Meet Jalisa, LLMSW – Therapist in Grand Rapids, MI

Jalisa provides compassionate, supportive therapy for adults who may be navigating complex emotions, challenging life circumstances, or longstanding mental health concerns. She works primarily with adults age 25 and older and strives to create a space where clients feel heard, respected, and comfortable being themselves.

Jalisa has experience working with individuals experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, depression, and other complex or co-occurring mental health conditions. She understands that living with significant mental health challenges can feel overwhelming, and she works collaboratively with clients to better understand their experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and identify meaningful steps toward greater stability and well-being.

Jalisa also enjoys working with LGBTQ+ clients and values creating an affirming, nonjudgmental environment where clients can openly explore their identities, relationships, and experiences.

Her approach is individualized and grounded in meeting clients where they are. She recognizes that each person brings their own history, strengths, challenges, and goals to therapy. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Jalisa works with clients to identify what is most important to them and develop strategies that fit their needs and everyday lives.

Whether you are managing a complex mental health diagnosis, experiencing changes or challenges in your relationships, or simply feeling stuck and looking for support, Jalisa is here to help you navigate the process with compassion and understanding.

Currently Accepting New Clients

Jalisa currently accepts Aetna and Priority Health insurance plans, as well as private pay.

She works primarily with adults age 25 and older and has limited immediate openings.

Meet Brittney, LLMSW – Therapist in Grand Rapids, MI

As an LLMSW, I provide compassionate, client-centered therapy for individuals who may be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or uncertain about their next steps. I believe therapy should be a safe and supportive space where you can be heard without judgment and begin to better understand yourself, your relationships, and the challenges you’re facing.

I have a particular interest in working with individuals 14+ experiencing anxiety, depression, burnout, and stress, as well as those navigating family conflict, caregiving responsibilities, and grief and loss. I also provide family therapy for families working through communication challenges, conflict, difficult transitions, and changes in family dynamics. I also have experience supporting individuals with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and take an individualized, affirming approach that recognizes each person’s unique strengths and needs.

I understand that life transitions, difficult relationships, and the demands of caring for others can leave you feeling depleted, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward.

My approach is warm, collaborative, and individualized. I take the time to understand your unique experiences, strengths, and goals rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. Together, we can work toward developing healthier coping strategies, strengthening boundaries, processing difficult emotions, and creating meaningful changes that support your overall well-being.

Whether you’re struggling with anxiety or depression, feeling burned out, navigating family challenges, supporting a loved one, or coping with a significant loss, you don’t have to work through it alone. Therapy can provide a space to slow down, make sense of what you’re experiencing, and begin creating a path forward.

Currently Accepting New Clients

Brittney currently accepts Priority Health and Aetna insurance plans, as well as private pay.

If you’re ready to take the next step, we invite you to reach out to schedule an appointment. You don’t have to wait to begin feeling better.

Meet Jill Gunderson, LCSW

Owner & Clinical Therapist | Empowering Therapy MI

As the owner of Empowering Therapy MI and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), I bring more than 10 years of clinical experience to my work with individuals. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with people across a variety of settings, including long-term care, home health, hospice, inpatient behavioral health, psychiatric case management, and private practice.

My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and individualized. I believe that therapy should provide a safe space where you can be honest about what you’re experiencing without fear of judgment. My goal is to meet you where you are, help you understand the challenges you’re facing, and work alongside you to identify your strengths, develop effective coping strategies, and create meaningful change.

I have a particular interest in working with individuals experiencing grief and loss, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, difficult family dynamics, and the effects of unhealthy or narcissistic family systems. I also work with individuals navigating major life transitions and those who may feel overwhelmed by the emotional demands of caring for others.

Over the years, I have learned that there is rarely a single explanation for what brings someone to therapy. Our experiences, relationships, losses, responsibilities, and life circumstances can all influence our emotional well-being. I take the time to understand the whole person rather than focusing solely on a diagnosis or presenting concern.

As the owner of Empowering Therapy MI, I am also committed to making sure that clients and prospective clients feel supported from their very first interaction with our practice. I personally care for all the referrals and client concerns by serving as the point of contact when individuals have questions about services, therapists, scheduling, or finding the right fit for their needs. I believe that the therapeutic relationship begins before the first appointment, and every person who reaches out deserves to feel heard and respected.

Insurance & Availability

I currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), Aetna, Priority Health, and Medicare. I also offer private-pay services on a limited-availability basis.

My availability is limited, but our practice is growing, and additional clinicians are available to support individuals who are seeking care.

Whether you’re taking the first step toward therapy or looking for a different therapeutic experience, I would be honored to help you determine what support may be right for you.

You don’t have to navigate difficult seasons of life alone.

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel like a big decision. Whether you’re ready to schedule an appointment, have a question about our services, or simply want to learn more about what therapy with Empowering Therapy MI might look like, we’re here to help.

Complete the form below, and we’ll get back to you within 24 business hours.