Therapy Definitions

Therapy Definitions

Treatment Approaches Presenting Concerns Types of Providers

Treatment Approaches

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
A therapy that helps clients embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT encourages living in alignment with personal values despite challenges.

Clinicians who use this approach: Howard Zuckerman

Art Therapy:
A creative therapy that uses art-making as a tool for self-expression, emotional exploration, and healing, guided by a trained therapist.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd, Angie Masinde, Kathy Singal

Behavioral Therapy:
A therapy focusing on modifying harmful behaviors by identifying and changing the patterns that reinforce them.

Clinicians who use this approach: Melissa Schultz

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
A structured, goal-oriented therapy that helps clients identify and reframe negative thinking patterns to improve emotions and engage in more adaptive actions/behaviors.

Almost all clinicians use this approach.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Techniques:
A specialized form of CBT that focuses on teaching skills in mindfulness, emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and distress tolerance, often used for managing intense emotions.

Clinicians who use this approach: Eamann Al-Azem, Ashley McClain, Melissa O’Sullivan

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR):
A structured therapy that uses guided eye movements to help people process and reduce the distress associated with traumatic memories.

Clinicians who use this approach: Kathy Singal, Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Emotion Code:
A holistic technique aimed at identifying and releasing trapped emotional energy to improve emotional and physical well-being.

Clinicians who use this approach: Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT):
A therapy designed to improve emotional connection and communication in relationships, often used with couples and families.

Clinicians who use this approach: Eamann Al-Azem, Rita Burd, Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Internal Family Systems (IFS):
A therapy that views the mind as made up of multiple "parts" and focuses on healing wounded parts and restoring balance to the internal system.

Clinicians who use this approach: Melissa Schultz, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Interpersonal Therapy:
A short-term therapy that addresses interpersonal issues and helps clients improve their relationships and social functioning.

Clinicians who use this approach: Laura Snider-Feldmeser, Angie Masinde, Melissa Schultz

Meditation:
A practice of focused attention and awareness to cultivate a sense of calm, clarity, and emotional balance.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd

Mindfulness-Based Therapies:
Approaches that incorporate mindfulness practices to help clients stay present, reduce stress, and improve emotional well-being.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Rachel Goldner, Jeanine Madsen, Ashley McClain, Howard Zuckerman, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Motivational Interviewing (MI):
A collaborative, person-centered therapy that helps clients strengthen their motivation and commitment to making positive changes.

Clinicians who use this approach: Eamann Al-Azem, Susan Danielson, Rachel Goldner, Billy McCloskey, Melissa O’Sullivan, Howard Zuckerman, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Person-Centered Therapy:
A non-directive approach that provides a supportive environment for clients to explore their feelings and find solutions, emphasizing empathy and unconditional positive regard.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Rachel Goldner, Jeanine Madsen, Angie Masinde, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa Schultz, Courtney Hsu-Rhee, Howard Zuckerman

Play Therapy:
A therapeutic approach that uses play as a way for children to express emotions, process experiences, and develop coping strategies.

Clinicians who use this approach: Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Psychodynamic Approach:
A therapy that explores how unconscious thoughts and past experiences influence current behavior, aiming to bring greater self-awareness.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Ashley McClain, Billy McCloskey, Howard Zuckerman, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Reality-Based Therapy:
A therapy focusing on practical solutions and helping clients take responsibility for their actions to improve their lives.

Clinicians who use this approach: Kathy Singal

Relational Therapy:
An approach that emphasizes the importance of relationships and interpersonal interactions in shaping a person’s emotional health and well-being.

Clinicians who use this approach: Diane Drouillard

Secular Approach:
Therapy that does not incorporate spiritual or religious perspectives, focusing instead on evidence-based and non-religious strategies for healing.

Clinicians who use this approach: Ashley McClain. Ashley also welcomes clients of all religious backgrounds or who wish to discuss their faith as part of therapy.

Supportive Therapy:
A therapy aimed at providing emotional support, encouragement, and coping strategies to help clients through difficult situations.

Clinicians who use this approach: Muna Ahmad, Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Amy Hopman-Downie, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa Schultz

Trauma-Focused Therapy:
A specialized approach that addresses the emotional and psychological impact of trauma, helping clients process their experiences and build resilience.

Clinicians who use this approach: Rita Burd, Rachel Goldner, Angie Masinde

Presenting Concerns

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD):
A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity that interfere with daily functioning.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Eamann Al-Azem, Diane Drouillard, Angie Masinde, Ashley McClain, Toni Merritt-Bess

Adjustment Disorders:
Emotional or behavioral responses to significant life changes or stressors, such as moving, divorce, or job loss, that cause difficulties adjusting.

All therapists work with clients with the presenting concern.

Aging:
Concerns related to the physical, emotional, and psychological challenges that come with aging, including health changes, loss of independence, and coping with life transitions.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rachel Goldner, Melissa Schultz

Al-Anon:
A support group for individuals affected by the alcoholism of a loved one, focusing on emotional support and coping strategies.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Billy McCloskey, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa O’Sullivan, Kathy Singal, Howard Zuckerman

Anger Management:
Therapy focused on helping individuals control and express their anger in healthy ways, improving emotional regulation and relationships.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Eamann Al-Azem, Melissa Schultz, Kathy Singal, Howard Zuckerman

Anxiety Disorder:
A mental health condition characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness, often leading to physical symptoms like restlessness and tension.

All therapists work with clients with the presenting concern

Attachment Issues:

Refers to difficulties forming healthy emotional bonds and relationships, often stemming from early childhood experiences. These issues can manifest as challenges in trust, intimacy, and emotional regulation, impacting social interactions and overall well-being.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd

Autism Spectrum Disorder:
A developmental disorder characterized by challenges with social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors, varying in severity.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Diane Drouillard

Body Image Concerns:
Issues related to how one perceives their physical appearance, often leading to negative emotions or behaviors related to self-esteem and physical appearance.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd, Eamann Al-Azem, Susan Danielson, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Borderline Personality Disorder:
A mental health disorder marked by intense emotional reactions, unstable relationships, a distorted self-image, and difficulty regulating emotions.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Melissa O’Sullivan

Bipolar Disorder:
A mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings that include emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd, Amy Hopman-Downie, Angie Masinde, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa O’Sullivan, Mareen Stevens  

Chronic Illness/Pain:
Ongoing physical health conditions or pain that require management, often impacting mental health, daily functioning, and emotional well-being.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Angie Masinde, Michael Morris, Melissa Schultz

Court-Mandated Therapy:
Therapy required by a court, often in cases of criminal behavior, custody disputes, or substance abuse issues, to address underlying issues and promote rehabilitation.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Melissa O’Sullivan, Kathy Singal

Depressive Disorder:
A mood disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities, affecting daily life.

All therapists work with clients with the presenting concern

Disabilities:
Physical, intellectual, or developmental impairments that may limit functioning and require special considerations or accommodations.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa Schultz, Mareen Stevens

Divorce:
Emotional and psychological challenges related to the end of a marriage, including feelings of loss, adjustment to life changes, and co-parenting.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Rita Burd, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Jeanine Madsen, Michael Morris, Melissa O’Sullivan

Domestic Violence Therapy:
A safe, supportive space for individuals affected by emotional, physical, or psychological abuse. This trauma-informed approach promotes healing, empowers recovery, and helps restore self-worth—guided by each person's pace and values.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Eating Disorders:
Mental health disorders that are characterized by unhealthy eating patterns and behaviors, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder, often linked to emotional struggles.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Eamann Al-Azem, Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Jeanine Madsen, Toni Merritt-Bess, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Binge Eating:
An eating disorder involving the consumption of large amounts of food in a short period, often accompanied by a lack of control and feelings of distress.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Toni Merritt-Bess

Educators:
Mental health concerns related to the stress, burnout, and emotional demands faced by teachers, administrators, and other education professionals.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Toni Merritt-Bess

Employment-Related Issues:
Stress, anxiety, or interpersonal difficulties arising from the workplace, including job-related challenges, workplace relationships, or career transitions.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Howard Zuckerman

End of Life (Terminal Medical Diagnosis):
Emotional and psychological support for individuals facing a terminal diagnosis, including concerns about death, dying, and preparing for the end of life.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Michael Morris, Melissa Schultz, Mareen Stevens

Faith-Based Counseling:
A respectful, spiritually integrated approach to therapy that draws on each client’s faith—such as Christianity, Islam, or other traditions—to support emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. By blending faith with evidence-based care, it creates a supportive space where clients can explore life’s challenges, find strength in their beliefs, and grow emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Clinicians who specialize in this area: Eamann Al-Azem, Muna Ahmad, Angie Masinde, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Family Relationships:
Issues related to family dynamics, communication, and conflict, including parent-child relationships, sibling rivalry, and extended family concerns.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Diane Drouillard, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Rachel Goldner, Jeanine Madsen, Michael Morris, Melissa O’Sullivan, Howard Zuckerman

Gambling Addiction:
A compulsive need to gamble despite negative consequences, leading to financial, emotional, and relational problems.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Kathy Singal

Gender Identity:
Exploration and understanding of one's internal sense of gender, which may or may not align with assigned gender at birth.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd, Susan Danielson, Kathy Singal

Geriatric / Older Adult Disorders:
Mental health concerns specific to older adults, such as dementia, cognitive decline, depression, or issues related to aging and life transitions.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rachel Goldner, Melissa Schultz

Grief:
The emotional process of mourning the loss of a loved one, including feelings of sadness, disbelief, anger, and adjustment to life without the person.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Eamann Al-Azem, Susan Danielson, Diane Drouillard, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Rachel Goldner, Jeanine Madsen, Angie Masinde, Melissa Schultz, Kathy Singal, Mareen Stevens, Howard Zuckerman

Learning Disabilities:
Disorders that affect an individual’s ability to process information, leading to challenges in academic performance despite average or above-average intelligence.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Toni Merritt-Bess

Life Challenges:
General difficulties in navigating personal, social, or professional life, including stress, uncertainty, and adapting to changes or setbacks.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Eamann Al-Azem, Susan Danielson, Rachel Goldner, Angie Masinde, Billy McCloskey, Michael Morris, Courtney Hsu-Rhee, Melissa Schultz

Life Transitions:
Significant changes in life, such as moving, changing careers, or entering a new phase of life, which may require emotional adjustment and support.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Susan Danielson, Rita Burd, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Rachel Goldner, Amy Hopman-Downie, Jeanine Madsen, Angie Masinde, Toni Merritt-Bess, Michael Morris, Melissa O’Sullivan, Melissa Schultz

Minority Issues:

Refers to the challenges, concerns, and rights related to groups that constitute less than half of the population in a given area and are often subjected to discrimination or exclusion based on their identity.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Eamann Al-Azem, Rachel Goldner

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
A mental health condition characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Amy Hopman-Downie, Melissa Schultz, Kathy Singal

Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD):
A behavioral disorder in children and adolescents marked by a pattern of defiant, disobedient, and hostile behaviors toward authority figures.

Pain Management:
Therapeutic approaches designed to help individuals cope with and reduce chronic pain, focusing on both physical and emotional well-being.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Melissa Schultz

Panic Attacks:
Sudden, intense periods of fear or discomfort that may involve physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Rachel Goldner

Parenting Concerns / Skills:
Issues related to child-rearing, such as discipline, communication, and managing the challenges of parenting at different stages of a child’s development.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Eamann Al-Azem, Diane Drouillard, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Jeanine Madsen, Toni Merritt-Bess, Mareen Stevens

Personality Disorders:

Mental health conditions that are characterized by enduring, inflexible patterns of thinking, feeling, behaving, and relating to others. These challenges create significant distress, functional impairment, and negative impact to interpersonal relationships.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad

Quality of Life:
An individual’s overall well-being, including their physical health, emotional state, relationships, and satisfaction with their life circumstances.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Susan Danielson, Rachel Goldner, Billy McCloskey, Michael Morris, Melissa Schultz

Relationship Issues:
Challenges in romantic, familial, or social relationships, including communication problems, trust issues, or conflict resolution difficulties.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Susan Danielson, Diane Drouillard, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Rachel Goldner, Amy Hopman-Downie, Jeanine Madsen, Michael Morris, Melissa O’Sullivan, Courtney Hsu-Rhee, Kathy Singal, Mareen Stevens, Howard Zuckerman

Religion/Spirituality:
Concerns or exploration related to personal beliefs, faith, and the role of religion or spirituality in one’s life and well-being.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Angie Masinde, Michael Morris, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Religious Deconversion/Deconstruction:
The process of questioning, reinterpreting, or leaving behind previously held religious beliefs, often associated with personal and emotional struggles.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Ashley McClain

Schizophrenia:
A chronic mental health disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, and emotional responses, often accompanied by hallucinations or delusions.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Melissa O’Sullivan

Self-Esteem Issues:
Low self-worth or negative self-perception that can affect confidence, relationships, and overall emotional health.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Mareen Stevens

Self-Harm:
The act of deliberately injuring oneself as a way to cope with emotional pain or stress, often requiring therapeutic intervention for healthier coping strategies.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd, Amy Hopman-Downie

Sexual Abuse:
Experiences of unwanted sexual contact, often leading to long-term emotional, psychological, and relational challenges that require therapeutic support.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Rita Burd, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa O’Sullivan, Rachel Goldner

Stress:
Emotional and physical tension caused by external pressures or internal expectations, leading to discomfort and potential mental or physical health concerns.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Susan Danielson, Angie Masinde, Melissa Schultz, Kathy Singal, Mareen Stevens, Howard Zuckerman

Substance Abuse:
The harmful or excessive use of drugs or alcohol, often leading to addiction, health problems, and relationship difficulties.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Jeanine Madsen, Billy McCloskey, Melissa O’Sullivan, Kathy Singal, Howard Zuckerman

Trauma & PTSD:
Emotional and psychological responses to traumatic events, which may include flashbacks, nightmares, and emotional numbness, impacting daily functioning.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Rita Burd, Diane Drouillard, Laura Snider-Feldmesser, Angie Masinde, Billy McCloskey, Toni Merritt-Bess, Michael Morris, Courtney Hsu-Rhee, Kathy Singal, Mareen Stevens, Howard Zuckerman

Traumatic Brain Injury:
An injury to the brain that can result in cognitive, emotional, and physical challenges requiring specialized therapy and support.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Veterans:
Mental health concerns related to military service, such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety, often addressed through specialized care for veterans.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Billy McCloskey

Women's Issues:
Concerns specific to women, including reproductive health, gender identity, societal expectations, and challenges related to personal and professional roles.

Clinicians who specialize in this concern: Muna Ahmad, Susan Danielson, Melissa Schultz, Courtney Hsu-Rhee

Types of Providers

Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW):
A professional with a master’s degree in social work who is licensed to provide therapeutic services under supervision. They often assist clients with managing mental health challenges, navigating life changes, and accessing community resources.

Clinicians with this license: Muna Ahmad, Amy Hopman-Downie, Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa O’Sullivan, Courtney Hsu-Rhee, Melissa Schultz, Mareen Stevens

Limited Licensed Master Social Worker (LLMSW):
An individual with a master’s degree in social work who is in the process of completing the supervised experience required for full licensure as an LMSW. They work under the supervision of a fully licensed professional.

Clinicians with this license: Eamann Al-Azem, Rachel Goldner

Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC):
A mental health professional with a master’s degree in counseling or a related field, licensed to provide therapy to individuals, couples, and groups. LPCs address a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health issues.

Clinicians with this license: Rita Burd, Jeanine Madsen, Angie Masinde, Kathy Singal, Howard Zuckerman

Limited Licensed Psychologist (LLP):
A mental health provider with a master’s degree in psychology, licensed to practice under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist (LP). LLPs provide assessments and therapy services. Due to the way psychology licensing is structured in Michigan, LLPs have a “limited” license for the entirety of their careers, regardless of their level of experience; only psychologists with doctoral degrees may be fully licensed. The LLP license is comparable to a LMSW or LPC in terms of education and training.

Clinicians with this license: Diane Drouillard, Michael Morris, Ashley McClain, Laura Snider-Feldmesser

Licensed Psychologist (LP):
A professional with a doctoral degree in psychology, fully licensed to independently provide a wide range of psychological services, including therapy, psychological testing, and diagnostic assessments.

Clinicians with this license: Susan Danielson, Billy McCloskey

Additional Types/Credentials

Registered Art Therapist (ATR):
A professional trained in art therapy, which combines creative expression with psychotherapy to help clients process emotions, manage stress, and address mental health concerns.

Clinicians with this credential: Rita Burd, Angie Masinde, Kathy Singal

Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC):
A credentialed specialist in treating substance use disorders. They provide counseling and support for individuals struggling with addiction and co-occurring mental health issues.

Clinicians with this credential: Jeanine Madsen, Kathy Singal, Howard Zuckerman

National Certified Counselor (NCC):
A nationally recognized certification for counselors who meet high standards in education, experience, and ethical practice. NCCs demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and ongoing education.

Clinicians with this credential: Jeanine Madsen

Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW):
A designation awarded to social workers who meet advanced practice standards in education, experience, and ethics. ACSW professionals often bring extensive expertise in clinical or community social work.

Clinicians with this credential: Toni Merritt-Bess, Melissa Schultz, Mareen Stevens



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Livonia, MI 48150

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