About
Why come in for therapy?
Perhaps your life is 100% fulfilling and satisfying, and you feel peace about all areas of your life. If you do, you are probably NOT reading this page!
If your life is challenging at times, filled with normal human struggles plus some issues that you can’t seem to conquer, or patterns that you can’t seem to escape from, then therapy is VERY likely to benefit you.
In our own lives, we only have one vantage point, and there are many dynamics affecting us which we often cannot see without the help of a ‘magnifying glass,’ so to speak.
Here is an illustration of what brought me into therapy; maybe you can relate to parts.
Lynne Stevens – how I became who I am
The school of life has taught me well.
I first had the inclination to become a counselor when I was a teenager, wishing I had a counselor better than the ones at school. At that time of my life, I looked really good from the outside looking in: I was popular (-ish), a good student, a cheerleader, had friends and boyfriends, stayed out of trouble (at least I didn’t get caught).
There was no abuse, we weren’t poor, I had nothing to complain about and was reminded of that every time I complained. My parents were both teachers, I had one brother, and lived across the street from the lake in a modest house with, I kid you not, a white picket fence. And I had a white picket fence mentality – It was all good! (You know where this is going)
And then the internal struggle
My internal life was another story, although I didn’t realize it at the time. When I met my biological mother at 25 years of age, I wrote to her in my first letter that ‘my life was so good growing up.’
This was the narrative I learned, and I used it as a coping strategy to survive and fit in with the world around me. People wanted me to be ‘all good’… maybe even needed me to be ‘all good.’ The only problem was (ready for this?) I was fat. If you saw photos of me then, I was not at all fat; but the fat in my head was so big, it was an obsession.
My obsession with ‘fat’ brought me to counseling
That’s what brought me into counseling. My first go of it, in my first session, my therapist wanted to know about my relationship with my parents. I said it was “all good” and wondered to myself why she was asking about my childhood. She pressed on, which was annoying, and I continued to repeat that it was “all good” as tears began to leak from my eyes (which also annoyed me).
The compassionate therapist pointed out that my tears were suggesting that it wasn’t “all good,” which I didn’t appreciate. The next week, I went back in and told her I felt so much better (I was cured) and thanked her for her service. I was determined to hang on to the narrative of “all good” for a while longer.
Little ‘t’ trauma
Fast forward five years; I’m still struggling with my fat head weight issue. I was now realizing that maybe, just maybe, things weren’t all perfect. And maybe that had something to do with why I was binge eating. Thus, began the long journey of learning about the hidden feelings I had because of what I perceived as a non-traumatic childhood. I learned about “little t” trauma, the kind that you don’t see as well.
Feelings? What are they?
This second therapist had to teach me how to do feelings. The only feelings I knew were HAPPY and FAT (translate to good and bad). She would ask me how my life was, and I’d start talking about other people. I went to therapy that year every week, Friday mornings at 8 am, often hung over. It was free to college kids. I would have NEVER paid for it since I was not that bad, and I grew up with parents from the Depression and learned well not to spend unnecessary money.
I have since added up the cost of what that weekly counseling would have been and weighed it out with how it changed my life – and all I can say is PRICELESS.
Therapy taught me how to feel, how to tune in, how to have a self without feeling selfish (one of the deadly sins, in my opinion, at that time). While this initial year of therapy by no means cured me of all my deeply imbedded issues, it did set me on course with a two-degree shift, which changed the trajectory of my life.
Don’t waste the crisis
My own journey has been the best teacher in my life, which is how I stay grateful for all the struggles I’ve been through. I don’t usually enjoy the struggle, or even appreciate it while it’s happening, but I have learned to remember that it is only through the struggle that we grow and evolve. I believe that God gave me the gifts of these struggles, not only for myself but for my therapy practice.
I’m constantly telling my clients not to waste the crisis, because it is only our dis-ease that prompts us to make changes, to learn and grow and heal. Therapy truly helped me find the value and purpose of all the struggles.
About Lynne
My experience led me to realize that therapy is indeed a life-changer. I knew that my calling was to help others find healing and help to create the lives they want and deserve. We are NOT meant to go through life alone. We are wounded in relationship, feeling alone, but healing happens in safe relationships.
My bachelor’s in Interpersonal Communication and master’s in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology are both from Western Michigan University. I have a license in Psychology in the state of Michigan.
I spend my free time with my three children and my new kitty from India. We are pet lovers and have owned so many pets at times that I thought about charging admission for our petting zoo! I also enjoy beach combing, snorkeling, yoga, gardening, photography, and am a life-long learner of people.
About Amanda
We all have our own stories and journeys that lead us to who and where we are today. Here is mine:
How I became a “freezer”
In a traumatic situation, we can fight, flee, or freeze to help save our lives. It is something that is born in us, part of our primitive brain.
I was born a fighter – for my life, and come to find out later, for the betterment of other peoples’ lives. I was born seven weeks premature. Being the fighter I was, I took my hands and pulled the medical tubes out of my nose and throat. So, they pinned my arms down. Then I took my legs and pulled the tubes out. So, they pinned my legs down. There I was, a helpless baby, unable to fight for my life. Because I couldn’t fight or flee, I learned to freeze – hard. This began my go-to mechanism in any triggering situation.
The makings of my codependency
I was also born with a big, caring heart. I’ve always been the kind of person to stop and lend others a helping hand. When I was younger, I played soccer and would stop to help an opponent up off the ground.
A big, caring heart is a wonderful quality to have. However, it played too nicely with my freezing mechanism. I learned to let others walk all over me, and I put other people’s wants and needs before mine. I didn’t have a voice. I didn’t know it was okay to speak my wants and needs.
My trauma experiences
In early elementary school, I experienced some major trauma (that I would later use to help others become a survivor and ‘thriv-er’ through their trauma) that happened over a period of a couple years. My freezing mechanism and my people-pleasing skills were at full force.
Because of the trauma I went through, I was taken to a counselor. My first experience with a counselor was not pretty. I did not trust her, so I lied. (I now use this experience to help me learn how to create trust with my clients so that healing can happen.)
So, my trauma never got worked through. It was stored in my body and leaked out as severe generalized anxiety, and separation anxiety from my mom that lasted until I was in 5th grade. One time my mom snuck out of the house while I was watching TV so she could grab some milk from the store without me.
The high school years
Fast forward to high school years… by this time I was good at people pleasing and not knowing I had my own feelings. I still had severe generalized anxiety and my strong freeze mechanism. I felt alone in my struggles – really alone. Even though I had some great friendships, I struggled with feeling like I truly belonged.
I began coping by isolating myself and reinforcing my learned beliefs with an unhealthy relationship. I was miserable, angry and depressed. I thought that other people were supposed to meet my needs and automatically know what I wanted/needed.
Off to the counselor’s office I go
This is when my mom suggested I see a counselor, and I thought it was a good idea (imagine that, a teenager listening to her mom).
So, I started seeing an amazing counselor and began my healing journey that I’m still on today. Through hard-a** work, I began to calm down the freeze mechanism and work through my trauma. I learned that I, too, have feelings and needs that are okay to voice and be made known. I learned how to be me. I learned how to be real and vulnerable amongst many other things.
Through this process, I realized I wanted to be a counselor. I wanted to help other people experience the amazing changes I was experiencing.
So, after high school, I attended Central Michigan University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Family Studies and Psychology. Immediately following college, I attended grad school at Spring Arbor University and graduated with a Master of Counseling degree.
During my time in grad school, I married my amazing husband and had our first baby. To this day, I have no idea how I made it through that! Since then, I started my own practice, completed a certification in trauma, started two other certifications in holistic health and experiential therapy, and had two more babies!
Life has been busy lately, but in my free time I love to go on dates with my husband to try out the new restaurants popping up in Detroit; be with my wonderful, supportive friends; go to a variety of classes at the gym; and read (Brené Brown books anyone?!).
My life has been messy and extremely difficult at times (and this was only a nutshell version). I don’t claim to be perfect. I believe we are all a work in progress. Healing is a process, and I’d be honored to help you through yours.
About Lauren
In the Beginning…
My journey to become a counselor began long before I ever knew I wanted to be one. Even as a child, I was a helper and an advocate, whether it was with my friends, family, or random acquaintances, I strived to make a difference in their lives. I believed in being down to earth and real with people, which meant despite my imperfections, living my life as authentically and honest as possible.
I have always wanted people to know the real ‘me’ and I firmly believe in being human first and therapist second. My passion to help people fits well into my career, but in reality, it’s who I am as a person, inside and outside the office.
Turning my Passion into a Reality
One day in high school, I landed myself in a Psychology class and became fascinated with how the brain works and why we do the things we do — especially in our formative years. It was at this point I made the determination to become a therapist and went on to receive my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Family Studies from Cornerstone University. I then obtained my Master’s degree in Counseling at Oakland University.
At the end of my Master’s program, I spent close to a year interning at Macomb County Care House and began specializing in children’s therapy and trauma-focused treatment. I went on to launch the therapy program at The Child Advocacy Center of Lapeer County in 2016 and worked as the Clinical Coordinator and Therapist for two years. Since that time, I have worked extensively with individuals who have experienced abuse, along with their immediate family members.
Therapy is About You…
The counseling process should be about you and your needs. I view my clients as the experts on themselves, and while I believe in educating my clients on my areas of expertise, I more strongly believe in teaming up with you to work together to reach a common goal. My job isn’t to tell you who you are or what to do, but to assist you in those discoveries.
…and Your Child Too
I am here to help you and your child learn how to navigate together through the unknowns, and through all the uncertainty. One of the most helpless feelings is seeing your child cry, yell, scream or act out and not know what is wrong or how to help! I use kid-friendly counseling techniques, including play, sand, games, etc. to teach kids how to recognize those feelings in their body, put words to the emotions, and to communicate them appropriately. I also work with you, as the parent, to empower you to respond to the challenging moments. You are the expert on your child, and I’ll collaborate with you and your child to create the best possible outcomes.
I truly am an authentic person and try to carry as much of my personality into my role as a therapist. I have highs and lows, strengths and challenges, tears and smiles, and yes I even like pizza and ice cream…and pickles (I absolutely love pickles). If you ever want to know more, check out my blog posts Meet the Therapist (Part 1 or Part 2).
About Ann
The shift…the moment when something shifts…in your heart, in your soul, permanently.
Therapy supports during times of major crisis and minor struggle. Each day, each step, each breath in your process is a part of your shift. To becoming who you are from who you were. Toward finding peace, joy and love. Connecting with your authentic self and connecting with others in a deep, meaningful way.
Connection.
We all have a need for love, belonging and connection, with each other and ourselves. You and I will build our connection together. With compassion and empathy for your individual story. Your Story. By providing space for you to share your experience, emotions or struggles.
Your path.
It’s not easy to feel life without numbing to get through, especially when you don’t believe in yourself. I believe in you, in every human being and the power of healing. I will provide a safe space for you to be yourself and do this work together.
Building resilience through sharing our stories is what I stand for. I’m dedicated to learning more about you, with you, with hope. I offer unconditional support for your imperfections, suffering, confusion or pain, and for you.
I felt fine, yet never fulfilled.
I worked as a Certified Public Accountant for many years and I always felt something was missing. A sense something else I was meant for was out there. Yet I struggled to know what that was. I was an elementary school teacher for some time. The expected path was followed because it was logical. Through therapy, yoga and meditation…I softened, listened and heard my authentic self. I let go of expectations from myself and from others. My personal fulfillment is being of service to others like you. I’m dedicated to sharing space and opportunity for you to experience your shift.
My shift.
I began individual therapy when conducting my search for my birth mom. Who knows why I would need it, but felt it would be a good idea to have a resource ready. Little did I know, I’d made a pivotal decision. Once on the first phone call with my therapist, my intuition told me she was a great match. It only took one session with her and I knew I was in the right place. Many years and life changes later, my awareness and growth evolved. I gained important tools, developed skills and practiced self-care in my own process. Because it sure is a process. I’d be honored to provide the space for the same support for you and your process.
Inspired by those on my journey, I attended the Michigan School of Psychology, completed my Masters in Clinical Psychology, and never looked back. Most importantly, I learned how to give myself permission to be imperfect, to know I’m doing the best I can and breathe through the hard thoughts and emotions. I’m a yoga student and a yoga teacher. I love the moon, the beach and walking around barefoot. Unless I’m driving as the soccer chauffeur. I may or may not do that barefoot as well.
As an adoptee I grew up knowing all people were different. I’ve since learned how much we are also the same – seeking love, belonging and connection.
Visit annabbeytherapy.com to learn more.
About Amy
Reflecting…
When I reflect back into the early years of my life, I now know that much of my training to become a counselor started in childhood as “the middle child”. Some theories suggest that middle children become peacemakers as a result of their role between their older and younger siblings. I would say that was true for me. Middle children can be known for being more patient (having to wait a lot), empathy (knowing what is like to not feel “special” like the older and younger), good listeners (many times you don’t often feel heard or feel that you have a voice). It is possible that these traits developed, as a result of birth order, have prepared me for a career that completely lines up with my authentic self.
Being authentic…is necessary for me in my role as a therapist. It allows me to hold space for you. In this safe space you can speak freely, express all emotions and know that there will be no judgement. I graciously walk with you, at your pace, on your timeline.
Listening…to your story will help me to understand where you have been and where you would like to be. Together, we will unravel your story and look for lessons along the way. I will assist in noticing opportunities to choose peace over anxiety and love over fear. Perhaps gain a better perspective of situations that have happened for you, not to you.
Curiosity…is what comes natural to me. Using this trait helps me to ask meaningful questions that will allow you to recognize your own strengths and solutions. You may begin to understand the role that symptoms of anxiety and depression have played, perhaps to serve you or protect in some way.
Trust…sets the stage for real change to manifest. I value the trust you have in me as your therapist. I honor the courage it takes to open the window allowing a glimpse into your soul.
I look forward to taking a walk, with you, on your path toward uncovering the “YOU” you are meant to be.
Feel free to check out my website: amymoorecounselor.com for more information.
About Ellen
