Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Sterling Heights, MI

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. 

"Briana welcomes members of the LGBTQ+ community, faith communities, and other diverse backgrounds. Briana finds joy in walking alongside diverse populations in their unique journey."

Briana Banks is a compassionate and experienced LCSW dedicated to helping adolescents and young adults find their path to healing, self-discovery, and personal growth. Her mission is to empower clients to overcome life's obstacles and create a brighter, more fulfilling future. In your therapeutic journey together, you'll work collaboratively to address the issues that matter most to you. Whether you're grappling with anxiety and stress, depression, religious and spiritual struggles, past trauma, sexual identity, or the challenges of life, she is here to listen, support, and guide you toward meaningful solutions.

Briana’s approach is client-centered and strengths-based, tailoring sessions to meet the client’s individual needs and build on their existing strengths. Together, you'll foster self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the resilience to face life's challenges head-on. 

Life can present us with a myriad of challenges, and sometimes, we all need a guiding hand to navigate the rough waters. I'm here to offer you a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. If you're ready to embark on this journey together, please reach out to schedule a session. 

Making the decision to seek therapy is incredibly courageous. I have over 19 years experience working as a Social Worker and I am a licensed Master’s Social Worker. I have worked with a diverse population with a variety of diagnoses and situations. However, I believe that each person’s experience is unique and while they may be similar to someone else’s, no two people or situations are the same, therefore neither are the solutions. I provide a non-judgmental , compassionate, therapeutic environment. Working together is essential to creating a good therapeutic relationship and one that is most beneficial. I find that creating meaningful goals with clients based on specific needs really helps this process. Life is not meant to be figured out alone. I feel both honored and privileged to work with my clients helping them to overcome their obstacles and empowering them to do so.

"I always give this friendly reminder: you cannot get anything from an empty cup. It’s important to invest in yourself and to participate in mental health and wellness."

Carmella is a Licensed Clinical Master Social Worker in the state of Michigan. She has five years of experience in the mental health field. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families. Carmella specializes in anxiety, depression, adjustment disorder, PTSD, trauma, grief, and relationship/family issues. She provides individualized/family therapy and assists clients in working toward achieving their ultimate goals and healing.

Carmella completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Wayne State University. She utilizes multiple treatment approaches, including strengths-based, cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, motivational interviewing, culturally sensitive, and person-centered therapy.

Asking for help can be one of the hardest things a person can do. Carmella understands this and approaches therapy with an open, supportive, and empathetic attitude. Her treatment is tailored to her clients, and she is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals. If you’re ready to start your healing journey, schedule an appointment with her today!

Jennifer Plesz is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor (CRC, LPC) with over 9 years of professional experience helping clients tp overcome anxiety, family conflict, relationship difficulties, pregnancy and post-partum-related issues, stress, anger issues, ADHD, women's issues, and much more. 

Jennifer earned her Master's degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Wayne State University, and has several years of experience working with people from all backgrounds. Today Jennifer offers individual, couples, and families who experiencing hard times, or new obstacles. 

Tackle your roadblocks with help from Jennifer; with her professional support and guidance, you can start feeling better, while rebuilding trust, confidence, and contentment. With each session, she'll work to establish a professional, caring relationship between you and herself. 

Marya (Maria) Drygalski is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Addictions Specialist, and Employee Assistance Professional in the state of Michigan who has over 33 years of experience providing clinical assessment and therapeutic care to adults, couples, and families seeking help with anxiety/depression, trauma, and life transitions. She is a STARS Provider for Veterans and Military Families and received training through the Ann Arbor Center for the Family. 

Marya completed her Master's Degree at the University of Michigan and can provide biblical, faith-based counseling for those clients desiring to incorporate their Christian faith in the therapeutic process. Marya utilizes evidence-based practices including collaborative, cognitive-behavioral, insight-oriented, mindfulness, solution-focused, systems and supportive therapy approaches in treating the whole person and endeavors to maintain a positive, nurturing environment that is safe and consistent where you are valued, heard, and accepted.

Marya seeks to establish a warm caring relationship with you in order to assist in building on your strengths in working with you towards meeting your goals for a life worth living.

Darlita Paulding is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who has 15 years of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Darlita has assisted Individuals working through anger, depressive symptoms, anxiety, unhealthy relationships, low self-esteem, and stress.

Darlita completed her Bachelor of Arts ( BA) in Psychology at Michigan State University and her Master of Arts (MA) in Counseling at Oakland University. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Darlita utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and solutions focused therapy to provide the most comprehensive services in a concise, yet warm, empathetic, and supportive environment. 

Darlita seeks to enhance your personal strengths while assisting you in overcoming your challenges. Her goal is that everyone should be able to live their life to their greatest potential. While working with Darlita, you have the potential to transform your life, reconcile relationships, build hope, and enhance your self-esteem through exceptional treatment and services.

"Taking that first step to reach out for help can be difficult and scary, but I'm glad you did."

Rachel Wolf is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Michigan. She has over a decade of experience working with a widely diverse population of adults seeking help with depression, anxiety, substance abuse/addiction, sexuality, and life transitions. She also has experience working with those in alternative relationship structures (polyamory) and individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Rachel received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in Counseling from Oakland University.

Rachel uses client-centered, strength-based, cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and solution-focused approaches, using empathy, creativity, flexibility, and a safe, judgment-free environment. She provides tools for growth, emotional support, feedback, and guidance to help each unique individual develop a more rich, joyful, and meaningful life.

Rachel seeks to provide an environment where you can be your authentic self. You are the expert on your own life, and Rachel seeks to guide you to achieve your dreams and goals. She will meet you at your level, whether this your first time in therapy or you’ve seen a therapist before. If you are ready to start therapy, schedule an appointment with her today!

"My life's passion is to help individuals through their struggles to achieve emotional wellness and become their true authentic self."

Krysta Rybarczyk is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with experience in the mental health field . She is passionate about meeting clients where they are at, and addressing their needs with a solution focused approach. Krysta in trained in multiple evidence-based practices: eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy (PET), mindfulness base cognitive therapy (MBCT).

Krysta competed her Master's degree in Social Work at Wayne State University and completed her Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Central Michigan University. Throughout her career and educational opportunities, Krysta has developed experience to assist clients in exploring life's circumstances in a safe, non-judgmental environment. Krysta provides an empathetic and direct approach to therapy to begin the healing process and navigate life's unique challenges.

We all experience times in our lives where we feel overwhelmed, alone, and hopeless. Krysta is dedicated to help you on your journey to finding hope and happiness again. Krysta will assist you in gaining new insight and techniques to improve and manage mental health symptoms. If you are ready to begin the healing process, schedule an appointment with her today.