These are our clinical and administrative staff. We value authenticity and compassion, and hope that is evident in your interactions with us.
Meet Our Team
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My approach to therapy is collaborative and client-centered—my goal is to empower you to navigate life's challenges and achieve your goals. You are the expert in your own life, and together we explore your strengths and develop skills for healing, growth, and meaningful change. Integrating a range of evidence-based practices, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and somatic approaches, each session is tailored to meet your unique needs.
I believe that effective communication is key to developing, maintaining, or repairing all relationships—whether with a partner, a friend, a coworker, or yourself. This philosophy is rooted in my education, with a Master’s in Social Work from Louisiana State University and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Central Michigan University. Utilizing this unique, well-rounded perspective in my practice, I help you understand how communication issues are impacting your life and help you improve communication skills to foster healthy relationships.
My clinical experience includes working with adults and teens facing depression, anxiety, and life crises, supporting youth and families navigating behavioral challenges, and assisting neurodiverse individuals, including those with ADHD and dyslexia.
Outside the therapy room, I enjoy spending time with my teenage daughter and our dog. I love staying active and curious—exploring new places, trying new foods, and getting outdoors, especially in the summer. I am also a fan of hockey, football, trivia, music, and thought-provoking podcasts.
I have a passion for children, adolescents, and adults seeking to access their own power and confidence after trauma, frightening or confusing experience(s) that change one’s ideas about the safety of the world or other people. Our brains and bodies are so effective in protecting us from potential harm, and sometimes our brains and bodies also need some help to know that the danger has passed, and a lower level of alert is truly safe; the trauma is part of one’s life but need not be the focus of one’s life. I would be honored to be by your side as you/ your child grows from the challenges of today toward the possibilities of tomorrow.
My Master of Clinical Social Work is from Western Michigan University, I have specializations in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Trauma Across the Lifespan (TALS), and am a Trauma Play Therapist-In-Training. I have expertise in working with survivors of child sexual abuse/ sexual assault, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and people who struggle with self-harm behaviors and suicidal ideation. I am fluent in Spanish and have bachelor’s degrees in Spanish Language and Latin American Studies from the University of Nebraska.
I recently graduated from Western Michigan University with my Masters in Social Work. I have a minor in holistic health that influences my outlook and approach to life. For my therapy style, I like to integrate multiple therapeutic approaches and evidenced-based practices to meet people where they are at in their healing journey. I have four years of experience working in the mental health field. I primarily have worked with adults who have experienced trauma in addition to cooccurring mental health and substance use disorders. I have worked in crisis residential, inpatient treatment, and case management. I have a passion for working together with individuals who are seeking support to make a positive change. I strive to hold space, empower, and walk beside them in their journey.
When not at work I enjoy spending quality time with friends and family. For self-care I enjoy spending time in nature, hiking, and practicing yoga. I enjoy my time with my animals (two cats, two horses, and a hedgehog). I am also a proud plant parent.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor and Certified Sex Addiction Therapist. I obtained my M.A. in Community Counseling from Western Michigan University in 2012. I have a heart for those struggling with and impacted by problematic behaviors. I have worked in just about every area of the field: residential, home-based, intensive outpatient and outpatient. I have specialized experience and training working with individuals with alcohol, drug, gambling and porn/sex addictions as well as their family members. I also have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, relationship issues (such as affair recovery) as well as issues coping with the general day to day stress in life.
When not at work I enjoy spending time with my husband, three children and dog. I love learning about and experiencing other cultures, whether through attending local festivals, going to authentic restaurants or traveling the world.
I have many years of customer service experience, but my last few years have consisted of me being a stay-at-home mom. Now that my son is in school full time, I wanted to find a job where I can help create meaningful relationships and encourage a space of love and healing. Wow have I found that and more here at Mariposa Counseling. We are all committed to healing and being educators and guides. We know that this path is not linear, and we are prepared to actually partner with you. Healing can feel isolating at times, but you do not have to walk the path alone, we are here to help.
When I am not at work I enjoy spending time outside camping, hiking, and kayaking. My favorite time is always spent with my husband, our son, and our dog Maxx who is a Beagle/Chihuahua mix. We all love to play games together.
Hi! My name is Lauren Hansen and I am currently a graduate student at Central Michigan University where I am studying to be a counselor! I am originally from west Michigan and I went to Aquinas College for my undergraduate degree. I have over 5 years of experience working with children and teenagers from all grade levels and a passion for helping families! For the last 2 years I have been working with students in special education and collaborating with social workers and counselors on how to best serve their needs. I believe that mental health is a crucial aspect in our overall health and I would be honored to work with you or your child.
When I am not working, I love to run, play lacrosse, and watch Golden Girls reruns with my cat! I can’t wait to meet you!
Scheduling is easy! Simply contact our administrative assistant Emily Chivis by e-mail at echivis@mariposacounselingllc.com or by call/text at (616) 284-1329. After scheduling you will be able to show up to your first appointment from anywhere in the state of Michigan virtually or in person at our office at 1345 Monroe Ave NW Suite 323, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505. We are conveniently located just north of Downtown GR, and just east off the US131 Leonard Street exit. Our centrally located offices allow us to offering therapy in Grand Rapids MI and surrounding areas, plus virtually in the whole state.
[49504, 49544, 59505, 49506, 49507, 49512, 49525, 49508]