Our Therapists

Joe Martino, LPC
Owner

Finding healthy ways to communicate is what I strive to teach each of my clients.  I specialize in relationship therapy, which may involve couples, parent/child, friends, or co-workers. I want to help each client strengthen any relationship they may have. Relationships can be hard.  You can care about someone and still have destructive patterns of communication.

 I strive to make each client feel heard, valued and safe. When we can achieve this, he or she will be on a path to mental wellness. I want to help each person learn new and better ways to communicate. Sometimes, we just need to be heard by someone. I want to hear from each client by listening deeply to what they are saying. I believe that by listening to each person and helping them uncover the potential consequences to each decision they are considering I can help them to make choices that are right for them. I believe each person's situation is unique and should be treated on its own merit.

You can find his personal webpage by clicking here.

Wayne Haines, LLPC

Finding ways to change thought pattern can be difficult. It is not uncommon for individuals to find themselves thinking, “I am worthless”, “Nobody loves me”, “I will always be like this”. It is easy to get caught up in destructive thinking, and often a person has no idea how to change. As a therapist, I focus on the individual. It is my desire to help each client go from destructive thoughts to healthy, positive thoughts.
Whether you are married, single, young or elderly, I want to help you become the person you want to be. I strive to provide my clients with a comfortable and safe environment. Each person is unique and different.  It is my desire to help each client overcome dysfunctional thinking and behavior, and strive to achieve individual wellness.

You can find his personal page by clicking here.

Rachael Kool, LPC
Finding solutions to everyday problems people struggle with is what I strive to help each client do in creative ways. I believe the client is the true expert; therefore I help each client that is having a hard time putting their finger on what they need to change, find creative solutions to dealing with their problems. 

I specialize in dealing with anxiety issues, depression, eating disorders, and mood disorders but will also see clients who need help navigating Marriage and family issues. I'm not the typical counselor who sits in front of you, waiting for you to talk. Making the client feel comfortable is of top importance to me so I have found that expressive arts, play therapy, and other useful activities can help ease the stress of talking to a stranger.

Alicia McAndrews, LPC

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.” -Maria Robinson

Are you struggling through life? Are you hoping to make changes but don’t know where to start? Together we can collaborate to create your new ending. Change is not easy to face when we’re so used to how we’ve always done things. If you’re looking to explore life from a new perspective, I’d love to join with you to find a new balance.

I love working with children, adolescents, and adults. I can say you are not alone in your challenges, and you don’t have to carry your burden on your own. I want to empower you to gain greater confidence and self-esteem, stronger relationships, emotional balance, and health.

Call now to schedule an appointment!

 Dean Dorman Ed.D, Licensed Psychologist

I am a licensed psychologist and hold a doctorate from Western Michigan University.  I have been a therapist in private practice specializing in couples counseling for over twenty years. Currently, I reside with my family in West Michigan. I am considered an expert in the areas of couples counseling, depression, anger management and Attention Deficit Disorder.

 

Erica Koetsier, TLLP
My treatment throughout therapy entails working with many types of individuals including men, women, and teens.  My main focus throughout our journey together is to help you understand daily struggles and find ways of working thru those difficulties.  I will take the time to get to know you as an individual, listen to you, respect you, and as a team we will find a way to make life more manageable and enjoyable.  I bring a new and fun therapeutic relationship to therapy.  Throughout my educational and career trainings I have been exposed to many trauma trainings, which are my main focus of knowledge and I aspire to help those who have suffered long enough from a traumatic experience. Call the center today to begin your journey."

Stacey Vandenberg, LPC, NCC, CAADC
I am a licensed therapist with over 17 years of experience helping others to navigate life’s journey. I offer a judgment free environment to overcomes life challenges and provide a safe haven for self-discovery.

Through the process of self-discovery my clients have recognized their ability to heal and gain a greater insight into self-empowerment. The goal is to realize that each individual and family has the power to live a life where they can control their anxiety, anger, fears, past trauma, and overall thoughts and emotions to create an opportunity of growth leading to self enrichment, better relationships, and an improved sense of well being.

Regardless of the obstacles or negative experiences, each of us have the ability to overcome life challenges and discover our own peace.
Now accepting new clients!

Tyler Bing, LMSW

I have a strong belief in an individual's resilience and ability to endure adverse and traumatic life events. I am passionate about the process and path to gaining hope, a healthy self-image, and an understanding of effective communication.

My clinical focus addresses: anxiety, depression, family dynamics, relationships, negative self-image, life transitions, new medical diagnoses, and complex trauma. These areas are addressed in partnership with you, the client, to form a self-determined treatment plan/or goal of therapy. I work from a strengths perspective providing a base to build upon while identifying positive attributes and strengths of the client. I also utilize a systems prospective proving a starting point to understanding the culture of the clients as well as an opportunity to explore the ways our systems (family, school, work and community) impact our daily lives and our mental health.

I have extensive experience working with teens, young adults, families, groups and the older adult population.

Chris Ostrander, LLMSW

My background is in treating clients from all walks of life with most having mental health concerns coupled with trauma and/or addiction. There are three main goals I pursue with my clients. First is to create a safe, collaborative relationship where the client is valued and heard. Secondly, I help clients gain the self-awareness and skills to make better choices and solve problems. Third, I help clients accept what they cannot change and be at peace with who they are.
One of my main tools is empathy. I really strive to see things from my client's perspective. Every client is unique, so I am very flexible and skilled in several therapeutic disciplines. My focus is to use the therapeutic interventions that work best for the client.

 

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Mark Dyke, Intern

Finding solutions to the problems we encounter takes experience and creativity. Yet it is essential that each person is cared for as an individual, with a unique set of circumstances and needs. What works for one person may not work for another so I work towards creative solutions that are distinct to a particular situation. This is the most effective way to help someone reach goals and overcome challenges.

Change is not easy, but it is possible. It can come in the form of grief and loss, marriage, self-esteem, depression, relationships, or a personal struggle. My purpose is to come along side and help navigate the waters of change. It is important that you feel safe, cared for, and understood; and that is why I am here. Together we can work through whatever life brings you.

Marissa Freyling, Intern

Have you ever had a pair of sunglasses with the perfect lens to look through? Then one day, you lose them. The task of finding a new pair that has similar feel, comparable look, and same perspective can seem quite daunting. It may be a silly analogy, but I believe counseling can often have the same effect.

Life is a journey of ups and downs, road blocks and detours, times of sorrow, and moments of joy. Often times we look at each area in our lives through the same perspective, the same lens.  My goal is to help you gain new perspectives, to guide you in taking a fresh look at life through a new lens. To see the beauty in the broken, to choose joy in the midst of sadness, to find courage in the face of fear, and to have patience in times of longing.

Tracy Slager, Intern

Life can be challenging and many people feel hopeless, helpless and worthless.  I believe that the role of a counselor is to be there for people in times of crisis and life transition.  Change is possible and hope is powerful.  I believe that every client has what they need inside themselves for healing, hope, and emotional wellness but at times need help in identifying these.  I strive to work with each client to help them uncover the thoughts and beliefs that disrupt their daily life.  Working together we can identify faulty beliefs and patterns of thinking that affect personal growth.  My goal is to help my clients live a life with quality, purpose, and meaning.  My area of interest is in helping individuals at risk for suicide or other self-injury, as well as individuals and families with a loved one who died by suicide.

Todd Leva, Intern

I believe therapy works when the client feels completely safe, fully understood, genuinely cared for, and sincerely heard. I also believe we all have a story to tell. Sometimes though life can be hard. Your story may seem like its derailed, complicated, confusing, and even hopeless. Through an intentional journey together, I hope to help you re-frame your story and reclaim your story! With deliberate, thoughtful, and purposeful work together I would be honored to walk this journey with you when you feel its needed.

 

Betsy Burgess, Intern (Lowell Office)

I am a student studying Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. I am very excited about my opportunity to intern with the Creative Solutions and Joe Martino Network teams. I have experience working with individuals with Development  Disabilities, couples and members of the LGBT community. In my spare time I run a non-profit, ride horses and read books.