Dr. Debbie Koeltzow, Ed.D., LP
Clinic Director
I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds. Each individual brings new and different elements to culturally reoccurring problems. Our work together usually enriches us both. As a CBT therapist, I believe the value of changing thoughts, beliefs and attitudes. These strategies are especially effective for anxiety, depression, addictions, anger and interpersonal interactions. I am also an advocate for personal choice and self care. So while changing thoughts and attitudes is helpful, the client decides which thoughts and attitudes they want to change. Finally, I supplement CBT with practical strategies for relationships, healthy lifestyles, relaxation, problem solving and general coping. I consider myself a general practitioner of psychology, willing to work with most people across a variety of issues and problems. But, in the course of my work I have gained experience and training working with ADHD (children and adults), addictions (including substance and behaviors), and couples and family issues. I believe individuals are capable and competent to handle their own business. Sometimes individuals are coping with problems that are more than can be managed alone. I view helping others cope and learn new skills, so they can manage their own lives as an important part of my job.
Dr. Brittney Briggs, PsyD., LP
Therapist
The client-therapist relationship is one of the most important factors in determining client outcomes.
Establishing a safe-space and trusting relationship allows us to explore your experiences and offer new perspectives that can promote healing and personal growth.
My core theoretical orientation in graduate school was humanistic-existential, though I have also received extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and CBT for Insomnia. I am also proficient in the provision of two trauma-focused, evidence-based treatments: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). In therapy, I often utilize mindfulness and introduce skills related to acceptance as well as change.
My approach to treatment is eclectic and largely dependent on the individual client. I adapt my approach to ‘meet you where you are at.’ After learning what you hope to get out of treatment and what aspects of your life you may be struggling with, we collaborate to come up with a treatment plan that can guide the therapeutic journey and help you reach your goals.
Ilene Beninson, L.M.S.W
Therapist
Ilene Beninson, LMSW, AOSW attended Oakland University and graduated with a bachelors in Clinical Psychology. She also spent 19 years teaching, after achieving an international degree as a Montessori Teacher from the Midwest Montessori Institute in Milwaukee, WI. Ilene's career as a social worker with a masters degree from Michigan State University has included work in hospital settings working on rehabilitation units, the ER, general patient floors and as the geriatric social worker at Krieger Geriatric Center, part of Huron Valley Sinai Hospital. Ilene has worked with end of life, chronic illness, loss, depression, anxiety and dementia (CHI) patients as well as working with Hospice of Michigan and Odyssey (now Gentiva) Hospice. She worked in home health care for Senior Helpers Home Care as a patient advocate, as well. I use Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Compassion Therapy, and grief counseling.
Jacqueline Bycraft L.M.S.W
Therapist
Jacqueline Bycraft, LMSW graduated from Siena Heights University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in Community Services with a concentration in Family Systems. In 2012 she graduated from Michigan State University with a master’s degree in clinical social work. Jacqueline obtained extensive training as a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. Her career has been working with clients with complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addictions. Her approach when working with clients is from the empowerment model. She works with clients to utilize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills and be empowered to make their best decisions for themselves. Jacqueline utilizes solution focused therapy as well when working with clients.
Olivia M Mielke, MA, LPC, NCC, CAADC, ICAADC, CC
Therapist
Although I use a variety of empirically-supported methods, cognitive behavioral therapy is essentially the umbrella under which all these factions of behavioral methods are derived. I am also a believer in Adlerian theory- that social justice and social inclusion of community will provide the strongest support system. Having the right therapist in trauma recovery makes all the difference, when it comes to either being re-traumatized and regressing, or cognitively processing events, and eliminating phobias. This was my reason for becoming a counselor 10 yrs ago, and undoubtedly my strongest area. Experience merits a level of expertise that cannot compare to books.
Brent Ewald, M.S.Acy, M.B.A., CBCS
Office Manager/Medical Biller/Accountant
Brent has two Master's degrees in Business Management and Accounting from Eastern Michigan University. I am also an Certified Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS). With over 30 years of Management work experience: General Manager Burger king, Kitchen Manager Chi-Chi Restaurants, Registered Representative (Financial Advisor) for Met-life and Western & Southern Financial. Over 12 years of medical billing experience with Mindful Living. He is also an Adjunct Instructor at Cleary College teaching Management 425, Management 160 and Finance 175.