Frequently Asked Questions

When a counseling relationship is working well, clients experience new insights into their situations, clearer thinking, increased energy, better understanding of their feelings and needs, release of troubling emotions that have held them back or been confusing, and a greater sense of wholeness and peace within themselves. Therapy is a process, and a working partnership develops between client and therapist. Therapy is not always comfortable or straightforward as difficult emotions and ways of being often have to be sorted in order for new energy and change to appear. Clients should feel comfortable with their therapist and be able to ask about whatever is on their mind regarding the process. In spite of the uncomfortable emotions experienced, clients we have worked with feel that the temporary pain of working through the therapy process is well worth leaving behind the continual pain of living the way they had previously.

The “Services” link briefly outlines areas of specialty. All practices used are evidence based, meaning that substantial research has been done on these therapeutic interventions and treatments. We offer in person sessions or virtual/telehealth sessions.

Yes, your sessions are completely confidential. In rare circumstances we will be required by law to report abuse, neglect, and/or actual harm or even intent to harm self or others. As a licensed healthcare provider in the state of Michigan, we adhere to all HIPPA laws and ethical standards associated with our individual licenses.

Note: I understand there is a stigma around mental health that may create a fear of others knowing you are seeking counseling. If we see you out in public, we will not acknowledge you unless you specify otherwise or acknowledge us first.

The short answer is NO. We are not prescribing health providers. We do, however, help you decide if medication is right for you if you are expressing concerns over a prescription from another healthcare provider. We also work with you and your doctors as a team if you sign documentation allowing for MHTTC to communicate with your healthcare provider/ provider’s team.

A first optional step is having a short phone consultation. We typically suggest making a 15 minute appointment and we can determine if we are a good fit for you. There is no obligation to remain in therapy with us. We appreciate when people communicate honestly, that they do not want to continue with an MHTTC therapist. We can then offer some names of other therapists or organizations to help you get the care you need.

You can call or text the direct phone number for The Mental Health and Trauma Therapy Center (MHTTC) at 269-818-8511, or send an email to admin@mindgrove-ts.com.

During the first session we will work on getting to know each other. We will ask questions to get to know you and we can talk about questions you have for me. Your therapist will go over confidentiality and other parts of therapy. You are never forced to answer a question and you have the right to decline answering if you wish not to. You may be asked to complete an assessment. Together we will discuss if therapy is a good fit and next steps.

It’s normal to still have some concerns and feelings about therapy, even after you make a decision to start. Therapy is about having a good connection with a therapist that listens to you, asks you questions, and that you can get unbiased feedback from. In therapy, you are the driver of the car – you decide where you will go, and when. We are guides offering feedback about patterns and signs we may see. Together we help you to reach your goals.