Our therapists offer christian counseling in Portage, MI

Gayle Springer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 3 years of experience in working with adults and seniors with mental health issues, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, grief, and anger. Gayle also has experience supporting individuals through life transitions such as career changes and divorce, stress, and relationship and family issues. She has supported underserved populations, including those who struggle with childhood trauma, substance use, recovery, and crisis intervention.

Gayle earned a Master's in Social Work from the University of Southern California. She utilizes a variety of clinical approaches that are targeted to clients’ needs, including supportive talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, art therapy, mindfulness-based methods, and solutions-focused therapy.

Gayle meets clients where they're at, walking beside them with presence and care. You don't have to have it all figured out—if you're feeling lost, heavy, or are searching for something deeper, Gayle is willing to explore it together and help you find your way.

Jhenna Jamal VanTimmeren is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW-C) with years of experience helping children, adolescents, and adults to reach their full potential by addressing their unique struggles. She seeks to improve individual self-confidence and decision-making by equipping individuals with the tools they need to navigate life's stressors. Jhenna specializes in treating anxiety sexual abuse, trauma, and PTSD.

Jhenna earned her Master's Degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University and her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University. During her Master's program, she received a specialization in school social work. Jhenna has worked as an intern with child sexual abuse survivors and is trained in behavior modification tracking and planning.

Jhenna seeks to provide a safe and comforting space where individuals feel free to open up and share the difficulties they are facing in their lives. She aims to share helpful tools and strategies to equip everyone with the ability to cope with their particular challenges. If you are feeling ready to make an appointment, Jhenna would be honored to be your provider.

Maria Tovar-Ruiz is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LPC, LAADC) who has over 24 years of experience specializing in helping clients who are suffering from symptoms related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, women’s issues, trauma, relationship concerns, self-esteem, anger management and substance use.

She earned her Master’s degree from Michigan State University and strives to create a relationship where you will feel fully acknowledged, valued, and seen for the unique person that you are. Maria has an eclectic, down to earth and humorous approach to therapy. She values partnering with people from diverse backgrounds who are seeking to increase their life satisfaction and quality of life. 

She believes in helping people identify their own strengths as they learn to trust in their power to have the most fulfilling life that they envision. Maria believes that you are the expert of your own life, while she is a partner that will provide tools, feedback and encouragement as you reach for your goals. 

Erica White is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 17 years of experience. Erica believes that although an individual may be affected by life challenges, those experiences need not serve as a barrier to growth. She believes in the power of therapy and faith toward helping clients nurture their strengths, accept themselves, and heal from and ultimately use life challenges as catalysts for growth. Erica owns and is a therapist at IMPACCTT (Innovative Mentoring Passionate Advocacy and Creative Community-Based Treatment Techniques), treating children, teens, and adults with abuse, neglect, grief, and/or loss histories.

Erica earned her Master’s in Social Work at the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. She heavily utilizes therapeutic tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and psychoeducation. Erica has a great deal of experience with providing client-centered, nonjudgmental, empowerment-based, and educational support.

Erica believes that it takes a great deal of hope, faith, and courage to reach out for support. She understands that this process may be difficult for you. You have done the important first step of reaching out for help and together, you will move toward growth at a pace that you feel comfortable with. Erica looks forward to working with you!

Karla Walker is a Licensed Limited Master Social Worker with over 15 years of experience. Her ideal clients are individuals facing trauma, anxiety, depression, or identity challenges. They seek holistic therapy tailored to their unique needs and aim to restore emotional balance, develop self-awareness, and find empowerment in their healing journey. Karla is passionate about working through a spiritual lens and is a licensed and ordained Minister.

Karla earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of Michigan. She integrates eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, cognitive behavior therapy, and dialectical behavior therapy with a holistic approach, creating a safe, empowering space for healing.

Karla understands that healing is a deeply personal journey, and she creates a compassionate space where clients feel heard and supported. She tailors therapy to individual needs, helping clients find strength and balance.