurring within our bodies,” she says. She emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between the brain and body, especially when children are experiencing stress.

A child in therapy playing with sensory or fidget toys

“When individuals are going through some big things, the two, which are the brain and the body, may stop communicating with each other,” Analicia explains. “Our role within therapy is to help the brain maintain its key functioning and bridge the gap or the disconnect that stressful situations may cause.” This approach allows children to understand how stress and trauma impact them physically and mentally, empowering them to develop coping mechanisms.

Working with children, however, requires a tailored approach compared to adults. “Working with children may differ from working with adults in the level of pace that you’re going to go,” she notes. “Learning the concepts of cognitive behavioral health may appear different when a child retains the information versus an adult.” Analicia emphasizes that the key differences lie in pacing, direct identification of needs, and the specific style of therapy employed.

“The main difference may be working at a separate pace, identifying needs directly, and the style of the therapy that is executed when working with children versus adults,” she clarifies. However, she also highlights the remarkable capabilities of children. “I will say that a lot of children are very insightful, resilient, and can grasp the necessary tools needed to complete therapy. At times clients may even have ideas to elaborate on the skills and strategies that you are teaching them.” This highlights her belief in children’s ability to actively participate in their therapeutic journey.

By utilizing TF-CBT, incorporating play therapy, and adapting her approach to meet the unique needs of children, Analicia provides a supportive and effective therapeutic experience.

The Vital Role of Parents and Caregivers

Analicia stresses the crucial role of parents and caregivers in a child’s therapy. “One of the first key pieces of information that we learned in school was that the role of the parents/caregivers in children’s therapy greatly impacts the outcome,” she says. She encourages parental involvement from the start, fostering a collaborative approach. “I will often assure parents and caregivers that they are the expert for their child and I am an additional supportive person to be here to help along the way. Teaching skills to their child and the family as well.”

Addressing Misconceptions and Building Trust

Analicia addresses common misconceptions about child and family therapy, such as the belief that it’s too difficult or requires excessive creativity. She emphasizes that children are insightful and capable of grasping therapeutic concepts. Building trust is paramount, and Analicia approaches it with patience and understanding. “My philosophy on building trust and rapport with children who are hesitant is just trying to meet them where they are at the moment. I try to acknowledge that therapy is a big thing, it’s a big step. I try to acknowledge the little steps that they’re already taking.”

Addressing Behavioral Challenges

She also addresses behavioral issues, such as defiance or aggression, with a compassionate and understanding approach. “Sometimes children who present behavioral issues such as defiance or aggression are children who are asking for help,” Analicia explains. “They may not know how to do that in a calm manner. Feelings and emotions can run so big that it overtakes a portion of our brain. The reasoning or the logical portion of the brain might be dismissed when the defiance or the aggression that we are seeing on the outside occurs. It happens so quickly that for some children, when you ask them what happened, they don’t understand what occurred themselves due to their feelings and their thoughts and then the action just happened within like 2 seconds.”

Analicia focuses on helping children understand their emotions and develop healthier coping mechanisms. “Assisting them to slow down and helping the brain and the body to communicate together is a core goal that I share with them,” she says.

Navigating Life Transitions

Significant life changes, such as divorce or the creation of blended families, present unique challenges. It’s crucial to offer a supportive space where every family member feels heard and understood. Children, especially, may feel their voices are lost during these transitions. These experiences can be emotionally difficult, requiring significant adjustments. Providing a safe environment allows individuals to explore and express their emotions and thoughts. This process builds resilience and helps families adapt to new realities. Encouraging open communication between children and their caregivers further strengthens relationships and facilitates healthy navigation through these complex situations.

Addressing Social Skills and Peer Relationships

Analicia also works with children who struggle with social skills or peer relationships. “When children are struggling socially or with peer relationships we process these feelings and thoughts within the session,” she explains. “We explore potential client-led solutions and discuss what that may look like. However, that is not to say that it’s a one problem, one solution kind of method. Within sessions we are teaching them good skills or teaching them to communicate these struggles to look inside of themselves and identify what’s helping them or what’s hurting them in a safe manner.”

When to Seek Help

Analicia highlights that signs to seek therapy are unique to each family. Figuring out when to get help for your child or family can be tricky. You might notice your child having really big, explosive emotions, which is a clear sign. But sometimes, it’s more subtle.

Parents often reach out when they see changes in their child, like:

Pulling away from friends and family
Being extra grumpy or irritable
Trouble at school
Changes in sleep or eating
Complaining of aches and pains without a clear cause
Losing interest in things they used to love

Sometimes, parents just want their child to have someone safe to talk to, someone outside the family. It’s a place where kids can share what’s on their mind without feeling judged.

Families also seek help to:

Improve how they talk to each other
Work through disagreements
Handle big life changes, like moving or losing a loved one
Break negative patterns that keep happening

Basically, if you feel like something’s not quite right, or if your family is struggling, it’s okay to ask for help. Trust your gut. Getting support is a positive step towards a happier, healthier family.

Advice for Overwhelmed Parents

Analicia offers reassuring advice to parents feeling overwhelmed: “It is okay to ask for help! Asking for help or asking for an additional supportive person in your child’s life, is a powerful way to ensure everyone’s needs are being met. I also like to assure them that this a collaborative effort, therapy is the most effective when caregivers are involved.”

We hope this first blog post has been informative and helpful, providing valuable insights into Analicia’s approach to child and family therapy. We at Bloom Behavioral Health are committed to providing compassionate and effective care for children and families.

If you’d like to schedule a consultation appointment with Analicia Martinez or have any questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to support you and your family.

Stay tuned for more insights and resources from Bloom Behavioral Health!

Contact Analicia

Bloom Behavioral Health Partners is proud to serve communities throughout West Michigan. Our expansive team specializes in a wide range of therapeutic approaches, ensuring we can meet your unique needs. We offer both in-person and convenient virtual appointments. Contact our team or or fill out our general inquiry form for assistance.

A couple helping their child in family therapy

Matthew Thatcher, LPC, CCS

Contact Matthew

Matt Thatcher, LPC CCS, is Bloom’s chief clinical facilitator and a full-time practicing therapist. He has been part of the Lakeshore and Grand Rapids communities for over 40 years. His academic journey led him to Western Michigan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice while minoring in Philosophy.

Taking a detour into the ski industry in Vail, Colorado, for a span of two years, Matt eventually returned to Chicago, pursuing graduate studies at the Chicago School of Forensic Psychology and completing a Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology.

His practicum training unfolded at Advocate Illinois Masonic Behavioral Health, where he also held a clinical therapy position in their outpatient clinic. Throughout his career, Matt has gained experience in varied clinical settings and levels of mental health care, including adult and children’s psychiatric hospitals, outpatient therapy clinics, and now developing his private practice.

In 2013, Matt became a Michigander again and was licensed as a professional counselor in the state of Michigan. Matt’s therapeutic approach is developed from cognitive behavioral therapy, and integrates aspects of client-centered, internal family systems and PCIT. Notably, Matt has expertise and added training in treating Selective Mutism and other anxiety disorders. Matt recently achieved qualifications as a Certified Clinical Supervisor for Limited Licensed Professional Counselors (LLPCs), enabling him to offer clinical supervision to those striving for full licensure.

Matt finds deep meaning in his work as he sees his client’s progress and shift in mindset. “I greatly admire the difficult work my clients do and enjoy seeing personal growth of all kinds. I feel most fulfilled when people allow me to walk with them, and be part of their story as they heal and grow.”

Dr. Dina Karvounides, Clinical Psychologist

Contact Dr. Dina

Dr. Karvounides is a clinical psychologist who is passionate about her work in supporting youth, young adults, and their families to address life’s challenges. Over the past 17 years, she has worked with diverse patients who are coping with anxiety, depression, adjustment to chronic illness-particularly chronic pain conditions, as well as difficulties faced with peer and family relationships.

Her expertise comes through years of work at multiple academic medical centers in the country, including her recent role as pediatric psychologist for 8 years in the pediatric headache program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. She has also worked with the humanitarian organization, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF)/Doctors Without Borders as she is passionate about supporting and improving the health of citizens globally, including expatriates, immigrants, and refugees.

Her engagement in sessions involves a joint understanding and agreement of the challenges you would like to see change in your life, combined with recommendations and a treatment approach that is evidence-based. She is committed to providing the best care possible through an empathic environment that is sensitive to all areas of difference and a trusted partnership that is foundational to improve coping and change. She is thrilled to be a part of Bloom Behavioral Health Partners and looks forward to working with you.

Dr. Karvounides is available for virtual/telehealth appointments.