Our therapists offer christian counseling in Grand Rapids Charter Township, 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.

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.

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. 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for helping people through difficult times.

I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Southern New Hampshire University. With a lived experience with depression and anxiety, I use my passion and experience to help others cope, utilizing multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing.

When faced with challenges in life, we sometimes need support. I am able to provide a listening ear, a different perspective, and help you learn coping skills. Schedule an appointment today!

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.