Hello friend,
I'm Courtney.
There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven't yet met.
-William Butler Yeats
(Please note that Courtney is not taking new clients at this time, but our other incredible counselors are!)
While I was enlisted in the Army, I saw how many soldiers put on strong faces, but struggled behind closed doors. We were taught how to fight the battles on the field, but not the ones in our minds. No one should ever have to fight their battles alone, regardless of what form they may take. This conviction became the foundational drive of my counseling career.
Throughout life, we're taught to "suck it up and deal with it", as if our thoughts and feelings are as easy to change as flipping a switch. At best, this mindset is a temporary band-aid as it doesn't address the actual problem. None of us have all the answers to life's issues, nor were we ever meant to figure it all out on our own. Humans thrive on healthy connections, both with ourselves and others, and we tend to wither without it.
I have such deep respect for those who seek counseling as I know firsthand how intimidating the process can be. I've experienced the pressure that comes with finding the right therapist. I'm familiar with the anxiety while scheduling that first session. I've been that nervous, fidgeting client in the chair across from a counselor. But I've also experienced the priceless victories that made those difficult first steps worth it.
It's an honor to be selected as the therapist my clients have entrusted with their transformation journey. This is a responsibility I don't take lightly, which is why I do everything possible to make sure my clients feel confident they put their trust in the right source. One of my goals is to create a comfortable space for each of my clients that promotes open communication and lasting growth.
I've yet to see a client fully commit to the therapeutic change process and not create a better life. This is why I'm excited to see what we can do together to help you achieve the changes you've been looking for!
Education and Credentials
My education includes an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Grand Rapids Community College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Olivet Nazarene University, and a master’s degree in counseling from Spring Arbor University. I'm a fully licensed practicing counselor (LPC) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I've been trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy through the EMDR Institute. My clinical work history includes a juvenile rehabilitation center, Children’s Protective Services, a foster care youth advancement program, and an inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation center. Prior to becoming a therapist, I was enlisted in the Army and served for six years.