Big Rapids Counseling
Hope • Strength • Transformation
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The Staff

Meet Our Staff

 
 

Our therapists each operate independently. Policies, specialties, and methods may differ from therapist to therapist.

 

Amy Lilienthal, LLMSW

Therapist

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.

  • I've worked in many different roles as a social worker for the last 25 years. Many of my clients have told me I focus on people's strengths, am a good listener, and am engaging. I want to get to know my clients personally and will make sure they feel safe and comfortable talking about any problems they may be having.

    Making good connections is how I want to help people from all walks of life get better. I have a lot of different skills that I can use to meet your goals. I try to make therapy as fun and friendly as possible; I laugh with my clients as much as I push them! It would be great to meet with you to discuss your wants and help you plan to reach your goals.

  • MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

    Walden University

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY with a minor in social work

    Eastern Michigan University

    TRAININGS AND CERTIFICATIONS

    • Motivational Interviewing Certified

    • Trained in Couples Counseling

    • EMDR trained

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”

    —Wayne Gretzky

    PETS

    I have a dog. She is a pure breed Siberian Husky, she is three years old and her name is Sadie.

    FAVORITE SHOWS

    My favorite TV Shows are Friends and Hart of Dixie.

    HOBBIES

    I like to camp, read, scrapbook, watch TV and spend time with my family and friends.

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I am an only child and I have an only child.

Insurances Accepted by Amy: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Priority Health.

 

Caroline Velasquez, DSW, LMSW, CAADC

Therapist

Do you ever feel stuck? Does it seem as though no matter what you do, you can't move beyond your past? Do you worry about your ability to succeed in life? If you can relate to any of these statements, I may be able to help you.

  • I specialize in working with clients who have endured trauma. I also have experience in working with people with issues such as anxiety, addiction, depression, gender identity issues, and severe mental illness.

    I have a deep appreciation for other cultures and enjoy working with people from all backgrounds. I have traveled throughout Central America and to several other countries. Hablo español.

    I have specialized training in using EMDR. Research has shown EMDR to be highly effective in treating trauma.

  • One of the questions I get asked most frequently is why I chose to specialize in treating trauma and anxiety?

    I have been there. I get the struggle because I have lived it which helps me to truly understand what it takes to move through those issues. You are unique and have lived a different life journey than me so what it takes for you to move through your struggles will be different than my path to healing. I will work hard to help you discover the path that moves you along your journey. I believe that you can heal and move forward in your life.

    About my training and experience:

    I love to learn and I am always seeking new opportunities to develop my skills. While in school, I completed specialties in treating children with trauma and treating anxiety. Following my school studies, I participated in several trainings to develop more skills in treating adults who have experienced trauma and a wide variety of other issues.

    I have been providing services to children and adults who deal with concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, and schizophrenia. I spent 5 years doing this work in a community mental health setting. I have been providing counseling services in private practice since 2017. I have found that I am passionate about working with persons who are dealing with anxiety and trauma and frequently seek out additional training in treating these issues.

  • DOCTORATE OF SOCIAL WORK (DSW)

    University of Tennessee, Knoxville

    MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)

    Western Michigan University

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY

    Grand Valley State University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SPANISH

    Grand Valley State University

  • TREATING TRAUMA

    •EMDRIA Certified to provide EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

    •WMU's TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Training) program & internship

    •EMDR - Child Specialist - Level 1 Intensive Program - training provided by Ana Gomez

    •EMDR - Child Specialist - Level 2 Intensive Program - training provided by Ana Gomez

    •"The Body Keeps the Score" two day training - Bessel van der Kolk

    •Several 1 and 2 day trainings on how trauma affects a person and effective treatment methods

    •EMDR Recent Traumatic Event Protocol (R-TEP) and Group Traumatic Event Protocol (G-TEP)

    •EMDR Conference - Parnell institute (trainings by Laurel Parnell, Joan Lovett, Julie Probus-Schad and other attachment-focused EMDR consultants)

    •EMDRIA Conference 2018

    •EMDRIA Conference 2019

    •EMDR Flash Technique Training - Provided by Philip Mansfield

    •EMDR: Creative Protocols - training provided by Esly Carvalho, PhD

    •EMDR & Sandtray Intensive Training - training provided by Ana Gomez

    •EMDR DeTUR protocol training provided by A.J. Popky

    •Treating addiction with EMDR - 2 day training by Julie Miller

    OTHER TRAININGS

    •WMU's SPADA (Specialty Program in Alcohol and Drug Abuse) certificate program

    •Completed CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) certificate with MCBAP

    •Basic and advanced Motivational Interviewing

    •Several 1 and 2 day trainings on treating addiction

    •Trainings in treating persons with anxiety

    •Best Techniques for treating Anxiety provided by Margaret Wehrenberg

    •Play Therapy training

    •Trainings on working with persons with suicidal ideation

    •DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) training

    •NASW Core Supervision Certificate training to enable me to supervise LLMSWs who are pursuing licensure

    •NASW certificate training to treat persons dealing with gender identity issues

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    "Stars shine brightest on the darkest nights". I live by the slogan & quote,
    ”Just do it” (Nike) and “Keep moving forward” (from the movie “Meet The Robinsons”).

    PETS

    I have two indoor cats who are brothers that are named Murasaki and Sakamoto.

    FAVORITE SHOWS

    I like to watch Jet Lag: The Game, Survivor, and Amazing Race.

    HOBBIES

    I love to learn new things. I also enjoy listening to music, putting together legos, doing puzzles, and hammocking.

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I enjoy traveling to different countries and I speak, read & write Spanish fluently.

Insurances Accepted by Caroline: Aetna, Apostrophe, ASR, Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Enterprise, Optum, and Priority Health.

 

Christa Galer, LMSW, CAADC, CCS

Therapist

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, mood disorders, substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, grief and loss, and parenting issues. My approach is not just clinical but deeply empathetic, rooted in a genuine desire to see my clients thrive.

  • I initially started my career working with children, adolescents, and their families. I have experience in pregnancy counseling for individuals exploring adoption placement, working with children in the foster care system, individuals who have been adopted and providing support to adolescents and adults who have experienced trauma during their lifetime. I have an understanding of the family dynamics of addiction and its impact on relationships and functioning.

  • I graduated from Michigan State University in 1993 with a Master's of Clinical Social Work. I also attended Hope College, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Psychology and minors in Latin and Ancient Civilizations in 1991. Since 2006, I have specialized in the treatment of substance use disorders, earning my MCBAP credentials - Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and Certified Clinical Supervisor (CCS).

    In addition, I have completed a certificate program in Integrated Care (working in a primary care setting coordinating care and understanding behavioral changes needed to facilitate improvement with physical health conditions) and have received training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Motivational Interviewing. I have a special interest in understanding interpersonal neurobiology and how our childhood experiences influence our current life experiences.

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    “Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.”
    ― Deepak Chopra

    PETS

    I have 4 dogs (1 is a new puppy).  2 Dachshunds, 1 Chiweenie, and a Sheltie

    FAVORITE TV SHOWS

    Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar (and other forms of autoracing); My Name is Earl; Seinfeld (1990s tv)

    HOBBIES

    Spending time with my family, home renovation (helping out), watching racing, reading and learning about interpersonal neurobiology

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I love Mini Cooper automobiles 

Insurances accepted by Christa: ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Medicare.

 

Fawn Loonsfoot

Therapist and Office Manager

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.

  • I am dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's challenges, discover their inner strength, and achieve personal growth. With my compassionate nature, empathetic approach, and training, I create a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, thoughts, and experiences. My aim is to build a relationship with the client that is collaborative, in which goals are set together, we think together, explore together, and even experience together, in ways to help the client work toward their desired outcomes.

    I have completed trainings in treating trauma (including trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), motivational interviewing, working with children with anxiety, working with children with problematic sexual behaviors, and working with LGBTQ youth. I also have a certification for providing gender affirming care.

  • MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)

    Ferris State University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN SOCIOLOGY, minor in substance use prevention

    Western Michigan University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN ANTHROPOLOGY, minor in Native American studies

    Western Michigan University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN HEALTH

    Western Michigan University

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    “Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” - Bob Marley

    PETS

    I have a mastiff named Mukwa and a chihuahua named Lola. I hope to adopt an orange cat soon.

    FAVORITE MOVIES

    My favorite movies are Grease, Coco, and Ferdinand The Bull.

    HOBBIES

    I like to go for long drives along the lakeshore. I enjoy camping, photography, and spending time with my kids.

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I will be traveling to Europe for the first time in September 2024.

Insurances Accepted by Fawn: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Priority Health.

 

Kim Venema, LPC

Therapist

Deciding to seek counseling can be a difficult decision, but it is well worth the work it will take to move forward. I specialize in working with children and adolescents, ages 5 and up, and also work with adults.

  • I specialize in working with trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. I am a Registered Play Therapist, and am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I work with clients to help find solutions that will assist them in moving forward towards more fulfilling outcomes in life.

  • MASTER OF ARTS - COUNSELING

    Spring Arbor University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

    Grand Valley State University

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    “It is not fair to ask of others what you are not willing to do yourself” - Eleanor Roosevelt (I have always used this as a motto, to remind myself to stay humble)

    PETS

    We have two dogs - Bert (Norbert -golden lab/red-bone hound mix) and Jazzy (Jasmine - retriever mixed with pit bull attitude).

    FAVORITE MOVIES, BOOKS, AND TV

    My favorite book is “To Kill a Mockingbird”. I typically read psychological thrillers and love to watch psychological thrillers to guess the “who-dunnit”. My go-to movies are “Oscar”, “Clue”, “Second-Hand Lions”, and “The Princess Bride”.

    HOBBIES

    I enjoy gardening, reading, quilting, baking, and backpacking.

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I love the mountains, and number one on my bucket list is to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail.

Insurances accepted by Kim: Aetna, ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Blue Care Network.

 

Kimberly Ducat, LMSW

Therapist

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.

  • Asking for help and being vulnerable can be a very scary thing to do for many, and it is also a brave step in the right direction if you are seeking support and/or relief from suffering.

    I have experience working with children, adults, families, as well as providing group therapy. I have informed training in Parent Management Treatment Model – Oregon (PMTO), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I use best practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Infant Mental Health (IMH).

    If you are struggling with any of the following symptoms, I would be happy to meet with you and identify the goals that you would like to work towards to living your best life.

  • •Anxiety

    •Trauma

    •Self-Esteem

    •Emotion regulation

    •Mindfulness

    •Relationship Issues

    •Infant Mental Health (attachment/bonding, postpartum)

    •Domestic Violence

    •School Issues

    •Depression

    •Coping Skills

    •Suicidal Ideation

    •Stress

  • MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)

    Ferris State University

    MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CAREER & TECHNICAL EDUCATION

    Ferris State University

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS ADMINISTRATION

    Ferris State University

    BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN RESORT MANAGEMENT. minor in club management

    Ferris State University

  • Fun Facts wil be updated soon!

Insurances Accepted by Kimberly: Aetna, Apostrophe Health, ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, and Priority Health.

 

Matthew D. Bradley, LLMSW

Therapist

Going to a therapist is hard work. Just thinking about talking through our anxiety, sadness, trauma, or any other issues can be so much that we push the thoughts away. While this can work for a little while, our feelings cannot be ignored for long. Eventually it catches up with us. I am here to reduce those feelings by making counseling the most inviting and comfortable experience possible. We will work together to sort out what is distressing and ways to reduce it so that it no longer has the hold or control over your emotional energy, thoughts, and feelings that it once did.

  • I dive into the client’s life and experiences to figure out unique and tailored ways to make their daily life better. It is all about baby steps creating momentum.

    I have experience with stress, anxiety, adjustment, depression, trauma, PTSD, emotion regulation, identity issues, relationship issues, family issues, veteran issues, college adjustment issues, child abuse, sexual abuse, and combat stress.

    My clients often remark on how I am “down to earth,” “real,” and how “I get them.” I am the sarcastic son of a combat veteran/therapist and a speech pathologist that grew up surrounded by empathy and understanding. I inject that upbringing into my sessions and hope that you will make the decision to come make lasting strides toward improved mental health with me.

    Be good to yourself!!!

  • MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK (MSW)

    Ferris State University

    BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY, minor in Sociology

    Ferris State University

  • FAVORITE QUOTE

    "Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference."

    —Robert Frost

    This was the first poem my dad ever read to me. He said it was important because it signified his journey through life. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and I have found more meaning in it every day since first hearing it. When one takes the road less traveled, one sees things that others do not, and it’s the mesmerizing key to my happiness.

    PETS

    I am currently the circus master at Bradley’s house of perpetual fur. We have 2 German shepherds Nahla and River, and 5 cats, Aiden, Charlie, Storm, Aries, and Amilia.

    FAVORITE MOVIES, BOOKS, AND TV

    My favorite movie is, “The Princess Bride” with “Braveheart” coming in for a very close 2nd. My favorite books are historical fiction, primarily Clive Cussler. I have so many shows and genres that I watch, it is just easier to say that I do not enjoy reality t.v. unless it's about people looking for gold or investigating a mystery.

    HOBBIES

    I love singing, playing guitar, and recording music, even though it has been a while. I mainly workout and play with my son, so whatever hobby he is into that second is what I end up spending my time doing. That said, I do enjoy woodworking and DIY projects, cooking, driving, listening to music, and a whole lot of daydreaming.

    SOMETHING INTERESTING ABOUT ME

    I’ve been playing guitar since I was 4.

Insurances Accepted by Matthew: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Priority Health.

Giovanni Velasquez

Front Desk Staff

  • More information will be added soon!

  • More information will be added soon!

  • Fun facts will be added soon!

 

Joe Velasquez

Billing Manager and Technical Support

My cat

  • I am the behind-the-scenes guy who occasionally covers for the front desk. I am usually helping remotely.

    I have helped out here and there with everything from remodeling the building to setting up credentialing and billing.

  • Officially I have an Associates Degree in Network Administration, but unofficially I took a lot of classes related to Information Security at Ferris State University.

  • I love to spend time with my cat and I enjoy traveling and going to music festivals. I love to try and cook food from different cultures.