Haley, LMSW, EMDR Therapist
Let’s face it, life is not always easy…
It is even more complicated when you feel lost, trapped or stuck in a life you are unhappy with. Feeling overwhelmed by emotions, debilitated by depression, or being riddled with anxious thoughts is defeating. It can feel incredibly lonely when you don’t have someone to release openly to without fear of judgment.
I work with women and men who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, ptsd, grief, and low self-worth. Those who may have difficulty finding balance in life while setting and maintaining boundaries. I work with clients who are seeking treatment for trauma therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, ptsd therapy through EMDR Therapy- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing.
Often clients come to me after experiencing trauma. Having difficulty coping, healing, and moving forward. Many people say they feel they have lost their sense of self after all they have endured.
If the shoe fits…
Therapy is like trying on shoes. You can’t always go with the first “pair” you find. This is YOUR therapy at YOUR pace and you have to make sure you feel adequately supported. Therapy is filled with intimate conversation, sharing private, personal information that often has never been openly talked about before. My goal for you is to make sure that you feel comfortable moving forward with me.
We will be patient and understanding during our time together while we sit in the “yuck” feeling. There are sometimes no words can make a situation less awful and I am not one to sugar coat your concerns with, “Don’t worry, everything will be fine”. Although I may not have a magic wand to “bippity boppity boo” problems away! As your therapist it is my job to sit in the “yuck” with you. Without criticizing, giving my opinion or judging your life choices; but rather supporting you in become a better version of yourself. Being open to guidance and support can allow you to view circumstances with a new lens or perspective.
Helping you with any traumatic events such as: family conflict, childhood abuse, intimate partner violence, death and loss, physical, sexual and verbal abuse, or experiencing/witnessing an accident or tragic event. While guiding you to handle the panic attacks, flashbacks, triggers, and nigthmares that come with that.
Sometimes we behave differently in situations and interactions due to triggers. Which results in us having a difficult time handling boundaries and developing healthy relationships. Let me help you figure out who you are now, post-trauma.
In our sessions, we will explore your history and what has made you YOU. One of the biggest obstacles when beginning therapy is learning that it is alright to be a bit selfish. We are oftentimes convinced that putting ourselves first is wrong, and prioritizing our mental health isn’t necessary. Over time pouring into everything and everyone else you will find yourself empty, and you can’t pour from an empty cup! When our shoulders have much to carry it is imperative we maintain our foundation. Together let’s build on your strengths, develop new skills, and fill your cup. Bringing our attention inward and focusing on HOW and WHY you respond the way you do is a great way to learn about yourself and create a ripple effect of change.
A warm, judgment-free environment…
One of the most important parts of therapy is rediscovering who you are and who you ideally want to be. It is important for me that my clients know they are welcome to feel ALL their emotions in our sessions. Whether that is sadness, anger, fear, or joy-once again, this is YOUR therapy and we can explore whatever you need to. Your goals will be our focus as we delve into the presenting problems you are facing that continue to influence you.
Therapy is a commitment of time and energy..
You being here means you are seeking support and ready for change. Our time together will be spent working to develop a YOU that you are proud of. By providing you consistent and safe sessions I can ensure you space to heal when you are willing to put in the effort it takes to get there. Additionally, therapy doesn’t only take place during our sessions; in fact, you will most likely continue processing what we discuss throughout your week.
Homework assignments are intended to help you to stay focused on your goals while practicing new skills that can aid in your healing journey. It is important to remember that therapy is not all butterflies and rainbows. In fact, it can be challenging and feel like a roller coaster of emotions at times. There will be days you leave a session feeling on top of the world, and other days you may feel that the world is on top of you. Both days you are HEALING!
We must go through what we want to grow through.
About Me
How I can help you…
I have always been someone people can rely on for support, guidance and encouragement. I am genuine and personable and will always remain honest and respectful with my clients.
As an empath I truly care for each client I work with and will always greet you with a warm heart and understanding. As a survivor myself I chose an educational path that would allow me to be there for those in need and to help them overcome and ultimately thrive.
Education and training…
I earned my Bachelors in Social Work from Central Michigan University in 2013. I then earned my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from Michigan State University in 2014. During my undergrad and graduate work, I interned for a Community Mental Health agency and The Underground Railroad Domestic Violence Center.
I have studied various therapeutic approaches over the years such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT Therapy), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT Therapy), and am a Trauma Informed specialist. Specifically, I specialize in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR Therapy) and also incorporate many energy medicine techniques, self-regulation/meditation methods and music therapy modalities into my practice.
When I am not giving therapy…
Throughout life I have found my own therapy in music. As a musician singing, songwriting, playing my instruments and performing brings me a sense of clarity, expression and peace.
I am the lead singer of a band and my best self can be found with a microphone in hand.
I adore time spent with those I love, preferably outside in the sunshine.
I’m very creative and I am always spending time in my craft room painting and using my Cricut.
I look for ways to enjoy Michigan’s beauty, most recently by hiking through local nature preserves.
It’s time to choose YOU…
When you are ready, I am ready to meet with you! I am prepared to be a consistent support to help you rediscover yourself and live the life you deserve.
Call me today for an intake appointment. (248) 962-3329