Counseling Services
Life is hard...
Our counselors are here to listen and assist you in finding ways to cope with life’s ups and downs. We work with individuals, couples, teens and children by listening and helping our clients define and achieve their goals. We provide a safe, confidential and supportive environment for our Traverse City and northern Michigan community members. Below are some of the practices we employ.
We also offer Teletherapy using a secure audio/video portal (as well as a computer and smartphone) to deliver the same quality of care to you in the comfort of your home. We have found this to be a very effective way of providing care in a manner that is more accessible and very convenient. Click here to learn more about Teletherapy.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy
This evidence-based counseling method has been proven to help children and adolescents with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and those who have experienced other types of trauma.
Motivational Interviewing
This counseling approach was developed in part by clinical psychologists Stephen Rollnick and William R. Miller. It is a directed, client-focused counseling style that can result in changes in behavior when a client is able to resolve uncertainties.
Solution-Focused Therapy
This goal-directed approach to psychotherapeutic change that is collaborative and relies on observation of a clients’ responses precisely constructed questions. This helps us better understand your specific approach to life.
Mindfulness
This practice of bringing one’s attention to one’s self in the present moment without judgement, has helped clients experiencing a variety of psychological conditions including depression, stress, anxiety and drug addiction.
Common Questions About Counseling
What is counseling?
You may have certain images in your mind when you hear the word “counseling.” A couch. A person listening to you talk, not looking at you, quickly taking notes, and repeating certain phrases like, “hmmm,” and “how did that make you feeeeel?” Maybe you aren’t so sure how you feel about sharing your deepest fears and longings with a stranger.
While most of our offices here at Adaptive Counseling and Management do in fact have couches, the counseling process may not be what you think. We believe that when a person who’s struggling is seen, heard, and understood, it can help them navigate whatever they’re struggling with in a way that turns the conflict into an opportunity for growth. This means that sessions are a lot more like a conversation than a science experiment.
Therapists who practice counseling are trained in active listening skills and well researched interventions that serve to help you know yourself better. When you work with a counselor here at Adaptive, rather than finding a person with all the answers, you will find individuals eager to understand your thoughts and feelings about your relationships, experiences, hurts, needs, and desires. We are here to talk with you through whatever challenges might seem unmanageable for you on your own.
Is counseling private?
As therapists we highly value your trust. That means that in your relationship with your counselor, anything you share is completely confidential unless we think that you or someone in your life is in danger. You get to choose who knows that you’re getting counseling, and how it’s helping you.
How long does counseling take?
The counseling process never looks exactly the same for two people. You might find you only need a handful of sessions to help you grow in insight. Or maybe you’ve experienced a crisis that’s going to take months or years of work to navigate. Your counselor is with you either way.
Where does it start?
Getting started is simple. When you call our office, you can request a specific counselor based on what you know about our team (LINK), or describe a bit of your situation and we’ll recommend someone for you. Then our office will help you to know if your insurance covers mental health counseling and how, and if not, work with you to ensure that your sessions are something you can afford. The final step is scheduling your first appointment!
Counseling be the next step toward health or freedom for you or your family.
What about Teletherapy?
Maybe you’re not comfortable coming into our office. Most of our therapists are also skilled teletherapists as well. You can experience the same person, with a heart to listen and understand, comfortably from your home or office.
