Rita Burd, MA, LPC, ATR
Licensed Professional Counselor | Art Therapist
I am an intuitive, integrated clinician who brings not only education and professional training to the therapeutic relationship, but also life experience, authenticity, and a deep respect for each person's unique journey. I believe healing occurs through connection, self-discovery, and learning to navigate the full range of human emotions with compassion and curiosity.
I specialize in working with adults experiencing complex trauma, life transitions, existential concerns, identity exploration, grief and loss, emotional disconnection, and ADHD. I particularly enjoy supporting highly sensitive individuals who experience deep emotions, inner conflict, difficulties with self-compassion, and challenges honoring their own needs.
My approach is collaborative and person-centered. I will always meet you where you are, without judgment or pressure. I do not impose my own agenda or determine what your healing should look like. Instead, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where you can move at a pace that feels right for you. I believe that the answers you seek already exist within you, and I view my role as one of guide, witness, and support as you reconnect with your authentic self.
Together, we may explore the emotional highs and lows that are part of being human while developing greater self-awareness, emotional tolerance, and a deeper sense of connection to yourself and others. My goal is to help you cultivate a more fulfilling and meaningful life while embracing all parts of who you are.
Areas of Specialization
- Complex trauma and childhood trauma
- Life transitions
- Existential crisis and meaning-making
- Self-identity exploration
- Grief and loss
- ADHD
- Emotional awareness and emotional regulation
- Highly Sensitive Persons (HSP)
- Inner conflict and self-compassion
- Mind-body connection
- Relationship with self and others
Therapeutic Approaches and Tools
My work is trauma-informed, integrative, and individualized. Techniques may include:
- Creative processing and expressive arts
- Music interpretation
- Emotion-Focused Therapy
- Parts work and Internal Family Systems-informed approaches
- Inner child exploration
- Mind-body awareness
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Existential therapy
- Gentle cognitive and emotional challenges
- Spiritual exploration and meaning-making
- Nature-based and grounding practices
- Strength-based and person-centered interventions
Who I Work Best With
I enjoy helping individuals who:
- Feel deeply and experience emotions intensely.
- Offer compassion to others but struggle to extend the same kindness toward themselves.
- Find it difficult to use their voice, establish boundaries, or honor their needs.
- Desire greater connection with their emotions and physical body.
- Seek deeper meaning, authenticity, and a stronger sense of self.
- Wish to heal from trauma and cultivate more fulfilling relationships.
If you are searching for a therapist who values authenticity, compassion, curiosity, and gentle growth, we may work well together.
Population Served
- Adults ages 18+
- Individuals
- LGBTQ+ Ally
- Supporter of human dignity, compassion, and human kindness
Session Options
- In-Person (Livonia office)
- Virtual (for clients anywhere in the state of Michigan or Pennsylvania)
- Hybrid
Location
Collaborative Health Center in Livonia, Michigan
Education
Wayne State University
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Minor in Art
- Master of Arts in Counseling
- Concentration in Art Therapy
Licenses
Rita can see clients virtually across the state of Michigan and Pennsylvania
- Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan
- Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania
"Healing is not about becoming someone different; it is about reconnecting with who you have always been. You do not have to navigate that journey alone."