Addiction and Substance Abuse Counseling near Muskegon, MI

Biography: I am a licensed counselor with 12 years of experience in mental health, specifically family issues, mood disorders, and addiction. I specialize in self-esteem and communication because I believe we all desire learning to value ourselves and connect with others. I work under the belief that the first step, as we work together, is helping you expand your awareness and discover more about yourself. The focus in sessions is generally less about one's past and more about identifying thoughts and behaviors that are negatively affecting your day to day life. My philosophy is that behavior is learned and can be unlearned and I am here to assist you in identifying meaning and purpose in your life, finding alternative choices, making a plan to act on those choices, and supporting you through practicing such. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Biography: I am licensed in Indiana and Michigan with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. I've worked in behavioral healthcare since 1994, in a variety of capacities. I am currently licensed in Indiana and Michigan. I am EMDR Certified (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and I hold the credential of ACCTS (Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist) from the Arizona Trauma Institute. Additionally, I hold a CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals. In my practice now, I bring a theoretical framework tailored to the needs of the person being served. My technical skills include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), co-occurring treatment, IFS for EMDR Therapists (Internal Family Systems), Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, and working with complex trauma and dissociation. Clinically, I am interested in meeting people where they are at, creating a safe space, and working along side them to achieve their personal goals. I believe in a holistic approach (mind/body/spirit) to treating the whole person, and in each person's innate capacity for resilience and healing with effective support. Nothing is more rewarding that helping others on their journey, as they strive to live life to the fullest. Building on personal strengths, while employing evidence based practices in a compassionate, ethical, and effective manner is my approach. I enjoy incorporating somatic work, meditation, mindfulness, and light yoga into my practice for those that are comfortable. I am fully immersed in my own holistic self-care journey, and believe in intentional practice of the tools I share with others.

Biography: Welcome! Thank you for taking the time to get to know more about me. My name is Jennifer, I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the State of Michigan. I earned a master's degree in Mental Health Counseling and have been practicing in the mental health field for over ten years. I have worked in a variety of settings; schools, prisons, home-based, outpatient, crisis response, addiction centers and private practice. I have the most experience working with complex trauma/abuse issues, PTSD, anxiety, depression, conflict resolution, couples and communication issues, family conflict, and complex sexual issues . I also have experience working with multicultural, physically disabled, youth, elderly, and LGBT populations. I use a person-centered, holistic, multicultural, and eclectic approach in treatment, providing you with the best care tailored to your needs. I use evidence-based techniques including cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, seeking safety, negative core beliefs replacement, "classical" counseling and solution-focused counseling. I would describe myself direct, but I am always empathetic, non-judgmental and supportive. I can push you past your comfort zone to resolve the goals you have set for yourself in therapy to assist you in creating a new healthy lifestyle! Working together we can accomplish your goals. We will use a combination of worksheets, assessments, and other tools to enhance your experience with online counseling. Monthly I send out "Monthly Skills" and "Weekly Tips" to be used to also enhance your experience, some of these skills and tips may apply to you and others may not. They are sent to all of my clients to help promote healthy mental well being. Please note that video or phone sessions are the most productive ways to achieve your therapeutic goals, but you are welcome to tailor your therapy needs to what best meets your needs. Thank you again, I look forward to meeting you and beginning your journey of self-awareness and healing. My office hours are as follows: Monday and Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm EST (video and phone sessions) Jennifer Barajas, MS, LPC