Are you finding it hard to manage your daily moods? Do you struggle with maintaining healthy relationships, or are you concerned about your alcohol or drug use? As a Licensed Master of Social Work and Certified Advanced Addictions and Drug Counselor, I am here to help you navigate through the complexities and find a clear path forward.

With over 14 years of experience, I utilize an eclectic therapeutic approach, integrating evidence-based techniques such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic theory, Gottman Couples therapy, Emotionally Focused, and Interpersonal therapy. I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my master’s degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University.

I believe in the unique strength and individuality of each person. My goal is to provide a casual, safe, comforting, and accepting environment where you can openly explore challenges related to anxiety, mood, substance use, or relationship issues. Adding to this comforting atmosphere is Brucey, our sweet Golden Pyrenees, who offers a calming presence during your sessions. Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, hiking, camping, seeing live music, and cooking and enjoying delicious food.

Together, we will explore past and current life experiences to gain insight into yourself, your struggles, and problematic thought patterns and behaviors. From there, we can work towards transforming these patterns to help you manifest the best version of yourself.

Wendy’s career has been about helping people: as a school teacher, yoga, mindfulness, and
meditation instructor as well as an active community member. Now as a therapist, she continues
her guiding principle of “respecting the spirit in each individual.” Her work is holistic in nature,
supporting the mind, emotions, and body of her clients as a whole. Combining her GVSU
Master of Social Work degree with her years of other professional experiences, Wendy provides
a unique person-centered approach for her clients on their path and meets them where they are
at in their lives.

In her practice Wendy uses somatics, mindfulness, yoga, self-compassion practices and similar
modalities such as experiencing nature for overall wellness in individuals and relationship
concerns. She provides trauma-informed care, and specializes in women’s issues, anxiety and
depression, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships. She works with individuals of all
ages, including those who have family histories of addiction and substance use disorders. Additionally, she has a deep interest in end of life issues, grief and loss. Given her years as a teacher,
she still enjoys working with children, adolescents, along with providing parental and family
support.

Life can be challenging at times. Wendy feels honored to help provide a safe and healing
environment for individuals and families, collaborating with them to find more balance and
equanimity in their lives. Wendy’s personal passions include gardening, reading, being at the
lakeshore, wandering a farm market, and hiking in area parks.

If you’re looking for a therapist who’s experienced, down-to-earth, and not afraid to tackle the hard stuff—you’re in the right place. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and have been in the helping field since 2005. I specialize in substance abuse, personality disorders, women’s issues, and supporting people impacted by true crime and various forms of injustice.

My approach is outcome-based. While “evidence-based” is important (and, yes, I use proven methods), what matters most to me is that you feel better. I draw from CBT, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, and good old’ person-centered talk therapy. I’m always expanding my skills to meet each client where they are.

I offer therapy that’s collaborative, honest, and goal-oriented—no psychobabble, no fluff. Just meaningful work that helps you move forward.

Outside of work, I’m a big fan of dogs (my Havanese, John Rambo, often joins sessions if clients approve), Halloween, scary movies, and music. I find joy in the weird, the peaceful, and everything between—and I bring that same openness and authenticity into the therapy space.

My story lives at the intersection of cultures, identities, and life experiences. Growing up, I experienced life across the full spectrum from poverty to privilege, and these experiences deeply shaped how I came to view people, pain, and personal growth.

I focus on the intersectionality of adversity, culture, and identity, helping clients explore how their experiences and environments shape who they are. Whether it’s navigating relationship struggles, identity challenges, or the weight of social and economic pressures, I believe that true healing starts with being seen, not judged.

Whether you grew up in struggle or success, feeling lost or looking to grow, I offer a grounded, culturally aware, and genuinely human space for you to explore your story.

If you’re ready to heal, learn, and grow with someone who truly understands what it means to live between worlds, I’d be honored to walk that journey with you.

Emily believes it is an honor to hear the life stories of others and walk alongside them in their journey of healing, self-exploration, and future planning. She believes the relationship between client and therapist is very important in the counseling process and aims to meet clients where they are at and welcome them as they are.

Emily earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Aquinas College and her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Northwestern University. She specializes in working with children and adolescents, and also welcomes adult clients.

Emily is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and adults in individual therapy as they navigate anxiety, depression, mood disorders, complex trauma, and life transitions. Emily believes that every client is the expert in their life and takes an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from Person-Centered Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

Emily offers both in-person and telehealth individual sessions.