Photo of Susan Markey Whitener, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Susan Markey Whitener
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Gaylord, MI 49735  (Online Only)
I have 25 years experience working with adults, families, adolescents & children facing challenges such as trauma, sexual identity, PTSD and family/relationship issues.
My goal is to provide a supportive counseling to help people work through life's challenges. All sessions are virtual using a confidential program where we can meet via computer or cell phone. My clients generally prefer the virtual option. No travel required.I use a variety of counseling techniques, tailored to your needs. You will learn about yourself, identify coping strategies, and set goals that will lead to solutions and real life changes. Each session will center around your concerns - my intent is to help you process your own experiences and ultimately, develop your strengths.
I have 25 years experience working with adults, families, adolescents & children facing challenges such as trauma, sexual identity, PTSD and family/relationship issues.
My goal is to provide a supportive counseling to help people work through life's challenges. All sessions are virtual using a confidential program where we can meet via computer or cell phone. My clients generally prefer the virtual option. No travel required.I use a variety of counseling techniques, tailored to your needs. You will learn about yourself, identify coping strategies, and set goals that will lead to solutions and real life changes. Each session will center around your concerns - my intent is to help you process your own experiences and ultimately, develop your strengths.
(231) 928-5409 View (231) 928-5409
Photo of Sarah Pranger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Otsego County, MI
Sarah Pranger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LLMFT
Verified Verified
Gaylord, MI 49735
My clients often come to me looking for peace and rebalance after a difficult and sometimes traumatic experience. They are looking for a safe place to unpack everything that has happened and piece it all back together in a way that creates meaningfulness out of the chaos. Often, I work with the whole family structure, as we rarely experience anything purely individually. That might look like helping partners rediscover their feelings for each other or reestablishing appropriate roles and boundaries between partners or parents and their children. Sometimes it is helping those families restructure after a big life change or event.
My clients often come to me looking for peace and rebalance after a difficult and sometimes traumatic experience. They are looking for a safe place to unpack everything that has happened and piece it all back together in a way that creates meaningfulness out of the chaos. Often, I work with the whole family structure, as we rarely experience anything purely individually. That might look like helping partners rediscover their feelings for each other or reestablishing appropriate roles and boundaries between partners or parents and their children. Sometimes it is helping those families restructure after a big life change or event.
(334) 564-9308 View (334) 564-9308
Photo of Heidi Fraser, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Heidi Fraser
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CAADC
Verified Verified
Gaylord, MI 49735
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
Your pain does not define you. But, it sure does taint our view of ourselves. It's hard to see the best version of us. I would love to help you see how wonderful you are! I offer appointment times after work hours or on the weekends. You will find me to be a fun therapist who thrives on incorporating all aspects of emotion into her sessions. We may cry, but we will laugh too! We will take about fear, but we will take about courage too! I truly believe that the most change occurs when you feel like you can connect with your therapist! Give me a call and I'll get you in for an appointment as soon as I can!
(989) 301-4199 View (989) 301-4199

Online Therapists

Photo of M. Teri Daunter, Psychologist in Otsego County, MI
M. Teri Daunter
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Petoskey, MI 49770
I am licensed both as a Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist. I also have a Ph.D. in Quantum Advanced Medicine. I do therapy with individuals for depression, anxiety and many other life issues. I work with couples and families through Marriage and Family Therapy which is my specialty area. Furthermore, attending to the grief and loss through a divorce is also an important component of family work. Therapy with adolescents and children, sexual and alcohol addictions are critical components of my practice today. Clients come to me because of my strong emphasis on natural treatment consultations when possible.
I am licensed both as a Clinical Psychologist and Marriage and Family Therapist. I also have a Ph.D. in Quantum Advanced Medicine. I do therapy with individuals for depression, anxiety and many other life issues. I work with couples and families through Marriage and Family Therapy which is my specialty area. Furthermore, attending to the grief and loss through a divorce is also an important component of family work. Therapy with adolescents and children, sexual and alcohol addictions are critical components of my practice today. Clients come to me because of my strong emphasis on natural treatment consultations when possible.
(231) 347-7665 View (231) 347-7665
Photo of Arch Wright, Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Arch Wright
Counselor, LPC, CMHC, NARM
Not Verified Not Verified
1 Endorsed
Boyne City, MI 49712
My ideal client is inspired to be curious together and work together to identify and remove blockages that prevent a life of clarity and abundance. Whether relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief, unresolved trauma, addiction, career matters, or even the most deeply-stuck moods (anxiety, depression, etc.), we all possess within us the capacity to instinctively heal and thrive with sustained connection, vibrancy and aliveness. It’s likely a simple solution, in need of the right "non-pathological" and rigorously client-centered approach is all. My clients are empowered to reconnect with and regain trust in themselves.
My ideal client is inspired to be curious together and work together to identify and remove blockages that prevent a life of clarity and abundance. Whether relationship issues, parenting challenges, grief, unresolved trauma, addiction, career matters, or even the most deeply-stuck moods (anxiety, depression, etc.), we all possess within us the capacity to instinctively heal and thrive with sustained connection, vibrancy and aliveness. It’s likely a simple solution, in need of the right "non-pathological" and rigorously client-centered approach is all. My clients are empowered to reconnect with and regain trust in themselves.
(231) 241-6901 View (231) 241-6901
Photo of Karen Dunham, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Otsego County, MI
Karen Dunham
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Big Rapids, MI 49307
All of us need to feel a sense of worth; that life has purpose. It is often hard to deal with difficult life events and experiences without the support of a trusted, trained counselor. I believe in creating safety and trust for the change process. I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. I know that change often means examining our physical and emotional well being and developing strategies to unlock patterns of coping that are not helpful. I offer an approach based on training, trust and a resolve to help others find better ways to live.
All of us need to feel a sense of worth; that life has purpose. It is often hard to deal with difficult life events and experiences without the support of a trusted, trained counselor. I believe in creating safety and trust for the change process. I have worked with individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. I know that change often means examining our physical and emotional well being and developing strategies to unlock patterns of coping that are not helpful. I offer an approach based on training, trust and a resolve to help others find better ways to live.
(231) 714-6825 View (231) 714-6825
Photo of Reliance Christian Counseling, PLLC, Duane F Ellis, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Reliance Christian Counseling, PLLC, Duane F Ellis
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Waitlist for new clients
My counseling practice provides services to individuals, couples, and groups. Those who seek counseling assistance often face difficult life situations that cause emotional wounds, pain, and loss of hope. As a counselor, my role is to come alongside clients to help them understand the source of the issues that they face, help them identify solutions to their problems, and to encourage them in their efforts. Reestablishing a sense of hope is a major factor in this healing process.
My counseling practice provides services to individuals, couples, and groups. Those who seek counseling assistance often face difficult life situations that cause emotional wounds, pain, and loss of hope. As a counselor, my role is to come alongside clients to help them understand the source of the issues that they face, help them identify solutions to their problems, and to encourage them in their efforts. Reestablishing a sense of hope is a major factor in this healing process.
(231) 598-7577 View (231) 598-7577
Photo of Julia Kirby, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Otsego County, MI
Julia Kirby
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LLMSW
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with clients of all ages, including couples.
Now accepting new clients! My sessions are all virtual, and I work with clients throughout the state of Michigan. For a productive experience in therapy, I feel it’s very important for a client to find a therapist whose approach is right for them. My approach to therapy is client-centered. I listen without judgement and help guide you toward finding the answers that are already inside of you. My goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable while empowering you to make progress toward your goals.
I enjoy working with clients of all ages, including couples.
Now accepting new clients! My sessions are all virtual, and I work with clients throughout the state of Michigan. For a productive experience in therapy, I feel it’s very important for a client to find a therapist whose approach is right for them. My approach to therapy is client-centered. I listen without judgement and help guide you toward finding the answers that are already inside of you. My goal is to make you feel safe and comfortable while empowering you to make progress toward your goals.
(231) 533-2924 View (231) 533-2924
Photo of Kim Clark, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Kim Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NBCC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I pride myself in establishing our relationship based on trust.
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
I pride myself in establishing our relationship based on trust.
I love the work that I do in helping people learn how to find a fresh perspective on where they are, where they want to go, and how to get there. My gift is in my ability to easily connect with people and I create an environment where we work together to get results. In addition to face-to-face counseling, I am also a certified Life Coach and Tele-Counselor which means that we can work by phone/web, if needed. I have been practicing for over 20 years working with adults, couples, families and adolescents. I opened up Grace Counseling Professionals in an effort to bring counselors together to make a difference in our community.
(231) 399-1517 View (231) 399-1517
Photo of James Shaw, Psychologist in Otsego County, MI
James Shaw
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified Verified
Charlevoix, MI 49720
I provide compassionate and confidential therapy and counseling services to adults and couples. Whether you seek marital or couples therapy or individual help for adjustment issues, anger management or stress, I am prepared to help in a warm, supportive environment. I will help to create positive changes and support your finding of positive solutions to enhance your quality of life. I am trained with the most current psychological research offering individualized treatment plans. I provide secured video therapy at no additional cost to those who don't want to deal with traffic or live to far to come to the office.
I provide compassionate and confidential therapy and counseling services to adults and couples. Whether you seek marital or couples therapy or individual help for adjustment issues, anger management or stress, I am prepared to help in a warm, supportive environment. I will help to create positive changes and support your finding of positive solutions to enhance your quality of life. I am trained with the most current psychological research offering individualized treatment plans. I provide secured video therapy at no additional cost to those who don't want to deal with traffic or live to far to come to the office.
(512) 829-3626 View (512) 829-3626
Photo of Deanna Heath Mt. Pleasant Counseling, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Otsego County, MI
Deanna Heath Mt. Pleasant Counseling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LMSW
Verified Verified
Change is difficult for everyone. Whether it is in ourselves, from life situations or in a relationship, roadblocks often keep us from living the best life possible. I enjoy working with people to make positive changes, enhancing their lives. I welcome new clients and look forward to working with you.
Change is difficult for everyone. Whether it is in ourselves, from life situations or in a relationship, roadblocks often keep us from living the best life possible. I enjoy working with people to make positive changes, enhancing their lives. I welcome new clients and look forward to working with you.
(989) 244-1663 View (989) 244-1663
Photo of Sydney Davis, Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Sydney Davis
Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I believe the purpose of counseling is for individuals to tap into their inner knowing, develop a deeper understanding of their true selves, identify the life experiences that contribute to present day problems, and to move forward in the most authentic way possible. I serve as a guide who supports my clients in the process of finding their own answers and taking responsibility for creating solutions and action in their life. I work with individuals, couples, and all age groups.
I believe the purpose of counseling is for individuals to tap into their inner knowing, develop a deeper understanding of their true selves, identify the life experiences that contribute to present day problems, and to move forward in the most authentic way possible. I serve as a guide who supports my clients in the process of finding their own answers and taking responsibility for creating solutions and action in their life. I work with individuals, couples, and all age groups.
(989) 373-2241 View (989) 373-2241
Photo of Carol Robinson, MA, LPC Counseling Services, PLLC, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Carol Robinson, MA, LPC Counseling Services, PLLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midland, MI 48640
I have 22 years experience in working with adults, teens (13+), couples and families. Counseling is a means for an individual, couple or family to take charge of their lives. My role is to advocate for the changes that you decide on making. Counseling is a team effort! I am committed to helping you reach your goals and direct you to other resources if/as needed. Empowerment, growth and change can all be accomplished though counseling.
I have 22 years experience in working with adults, teens (13+), couples and families. Counseling is a means for an individual, couple or family to take charge of their lives. My role is to advocate for the changes that you decide on making. Counseling is a team effort! I am committed to helping you reach your goals and direct you to other resources if/as needed. Empowerment, growth and change can all be accomplished though counseling.
(989) 567-4479 View (989) 567-4479
Photo of Stephen Scott, Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Stephen Scott
Counselor, MA, LLPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
Sometimes, finding hope and purpose can be really difficult. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, relationship issues, teenager adjustments, or even an addiction, the storms of life can be challenging, but you don’t have to weather those storms alone. Everyone deserves to feel hope…everyone deserves to live life with purpose. As a counselor, I've had the privilege of walking with hundreds of people through heavy and often overwhelming seasons in their lives. One of the many things I've learned is that your past does not need to define your future. Restored health, hope, and purpose can be your reality.
Sometimes, finding hope and purpose can be really difficult. Whether it’s depression, anxiety, relationship issues, teenager adjustments, or even an addiction, the storms of life can be challenging, but you don’t have to weather those storms alone. Everyone deserves to feel hope…everyone deserves to live life with purpose. As a counselor, I've had the privilege of walking with hundreds of people through heavy and often overwhelming seasons in their lives. One of the many things I've learned is that your past does not need to define your future. Restored health, hope, and purpose can be your reality.
(231) 225-4161 View (231) 225-4161
Photo of Jessica Coles, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Jessica Coles
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, CRC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49686
I specialize in empowering individuals and couples to understand themselves on a deeper level, grow in self-compassion, and make positive changes in their lives.
Are you a person or couple whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns.
I specialize in empowering individuals and couples to understand themselves on a deeper level, grow in self-compassion, and make positive changes in their lives.
Are you a person or couple whose life looks “good” from the outside, and yet it still feels like something is missing? You’ve accomplished a lot in life, but don’t feel the sense of fulfillment you expected. A big life change—maybe a breakup, new job, new marriage, change in family dynamic, or move—has highlighted the fact that you’re still not as happy or content as you want to be. Something is telling you that you need to make a shift (even if you’re not quite sure what it is). You want to gain deeper insight into yourself & your past experiences, and you’re ready to change your “default setting” and start creating new patterns.
(231) 262-5709 View (231) 262-5709
Photo of Julie Monan, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Julie Monan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Traverse City, MI 49684
I work to support my clients through a variety of topics including: relationship choices, women's issues, anxiety, social anxiety, depression and life transitions retirement, job transition, divorce, sexual identity, moving, death, and infertility. I also have of 13 years experience working with youth ages 12-18 in a variety of topics. I believe that all people at some point in their life feel stuck, and therapy is a process to help a person feel unstuck through self-discovery, self-awareness, learning, and sometimes through practicing new ways of thinking and/or new behaviors.
I work to support my clients through a variety of topics including: relationship choices, women's issues, anxiety, social anxiety, depression and life transitions retirement, job transition, divorce, sexual identity, moving, death, and infertility. I also have of 13 years experience working with youth ages 12-18 in a variety of topics. I believe that all people at some point in their life feel stuck, and therapy is a process to help a person feel unstuck through self-discovery, self-awareness, learning, and sometimes through practicing new ways of thinking and/or new behaviors.
(231) 201-3471 View (231) 201-3471
Photo of Brandon Mielke, Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Brandon Mielke
Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Petoskey, MI 49770
While my primary speciality is addictions counseling, I have experience working with people with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relationship issues, and more.
Have you reached a point in your life where you have been feeling overwhelmed, unsure, exhausted, or all of the above? Is there something that has been weighing heavy on your mind, but you are unsure how to address it? Are you willing to embark on a journey of self-exploration to uncover and utilize your strengths to rise to the challenge and overcome your most pressing difficulties? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then it may be time to consider connecting with a professional helper. As such, it is my duty and desire to assist you in becoming the best version of yourself that you can be.
While my primary speciality is addictions counseling, I have experience working with people with a variety of concerns, such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, life transitions, relationship issues, and more.
Have you reached a point in your life where you have been feeling overwhelmed, unsure, exhausted, or all of the above? Is there something that has been weighing heavy on your mind, but you are unsure how to address it? Are you willing to embark on a journey of self-exploration to uncover and utilize your strengths to rise to the challenge and overcome your most pressing difficulties? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, then it may be time to consider connecting with a professional helper. As such, it is my duty and desire to assist you in becoming the best version of yourself that you can be.
(231) 624-8958 View (231) 624-8958
Photo of Tyler Higley, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Tyler Higley
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cadillac, MI 49601  (Online Only)
I specialize in working with adults and couples dealing with issues that are taking away from their ability to live out the life they desire.
I believe all people generally have the resources to help themselves, yet sometimes simply need a safe, trustworthy professional to help work through issues, identify goals, make healthy decisions and take steps necessary to live life more fully. I use an integrative approach that draws largely from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solutions-focused and cognitive behavioral theories. I recognize and respect the fact that individuals have widely varying perspectives and needs. Lastly, I am fully virtual and offer either phone or video sessions.
I specialize in working with adults and couples dealing with issues that are taking away from their ability to live out the life they desire.
I believe all people generally have the resources to help themselves, yet sometimes simply need a safe, trustworthy professional to help work through issues, identify goals, make healthy decisions and take steps necessary to live life more fully. I use an integrative approach that draws largely from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solutions-focused and cognitive behavioral theories. I recognize and respect the fact that individuals have widely varying perspectives and needs. Lastly, I am fully virtual and offer either phone or video sessions.
(616) 426-6566 View (616) 426-6566
Photo of Christopher Baumann, Licensed Professional Counselor in Otsego County, MI
Christopher Baumann
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
You will find me to be very relationship-oriented in both my personal and professional life.
My name is Christopher Baumann, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I understand that often we go through life managing internal struggles, while attempting to navigate our circumstances. By seeking greater understanding into us and our relationships, we may come face to face with our deepest doubts and fears. Avoiding struggles and pain opens up the possibility for dysfunction, negativity, and neglect. Being a human is messy. It's not as neat as our "should" and "shouldn't" would have us believe. You are allowed to talk about things that upset you. You are allowed to hold people accountable.
You will find me to be very relationship-oriented in both my personal and professional life.
My name is Christopher Baumann, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I understand that often we go through life managing internal struggles, while attempting to navigate our circumstances. By seeking greater understanding into us and our relationships, we may come face to face with our deepest doubts and fears. Avoiding struggles and pain opens up the possibility for dysfunction, negativity, and neglect. Being a human is messy. It's not as neat as our "should" and "shouldn't" would have us believe. You are allowed to talk about things that upset you. You are allowed to hold people accountable.
(517) 594-4721 View (517) 594-4721
Photo of New Pathways Counseling Services, LLC, Counselor in Otsego County, MI
New Pathways Counseling Services, LLC
Counselor, LLC
Verified Verified
Midland, MI 48640
We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond.
New Pathways founders Jennifer Werries, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, EMDR Certified and Thomas Parella, PhD, LPC, and strive to deliver caring, effective treatment in a warm and welcoming environment. Working with a therapist can be a great way to gain new perspectives, explore new options and solutions that may have eluded us, and find ways of getting "unstuck" from situations in which we may have felt helpless. At New Pathways, we view counseling as a collaboration between therapist and client, who work together to understand issues, clarify thoughts and feelings, establish goals, and find ways to achieve a better quality of life.
We work with a wide range of emotional and behavioral issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and grief counseling to parenting support, couples counseling and beyond.
New Pathways founders Jennifer Werries, PhD, LPC, ACS, NCC, EMDR Certified and Thomas Parella, PhD, LPC, and strive to deliver caring, effective treatment in a warm and welcoming environment. Working with a therapist can be a great way to gain new perspectives, explore new options and solutions that may have eluded us, and find ways of getting "unstuck" from situations in which we may have felt helpless. At New Pathways, we view counseling as a collaboration between therapist and client, who work together to understand issues, clarify thoughts and feelings, establish goals, and find ways to achieve a better quality of life.
(855) 789-4929 View (855) 789-4929

See more therapy options for Otsego County

Couples Counseling Therapists

Does couples counseling work?

Research shows that couples counseling is effective; it can reduce relationship distress and improve emotional awareness, communication, empathy, intimacy, and overall relationship satisfaction. For example, emotionally focused therapy was found to be effective for about 75 percent of couples, and those benefits lasted at least two years.

When should a couple seek counseling?

Couples can benefit from counseling if they consistently struggle in their relationship. They may have lost the ability to communicate effectively, become entrenched in harmful patterns, begun to fight more than usual, broken the other’s trust, suffered from a mental or physical illness, or faced any number of other challenges. Many therapists offer free consultations, so if a couple isn’t sure whether therapy is necessary, asking directly can provide clarity.

How can I get my partner to go to couples therapy?

The decision to seek couples therapy is often driven by one partner, who then convinces the other to participate. When discussing the idea, the initiator should be direct and assertive. They can state the problems they see and explain how the relationship would benefit from therapy. In more serious cases, they can also explain how their relationship may suffer without making any changes or seeking professional help.

How does a couple prepare for couples counseling?

The anticipation of beginning couples counseling can be difficult—sometimes more difficult than the first session itself. Taking a few moments to reflect can allay those concerns: What are the current challenges? When and how did they begin? What do they want the relationship to look like in the future? Reflecting on these questions can help individuals or couples articulate their goals. Of course, the therapist will also ask questions and guide couples through the process.