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.

SPECIALIZATIONS

  • Anxiety and trauma

  • Gender affirming care

  • Addiction

  • EMDR

My Background and Experience

I specialize in working with individuals who have experienced trauma and anxiety. I also have experience supporting people with addiction, depression, identity-related concerns, and more complex mental health challenges.

I have experience working with individuals who identify as neurodivergent. As someone who was diagnosed with autism as an adult, I understand what it can feel like to experience the world differently. This helps me approach my work with empathy, flexibility, and respect for each person’s unique way of thinking and experiencing life.

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

I am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based therapy that is highly effective in helping people process and move through difficult experiences.

I spent five years working in a community mental health setting, where I supported both children and adults with a wide range of concerns, including trauma, anxiety, depression, gender identity issues, and schizophrenia. I have been in private practice since 2017, continuing to work with individuals across the lifespan.

I am passionate about helping people who feel stuck—especially those dealing with trauma and anxiety—and I regularly seek out additional training to better support my clients.

I often get asked why I chose this work. The answer is simple—I’ve been there. I understand how hard it can be to move forward, and I know that healing looks different for everyone. I will work with you to find an approach that feels right for you, at your pace.

I believe that you can heal and move forward in your life.

My Training and Education

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.

A summary of my completed extended education & trainings:

  • Became certified by EMDRIA to provide EMDR

  • Numerous EMDR trainings for using specialized approaches in EMDR including working with children, addiction, using sand tray, and the flash technique

  • Several trainings in working with trauma

  • Several trainings in working with anxiety

  • Motivational Interviewing trainings

  • Play Therapy trainings

  • Trainings in working with addiction

  • DBT training

  • Michigan NASW certificate training for providing gender affirming care

  • Michigan NASW Core Supervision training

  • ACT training

My Education:

  • 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

Five Fun Facts

FAVORITE QUOTES

"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 learning languages. I speak, read & write Spanish fluently. I am currently studying Japanese.