Susan Powers

Comments from Susan Powers about her approach to helping others:

My approach to helping others focuses on empowering each client to make the positive changes that will lead to a more peaceful and fulfilling life experience.  I believe that each of us has everything we need to be happy inside ourselves; we just need support to help us realize our true potential.  Trauma and loss can be devastating, and I feel honored to be able to walk beside my clients and support them in their journey toward healing and happiness.  The most important part of my work is building a safe, trusting, and supportive relationship with each individual and family.    I believe that unconditional caring and respect are key elements of a therapy relationship, and each client’s personal and spiritual beliefs will be honored and respected.  Whether you have experienced a trauma, a significant loss, or just feel that something is missing in your life, I would be honored to help facilitate the change you desire in your life.

Background and Education: 

Susan Powers is a Psychologist with 24 years of clinical experience including individual therapy with children and adults, couples and family therapy, play therapy, trauma recovery, bereavement therapy, and psychological evaluation. Susan offers a full range of services to individuals, couples, and families. Services include psychotherapy and assessment for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems, parenting issues, personal growth and development, grief and loss.

Susan earned her Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a minor in Individual and Family Relationships from Western Michigan University, then earned her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology with a Clinical Mental Health emphasis from Western Michigan University.   She is skilled in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy and Client Focused Psychotherapy.

Susan has provided services for a wide variety of individual and families, beginning with three years as the Social Services Director for the Kalamazoo Total Living Center, where she worked with developmentally disabled adults and children and their families.  She completed her Masters Level internship at the Kalamazoo Guidance Clinic, where she was offered a therapist position upon graduation.  Susan provided services for the Guidance Clinic for ten years, where she enjoyed working with children, adults and families, providing individual, group, and family therapy in addition to psychological evaluation.  Susan was part of the panel for the SMILE program for Kalamazoo County Family Court (a program to assist divorcing parents in focusing on the needs of their children) and served on the Michigan Post Adoptive Board, providing services for families in the process of adopting special needs children.  Susan honed her skills in play therapy and trauma recovery at the Center for Change and Growth in Paw Paw, Michigan, and spent eight years as the lead therapist for the Kent County Children’s Assessment Center. Susan joined Jenison Psychological Services as a full time therapist in 2012.

If you have further questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call (616) 457-0016, extension 100.

*A Limited Licensed Psychologist is under the supervision of a Licensed Psychologist.