Freedom Counseling

12/22/2025

As if there hasn't been enough excitement this week....

But wait! There's more!

January 1st we are opening an office in Mattawan! This office will feature Amber Larsen who specializes in children through young adults and Nicole Parker who is a trauma therapy and EMDR guru.

We look forward to serving the Mattawan community for years to come and getting to know the neighbors!

12/20/2025

Guess who's back....back again! MALLORY'S BACK!!...tell a friend! Guess who's back guess who's back guess who's back guess who's back...(Na-na-na, na, na, na, na, na, na) (Na-na-na, na, na, na, na)

We are so excited to announce the return of Mallory Bitzer, LMSW, CAADC. Mallory is returning from maternity leave and her Monday's are already booked. She will be available Tuesdays and Wednesdays 9a-5p after the New Year!

Mallory works with individuals late teens and beyond. She has extensive experience working with individuals navigating addiction, anxiety, depression, stage-of-life challenges, school/college life, and trauma. Mallory is compassionate, witty, and brings her light to therapy.

Call 269-400-8257 to book an appointment! Learn more at www.freedomcounselingkalamazoo.us

12/19/2025

Introducing our intern for 2026 - please join us in welcoming Dharmesh Patel!

➡️Dharmesh is an intern from Cornerstone University studying to become both a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist.

➡️Dharmesh is available to provide counseling *free* of charge and will see individuals across the lifespan, couples, and families from all demographic and socioeconomic experiences.

➡️He brings vast background of life experience to his internship including police work and military service, bilingualism, and large-scale business management.

☎️Call 269-400-8257 to make an appointment! Dharmesh will be in the office Mondays from 9:30am-1:30pm and available virtually for appointments at other times.

12/17/2025

Blue got his 2nd chance to make a first impression at the office today. Much less barky and much more lovey!

12/04/2025

We are shouting from the roof tops cheers of celebration. Julia Erity passed her licensing exam today leading her to become fully licensed very soon.

What does this mean and why are we so happy for Julia?
When one graduates from graduate school they apply for a limited license (LLMSW in Julia's case). Over a period of usually two to three years they work toward accruing a specific number of hours of experience and participate in supervision to prepare for full licensure. Julia has completed the required work hours and supervision, and now the final step of passing the license exam. She will apply for full licensure and soon drop the extra "L" from her license. This is a significant step in a social worker's career, and we could not be happier and more proud of Julia and her commitment to her craft and clients!

12/01/2025

In August, I introduced the FC community to Chewy, my 2 month old little buddy and future therapy dog. In October, Chewy became ill. We don't know what caused the illness and we did everything we could to help him but he didn't make it. He died on his 4 month birthday. It was devastating.

With Chewy being my first dog ever, I was unsure how I could risk loving a dog again. It felt like too much to fathom. I'm surrounded by the best wisdom-filled coworkers and friends who supported me through it all.

Well, recently God said, "Hey this dog's family is moving away and can't take him. He's your next dog." Meet Blue. He's almost 5 years old and as sweet as can be. He'll be joining me at work for the first time tomorrow and we will see how he does! He is a snuggler and snoozer who is full of affection. He has started to fill a hole in my heart, and I love him to pieces already!

-Liz Cary

11/24/2025

We have you covered!

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/17yCAzkpmu/?mibextid=wwXIfr

11/03/2025

Say hello to Millie! She is a big furry friend who is so happy to see everyone who comes in at the W. Main office. Millie works alongside Amber Larsen, LLPC, and brings a special joy with her energy! 🐕❤️

10/16/2025

100% us! We show up in the midst of our own life's chaos to support you exactly where you are.

When you work with me, I will show up as a pediatric OT but also as a mom of three who is very much in the thick of it. Endless laundry, juggling work schedules with school schedules, supporting a neurodiverse child, worrying if my kids are eating enough veggies, trying my best… I will never know all the things, all the lived experiences, but what I can do is show up authentically and meet you and your child exactly where you are.

10/15/2025

On this date...just a few years ago...Deb was born!! We wish the happiest of birthdays to Deb Johnson, our intake coordinator. She is usually the first point of contact for anyone looking for counseling, and we would never be where we are today without her!

Deb is our work mom and a mom-figure to many people who call. If you guys only knew all that she handled...when clients are having a bad day or are working on developing good *respectful* communication skills, Deb takes the brunt and offers grace to all. And keeping all of us therapists wrangled in is no small undertaking! Deb does it all and we are SO grateful for her. Feel free to text her and wish her a happy birthday! 269-400-8257

10/02/2025

Biggest shoutout IN THE WORLD to Virginia Fives, LMSW. Virginia recently passed her licensing test to become fully, independently licensed!!!!

Becoming a therapist takes a master's degree followed by several years of supervised work and finally, a licensing test. Therapists carry an extra "L" standing for "Limited" on their title until then, and now Virginia gets to drop the L!

Congratulations, Virginia! Your people here at FC are so proud of you and happy for you. Your hard work, dedication to your clients, and commitment to the standards of your profession are only a small part of what makes you the amazing therapist that you are! To infinity and beyond!

09/22/2025

Questions about addiction or substance abuse? We have answers. Virginia Fives, LLMSW, gives you a 30 second peek into the impacts of addiction and possibilities that therapy offers!