Betty Verburg, MA, LLC

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 629
Email: bverburg@secondstorycounseling.com

MA Counseling - Grand Rapids Theological Seminary

BA Social Studies and Elementary Education - Calvin College

BRE Bible & Theology - Reformed Bible College

My life story has included some unexpected turns which have included loss, grief, and times of uncertainty. But along with the times of challenge, have come times of growth, strength, and joy. Our life stories are not always what we want them to be. I consider it a privilege to journey along side others as they share their life stories, strive to make new meanings and changes, and discover their own strengths in the midst of challenging times.

Outside of counseling, I enjoy spending time with my husband and family, camping and being outdoors in nature, and traveling and seeing new places. I am drawn to historical markers along the roadside as history and life stories intrigue me. Reading has always been one of my favorite activities, and my book collection continues to grow.

My Approach

My approach focuses on providing a warm and caring environment where you are encouraged to develop new insights into your life. I work with children, adolescents, and adults and consider the developmental stage of each and how it informs their understanding. The primary theoretical approaches that I utilize in counseling include person-centered, narrative, and trauma-informed therapies. Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be used to explore your thought patterns to discover how certain held beliefs may affect emotions and behaviors. As you are the expert on your own life, we will reflect on your strengths and make use of these in your process of growth and healing. For those who desire it, I will incorporate spiritual and biblical faith-based approaches. We are holistic people and one part of us affects another. How your issues affect your mind, emotions, body, soul, and relationships will be considered.

What you can expect

You can expect that I will see you as a unique person with inherent value and will work to create a safe and caring space for you to tell your story and feel heard. I will work alongside of you as decide on your goals for counseling and move in the direction of new understandings and positive changes in your life.