Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI

"I am huge on finding meaning and purpose in life, as I believe this is the blueprint to a better understanding of our daily situations."

Hershel Jackson is a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting adults, teens, and youth across Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties in Michigan. He specializes in treating depression, anxiety, trauma, severe and persistent mental illness, and relationship issues. Hershel uses a person-centered approach, helping individuals find meaning and purpose through empathetic and goal-oriented therapy.

Hershel holds a Master’s in Community Counseling from the University of Detroit. He combines evidence-based methods with a compassionate, client-first mindset to guide individuals through emotional healing and growth. His therapeutic style is warm, intentional, and purpose-driven.

Clients describe Hershel’s care as encouraging, motivational, and deeply affirming. He creates a safe space for breakthrough moments and empowers individuals to reclaim their purpose. His emotional intuition and empathic presence help clients feel understood, supported, and ready to engage in meaningful change.

"As a woman ahead of her time, having been a divorced single parent with no full-time job or college education and then later in life having lived in a four-generational house, I understand being a caretaker for an elderly parent, I understand the dynamics of balancing life, personally and professionally throughout the lifespan with many planned and unplanned life transitions. "

Pamela Rybka is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychoeducational therapy, mindfulness, and meditation. Her philosophy of care is to involve clients in their treatment plans. She will work with you, exploring what has worked for you in the past and what has not. Together, you will look at how you as a client can become your optimum best self on this journey of life. 

There is no right or wrong. Therapy is a process of growth. Therapy is about relationships," says Pamela. "Your relationship with your therapist and your relationship with yourself and those around you."

"As a professional who has had to ask for help before, I know this process can be intimidating and difficult, but let me reassure you that seeking assistance is a courageous step towards personal growth and emotional well-being."

Taylor Stanton is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) with over 4 years of experience in the mental health field. She is excited to work with adolescents and young adults. Taylor is passionate about helping individuals address their challenges with substance use, eating disorders, anxiety, stress, depression, women's issues, family conflict, and more.

Taylor completed her Master's degree in Social Work and her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Grand Valley State University. Taylor is currently studying at the University of Kentucky pursuing her Doctoral degree in Social Work. Taylor is also a Certified Alcohol And Drug Counselor (CADC).

Taylor will invite you to share your story. Her empathetic approach ensures a safe space for understanding, and welcomes the opportunity to support you on your path. When you are ready, feel free to reach out to her and schedule your first appointment with Taylor.

"Magdalen is an experienced therapist passionate about helping young mothers and women navigating perinatal concerns, post-partum diagnoses, and other various women’s health issues, in addition to Anxiety, Depression, and Bipolar Disorders. Magdalen is energetic and excited to help those seeking treatment become the best version of themselves that they can be."

Magdalen Vogt is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 4 years of experience in mental health. She came into the field of therapy with the goal of helping people from all walks of life navigate their emotional burdens, relationship issues, stress, anxiety, and/or depression, manage life transitions, and heal from traumas. Her ideal client is an adult who is dedicated to the therapeutic process and building a strong therapeutic alliance together. Magdalen graduated from Grand Valley State University and obtained her Master of Social Work degree (LMSW).

Magdalen has worked with diverse populations that have allowed her to become well-versed in several walks of life. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, supportive therapy, and components of dialectical behavioral therapy to help clients reach their goals and needs.

Everyone can relate to feeling like life is overwhelming, daunting, challenging, and just plain scary. Magdalen believes that she can support you through these moments and on your healing journey. It’s Magdalen's goal to help you address negative thinking patterns, develop new coping skills, find mindfulness practices, and discover new perspectives.

"As a woman who has been affected by much of what life has to offer, I can empathize with many areas of trauma and joy and learning how to heal from and celebrate those events."

Cathlene Young is a Licensed Master Social Worker-Clinical (LMSW-C) with 11 years of experience in the mental health field. Cathlene is passionate about helping teens, young adults, adults, and couples in their journey; addressing their unique challenges and helping them live the life they are destined to live. She specializes in anxiety, grief, trauma, relationship concerns, and major life events that affect our lives.

Cathlene completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Grand Valley State University. She has personal experience with concerns related to domestic violence, single parenting, faith issues, and living a life of joy. This, coupled with Cathlene’s professional experience, enables her to build rapport with many different personalities and walks of life, providing the support and encouragement that her clients are seeking. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and strength based therapy.

It is Cathlene's belief that everyone is on their own separate journey and each path is different. Cathlene is confident that she would be able to support and encourage you, helping you to learn new perspectives and gain techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you are struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with her today.

"As a person who has made many life transitions, my passion is assisting clients to process their experiences and identify methods to best ensure their transitions are smooth and beneficial as possible."

Chris Lawitzke is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 3.5 years of experience. He works with teens, adults, and seniors to identify their goals and work through issues related to addictive disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral modification, bipolar disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), depression, LGBTQIA+-related issues, PTSD, stress, and more.

Chris completed his Master's degree in Social Work at Grand Valley State University. He enjoys working with individuals living with developmental disabilities, severe and persistent mental illness, incarcerated populations, at-risk youth, and members of the LGBTQIA+ communities. Chris uses a variety of treatment modalities and principles including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, coping and distress tolerance development (CDTD), and behavior modification. Chris believes that rapport-building and developing the therapeutic alliance is the key to all therapeutic relationships.

Chris believes that each person has the potential to overcome whatever ails them and causes them to stumble. Chris's practice works to help people to explore their abilities while engaging their strengths. Life is a constant state of transition and Chris works to help people understand their resources to move forward and gain mastery.

"As a person that has experienced and struggled with anxiety and depression, I understand that asking for help and being vulnerable can be scary."

Aileen Vazquez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 6 years of experience in the mental health and substance use field. Aileen is passionate about helping others explore their goals, work towards a better version of themselves, and lead more fulfilling lives. She is particularly interested in the areas of anxiety, trauma, and the experience of pregnancy and postpartum-related issues.

Aileen completed her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and obtained her Master's degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. Aileen identifies as a Mexican-American woman and is both a therapist and a mother and therefore, understands how challenging and complex finding a balance and exploring identity can be. Due to personal experiences and previous experience working with adults with co-occurring disorders, Aileen is able to understand the complexities of life and how one issue can affect another. Aileen is particularly fond of mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and person-centered therapy (PCT), among other techniques.

It can be hard to reach out for help, but in doing so we are often able to open doors and accomplish things that may not have been possible without assistance. Aileen would be honored to be a part of your journey toward health and happiness. If you are seeking to work towards your goals and work together as a team, schedule an appointment with Aileen today.