Portage, MI Local Support & Community Resources

Alex Ansell is a dedicated Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) who holds dual degrees in both Social Work and Alcohol & Drug Addiction Counseling from Western Michigan University. With specialized training in EMDR, CBT, and DBT, he embodies a belief in the inherent goodness and wisdom of individuals, aiming to empower them to recognize and leverage their strengths. Alex’s methodical approach to therapy ensures that the treatment plan he develops is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, fostering a supportive environment for personal growth and healing.

Erin Arwady, LMSW, is a passionate Clinical Social Worker and therapist with several years of experience, known for her balanced, relationship-driven, and creative approach to engaging with individuals and families across diverse populations. She has built an extensive background working with children, adolescents, and adults facing a range of challenges, including mood disorders, eating disorders, ADHD, and dual diagnosis. Rather than adhering to a single treatment method, Erin utilizes her training in various modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), expressive arts therapies, and holistic approaches, to tailor her therapeutic practice. Erin has a special interest in assisting adolescents and young adults and their families, merging expressive techniques and mindfulness practices to foster the expression of feelings and the development of healthy coping mechanisms. Committed to client-centered care, Erin creates a nurturing and inclusive space that welcomes clients from all racial, cultural, ethnic, socio-economic, sexual, and gender identities and abilities.

Starr Bull, a dedicated Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Limited Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LLMFT), graduated from Western Michigan University with a Master's in Couples, Marriage, and Family Therapy. With extensive experience working with a diverse range of clients, including individuals, couples, and families, she specializes in marital and premarital counseling, anxiety, and substance use recovery. Starr believes in the importance of navigating life's transitions and challenges through counseling, aiming to foster healing and personal growth. Her collaborative approach ensures that clients are actively involved in their therapeutic journey, allowing for tailored techniques that meet their unique needs. With a commitment to providing a non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive environment, Starr empowers her clients to realize their goals. A lifelong learner and personal advocate for family values, she enriches her work with insights drawn from her experiences as a married individual with four children and two grandchildren. Starr is excited to contribute her expertise to the Thriveworks community in the Kalamazoo area.