Existential Therapists in Royal Oak, MI

Are you feeling stuck? Are you feeling lost or making choices from a place of fear or worry? Many of the issues that we struggle with, including anxiety, depression, and unwanted habits, arise due to feeling a disconnection between our authentic selves and how we’re living our lives. Let’s bring awareness to and acknowledge the outdated conditioning that keeps you stuck in patterns and stories that no longer serve you. Instead you can learn to tap into your intuition that lives in your body and heart. Beginning to move and live from that place of inner knowing instead of who and what the outer world has told you to be.

Dr. Nakisher offers a practical approach in a supportive, yet challenging atmosphere to help clients gain insight, make lasting changes in life and get out your own way. He works particularly well with people who have previously experienced therapy as unhelpful. Dr. Nakisher also works a business consultant to major corporations, improving business through human capital.

I strive to help individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, compulsive overeating challenges and spiritual dilemmas. In my work with you, I will help you deal with the day-to-day planning and behavior changes needed to manage negative thinking and old habits while simultaneously delving into and solving the unmet emotional needs which fuel problem behaviors.

The path you have been walking may be worn down, peace, clarity, joy, and fulfillment feel distant, the storms of anxiety, depression, and trauma have become overwhelming. You don't have to travel through the storm alone. It is in caring relationships that healing sparks and growth endures. In therapy, a healing relationship starts when a safe space blossoms. In this safe space, I work with you to find the healing path you will step into.

If you are questioning the decisions you have made in life, feeling regret about the past, feeling stuck or uncertain about where you are headed professionally or in your personal relationships, I can help.I am highly empathic and caring, but also bring breadth and depth of training and experience to our therapeutic collaboration. I am passionate and curious about getting to know you and helping you find substantive solutions to the various challenges that you encounter.

Individuals are unique and view the world in relation to their personal experience. Hence, treatment must be tailored to individual goals and needs. We are the authors of our lives. Along our journey, we add chapters to our life's narrative. All individuals face struggle and uncertainty in life that affects their health. Although we are unable to erase the past we can recreate our story by evaluating experiences and changing our perceptions. Consequently, we can author additional chapters to our life's narrative.

“The only constant in life is change.” Are you adjusting to a: new job, relationship, loss of a loved one, or overall change in your way of life? Do you feel overwhelmed by the many changes causing you to feel stagnant? You notice others seemingly accepting change fluidly throughout their lives and are somewhat in awe of the process. You are tired of replaying the same scenario in your head, while your sadness and anxiety escalate.

Sometimes we need to make sense of life and explore the meaning of our experiences. Therapy is a safe, compassionate, and welcome space. It is a therapeutic relationship where you can go into your concerns, issues, and life circumstances without judgement. I am dedicated to cultivating an environment where clients can be themselves, feel valued, and seek personal growth. Every person is different. Every individual has unique needs. I find it meaningful to walk alongside people as they live into a more vibrant life.

It is universally human to want to feel heard, worthy, and cared about. Your story and your path towards healing matters. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, depression, and/or anxiety, you deserve a clinician who will hear your perspective empathetically in a judgment-free environment.

The goal for the clients at Higher Heights Counseling are that he or she identify the issues, develop a plan of action, and then implement that plan. Counseling comes from many different theoretical orientations. I believe that the client or clients have the solutions to their dilemmas within their self. We have the freedom to choose what directions our life takes and the responsibility to take control of that freedom. Therefore, the counselor does not have the "answers" to the client's "problem" but in a facilitator of the process that helps the client take responsibility and action and come to a resolution.

Maria is dedicated to staying at the forefront of education in the constantly developing field of mental health. Maria started her career started in early childhood education, where her passion for working with children and families directed her to grow expertise in other areas. Then, as a counselor for the incarcerated population working for the Oakland Sheriff's Department, she was an acting subject matter expert for violence, substance abuse, impulse control, depressive and suicidal ideation, and schizoaffective disorders. Maria received a Bachelor's in Psychology from UC Davis and Master's in Counseling from Oakland University.

I’d be glad to talk with you for a few minutes on the phone as a courtesy - to discuss what you’re looking for and if I can help. We can meet once or twice (or more) to explore your areas of struggle, as well as the positive things about your life (you’re more than just your problems). We’d also take some time to clarify what you’re hoping to achieve, and if I can assist - given my background, expertise, and manner. Per the research, a good fit is so important for a successful psychotherapy or counseling outcome. If we agree to work together, we'd typically arrange weekly sessions for a period of time.

The journey of finding a therapist that you feel safe and confident with can be overwhelming, but it is the brave first step towards your own healing. Through my travels I have come to appreciate how empathy and compassion are the key to happy and healthy lives, no matter what country or culture we find ourselves in. I believe that everyone deserves respect and validation and through my client-centered approach to therapy, I strive to provide a relaxed, gentle, and non-judgmental environment that allows my clients to feel safe and seen.

I don't believe in having an "ideal client," but rather subscribe to Irvin Yalom's idea that the client/clinician relationship is one of "fellow travelers." Therefore, I view it as my responsibility to meet the client where they are in order to begin a journey in which their needs and strengths indicate the direction of therapy. I create a space in which my diverse client-base is inspired to be as truthful and expressive as possible and in which we can begin to pay attention to the client's deepest voice. Moving toward feeling and through repression is crucial to my work, and I believe lasting growth begins here.

Throughout my professional career, I have been most described as relatable, genuine, compassionate, and encouraging. After retiring from 25 years of law enforcement service, my compassion for all people led me to become a Licensed Professional Counselor. My interactions with others have taught me that there is a story or set of circumstances behind every situation. My goal is to create an environment where you feel safe to disclose and discuss your personal challenges without the fear of judgement, ridicule, or embarrassment. My team of public safety insiders and I also have a keen understanding of the public safety culture.

Finding a therapist that resonates with you can be a daunting process. Especially, when you're trying to find your place in the world and juggle all that life throws at you. It shouldn't feel this hard, right? Maybe you feel like no one "gets you," and you second guess yourself in your relationships, your work, or even in your own decision-making. You want to carve your own path and feel grounded within yourself, but there's so much noise, it's tough to drown it all out. I hear you and I see you. This world is constantly telling you who you SHOULD be, but I want to help you remember who you truly are and that you are enough.

My passion derives from the positive changes I see in clients as they grow and move forward. I aim to help clients by approaching their areas of concern in a holistic manner, taking all aspects of their circumstances into consideration. I offer an empathetic, nonjudgmental, and supportive environment where you can feel comfortable exploring your beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors while finding ways to create positive change. Each client's situation is unique, and should be treated as such.

Do you struggle with sadness, stress, anger, and/or anxiety? Do you struggle within your romantic relationship or have problems within your family relationships? Change is definitely possible and I hope that you want to work together to make this happen! Connection between therapist and patient is key for the therapeutic relationship to work. Beginning therapy can be a very scary and difficult decision. Seeking help is the first step to improve yourself. Over the last 12 years I have provided a genuine and judgment free environment to help work through a variety of behavioral health issues.

My primary goal as an effective clinician is to work with compassion and drive to help individuals find solutions to life’s struggles while improving their interpersonal relationships and encouraging self-actualization. As a master’s level clinician, I work in a private practice where I specialize in trauma, anxiety, and depression.