Hello :) I appreciate you giving me the opportunity to tell you a little bit more about me and the work we would be doing together. I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Therapist, licensed to practice in MI, IL, CO and AZ. While I do have a passion for helping people feel heard, appreciated and understood, I truly believe that with the right support and clear goals, it is possible for anyone to find health, clarity, empowerment and satisfaction in life- leading to more peace, purpose and fulfillment. My schedule is flexible, so if you do not see a time that works on my calendar for a first session/consultation, please don't hesitate to reach out and request additional availability.

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

I try to make space in our first session to get to know what brought you to therapy- in your own words, feel safe to share the experiences that are weighing on you heaviest in that moment. As issues that bring you to therapy, in my experience, run deeper than what you may be aware of, it sometimes helps to simply share what you feel is most significant in this first session. I also allow time for you to ask me any questions or concerns you have about my approach or methods. I believe true success in sustainable growth in therapy starts with a healthy client/therapist relationship. I strive to have that first session set that foundation.

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

I truly believe my greatest strength as a therapist is my authenticity and my passion to help people find purpose and peace in life. I also believe the more people that find a deeper sense of worth through self-awareness and continued personal growth, the better the world can be, and I strive to do my part to work towards that. This dedication is more than a career to me, as I believe everyone has a right to feel in control of their own life. With the right motivation, everyone has the strength to have that personal power- to find fulfillment in life and live with confidence. I have lived a life of service to the people I love and issues I care about, wanting to extend that effort to anyone who is willing to trust me with their thoughts and feelings, wanting to make the changes necessary to find happiness. There are many great therapists available, yet it can be difficult to find the right one that fits your needs. I respect that and strive to meet my clients where they are without any preconceived notions of how my experience and education will help them or "fix" them, starting by simply seeing each client as an individual, getting to know them on a personal level. Each person is different and each story is special. My strength is that I truly believe all of this.

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

I have worked with people in all ages and stages of life throughout my career. I have experience working with a wide variety of issues and struggles that many people face. However, I have learned that much of my interest is tailored towards adults feeling lost, left out or stuck in life, striving to meet expectations of other people or society. Most of us think if we work towards what "should" make us happy, or what we are "supposed" to do in life, it will make us happy. However, those "should's" and "supposed to's" actually can lead to frustration and emptiness- resulting in symptoms of anxiety or depression. I strive to help people find their authenticity and individuality through clarity of their unique goals and values. Learning to live by these realized values and priorities will give my clients hope and optimism in the future, empower efforts to find that true happiness and satisfaction, as well as feel confident in who they are and the choices they make.

About Ricci Oppenlander