I am a Clinical Social Worker with over 16 years of experience working with women, children & families. I currently specialize in women's health, depression, anxiety, perinatal mood disorders, domestic violence and PTSD/trauma. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Family Life Education (Spring Arbor University) and earned my Master's degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. I am certified as an Integrated Health Behavioral Health Specialist through the University of Michigan and Cherokee Health Systems (TN). I also have advanced training and certifications in Women's Health, Perinatal Mental Health, and Trauma Focused CBT. I have worked in a wide variety of settings including providing home visits to mothers with postpartum depression, serving as a Behavioral Health Consultant, Integrated Healthcare Supervisor, and Pediatric Integrated Psychotherapist at Henry Ford Health System. In addition, I have served as an adjunct instructor at Spring Arbor University and Southern New Hampshire University and I provide professional consultations to local pediatricians and OB/Gyns. I am currently working on obtaining a certificate as an Animal Assisted Therapist.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

The first session, also known as an Intake, is all about information gathering and establishing a therapeutic relationship. I will provide a brief introduction to the therapeutic model. I will gather information about your specific issues, conduct screenings and assessments to determine the severity of your symptoms and discuss possible treatment options. I will gather history and information about your family background, physical and mental health history, natural supports, and presenting problems/symptoms. We will discuss possible treatment options and work to identify potential treatment goals and objectives. We will discuss confidentiality and issues related to scheduling appointments. I will answer any questions you may have about the therapy process and I will work to establish rapport with you so that you feel safe and secure.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strength as a provider is my ability to set people at ease and provide a sense of hope that relief is possible. Receiving mental health services shouldn't be scary or stigmatized! I work very hard to ensure that you feel safe and comfortable in our therapeutic alliance. I am down-to-earth, compassionate, sympathetic, humanistic, and "real." In my world, there is no such thing as a "perfect" wife, mother, woman, or daughter. We are all just doing our best to carry the mental load, and sometimes, it's not pretty. Who better to understand your struggles than a therapist who has devoted her entire career to providing emotional support to women? Therapy should not be intimidating. It should provide you with an opportunity to feel seen, heard and validated. I believe that there is a great deal of strength in the telling of our stories. By having a supportive, healing environment in which to share your truth, you will find that you can identify, verbalize and regulate your emotions. You can’t heal what you don’t acknowledge. The telling of your story is important. It is my sincere hope that you will find that individual therapy can provide you with the strength that you need to fulfill your goals and dreams, improve your self-esteem, and assist in regulating the mind/body connection that is so important in the healing process.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

Much of my approach to therapy is simply holding space to remind people that we are all human beings with a need to be seen and heard. To quote my mentor, Dr. Jodi Carrington, “We are all just walking each other home.” For too long, mental health and physical health have been defined by cultural standards, societal pressures, and gender-biased healthcare practices resulting in a system that is not designed for the unique needs of women. You deserve to work with someone who understands your specific needs and can be the catalyst for change. Women face a variety of mental health challenges that can be influenced by biological, environmental, and psychosocial factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), women are more likely to experience mental health concerns such as depression or anxiety. They also experience mental distress at higher rates than men across all age brackets. Biological differences related to hormones and brain structure may affect mental health risks, rates of disorders, and the course of those disorders. While some challenges may be related to gender, others occur due to factors beyond gender stereotypes. Psychotherapy specifically tailored for women addresses their unique challenges and stressors. In working with a therapist who specializes in practicing exclusively with women, it is important to note that we consider the unique needs of women at various life stages, recognizing that women’s requirements change over time. Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Feminist Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) are effective modalities for women, addressing issues like postpartum depression, anxiety, trauma, body positivity, and self-esteem.

About Crystal Shilling