About Rachel

I want to welcome you to Charis Counseling! If you are reading this, there is a strong possibility that you or someone you are close to is struggling emotionally, has experienced distressing and painful events or relationships, or is engaging in self-defeating behaviors that are negatively impacting relationships, work, school, or an overall quality of life.  I want you to know that you are not alone! 

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Lived Experience

There is a personal reason I chose to pursue a career in mental health counseling. After struggling with some difficult experiences, painful emotions, and self-defeating behaviors,  I made the courageous decision to seek mental health treatment with a therapist. I know the struggle, the dedication, and courage it takes to self-reflect, develop self-awareness, and make the changes necessary to grow. Although it's difficult work at times, it's worth it! The therapy process may include changing how you view yourself, how you navigate interpersonal relationships, or change behaviors that are interfering with your health and well-being. 

Professional Experience

I have worked in the helping professions since 2004 when I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University. In 2011, I completed my Master of Arts Degree in Professional Counseling through Liberty University and obtained my license in professional counseling in 2012 through the state of Michigan. I have worked in the field of child welfare as a caseworker, helped struggling families as a home-based therapist, and worked as an outpatient therapist for a local organization.

From 2015 until 2022, I managed a group private practice providing outpatient clinical mental health counseling to children, adolescents and adults on an individual, couple, or family basis. Due to my desire to spend more of my time working with clients, I made the decision to close the group practice and returned to solo private practice in April of 2022.

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Christian Worldview

We all have a way of viewing the world based on our values, beliefs, and experiences. My worldview recognizes that humans are designed in the image of God in our moral, spiritual, and intellectual essence. We, as humans reflect God's divine nature in our ability to achieve the unique characteristics with which we have been gifted. These unique qualities make us different than all other creatures: rational understanding, creative liberty, the capacity for self-actualization, and the potential for self-transcendence. Because of this, we have innate worth solely because we are human.  We don't have to measure up or compare ourselves to anyone else.  

I utilize this worldview as a foundation to provide caring, compassionate, and competent mental health therapy. I respect the dignity and worth of all people, and their right to privacy, their right to their own beliefs, and their right to make their own decisions.  I offer services to all people regardless of age, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, national origin, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, or socioeconomic status.

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I am passionate about facilitating growth in people and helping them experience the hope, peace, and joy that God desires for each one of us.   I believe that we are all searching for something to satisfy a deep longing to fill the emptiness inside.  We can try to fill it relationships, alcohol, drugs, sex, self-fulfillment, ect.,  but ultimately the only thing that will satisfy the deepest longings of the soul are a relationship with God. Augustine prayed, "You have made us for yourself, 0 Lord, and our hearts are restless until they rest in you."

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  In closing, I see great potential in all my clients and enjoy walking with them as they grow, progress, and change as they recognize their unique qualities, strengths, and talents.  That they were designed with a purpose that only they can fulfill. If you would like to work with me on your journey, please fill out the New Client Inquiry form.  This provides information related to insurance, fees, the therapy process, and also gives me an idea of whether or not I may be a good fit to help you and your unique circumstances.

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Current Counseling Practice Focus

 At this time, my primary areas of clinical focus are treating couples and families utilizing an Emotion Focused Therapy approach.  You can learn more about the approach HERE.  

I've truly enjoyed working with children, teens, and their families who struggle with behavioral difficulties, mood disorders, ADHD, and anxiety disorders over the past 19 years.  At this time, I do not see children on an individual basis. However, I enjoy assisting parents with supporting their children who may have some difficulties functioning within the home, school, and/or community settings.  I use my  experience with Parent Management Training - Oregon model to assist parents of children and adolescents who may be displaying defiant, oppositional, and aggressive behavior along with emotion regulation issues.

When I have the availability, I consider it a privilege to assist teens and adults on an individual basis who may be experiencing mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, life transitions, and childhood trauma.  I'm  particularly fond of utilizing my previous training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy to assist clients on their journey.

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