Brendan is a Licensed Master's Social Worker who's been working as an outpatient therapist since 2003. Brendan received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 2003, and has been working in Grand Rapids, Michigan, since that time.  He is passionate about the idea of utilizing movement and physical exercise as a direct source of mental health treatment and has given numerous presentations over the years on this subject.  He strongly believes that The Well Being's treatment model presents as a potential paradigm shift in traditional outpatient mental health services.  

During his career, Brendan has completed the 7-month Extramural Training Program at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Therapy and Research and has received an extensive amount of continuing education in Motivational Interviewing with M.I.N.T trainers. Brendan enjoys being with his wife and daughter, his friends and family, trail running, mountain biking, being at the beach, playing in the snow, or getting outside in any of the seasons in between.

Timothy is a Licensed Master's Social Worker and a member of the Academy of Certified Social Workers. Timothy received his Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University in 1986, and has been a practicing therapist since 1990. He has worked for a variety of non-profit organizations throughout West Michigan, most notably with Arbor Circle from 1990-2009. While at Arbor Circle, Timothy developed, implemented, and facilitated their Intensive Outpatient substance abuse treatment program. He specializes in individual, group, couples, and family counseling, and on helping individuals move from illness to new lives in recovery. He has worked as an Adjunct Professor at both Grand Valley State University and Grand Rapids Community College.  He has been married for over 45 years, and he and his wife have successfully raised six children.

Cheri is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker who has cared for individuals throughout her life.  She has practiced as a childbirth educator and birth coach, and as a spiritual director at The Dominican Center at Marywood.  Most recently, she has practiced by providing counseling and support for individuals adjusting to blindness and vision loss.  Cheri has experience leading psycho-education and DBT groups for the day treatment program at Forest View Hospital, and has facilitated support groups for The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired. She trained at The Ohio State University, State University of New York, and at Western Michigan University where she received her MSW.  She has experience working with individuals in grief counseling, adjustment support, anxiety and depression, and issues around pregnancy, birth and parenting.  Cheri utilizes an eclectic approach of Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, spiritual integration, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to invite individuals to wholeness and balance.  Cheri enjoys hiking and walking with friends, biking, cross country skiing, and paddling.   Cheri has been married to her husband Phil for more than 36 years and together they have raised five young adult children.

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Watch Cheri's YouTube Video Interview HERE!  

Elizabeth is a Licensed Master's Social Worker who approaches therapy from a strengths perspective. She strives to provide a welcoming, nonjudgmental, safe, supportive and solution focused environment where clients feel heard, respected and understood.  Elizabeth graduated from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 2002. Her undergraduate degree is from Valparaiso University in Social Work and Psychology.  In her 19 years of practice she brings experience in many areas including: family and relationship issues, special needs, trauma, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, coping with stress, grief, divorce, attachment, self-esteem and parenting issues.  She uses a variety of approaches to best meeting individual needs that include cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, mindfulness and EFT.  Elizabeth enjoys spending her time hiking with her dogs, paddle boarding, sitting on the beach, gardening, and talking/cleaning/cooking with her two children and husband.  

Shelley received her Master of Social Work degree from Western Michigan University in 1993 and has been working in the field of mental health and substance use since that time.  She has experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, grief, parenting, and substance use disorders.  Shelley was trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) in 2017 and uses this and other methods to treat persons that have experienced trauma.  She has also had extensive trainings in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, and substance use treatment. She has been guided in her practice by her belief that people have the strengths and resources to change.  Shelley has used exercise and movement throughout her life to help her stay healthy and to manage stress.  She believes strongly that physical activity is very important for overall health. Shelley’s family is comprised of three adult sons, their partners, beautiful grandchildren and her husband of 43 years.  She enjoys being outside, traveling, exercising, learning, gardening, playing the piano and spending time with friends and family. 

Bethany is a Licensed Master’s Social Worker with over a decade of experience in helping clients face life challenges and learn new ways to care for their mental, emotional, and relational well being. A passion for understanding how social environment affects mental health led Bethany to pursue undergraduate degrees in Social Work and Political Science, as well as a master’s degree in Social Work. Working with survivors of trauma and abuse has been a driving force shaping Bethany’s approach to supporting her clients’ healing and well-being. Bethany practices Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), which is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association and the World Health Organization for recovery from trauma, depression, and anxiety. Bethany’s therapeutic approach is also strongly influenced by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a mindfulness-based, empirically proven framework for changing your relationship to habitual thoughts and feelings and empowering you to take steps today toward what matters most in your life. Bethany’s philosophy is that we cannot control what life brings but we each have tremendous power to learn, grow, embrace our courage, and support one another. Bethany is passionate about yoga and offers breath and movement practices for her clients. She also enjoys spending time in nature, paddleboarding, cycling, and hiking. Bethany uses she/her pronouns and aims to provide a therapeutic environment that is safe and supportive for all. You are welcome here.

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Watch Bethany's YouTube Video Interview HERE! 

Peter is a Licensed Professional Counselor offering counseling and coaching for individuals and parents. Peter received his Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Denver Seminary
and has been licensed in Colorado and Michigan since 1998. Peter works from the underlying assumption that people are not problems to be fixed but rather great mysteries to be appreciated. Appreciation allows us to discover the best in each other and from that vantage point we find energy and purpose for change and healing. Peter utilizes an approach which draws from an existential, contemplative, appreciative understanding of what it means to be human and seeks to create an environment of trust and understanding with his clients as they work together toward a desired future. In addition to offering individual counseling and addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, interpersonal relationships and personal development, Peter offers group and individual coaching for men and women who desire to be better parents. These groups are available at various times throughout the year so please inquire with The Well Being for dates and times if interested. Peter lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and son and is available to meet in person or via video whichever is more convenient.

Alese is a Limited License Professional Counselor who received her Master’s of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Central Michigan University in 2023. Alese has been working in the mental health field for 10 years, and has always had a passion for helping others. She believes that incorporating mindfulness and movement into a routine mindset can forever
change a person’s life. Alese has worked extensively with underserved and cognitively impaired populations in the past, allowing her to see and understand the world from many points of view. She also served a 4-year term with the Michigan Air National Guard. Alese has completed extensive trauma training, which has led her to obtain her certification as a Clinical Certified Trauma Professional. Alese is passionate about helping her clients achieve their fullest potential by way of support and encouraging each person to find true meaning in their individual life. She incorporates a variety of treatment modalities into sessions, dependent on need. This includes existential psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, solution focused brief therapy, and mindfulness. Alese enjoys practicing yoga, snowboarding, taking her dog for walks in the park, and traveling in her spare time.

Melanie (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has worked with children, teens, and adults in various settings since her graduation in 2003. Melanie obtained her Master’s Degree in Counseling from Michigan State University’s Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Special Education (CEPSE) Program and obtained her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Psychology (Go Blue!). Melanie uses a Person-Centered, Strengths-Based approach to therapy, while utilizing techniques from her training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She has extensive experience in working with issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, and parenting concerns and enjoys helping clients set goals, work on self-development and awareness, and identify personal values. Melanie brings an empathic, affirming, and inspirational approach to her therapy sessions.  In her personal life, Melanie enjoys travel, hiking, reading, and petting as many dogs as she can. She grew up playing many sports and continues to make exercise a priority by beinginvolved with activities such as fitness boxing, barre, yoga, and running. Her husband, twoteenage boys, and one sassy pug keep her busy and entertained on a regular basis. Melanie is looking forward to ‘teaming up’ with new clients to create an even better and more fulfilled ‘you!’