In my early professional years I was asking the question: How can I treat, or cure, or change this person? Now I would phrase the question in this way: How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for his own personal growth?
― Carl Rogers

The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.
― Eckhart Tolle

Meanings are not determined by situations, but we determine ourselves by the meanings we give to situations.
― Alred Adler

Nothing ever goes away until it has taught us what we need to know.
― Pema Chödrön

As a licensed clinical psychologist, I’ve completed necessary educational requirements (doctorate in clinical psychology, Wheaton College, 2021) and received extensive training (former U.S. Army psychologist). However, I don’t think that’s the most valuable thing I have to offer to you. Rather, because of my life experiences and who I am as a clinician, I believe I am uniquely positioned to help the hurting, the stuck, or those in over their head.

As a psychotherapist, my style is warm, conversational, and less structured. A large part of what makes therapy work is the professional working relationship between the therapist and the client. Because of this, I think it's important to share some parts of my story that I believe helps make me who I am:

·       As a child of divorced parents, I understand how complicated family can get and how painful some of the closest relationships in your life can become. 

·       As a singer and musician (piano and tuba), I have an appreciation for the arts and creative pursuits. 

·       As someone who grew up with immediate family members suffering from mental illness, I understand how hard it can be for children to discover their identity and feel safe in a world that seems confusing. 

·       As a former college football player, I understand the unique challenges and mindset of former (or current) athletes and competitors. 

·       As a Veteran and former U.S. Army psychologist, I understand the unique opportunities and challenges of military service. 

·       As a practicing Christian, I understand the importance of faith in a person’s life, while respecting those of other faiths or those who do not practice any specific faith. 

·       As a West Michigan-native, I know the area with its culture, history, and am excited to give back to the community.

As a counselor, my goal is to help guide you learn about yourself and grow so you can live with intentionality and become the person you want to be. While I cannot do the work for you, I can walk alongside you in this season of life and offer kindness, compassion, and curiosity as we explore the shape your life has taken and the ways in which you want it to change.

I’ve previously worked with children and adolescents, college students, adults, active-duty military, and Veterans.

If you are interested in exploring if we would be compatible for therapy, please reach out for a free 15-minute consultation so we can speak and see if we might be a good fit.

-Dr. Dan Barnhart, Psy.D.