Health For Life Counseling | Grand Rapids Therapy Services

The front desk people are always away from the phone or just completely gone so there's no way to get help. I've called so many times it never goes through and when I'm in office there's a sign saying they're on holiday leave when its well after the holidays. Also this place claims heavily that they are trauma based/informed and specialize in trauma based care. However, my therapist did not seem experienced at all. In my screening call I explicitly said that I did not need talk therapy, I was very aware of my emotions and trauma focused work/nervous system regulation is what I need, which they confirmed they were capable of handling. They then proceeded for multiple sessions do client-led talk therapy. They kept asking how I was feeling and what I thought about everything when I thought that was very clear from the start. Didn't have very organized sessions with clear plans, sessions were based on my feelings that day or current events, and never closed my sessions on a good note to make sure I left feeling safe or stable after opening up. Couldn't call a receptionist to switch therapists within the practice because they rarely answer the phone and as someone with trauma it didn't feel safe to confront my therapist directly and tell them I needed to see someone else because they weren't what I needed. I go to therapy to receive help and not guide my therapist on how to provide a service to me. Really disappointed that I have to start over again. This might be more helpful for people who need base level help, just being diagnosed with depression/anxiety and can't identify their emotions and need grounding/coping/reflection techniques. This was not helpful for complex trauma and individuals who are very aware. However, the people I did speak to were nice people outside of the whole therapy thing.

I had a horrible experience. My therapist was ABUSIVE. I found health for life unsupportive and dismissive of my concerns. When I attempted to report abuse by a therapist there, the owner said, "well, our therapists are independent contractors we don't do any kind of oversight or support for those who feel harmed by a therapist." or that was my absolutely distinct impression.