I finished my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in 2018, and practice as an independently Licensed Psychologist. I have worked in variety of settings helping people with: anxiety, depression, self-esteem and worthiness, trauma and PTSD, healthy relationships, adjustment difficulties, academic and career success, ADHD, diagnostic assessment, suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, substance use, sexuality, identity development, spirituality, and social-cultural concerns. My approach to therapy is trauma-informed and grounded in Interpersonal Process Therapy and Psychodynamic Therapy that emphasizes the impact of past experiences on your development and current life, how messages from these experiences become internalized, and healing the relationship that you have with yourself and others. I am also knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of therapy approaches in order to meet your unique needs. I enjoy sharing the science of psychology to help you gain insight into your experiences and understand treatment. My style is conversational, and I strive to be both gentle and direct with my feedback. Being trauma-informed I ask you to be in charge of the focus of sessions and will apply my relevant knowledge and skills. I try to provide you with options about the directions/approaches to exploring the topic you bring to session. There is no topic off limits; I want you to feel safe to talk about whatever. I strive to provide practical information and skills that you can apply in your daily life. I want you to be empowered in your healing journey and in your life. My goal is to guide you towards an authentic and meaningful life.

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

The first session is a bit different than your follow-up sessions will be. I will direct the focus more and the session will be more structured. I will ask specific questions about your background, current life, reasons for seeking therapy, and mental health and life goals. I will also ask questions to assess your mental health and symptoms to identify a provisional diagnosis (required by insurance companies) and treatment approach. By the end of the first session, we should both have a sense of whether or not we can work together well. Research has repeatedly shown that the most important factor in the success of therapy is the relationship between the client and therapist. What makes a therapeutic relationship successful is complicated and developing this relationship is an ongoing process. However, we should both have a sense of how comfortable it was talking and if we have been able to understand each other. Additionally, it is my professional and ethical responsibility to determine if I have the appropriate training, experience, and skills to help you with the reasons you have come to therapy. If you and/or I determine that we are not a good fit, I will provide you with resources to help you find another therapist.

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

My strength is helping people with the abstract, non-tangible aspects of life. I am good at helping you sort through your experience to identify patterns and underlying needs. From this deeper understanding, I can help you explore ways to shift patterns and better meet your needs.

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

In general, I will do my best to help with whatever you bring to therapy. I really enjoy helping people heal from trauma, develop an authentic identity, build self-esteem and self-compassion, and live a meaningful and empowered life. I also enjoy sharing the science of psychology to help you gain insight into your experiences and understand treatment.

About Cynthia Beevers