Christine Paige, Intern

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 713
Email: cpaige@secondstorycounseling.com

MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Spring Arbor University (In Progress)

BA Elementary Education - Hope College

Having someone walk alongside you, sharing in your journey, can make all the difference in how you grow from your experiences. My own journey has been filled with moments of great joy as well as moments of deep sorrow. Collectively, these experiences have nurtured in me empathy and compassion for others. The most impactful relationships in my life have included friends at the end of their long earthly journeys as well as young friends just entering kindergarten. Each of them has taught me that everyone experiences seasons of joy and sorrow, triumphs and defeats, loneliness and belonging. I am here to partner with you and encourage you as you strive to grow and love the story you are living.

When I am not working, I enjoy reading, bird watching, sharing a homemade meal with friends or family, spending time with our grown children, and taking walks in the woods with my husband or exploring beach towns along Lake Michigan together. I am most at peace when I am out in nature.

My Approach

My first priority is to establish a trusting relationship with each client, meeting them where they are in their journey with non-judgmental acceptance and compassion. My desire is to create a space in which they feel respected and safe to share their story with me. My approaches include a person-centered focus as well as the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques. With younger clients, I draw from my skills as a licensed K-8 educator and youth librarian using a play-based approach that helps them to feel comfortable, safe, and enjoy our time together. I work to make sure that each individual feels valued, heard, and supported in an environment that is warm and welcoming.

What you Can Expect

You can expect that our time together will be comfortable, confidential, and non-judgmental. I offer a safe space in which you will feel at ease to be yourself and share your story with me in a caring and supportive environment. I am here to listen and help you reflect on the experiences or feelings that brought you to therapy. There may be times when you feel uncomfortable or unsure. Healing and growth take time and effort and are not always linear. I commit to walking alongside you as you heal and grow.