I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Life Coach, and Registered Nurse licensed in Michigan, a Nationally Certified Counselor, and a member of the American Counseling Association. and the Michigan Counseling Association. I have 25-years of experience working as a Counselor and Life Coach. . I graduated with High Honors from Aquinas College with a BSN in Nursing and a BS in Psychology. I graduated from Western Michigan University with High Honors and received an MA in Counseling Psychology. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, compulsive eating disorders, and career challenges, I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. As an RN and an LPC, I have helped many people with cancer and other life-challenging conditions and their families cope with their illnesses. I have facilitated support groups for Hospice, PFLAG (Parents and Friends of LGBTQIA+), Cancer support, Pet Loss, Career, and Compulsive Eating. I co-facilitate "The Art of Healing" retreats with Dr. Bernie Siegel. I am a Contributing Author for Star Nations Magazine and I have been a Contributing Author for a chapter in a book written by Dr. Bernie Siegel entitled, "Faith, Hope & Healing'" which describes my journey with kidney cancer. I recently wrote a chapter in Dr. Siegel's new book, 'Love, Animals, and Miracles." The name of the chapter I wrote was "Maltese Miracle" which is a story about my little 5-pound Maltese dog named Bernie. My therapeutic style can be described as warm and integrative, assessing the needs and style that will best serve the person. I use a mix between Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy and various holistic approaches, including positive psychology. I believe in exploring the connection between the body and the mind to treat all of the individual's needs. I believe that an individual must explore many areas of their functioning to ensure optimum physical and emotional health. I am positively focused to help the person move forward constructively with their life, and past their current obstacles. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I have read, understand, and agree to the Client Terms of Service at https://www.betterhelp.com/terms/ 24 This includes understanding and agreeing that: My Better Help clinician cannot provide, verify, or produce reports related to clinical diagnosis of a mental health condition. While trained to do so, services of this nature must be provided outside of the Better Help site/services at the discretion of my provider. My Better Help clinician cannot provide proof of attendance at, or reports regarding progress in, use of the site or services provided through the site. This includes documentation for court, custody agreements, employers, or any other party. My Better Help clinician cannot provide letters of support for Emotional Support Animal designations (or ESA’s.) I understand that I can seek out online therapy with Ruth Vanden Bosch, RN, LPC, NCC or another clinician OUTSIDE of Better Help if I have needs for clinical diagnosis, biopsychosocial assessment with diagnosis (including psychological testing), or referrals for treatment that come from the legal system, child welfare services, or my employer, and may require documentation or proof of attendance. I look forward to working with you!

About Me I am a licensed clinical social worker and have been in practice as a therapist for over twenty years. Prior to joining BetterHelp, I served in the U. S. Military as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Commissioned Officer. After retiring from the military, I began my second career with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. My practice areas include working with clients experiencing a broad range of Mental Health issues, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship/marital and family problems, work-related stress, and interest in improving self-esteem, health and lifestyle, and quality of life issues. My approach to online counseling is grounded in the belief that we are each trying to do our best (given our genetics, family training, and current circumstances). However, we tend to get stuck in certain emotional patterns, thought patterns, and behavioral patterns. In order to help with this “stuckness,” I utilize a combination of evidence-based treatments including, Humanistic and CognitiveTherapies. All of this occurs within a safe online counseling environment creating a trusting relationship that we will build over time. Please know that I am committed to giving you quality care and protecting your privacy and I will do my best to help you achieve the goals that you came to BetterHelp to resolve. My previous clients found their online counseling sessions to be very helpful in addressing whatever presenting issues that they have chosen to discuss in counseling. I look forward to meeting with you!

Hello! My name is Jennifer Alder, LMSW. I have a BA Degree in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work. I have been a fully licensed social worker for over 7 years and practice out of the state of Michigan. I have enjoyed working in the mental health field for 15+ years in numerous capacities. I have successfully worked with all ages from birth-end of life assisting with many difficult transitions, challenges, and uncomfortable moments with those I have had the pleasure to work with. I regularly receive feedback about my sincere presentation and how I speak to people like people not like "clients". I have over 5 years experience working with children and families in the child welfare system within foster care and adoption both with birth parents as well as foster/adoptive parents and their children. I have worked in a combined partial/inpatient psychiatric facility for over 5 years as well offering individual and group therapy to both adolescents and adults in the areas of general psych, trauma, eating disorders, and addiction. I have worked as a therapist with children suspected of being sexual abused with a local children's advocacy center. I have also worked with a groundbreaking organization in the community helping to assist seniors with aging in place and facing end of life issues, while trying to avoid them going into the ER and hospital or nursing facilities unnecessarily. I have worked a great deal with each of my clients as individuals as well as their family systems which support them. I enjoy using a person centered mixture of CBT, DBT, ACT, MI, & art therapies based on the needs of the individual I am working with. I have done this work both in person as well as virtual during the unprecedented season of Covid 19 which has caused many of us to change our modalities and think outside of the box in order to meet the needs of those we serve. It is never easy to acknowledge it is time for a change in our lives . This need arises from a variety of sources and for many reasons. Sometimes we need assistance with navigating our emotions or processing what is occurring in our lives while other times we may need more guidance with finding our direction on where to even begin. I am very hopeful that together we can walk through any obstacles you may experience and help to find a way to overcome them and gain more support and success in your personal goals. I commend you for your courage and commitment in working to improve your self and I would feel very honored to assist you in this process and walk beside you throughout your very personal journey!

As a licensed therapist in Michigan, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I offer a warm, inclusive therapeutic space that honors diverse experiences and backgrounds. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate difficult transitions, heal from emotional wounds, and rediscover their inner strength. Whether you're struggling with grief, seeking to improve communication, or working through personal transformations, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. My therapeutic approach integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of human experience. I'm particularly passionate about supporting individuals through complex life stages, including military transitions, aging, family dynamics, and personal healing. My goal is to create a supportive environment where you can explore your challenges, develop resilience, and move toward meaningful personal growth.

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Michigan with over 13 years of professional work experience. I have been trained in and utilize a number of different orientations and modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, clinical hypnosis, and other trauma and attachment-based therapies. I have experience in helping clients with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Let's work together to get you out of that rut and onto the path you were meant to walk! I've been there myself and now I want to help others find God's plan for your life--and you were not meant to be stuck, but to prosper and succeed. I've been a therapist, a group leader, and worked with a variety of ages and populations in the field for 14 years, using primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (put simply, your thoughts affect your behavior and emotions) and a client-centered approach. If you're ready to take that first step, I'm here to walk alongside you.

As a licensed therapist in Michigan, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients work through challenges like stress, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and interpersonal dynamics. I offer a compassionate, understanding space where individuals can explore personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. My therapeutic work focuses on addressing issues such as communication difficulties, shame and guilt, codependency, family dynamics, and substance use challenges. I'm committed to creating a supportive environment that honors each person's unique journey and empowers them to develop healthier coping strategies and relationships. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to help clients build resilience, improve self-understanding, and develop practical tools for managing life's challenges. Whether you're struggling with past experiences, current stressors, or seeking personal development, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.

Hello, I am Heather Friend, a licensed clinical therapist, and I am glad you have come in for support. Reaching out takes courage, and a big part of my job is working to promote a safe and accepting space for you. My approach to therapy is warm, supportive, and open-minded, with a strong focus on helping you recognize your strengths and build a sense of confidence and emotional clarity. I strive to create a space where you feel respected, and free to be yourself, without judgment or pressure. Therapy with me is collaborative, thoughtful, and paced to meet your needs, because this is your healing space. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood and empowered. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or simply needing a place to process what you are carrying, we will work together to help you feel more grounded and capable in your day-to-day life. If you feel nervous about starting therapy, that is completely normal. We can take things step by step, at a pace that feels right for you, and focus on building comfort and trust along the way. I offer daily and evening sessions. I also offer sessions on the weekend. In addition to sessions, you are welcome to message me anytime for additional support. I typically respond within 24 hours. Live sessions are 45 minutes and can be scheduled easily through my calendar at times that work best for you. My goal is to make therapy feel accessible, supportive, and flexible. Please let me know if you have questions and looking forward to working with you!

I am licensed in Michigan with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Michigan with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

I am licensed in Michigan with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship and marriage issues, family conflicts, & bipolar disorder. I have specialized training and experience in EMDR and DBT. I have been married for 46 years and am a retired military wife and have worked with veterans and families preparing for deployment and returning home. My husband and I have also worked side by side in the pastorate. I love to read and take walks in the woods. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Michigan with over 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse & executive and professional coaching, to name a few areas of expertise. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Michigan with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss. 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.

Transformation from depression, anxiety, personal problems, grief, life transitions and other issues can be challenging. It is important to have the right support and a strong, positive relationship with your counselor. I work to provide an environment that is both safe and non-judgmental. I will help you identify the things you want to be different in your life and develop skills and a plan for reaching your desired goals. I am licensed in Michigan with 12 years of professional work experience. 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. 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. Together we will take healthy risks, work for positive change, and celebrate your victories.