Our Clinicians

Deanna Heath, LMSW

PHILOSOPHY

I believe that each individual has a unique view of the world, based on his/her role in it. Each client has his/her own stories, history, and goals. Together we will explore those areas making life difficult and establish your goals for improving them. As we look at those areas we will build on your strengths and consider the emotional, physical, social, spiritual, and cultural forces involved.

I use multi-modal therapies which include cognitive behavioral therapy, positive therapies, narrative therapy and others as appropriate. I believe it is important to only use proven evidence-based therapies.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

I hold a Clinical Master of Social Work degree from Michigan State University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Sociology from Central Michigan University.

My work experience includes 25 years in hospice and health care along with experience in college student issues, adoptions, the court system, and facilitating loss and grief groups. My training and my work experience have provided me with wide ranging experiences that are very valuable in my work as a therapist.

I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and groups to improve each one's quality of life through personal growth, healthy relationships, and developing skills to manage life's challenges.

COUNSELING PRACTICE

During our counseling sessions as we talk about your thoughts and feelings we will draw upon your strengths, values, beliefs, coping systems, creativity and support system. You may be asked to do homework or I may suggest resources which would help. Those could include reading, group counseling, journaling, or other therapeutic techniques.

If you have any complaints or concerns regarding the services that you are receiving, please do not hesitate to discuss them with me.

Kendree Berg, LMSW

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a clinical Master of Social Work degree, both from Ferris State University. While there I interned with the Diversity and Inclusion Office, and was coordinator for the university LGBTQ Resource Center.

It's important to me to provide a safe space for the client to be honest and authentic about what's going on in their life. The client sets their own goals and actively guides the process, so I can help them move from where they are to where they want to be. I provide tools along the way from an eclectic array of cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and others.

In session, we usually touch base on victories and high points, and current stressors. We cover previously discussed topics, and review their successes with techniques and assignments they might have had. We may talk about decisions they're facing, review their thought processes, explore their own perceptions about themselves. At times we might challenge those thoughts utilizing thought challenging exercises, to help them get to the root about why they make decisions in a certain way.

I enjoy helping people make positive changes in their lives, get the affirmation they want, and achieve their goals.

Jennifer Noricks, LMSW

I provide therapeutic telehealth services to clients all over the state of Michigan. I live in the metro Detroit area with my spouse and children. My hobbies are going for walks, planning trips to Disney World, playing the piano, and visiting thrift stores for vintage dishware.

I have been a Licensed Master Social Worker (clinical and macro) since 2002. I am a graduate of Wayne State University, holding a bachelor's degree in Psychology and a master's degree in Social Work. I have worked in medical, outpatient, and residential settings with children and adults of all ages. I also have lived, professional, and volunteer experience within the LGBTQIA+ community.

I believe in the potential of each person to flourish emotionally, physically and spiritually. I assist clients in identifying factors that are hindering their wellness and in finding positive ways to conquer those obstacles. Empowering clients to set boundaries, to overcome religious trauma, and to work from their strengths are special interests of mine. Let's work together to achieve your goals!

Connor McGahan, LLMSW

I hold a Bachelor degree in Social Work as well as a clinical Masters in Social Work degree, both from Ferris State University.

During my senior year, I interned at HealthWest in Muskegon, working with the juvenile justice team. I worked with the team helping children in foster care (aged 14-21) transition into adulthood. I also interned at Mt. Pleasant Counseling, providing office support.

Working with clients, I generally use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment therapy. We start with the client setting goals, and determining what mode works best for them; talk therapy, homework / book work, etc. If trauma is an issue, I help them examine each aspect of the trauma to help them overcome it, make it more manageable, and less triggering.

We work together toward achieving their overall goals as well as handling daily stressors. As we proceed, we circle back, review their goals, see how well we're doing and what course changes may be needed.

I believe that mental health is as important as physical health. I think everyone can benefit from therapy, striving toward the goal of being happy and healthy.

Lauren Martin, LLMSW

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University, and a clinical Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Kentucky.

Before joining Mt. Pleasant Counseling, I worked in foster care in various capacities. I assisted with visitation between biological children and parents, and was involved in foster care court. Later, I provided therapy and crisis support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

I often practice Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as well as trauma focused CBT. I also deploy mindfulness techniques, breathing techniques, and other types of therapy as needed.

In session, I like to make things easy. Clients lead the way, and I follow. Usually we start with a check-in and update on the week, then get into the core issues. I try to wrap up by discussing the client's upcoming plans, so they can decompress as the session ends.

I'm especially careful dealing with client trauma. I know what it's like to be re-traumatized. I tell my trauma clients that I have a shovel, and I'll dig a little bit, but if I dig too deep, to let me know, to keep them from being re-traumatized.

I find it very rewarding to help people work through everyday problems as well as the bigger challenges they face. Clients often come to us feeling overwhelmed, and I enjoy the process of breaking down barriers, talking things out, and being a steady support person.

Most important to me is for my clients to feel like we're a good fit and that they get what they need from therapy.

Katie Eberhart, LLMSW

I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, with a concentration in criminal justice and a minor in Substance Abuse Education: Prevention, Intervention, and Treatment, from Central Michigan University. I also hold a Master's in Clinical Social Work from Spring Arbor University.

I worked for Child Welfare for several years, and at present am employed by the Michigan Department of Corrections. I did my social work internship with Mt. Pleasant Counseling for the first year, and during the second year worked for Addiction Solutions in Mt. Pleasant, providing therapy for clients in court ordered programs for substance abuse. I have diverse experience with all age groups and backgrounds.

In my therapy practice, I employ cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I have training and skills in many other techniques that I apply as needed.

I strive to make therapy sessions a safe space for clients to be open about their symptoms, needs, and goals. My job is to guide that process, to assist them with tools and techniques, and track progress toward achieving their goals. I really enjoy helping clients thrive.

Kyle Sammons, LLMSW

I hold dual bachelor's degrees in Social Work and Sociology from Wayne State University. I also hold a Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work, as well as a graduate certificate in drug and alcohol abuse, from Wayne State.

For two years I was a case manager for the Noah Project, working with individuals experiencing homelessness. My social work internship was at Affirmations in Ferndale, as a therapist working with the LGBTQ+ community. I spent my final semester as an overdose rescue trainer for Americorps.

In my practice I primarily deploy cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as well as multimodal techniques including narrative therapy, motivational therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). I am also a strong believer in mindfulness techniques.

I believe that each client is the expert in their own life. My job is to create a safe and open space where clients can feel affirmed and heard, and feel vulnerable without judgment. I believe that is the atmosphere that allows healing to begin.

In session, I like to start with the client reviewing progress over the past week. Using a client-centered approach, I encourage clients to take the conversation to whatever they want to work on that day. I strive to end each session on the most positive note possible, with encouragement and suggestions for self-care that the client can apply over the following week.

I enjoy the diversity of clients, the differences in experiences, the variety of presenting problems. I get a great deal of satisfaction in seeing clients change, progress, and improve in perspective and dynamics over the course of therapy.