Our therapists provide family therapy in Royal Oak, MI

My name is Dr. Payton Jackson III. I am a licensed clinical social worker and hold a doctorate in education. I have 31 years of experience in the fields of social work and education. I have worked with family counseling, individual counseling, individuals in substance abuse recovery, youth ages 14 to 18, and as a counselor, dean of students, assistant principal, and principal in high schools. These experiences have taught me that life's challenges are ongoing, and I believe that we are not designed to deal with life's journey on our own. I enjoy working with people to overcome these challenges. 

My client-centered and strength-based approaches provide assistance to individuals in dealing with life's expectancies, both planned and unplanned. Self-empowerment and an understanding of what can be controlled and what cannot is essential. Working in step and together in a therapeutic relationship can make a positive difference in this journey. 

You are not alone! The pathway of being the best person for yourself is real. Life and all it has to offer will definitely show up during this journey. You have the ability to overcome and thrive in the midst of this walk. Let's work together to have the best experiences possible on our life's journey, stay encouraged, and make an appointment with me.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). I hold a master's degree from Wayne State University. I’m licensed in Michigan with eight years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and intimacy-related issues.

My therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and strengths-based, focusing on helping clients identify patterns, build practical coping skills, and develop greater self-awareness. I tailor each session to meet your unique needs, recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy.

My hope is that you'll find a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to create meaningful change. When you're ready, I invite you to take the next step and begin your journey toward healing and growth.

Gabriel Kangas is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 10 years of experience in mental health. He specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, PTSD, children, and adolescents. He knows that every client is different—that's why his responses and approaches to therapy are diverse.

Gabe completed his Master's degree at Central Michigan University, and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), mindfulness, and solutions-focused therapy (SFT). His personal theoretical foundation is not limited to one approach and Gabe believes it is necessary for counselors to be adaptive.

We all go through different circumstances in life. Gabe is confident that he would be able to support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that would allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with. If you are ready to do the work, schedule an appointment with him today.

Glenda Martinez is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. Glenda is certified as an Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (AADC) and holds a certificate for Nutrition and Holistic Health. She has a compassion for helping others and provides individualized assessments and treatment plans to guide the therapy process for adults, including family therapy sessions per request. Glenda specializes in depressive disorders (SAD, major depression, and depression due to medical conditions); anxiety disorders (general anxiety, separation anxiety, social anxiety) and panic disorder; mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder); substance use disorders (alcohol and drug use); post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); and much more.

Glenda completed her Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) at Saginaw Valley University and her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Eastern University with Honors. She has great interest in creative arts and completed her Associate of Arts degree with the honor of being selected for the Presidents List throughout her semesters. Glenda utilizes an integrative, strength-based, and client-centered approach while incorporating mindfulness, holistic principles, and creativity. She enjoys including creative outlets of art, creative writing, and physical wellness when a client is interested in doing so. With years of experience in substance use recovery, recovery focus is also an area of expertise. Glenda has many years of experience with diverse populations and settings. This has allowed her to gather many tools to empower individuals in navigating through any challenges throughout their life journey.

Additional approaches implemented by Glenda that support change while providing a safe place for healing are cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing, solution focused, experiential therapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, existential, and humanistic therapy. Although Glenda has a variety of treatment models, she believes working as a collaborative team creates a solid professional and therapeutic relationship that guides the sessions to successful outcomes and determines what is the best approach for each individual. She believes that setting goals for your tailored needs and concerns are just as equally important which are established by a customized treatment plan. She will guide you through this therapeutic process to clarify goals and begin the journey of wellness in treatment.

As each unique individual travels their path, life barriers, hurdles, life changes, adjustments, and stresses can occur that can cause a lot of distress toward whole well-being. You are not alone. It takes great courage to reach out for help and Glenda will provide a non-judgmental, safe, confidential, calming environment to build self-awareness, techniques, and personal growth from these life challenges. If you are ready to take this step, Glenda looks forward to meeting you.

Carri Latta is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 15 years of experience with the child welfare system and uses a strengths based approach to addressing the challenges that bring you to this counseling experience. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, parenting , relationships, family systems., and major life transitions.

Carri has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Carri uses an eclectic approach to find the best fit for her client's healing process.

Carri will help you process and reflect on whatever you have experienced with compassion and acceptance. She provides a gentIe approach to conflict resolution that challenges reflection and helps you on a path to healing. Schedule with Carri today.