About Me - Authentic Life

I’m Kristy Wiersema, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I'm so glad you're here. You've taken a big step in looking for help and wanting change. I’d love to walk with you as you begin these changes. The search for a therapist can be exciting but also pretty intimidating knowing this will be the person you open yourself up to. I understand how important it is that you feel comfortable with your counselor. In fact, I believe it is the most important part of the therapeutic process. If you don’t feel comfortable, you aren’t going to be able to be open, honest, and vulnerable with that person. I hope that this page will give you a sense of who I am and if I might be a good fit for you.

My Approach

I'm not the type of therapist to just stare or nod at you. We'll interact, connect, and do this work together. I have an affinity for comedy and making people feel comfortable so we'll laugh a lot in a way that makes you feel as though someone actually gets you. I'm curious and enjoy when puzzle pieces start to fit together so we'll explore parts of you you've never considered before and I'll ask you questions that will hopefully give you that "aha moment". Many of my clients are surprised by how comfortable they feel in our sessions together. I hear "I didn't think I'd tell you that!" a lot.

I enjoy my clients and the time we have working together. The space I create is judgement free because I've been on that couch. There's little you can say that will shock or overwhelm me. You can tell me anything.

I get excited when I see clients start to see themselves as the strong, resilient, capable people that they are. Because I've been on the other side, I know how painful this work can be. I work best with people who are tired of feeling tired and ready to make some changes. This work is hard and I'll be there to support, hold, and cheer you on through it.

I can help bring peace to your life by creating a safe and nurturing environment. We’ll work to process thoughts, feelings, and challenges moving toward insight and change. I am passionate about helping people find freedom from burdens to uncover their authentic selves. Living authentically means embracing who we are and letting go of the should’s and what if’s. I offer an accepting and genuine environment where laughter and tears are supported and pain is given space.

My Experience
Helping others has been a lifelong aspiration of mine. I have spent my career helping individuals from all walks of life struggling with many issues — from depression and trauma to life stressors and transitions. After earning a Masters degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University, I became a clinical therapist providing individual, family, and couples counseling in a primary care setting. After almost seven years I decided I needed to challenge myself and bring more authenticity to my work by starting my own practice.

Seeing first hand the multiple physical health issues that can be caused by mental health issues – and vice versa – the mind-body connection has been increasingly important in the work that I do. Because I believe the mind-body connection plays an important role, if the client is interested, I may offer holistic wellness approaches. Additional methods, such as yoga, mindfulness, or dietary changes, may help the individual cope with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain. In 2012, I completed training for Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which jump started my interest in mindfulness and self-compassion in therapy. My practice expanded in 2017 to offer Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy.

Coming from a social work background, I take a holistic approach combining an array of therapeutic methods tailored to each client. I place an emphasis on viewing the person within their environment and taking note of the complexities of the individual. Every individual is different and their story is unique to them. My goal as a therapist is the meet the client where they are at and collaborate on goals for their life. I'd love to hear your story. If it sounds like we'd be a good fit or if you have more questions, please call me at 231-714-0292.