Therapists in Niles, MI

You have taken a huge first step– recognizing that you have something you would like to work through and wanting to do so with the help of a therapist. I aim to cater therapy towards your unique and individual needs.

Relationship Trauma? I primarily work with clients who have concerns of past childhood trauma, relationship trauma, and religious trauma, which often cause struggles of depression, anxiety, toxic relationships, or relationship struggles, parenting problems, people pleasing, anger management difficulties, career challenges and adjusting to major life changes. I am non-judgmental, direct, and empowering in my counseling style. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.

Is anxiety, depression, anger, or frustration interfering in the quality of your life? Are you feeling overwhelmed by a major transition in your life, or watching your teenager or spouse struggle? Are you questioning an important relationship in your life? I can help change patterns of behavior that no longer work, and help you learn more effective problem solving, coping and stress management skills. You can and will engage in life again.

I am an individual and relationship therapist. I employ a variety of therapeutic modalities, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and person first treatment models to help clients identify and attain their goals. I am specialized in helping people resolve relationship conflicts, and I am a certified sex therapist. I work extensively with the transgender, pansexual, bisexual, lesbian, and gay communities, as well as with members of the kink community.

As a clinician, I believe in meeting clients where they are, identifying their strengths and barriers, in order to assist in developing a personalized plan for treatment and life management. I do not believe in a “cookie-cutter” method, and I am very open to exploring new methods and using multiple approaches to help each client individually. I assist my clients with understanding their behavior patterns and the changes they want to make while in treatment. Being in therapy means some form of change. Change can be different from client to client because each client has unique needs.

Does it feel like parts of you work against each other to hold you back? Do you find it difficult to escape the same problems coming up over and over again? I believe that our attachment experiences play a critical role for all of us in how we view and understand the world, and how we relate to others, but sometimes those things we've learned start holding us back rather than helping us thrive. I believe that we all possess the capacity for resilience and healing, and in therapy can regain access to, and build upon, our own internal strengths.

My passion for people has led me to many different experiences working with adults and children in the states and abroad. I particularly have focused my efforts on caregiver fatigue, co-morbid disorders, youth and young adults adjusting to disabilities, social skills building, autism, temporary family separation, infertility, divorce, anxiety, depression, and most recently complicated grief and loss.

The path to healing can be complex and even scary at times and we all handle life’s curveballs in our own unique ways. I believe in illuminating the inner parts of ourselves that we aren’t always aware of, but that allow us to better navigate our own path. As a therapist, I believe every person has the potential for change and to live a meaningful life and it is my job to assist you on that journey.

We've been there. Feeling lost, alone, unsupported, maybe even misunderstood. Having someone who hears you, understands you, and supports you without judgment is essential. Hopefully, whether that is with me or someone else, I hope that you get the support you need. I believe that culture, environments, and individuals influence us deeply and through counseling, we can tackle some of life's curveballs and hurdles together.

I believe that we all need safe, supportive relationships in order to not only survive, but to thrive. As a therapist, I aim to serve as that sense of stability amongst whatever chaos my clients may be feeling or facing. In our work, I won't tell you what to do or how to fix your problems - I wholeheartedly believe that you already hold those answers somewhere within you. With that being said, I do believe that it is fully my job to collaborate & explore with you, to bring you my honest experience & thoughts, and to work with you to help you uncover & find your own unique answers & truths that work best for you & for your healing.

Nobody knows you like you know yourself. Your past decisions weigh on you and stop you from moving forward, to a place of peace and growth. Your past does not determine your future, each day is a new opportunity to start fresh. You may doubt who you are or what you want out of life, but you are the keeper of your story and do have power over your future. Your journey to finding the best life possible begins when you decide to make the change. I consider it an honor to walk down the path of exploration with you. No journey is too big or small, I believe in honoring all of life’s moments with my clients in a nonjudgmental environment.

Sam Darrow (they/them/theirs) is a Limited Licensed Professional Counselor (LLPC) who has earned certification from the National Board of Certified Counselors. They received their Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University. They provide counseling to individuals ages 14 and older, couples, and groups.

Heartstone Guidance Center is a group of neurodivergent therapists offering neurodiversity affirming, LGBTQIA-affirming, and culturally aware therapy services. We have autistic, ADHD, and otherwise neurodivergent therapists who offer authenticity and a space where you will be seen, heard, and respected as the authority and expert in your life. We are the alternative to the world that tells you that you need to be neurotypical or normal to fit in and be accepted. We offer therapy to help you understand and embrace your true identity, find compassion for yourself, and develop coping strategies for living in a stressful world.

Our therapists are skilled in working with a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, and life transitions. No matter what you’re facing, we are here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. We offer a welcoming and non-judgmental environment where you can feel safe to explore your thoughts and emotions. Our goal is to help you develop the skills and insights needed to navigate life’s challenges and find greater happiness and fulfillment.