Big Rapids is known as the site of Ferris State University, famous for its optometry degree program. If your personal vision is clouded by emotional distress, it’s hard to see the solutions to life’s problems. You look for a better way to live, but life seems dismal and unmanageable.
No one seems to comprehend your sadness, and you don’t understand it yourself. You don’t know how to think about your troubles in a productive way. You can get help with clearing away the confusion. Talk to a counselor in the Big Rapids area to gain a better outlook.

Dr. Kristi Hottenstein
Whether you’re experiencing difficult times or new adventures, I’m here to help. I have been a licensed professional counselor in the state of Michigan since 2009. I am the practitioner/owner of Compass Counseling & Coaching, PLLC, a member of the Michigan Mental Health Counselors Association and was appointed to their board in 2021. I have a doctorate in higher education administration from the University of Toledo, a masters in Counseling from the University of La Verne and a bachelors in Sociology from Alma College. I provide counseling for individuals, couples, and teens, as well as provide college selection coaching. I have a very holistic approach to counseling because no two people are the same. I see each client as an individual requiring their own unique approach. I use a variety of counseling techniques, encouraging self-awareness and the acceptance of one’s own responsibilities in their personal journey. I believe the more we know ourselves, the better we can respond to situations.

Rossetta Eldred
Hello! My name is Rossetta Eldred and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LMSW-C) in the state of Michigan. I have experience working with addictions, substance use issues, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, personality disorders and recovery from trauma. I am compassionate and empathetic. My style is client centered, solution focused and I use a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) approach. I believe that if we can change our thinking, we can change our behavior, and ultimately change our lives for the better. I think that partnering with a therapist to help you negotiate your life challenges is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. I know that reaching out for help can be difficult. I am proud of you for searching out a therapist! I look forward to meeting you!

Gladys Seedorf
Hi there! I am a Medical Social Worker who has worked in the health field for the past thirty three years. I have worked specifically with children, adults and seniors in the areas of Home care, Hospice and Oncology. I run a Bereavement program, monthly support groups and a week-long summer kids grief camp. Last, I also run a We Honor Veteran program. I love helping and empowering client's and families to strengthen coping skills and accomplish their goals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, compassion fatigue, relationship issues, domestic abuse, parenting problems, medical issues, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes and military issues. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive behavioral , mindfulness, solution focused. I will tailer our dialog and treatment to meet your unique needs. I have the patience and the time to work with you and help you accomplish your goals. It takes great courage to seek a more fulfilling and happy life . If you are ready to take the first steps, I am here for you . Gladys J. Seedorf, LCSW

Tiffany Washington
Welcome and thank you for visiting my profile! If you are tired of old toxic patterns impacting your growth, life and overall mood and want clarity and resources you’ve come to the right page! My name is Tiffany Washington, and I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Career Strategist who has prided myself on creating an environment in which my clients feel safe to explore what they might perceive as unsafe topics, uncomfortable events and experiences. I received my Bachelor of Social Work Degree from Marygrove College in Detroit Michigan and a Masters of Social Work Degree from Wayne State University. I have been a fully licensed Social Worker with the State of Michigan since 2011. I have been in the field of Social Work for 18 years and my specialties include Career Strategy / Transitions and Substance Abuse. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including health and wellness, women's issues, depression, anxiety, relationships challenges, and stress management. Over the years, a lot of my work has centered around motivating people to navigate hard decisions. I also specialize in Life Management skills programming with people who are transitioning out of or into different stages of life and need a fresh start. My counseling style is solution based, strengths driven, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and empathy. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness approach, motivational interviewing. Your sessions will be a unique experience to you and will be designed with your goals at the core. My passion is to work with individuals who need support and advocacy while they address areas in their lives they want to improve, change and/or develop. My primary goal is to help facilitate an environment where people feel safe to explore their hopes, dreams and ultimately themselves. I look forward to working with you!

Arlana Buxton-Carter
I am licensed in Michigan with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Angela Slocum
I am licensed in Michigan with 10 years of professional counseling experience and over 20 years in the social work field. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief, coping with loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Brittany Byers
I graduated in 2015 with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Walden University. I am independently licensed in Ohio with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, depression, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, Bipolar Disorder, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming aspects of life that challenge you. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey.

Kelsey Phillips
I’m a licensed therapist in Michigan with six years of professional experience, and I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals on a variety of challenges, including stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, bipolar disorder, and depression. I truly believe that you are the expert of your own life, and that you already have many strengths within you that can help guide you through difficult times. Seeking support and taking the first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life is a courageous choice, and I’m here to walk alongside you in that journey. Together, we can work toward understanding what matters most to you and find ways to support your growth.

Kristin Zimmerman
I am licensed in Michigan with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, substance abuse, codependency & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Michael Chapman
I am licensed in Michigan and North Carolina with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, motivation, self esteem, confidence, anxiety, bipolar disorder, & depression. I have worked with military service members and their families across the globe helping with issues of deployment, reintergration, family stress, and PTSD. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. While I inclued many techniques in therapy I practice a type of therapy called Person-Centered therapy. In short this means the focus will be on you. I will guide you talk about your issues and help you to resolve them by being able to expess your thoughts and feelings openly and together we will make connections of your thought and feelings that will be healing. The follow is a bit more about person centered therapy. PERSON CENTERED THERAPY In person-centered therapy, you can expect your therapist to listen, be empathetic, and support you in finding your own solutions. The therapist will not give advice or lead you in exercises. What to expect Empathy: The therapist will try to understand your point of view and reflect your feelings back to you. Unconditional positive regard: The therapist will accept and support you without judgment. Congruence: The therapist will be genuine, authentic, and transparent. Active listening: The therapist will pay close attention to what you say and convey an understanding of your feelings and thoughts. Reflection: The therapist will help you reflect on your experiences. Reassurance: The therapist will offer reassurance through active listening and positive body language. How it helps These techniques help you gain a better understanding of your own thoughts, feelings, and perceptions. This can lead to increased self-awareness and change. First session The first session is usually an overview of your problems. Subsequent sessions will continue to explore your concerns.
Find a therapist serving clients in Michigan
Types of therapists available to clients in Big Rapids
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Big Rapids that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Big Rapids available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Big Rapids therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Big Rapids therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Big Rapids region and in the state of Michigan.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Big Rapids can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Big Rapids may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.