Our Philosophy

Hope.  “Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow.” Albert Einstein 

We believe that counseling can help you find ways to enjoy today, and provide hope for a better tomorrow through gaining insight into your life and learning strategies to improve it.  Our core values at Counseling Associates give us hope and form the basis of our approach to therapy: an authentic and encouraging approach to personal growth that offers tools for living.  With support and knowledge, hope becomes tangible.  We also acknowledge that even with hope, struggle is an inherent part of what it means to be human.   However, we are not alone.

Family. “We cannot live only for ourselves.  A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men.” ~Herman Melville

We believe that the connections we have with others are at the core of who we are as human beings.  We believe that from birth, we are hard-wired to attach and connect to those around us, especially those who love us the most.  Emotionally fulfilling relationships are related to physical and emotional health (see Sue Johnson, Ph.D., Andrew Weil, M.D.).

 Health.  “The part can never be well unless the whole is well.”  ~Plato

Our bodies and minds are intertwined with such magnificence that one can never be separated from the other.  Often, mental health commences physical health.  Much research literature has documented the physical advantages of mental wellness and supports our approach to helping individuals and families grow, while considering both your mental and physical health. 

We partner with many health professionals throughout West Michigan and are very focused on collaborative care in order to provide you with the most current, holistic, and collaborative approach possible.