“Only when we’re brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light”
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or not like yourself lately?
Are you struggling with anxiety, trauma, or relationship stress?
Are you wondering how to support your child, your partner, or even yourself?
Are you just trying to get through the day?
You don’t have to figure it all out alone.
We offer a calm, safe, supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re going through - at your own pace.
Are you looking for support that truly understands you? You might be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally drained. Maybe you’re carrying the weight of past experiences, feeling disconnected in your relationships, supporting a struggling child, or trying to make sense of yourself and how your brain works. Whatever you’re going through, you are welcome at Big Rapids Counseling. This is a space where you can feel safe, respected, and understood - just as you are.
We provide therapy to children, teens, adults, couples, and families using approaches that are gentle, practical, and focused on real-life change. Our services include support for anxiety, trauma, addiction, relationships, and neurodivergence, as well as specialized approaches like EMDR, CBT, couples therapy, family therapy, and play therapy for children. We also proudly support individuals in the LGBTQ+ community.
Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and we keep the process simple and centered around you. You can expect a calm, welcoming space, no pressure, and support that moves at your pace. We focus on practical tools, your strengths, and truly listening without judgment. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin—you just have to start.
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Addiction is a complex condition that affects the brain, behavior, and emotions. It involves a strong, often overwhelming urge to use a substance or engage in a behavior - even when it is causing harm. LEARN MORE
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Anxiety is a natural emotional and physical response to stress, uncertainty, or perceived danger. It’s your body’s built-in alarm system, designed to help you stay alert and safe. While occasional anxiety is normal and even helpful, ongoing or intense anxiety can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being. LEARN MORE
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We welcome and support people of all identities, including those in the LGBTQ+ community.
This is a space where you can be yourself - without fear of judgment. We understand that many people have had experiences where they did not feel safe, accepted, or understood.
Our goal is to create a space where you feel safe, respected, and in control of your own story. LEARN MORE
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Neurodivergence refers to natural differences in how people’s brains think, learn, process information, and experience the world. Rather than viewing these differences as problems to be “fixed,” neurodivergence recognizes that there are many valid ways for brains to function. LEARN MORE
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Trauma is the emotional and physical response to an experience that feels overwhelming, frightening, or unsafe. It can result from a single event (such as an accident or loss) or ongoing experiences (such as neglect, abuse, or chronic stress). LEARN MORE
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, is a type of therapy that helps you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected.
Sometimes the way we think can make situations feel more overwhelming. CBT helps you notice those patterns and learn new ways to respond so you can feel more in control. LEARN MORE
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Couples therapy is a space where both partners can feel heard, supported, and understood. It helps you slow things down, make sense of what’s been happening, and begin to rebuild connection. LEARN MORE
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a type of therapy that helps your brain process difficult or upsetting experiences.
Sometimes memories can feel “stuck” and continue to cause strong emotional or physical reactions. EMDR helps your brain reprocess those experiences so they feel less intense and easier to manage.
Your brain already has the ability to heal. EMDR helps support that process. LEARN MORE
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Family therapy is a space where family members can come together to talk, listen, and work through challenges as a team. Families go through stressful times, and sometimes communication breaks down. Family therapy helps everyone feel heard, understood, and supported. The goal is to help your family work better together. LEARN MORE
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Online therapy is a way to meet with your therapist from the comfort of your own home. You can still get the same support, guidance, and connection - just through a screen instead of in an office. LEARN MORE
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Play therapy helps children express their thoughts and feelings through play instead of words.
Children don’t always have the words to explain what they are going through, but they can show us through toys, games, and creative activities. Play is a natural way for children to communicate and work through big feelings in a safe and comfortable way. LEARN MORE
Meet Our Therapists
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AC Cluley, LLMSW
THEY/THEM - TELEHEALTH ONLY
I work with neurodivergent people who live at the intersection of multiple identities--AuDHD, queer, trans or nonbinary, Latine, BIPOC, and Indoqueer. Many of the people I support have spent years navigating systems that were never designed with their brains, cultures, or identities in mind. Therapy with me is a space where you don't have to explain or hide parts of yourself. All of you is welcome here, and together we can explore ways to build a life that supports both your nervous system and your authentic self.
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Adrianna Wycuff, LPC
SHE/HER
- Adrianna currently has a waitlist -
I was born and raised in a small town in New Mexico. The population there is very diverse and comprises mostly of college students, military, and dairy farmers. My family and I moved to Michigan in January 2024 on orders from the military, but we have decided to stay and raise our family here because we have fallen in love with the beauty of Michigan!
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Amy Lilienthal, LLMSW
SHE/HER
Come as you are! Let's work together to understand the tough parts of your life and find ways to improve it. Talking to a therapist you trust about your problems can help you learn new ways to deal with them, making you more present with other people and giving your life more meaning.
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Caroline Velasquez, DSW, CAADC
SHE/HER
Do you ever feel stuck? Does it seem like no matter what you do, you can't move beyond your past? Do you find yourself worrying about your ability to succeed in life? If this sounds familiar, you're not alone--and I may be able to help.
I work with individuals who are navigating trauma, anxiety, and other life challenges. I understand how overwhelming things can feel, and I believe that change is possible. My role is to support you in finding a path forward that fits you and your life.
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Fawn Loonsfoot, LLMSW
SHE/HER
The decision to begin therapy is a difficult step to make. My goal is to make that step worthwhile and to meet the individual needs of each client I serve. I will provide a comfortable, safe, and judgment-free environment where we can explore life’s issues and work to restore a sense of balance in your everyday life.
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Jennifer Helsel-Battle, LPC, CCTP
SHE/HER
Do you long to have a more fulfilling life? Is something getting in your way, keeping you stuck from truly living life and experiencing joy? Is pain from your past or worries about the future making it hard to enjoy the present? If any of these statements sound like you, I want you to know there is hope! Hello, I am Jen, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Michigan. I have worked with children, individuals, couples, and families for over 25 years.
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Kaye LaFond, LLMSW
SHE/HER - TELEHEALTH ONLY
Hello, my name is Kaye and I am a neurodivergent (Autistic w/ ADHD, cPTSD, OCD) trauma therapist who practices with abolitionist principles. I believe a large proportion of mental and emotional distress originates from white supremacy, patriarchy, transphobia, ableism, homophobia, and class oppression. I am decidedly here to support people while they navigate those things—not to tell them that they will be unaffected if they just try harder. I acknowledge the violence and oppression baked into our current mental health infrastructure and can hold particular space for those who have been previously harmed by it.
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Kim Venema, LPC
SHE/HER
I know that coming in to speak with someone can be daunting and scary. “What if I do it wrong? What if it doesn’t work?” These are scary questions, and questions I have asked myself when I have been in therapy. I strive to provide a welcoming environment. I believe that laughter is, maybe not the best, but definitely in the top 5 of medicines. I take my cues from whoever is sitting on the other side of the room from me, or next to me on the floor. But I do it in a manner that still allows you to have some thoughts and reactions challenged, in order for growth to be allowed and seen. I look forward to working with you and celebrating your successes.
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Kimberly Ducat, LMSW
SHE/HER - TELEHEALTH ONLY
- Kimberly is not accepting new clients at this time -
Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. In fact, your mental health can even contribute to negative effects on your physical health should it go untreated. Taking time for yourself to heal, rest, recover, and practice self-care can significantly support healthy benefits to both your mental and physical health.
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Matt Bradley, LLMSW
HE/HIM
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LLMSW) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapist with 3 years of professional experience helping individuals navigate life's most complex emotional struggles. My focus includes stress, anxiety, adjustment, depression, trauma, PTSD, combat stress and other veteran issues, college adjustment issues, child abuse, sexual abuse, emotional regulation, identity issues, relationship dynamics, and family challenges. Additionally, I have extensive experience working with combat veterans, survivors of child and sexual abuse, and those managing college adjustment issues or navigating difficult transitions like the death of a loved one.
