We Welcome You To Wellness
Allow yourself to get unstuck!
Allow Therapy Partners offers a wide range of trauma-informed and trauma-responsive tools to support and empower you, walking alongside you to name your points of pain and promise. With our strengths-based approach, we employ cutting-edge therapeutic interventions including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Mindfulness, Body Awareness, Movement Therapy, Emotional Regulation, Self Compassion and the Live Brave Method, to name just a few. All of these modalities focus our time together on identifying and rewriting the sections of your story that are most distressing for you and those nearest and dearest to you.
Conveniently located in Eastown, Grand Rapids, our licensed therapists equip you to safely manage your own wellness. Every treatment plan is client-centered and individually tailored, because struggles are like people, unique and complex. We recognize that you are on a journey that started long before us and will continue long after us, and it is a privilege to share the time we have together bravely discovering your authentic self!
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
~ Rumi
Our Team
Talent & Dedication
Many minds are better than one!
Alicia Schauland, LMSW
It is a privilege to work with individuals courageous enough to face the painful experiences and emotions that often keep us from being our most authentic selves. It is my mission to provide you with the tools to safely explore your inner world. I will journey alongside you toward meaningful transformation and behavior change so that you may awaken the best version of you, the true you that lies within. I do this in a way that is kind and genuine, and I am truly passionate about the sacred work of assisting others in self growth.
I earned my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2012 and am equipped with training and experience in evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and EMDR. I am also inspired by the power of mindfulness, self-compassion, and Brene Brown’s work on shame and vulnerability, infusing all of these modalities into my therapeutic work. I encourage others to join me in being more present, living bravely, and being kind to ourselves.
Mary Laframboise, LMSW
Trauma, childhood experiences, and life in general contribute to the difficulties that show up in our lives. My goal as a therapist is to provide a comfortable environment, thoughtful guidance, and a safe space for you to explore the things that you feel are getting in the way. My approach to treatment includes the use of evidence-based practices such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I offer effective and compassionate treatment for adults struggling with parenting, communication, relationships, anxiety, life balance, anger, depression, and trauma.
In 2010 I graduated with my Bachelor's degree in Social Work. In 2014 I earned my Master in Social Work Degree and School Social Work Certification. I have a wide array of professional experience including foster care in the Michigan child welfare system, social work within the public school setting, providing home-based therapy with Community Mental Health and the Families First program as well as individual therapy with children, adults, and families. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, camping, and almost any outdoor activity! I love working with people and believe that we are here to help and love each other. My hope is to walk with my clients along their path to growth and healing.
Kirk Ferris, LMSW
Whether dealing with depression, anxiety, trauma, or interpersonal turmoil my goal is to help place you firmly in the driver’s seat of your own life. I approach therapy as a collaborative effort and my aim is to assist each individual in more fully becoming the person that they would like to be. Oftentimes this process involves honesty, courage, persistence, and a willingness to let go of that which no longer serves our best interest. It is my privilege to walk beside you as you navigate this terrain in the hope of a better tomorrow.
In 2010, I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Central Michigan University and later earned my Master of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in 2016. I have formal training and experience with implementing evidence based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Motivational Interviewing, and the clinical application of Mindfulness. In addition to psychotherapy, I have extensive experience with crisis intervention and the coordination of clinical care.
Hannah Webb, LMSW
Whatever the path that led you to today, I am here to support you in becoming more connected to your present self. I believe each person is unique, and I value the experiences that have brought you to this moment. It is my hope to guide your healing in a way that honors and empowers you on your journey.
I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2011, and moved on to earn my Master of Social Work at the University of Illinois in 2014. I have built a wide assortment of interventions and modalities through experience and post graduate training in evidence-based practices such as Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Parent Management Training Oregon Model (PMTO). I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. I incorporate and encourage mindfulness to build self-awareness, shift perception, and guide self-acceptance.
Sarah Saunders, LMSW
Building community and finding wholeness in a conservative area can be difficult, and that is why support and affirmation are so important. As a passionately progressive therapist in Grand Rapids, I know what it is like to live with an extra layer of stress based on who you are and what you look like. I am committed to providing quality care and creating a safe space that fosters courage in the healing process. There is no perfect time to begin, and I welcome each person to come as they are, when they are ready.
As a clinical therapist with over 12 years of experience, I am prepared to hear your needs and co-create a response to your goals. I work with adolescents, adults, and couples/relationship groups, and my specialties include depression, anxiety, identity integration, relationships, trauma, self-discovery, and personal growth. I have lived and worked across the US, and achieved my MSW at Temple University in 2009. My practice experience incorporates various approaches to fit the needs of each person. As a trauma-informed clinician, I utilize cognitive behavioral, narrative, somatic, mindfulness, and harm reduction techniques within the healing journey.
Brittany Kindig, LMSW
In today's environment, there are so many pressures on individuals, kids, and their parents that sometimes it seems overwhelming. Together we can find solutions to make coping with life's stressors easier and more effective. Therapy can help by having someone to talk with, process the stress, and generate solutions unique to the needs of individuals, children, and families. I believe we can work collaboratively to achieve a positive and supportive place where mental and emotional health can thrive.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work in 2010 and completed my Master’s degree in Social Work in 2012 from Western Michigan University. I specialize in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I am compassionate, caring, and experienced in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. My specialties include trauma, anger management, depression, and anxiety.
Bre Keller, LMSW
In our lives, we are given experiences- some we choose for ourselves, and some we do not. Some of these experiences create hurt, stress, or even trauma that may feel overwhelming, even unbearable at times. I want you to know that, if you are there, that is not where you have to stay. As a therapist, my desire is to partner with my clients in their journey towards healing wounds so they can become a healthy, integrated self, and prevent their pain from becoming someone else's hurt. We all possess wisdom and strength, and it is my honor to give my clients the room to access these inner resources and, with permission, guide them towards integrating it into their future thoughts and choices. I have had the opportunity to work with people from all walks of life, and I enjoy creating a space where all feel safe and accepted in the midst of life's messiness.
As an undergraduate, I earned a BA in Psychology and a BA in Religion, and moved on to earn my Masters in Social Work from Grand Valley State University a few years later. I have experience working with the foster care system, co-occurring disorders, substance use disorders and addiction, as well as addressing mental health concerns of depression, anxiety, and ADHD. My training and experience has enabled me to integrate therapeutic techniques specifically addressing the needs of each client, including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, mindfulness, harm reduction and motivational interviewing. I am also earning my certification as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, and I am fully trained in EMDR. It is my hope that therapy will offer opportunities for healing, growth, and a thriving life. If you are interested in inviting me to be a part of your journey, you are invited to reach out at any time.
Whitney Davis-Simmons, LLMSW
I made the choice to become a therapist in the hopes of being able to work with those individuals seeking guidance through the uncertainties of life. It can be nerve racking to reach out for help but my goal is to create an environment as well as a relationship that allows people to feel safe to open up about what they are looking to work on or overcome. I enjoy working with all ages but have a strong desire to work with children, teens and young adults, who have or currently are experiencing depression, anxiety and other forms of mental health issues. I feel it is important to teach people, however young or old, that it’s okay, to not be okay and to provide them with the appropriate tools to tackle life’s obstacles as they come.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of North Dakota in 2012 and recently completed my Master’s degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. My current background includes, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with being trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR).
Christina Bierdeman, LMSW
Patterns, pain, and prisons of the past often prevent us from experiencing the abundance that life has to offer. It is not uncommon to drift through life overrun by anxiety, stress, worry, fear, depression, grief, trauma, overworking, distraction, boredom, laziness, loneliness and so forth. These parts of you are trying hard to protect you from underlying pain, and by doing so they block your innate ability to be in a state of calm and compassion. This is where I come in: to offer loving presence and curiosity as a guide on your journey to healing. Providing an opportunity to be seen, heard, acknowledged, and honored, my hope is for you to learn to do the same by nourishing yourself and your inner child. Shifting into the present moment, you can learn to change all of your relationships both with yourself and the world around you.
In 2010 I completed my undergraduate degree in International Relations from Grand Valley State University and later earned a Masters of Social Work degree in 2018. The following trainings inform much of my work including Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma-sensitive Mindfulness, and various body-centered practices to support healing in all areas of life. I am honored to coalesce with all who want to better themselves. Everyone is accepted and encouraged to come as they are as well as to become who they wish to be.
“As you start to walk on the way, the way appears.” - Rumi
Jordan Stephenson, LMSW
As we walk on the journey through life, the load we carry can get heavy. Anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, trauma, and life stressors can weigh us down. As your therapist, my aim is to help you prioritize your goals, recover from traumatic experiences, and implement coping skills, so that you can reduce your burden on the path to wellness.
In 2017, I received my Master of Social work from the University of Illinois Chicago, with a mental health concentration. I am a trauma informed clinician, and my specialties include adults with anxiety, depression, trauma, and Borderline Personality Disorder. I have experience providing case management and therapy services to patients with severe, persistent mental illness and/or substance use disorders. I utilize evidence based practices of DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, emotion regulation, Seeking Safety, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction in my practice.
Laurie Eldred, LMSW, CAADC
As a licensed clinical Master of Social Work and Certified Advanced Addiction Drug Counselor who has been in the social worker field since 2004, I seek to support people struggling with boundaries, self-care, and understanding difficult early life experiences.
I work with adult members of the LQBTQI+ group and communities of color to provide a safe space to be yourself, as well as process radicalized and homophobic trauma embedded in our current culture. I want you to feel seen, heard, and affirmed for the amazing person you are becoming.
I have worked in a variety of social work positions including within the criminal justice system, child protective services, community mental health in both Ionia and Kent County as front line staff and a supervisor, substance abuse treatment, and medical social work. I provide trainings for social workers in the area of self care, substance use, and secondary trauma for front line staff just to name a few. Additionally, I host groups using EMDR-IGTP to address traumatic community incidents. In addition, I provide supervision for interns, new clinical social workers and seasoned social workers. I’m also a delegate for NASW Michigan, and volunteer to address criminal justice reform.
During my free time, I like to spend time with my family, listen to true crime podcasts, hike, practice yoga, meditate and read a good book.
Elise Waugh, LLMSW
Just as we sometimes need help caring for physical aches and pains, sometimes we need help improving our mental health. I am passionate about helping others look inward to learn more about themselves and connect with their inner voice through the power of therapy. At its heart, therapy is as powerful as what you put into it. Being vulnerable can often feel daunting, but by working together, my goal is to help you build the confidence you need to bravely take the reins when you feel like the life you want is just out of reach.
I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California and am trained in evidence-based interventions like CBT, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction, and Emotionally Focused Therapy. I have a special passion for working with couples, folks with ADHD, and those in the LGBTQIA community. My clients include adults and couples looking to work on communication skills, self-worth issues, and coping strategies for executive dysfunction, career challenges, and anxiety and depression.
Tim Novak, LLMSW
Even in the best of times, it can be difficult to comprehend and manage our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. When we are struggling, it can feel impossible to separate one from another and to understand ourselves, other people, and the world. Simple tasks can become overwhelming, our behaviors can become hard to explain to others, and we can feel rudderless and out of control. Although this can often leave us feeling strange and flawed, it is a normal human experience. I believe that, through an acceptance of our pain and our struggles, combined with a commitment to improving our awareness, self-care, and communication, it is possible to have rich, fulfilling lives in spite of our symptoms, while reducing their effects on our responsibilities and our relationships.
My practice is guided by intuition, organized by evidence-based techniques, and rooted in a belief that we are all whole and intact, and know what we need in order to thrive, but can often benefit from accompaniment on that journey. I utilize CBT- and DBT-informed techniques within a compassionate, client-focused approach to therapy and am trained in EMDR to treat the effects of trauma. I graduated from Grand Valley State University, with a Master’s degree in Social Work and have experience working with a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and symptom severities. I am committed to meeting clients where they are at and addressing them as the person they are.
Brittney Erck, LMSW
When we experience challenging life experiences, whether they be stressful or traumatic, it can manifest in varied and painful ways, such as anxiety, substance use, or depression. Therapy can serve as a protective space and supportive container to process feelings, safely explore these issues, step into your personal power, and ultimately encourage deep healing. I believe in the power of co-creating this supportive space, and together we can develop a relationship that feels meaningful and safe enough to examine what is bringing you pain or distress.
Through a holistic and trauma-informed lens that honors the importance of the mind-body connection, I can assist you in working through difficult or unprocessed thoughts, patterns, and experiences, and help you gain insight into the difficult emotions that may have impacted your ability to feel as your most authentic self.
My background includes earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Grand Valley State University in 2008, and Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola University Chicago in 2010. I have over a decade of clinical experience, namely working with adult mental health, co-occurring disorders, domestic violence survivors, substance use disorders, homelessness, reproductive health advocacy, crisis intervention, and trauma. I am especially passionate about supporting clients in navigating responses to trauma, psychotic disorders, mood disorders, anxiety, addiction recovery, and coping with life transitions.
My approach is one that is warm, grounded, collaborative, infused with humor, and aims to lift up your strengths and innate wisdom on your path of healing and self-discovery. I believe identity matters in the therapy space, and that it is essential for me to provide clients with gender affirming, intersectional, and culturally competent care. I draw from different approaches, including somatic and mindfulness skills, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), psychodynamic, narrative therapy, expressive arts modalities, motivational interviewing (MI), harm reduction, and Seeking Safety. I am currently working towards my EMDR certification.
It is my honor to hold space for your healing and self-connection to unfold.
Erin VanVeen, LMSW
My philosophy: we all need a little help at times. Mental health is very important, and it takes work. I will be there to help along the way, to be a listening ear, to teach coping skills, and to provide whatever support may be needed. My passion is to help others help themselves!
I received my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) from Kuyper College in 2012, and received my Master of Social Work (MSW) from Walden University in 2017. I have worked in Family Preservation for three years, and worked as a therapist at a lower elementary school. I have experience working with children, as well as have training in providing support for children who have experienced trauma. Additionally, I have experience working with adoption, postpartum depression, anxiety and depression. I have the most experience working with children ages 5-10, and also work with adults.
Alex Schiraldi, LLMSW
Challenges, traumatic experiences, anxiety, depression, communication struggles, and interpersonal turmoil show up in everyone's lives. My goal is to implement a collaborative, thoughtful, safe, and integrated approach with you to allow you to investigate things that are impacting you and get you back in control. My approach to treatment includes the use of evidence-based practices that work in accordance with each client's needs, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). I offer effective and compassionate treatment for infants, children, couples, adults struggling with parenting, bond and connection, relationships, communication, anxiety, life balance, anger, depression, and trauma.
In 2019, I graduated with my Bachelor degrees in Economics and Political Science at Hartwick College. In 2022, I earned my Master in Social Work Degree at Fordham University. My professional experience includes end of life hospice and palliative care for all individuals, infant mental health and providing home-based therapy, as well as crisis service intervention and hotline work for RAINN and Crisis Text Line. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and puppy. I love exploring new places and being outdoors. My passion is working with people to help them overcome whatever challenges they may be facing and encourage them to shift their perception and continue to grow.
Kurt Hulst, LMSW, CAADC
In your journey of life, you may have experienced periods of immense pain, confusion, and hopelessness, which have left you feeling stuck and unable to change or move forward. But this is not where you have to stay. Your journey can also be filled with hope, clarity, insight, and restoration. You can learn from both your own story and from others. I would be honored to walk alongside you and serve as your guide as you bravely navigate uncharted territory and learn to live life in a healthier way.
I am a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I graduated from Western Michigan University in 2015. My specialties are working with adolescents, adults, and older adults struggling with substance use, anxiety and mood disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and grief. I use several evidence-based interventions, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), crisis interventions, and motivational interviewing.
You can learn to get past your past, work through fear, and take the next step in your journey of restoration.
Dustin Burdick, LLMSW
Hello! My name is Dustin Burdick and I look forward to the opportunity to hear your story. Within many of our stories, there are things that become overwhelming. This begins to weigh us down, follow us around every turn, and can start hindering our quality of life. When you share those things with me, together we will find something to do about it. You’ve already done a considerable amount of work until this point; it’s time to share some of that load. In doing so, you will discover the incredible amount of fortitude you have displayed to make it to today. It even takes a bit of vulnerability and efforts to spend time reading my bio. This is an example of the strength-based approach we will use in our journey. We will also include many other therapeutic styles and tools custom tailored specifically for your something.
I obtained my undergraduate in Psychology from Eastern Michigan University and my graduate degree in Social Work from Western Michigan University. After completing graduate school, I became an inpatient clinical therapist on an acute inpatient psychiatric unit. Here I gained experience treating trauma, depression, grief, anxiety, substance use, and other mental illnesses.
Thank you for the time spent reading through my bio and learning a little bit about me. I look forward to the opportunity of hearing your story and learning about you! I applaud your efforts in searching for ways to improve your quality of life, and would be humbled, if given the opportunity to take that journey with you.
Alyssa Wesley, LLPC
Research shows that joy is the hardest human emotion to truly experience. Challenges with depression, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, life transitions, relationships or many other things, hold us back from fully experiencing these moments of joy in life. Whenever you may be on your journey, your choice in seeking help is one of bravery. My goal is to partner with you to better understand your present circumstances, create meaningful goals and continue to provide support and hope to you along the way.
My strength is approaching our work with a holistic approach (mind and body). Allowing us to explore how your thoughts and behaviors may be interfering with positive actions. Through an infusion of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindful based practices, we will find healthy lifestyle changes for you both physically and emotionally.
As a student-athlete, I earned my undergraduate degree at Grand Valley State University and then went on to complete my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Western Michigan University. I have a passion for working with individuals, couples and athletes (past and present).
Riley Kortman, LLMSW
Starting therapy is a brave and courageous way to take care of your mental wellbeing. I understand that beginning to see a new therapist or starting therapy for the first time can be a confusing and challenging process. My goal is to walk by your side as you start a journey of healing and self-discovery. I believe that healing and growth are possible if you enter into therapy with an open mind and are willing to try new things. I promise to create a safe and confidential place for all people, and I am passionate about working with individuals who may feel vulnerable due to their background or identity. Everyone deserves a safe place to receive mental health care.
I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley State University in 2021 and went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Social Work from Grand Valley in 2022. I have experience using several evidence-based therapy models including cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and mindfulness. I work with children and adults and have a background in school social work. As your therapist, I can help you address symptoms of anxiety, depression and trauma and help you develop communication skills and coping strategies.
Michelle Davis, LMSW
My kids and I have catchphrase in our house: “curveball”. It’s shorthand to communicate that plans have radically changed from what was expected, things are about to get difficult, and that everyone is going to have to work together to adapt and support each other. As a mom to three amazing children, two who are neurodiverse, it’s a phrase and a philosophy we have used often.
That philosophy carries over into how I approach the therapy process, as well. Curveballs totally upend our journeys, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable. I understand how important it is to have a safe, empathic space to process through these moments, balanced with pragmatic and direct skills to use in coping with them.
I earned my Master of Social Work from Andrews University in 2004, and since then have spent my career working with individuals and families from a wide variety of backgrounds coping with anxiety, depression, ADHD and ASD and PTSD. I have received intensive training and certification through the Academy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as expertise in DBT and Mindfulness based practices. In particular, I have a passion for working with neurodiverse individuals and families as well as individuals dealing with complex medical trauma and the challenges unique to those populations.
Tracy Zavala, LPC
I started my journey in psychology as a college student when I sought to improve my own mental health and found myself at the student development office speaking with my own therapist for the first time in the 1990’s. Because this helped me so much, I was inspired to become a therapist. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of West Georgia in 1993. After undergraduate school, I married, began working in the field, and started my family. I later earned a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia in 2013.
I understand that everyone has times when help is needed in getting through the challenges of life. I look forward to helping clients find a way through the hard times, whether one is experiencing anxiety, depression, grief and loss, other mental health concerns; or perhaps parenting a child with emotional and behavioral concerns. Having spent over twenty years of working with individuals and families in settings including partial hospitalization, preschool, juvenile court, adolescent residential treatment, nonprofit organizations and community mental health, I draw on that experience to bring a variety of tools to my role in helping others.
I received multisystemic therapy training, which incorporates family systems work with understanding how a person’s interaction in the home, school, and community impacts successful change and progress. My intention in therapy is to provide a calm, supportive environment that is focused on individual needs, without fear of judgement. I use varied counseling approaches including cognitive behavioral, person centered, and solution focused therapy.
Shannon Wendling, LLMSW
I acknowledge that making the decision to pursue therapy can be a really big step. Dedicating time and effort toward improving mental wellbeing and focusing on oneself is not an easy task. It is for this reason that I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment in which clients can feel comfortable leaning into their vulnerabilities. I am dedicated to ensuring that anybody who visits my office feels seen, heard, and validated.
As human beings, we are fluid; we hold various identities and roles that can be interconnected and ever-changing. I work to adapt each therapy session to meet a client’s unique needs by utilizing both a person-centered and intersectional approach. I believe that there is resiliency and strength that come with our identities and that this should be fostered and celebrated.
I obtained my Bachelor’s and Master’s of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Through the opportunities and experiences I had during this time, I found my passion for clinical counseling. I am currently a Limited License Master of Social Work in the State of Michigan. I have experience working in both community and medical areas of social work and working interpersonally with a wide range of clients/patients, including refugees, asylees, hospice and palliative care patients. I have also had the opportunity to work closely with various non-profits in the Grand Rapids area, specifically with the YWCA, where I helped to provide services to survivors of domestic violence and other crises. In my free time, I am passionate about doing my part in advancing advocacy efforts, specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community and reproductive rights. I have experience working with children (7+), adolescents, adults, older adults (65+), families, and couples.
Barb Kuzawa, Clinical Support Specialist
Our Tools
Tricks of the Trade
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Featured
Our Values
Inclusion
The team at Allow Therapy Partners is committed to welcoming people of many
different backgrounds, identities, and life experiences into the work of therapy. Above
all, our work is centered around the project of liberation. As such, our team is committed
to unmasking and challenging oppression, both personally and professionally, and to
continually growing our skills for empowerment, healing, and social change. We recognize
that many people have multiple and intersecting identities. We welcome folks who identify
as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, folks with disabilities, and those with diverse spiritual and cultural
backgrounds. Our aim is to foster acceptance without reservation.
Land Acknowledgement
We acknowledge that the land where we live and work is the unceded ancestral territory
of the People of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi. With this
awareness comes a responsibility to learn about and honor indigenous communities
and knowledge, to acknowledge the complex imprints of the past, and to name
injustices where they exist.
Commitment to Antiracism
We continue to grow in the awareness of the context of systemic racism, and specifically
anti-Black oppression, in our communities and institutions. The team at Allow Therapy are
each committed to doing our own work, and we strive to challenge these dynamics through
open, direct, affirming conversations within the therapeutic context and beyond. These
conversations often center around self-awareness, identity, oppression, privilege, and working
for change. We are committed to fostering a culture of liberation, including raising our voices
against injustice, as mandated by the National Association of Social Workers.
Invitation
We welcome you to come as you are, to join us in the process of self-discovery, learning
and unlearning, and healing and growth, as we move forward together. If you are interested
in beginning a conversation around these topics, or in learning more, we invite you to check
out our introductory resource lists below.
Antiracism Resources:
21-Day Racial Equity Habit-Building Challenge: https://www.eddiemoorejr.com/21daychallenge
How to be an Antiracist, by Ibram X. Kendi
Into America podcast: https://www.msnbc.com/intoamerica
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
Scene on Radio, Season 2 – Seeing White: https://www.sceneonradio.org/seeing-white/
So You Want to Talk About Race by Ijeoma Oluo
The 1619 Project: https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/14/magazine/1619-america-slavery.html
White Awake blog by Eleanor Hancock: www.whiteawake.org
Disability Justice Resources:
Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha
Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution documentary: https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496
Disability/Access Organizing, https://www.showingupforracialjustice.org/disability-justice.html
Exile and Pride: Disability, Queerness, and Liberation by Eli Clare
Kindling: Writings on the Body by Aurora Levins Morales
Gender and Sexual Orientation Resources:
CDC LGBT Youth Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm
GLSEN Pronoun Guide: https://www.glsen.org/activity/pronouns-guide-glsen
Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches by Audre Lorde
The Gender Quest Workbook: A Guide for Teens and Young Adults Exploring Gender Identity by Rylan Jay Testa, Deborah Coolhart, and Jayme Peta
The Genderbread Person: https://www.genderbread.org/