Sawyer Haisma, Intern
Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 755
Email: shaisma@secondstorycounseling.com
MA Clinical and Mental Health Counseling - Aquinas College (In Progress)
Change can be slow and methodical like the seasons; we wonder how we got so far from who we once were. We can wonder when life started to feel dull, or hopeless, or if it always felt this way. Sometimes it’s more of a hurricane. In an instant, we’re left rattled, in need of warmth, security, and hoping we can find a strong enough foundation within ourselves to rebuild. To me, therapy has always been a means of getting back to who I once was and who I want to become. I believe that an unwavering human connection is the most imperative force in a life well lived. You deserve someone who is fully invested in your life story.
When I am not working, I can be found admiring the outdoors, hiking, having a meal with a friend, and reading in my cozy apartment. Some of my favorite things include making art, listening to music, voice memos from loved ones, sitting in the sun, fuzzy little animals, and good movies.
My Approach
I facilitate my sessions from a Humanistic standpoint. This means I see wellness as a sum of identity, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social sectors. Everyone is unique. We deserve to be treated from a standpoint that takes into account all variables of who we are. These are specific to background and cultural factors. I also utilized a person-centered approach and cognitive-behavioral therapy skills. This entails that you will lead the sessions in a sense, determining what is most important for us to work on, and I am there to guide you. Also, I bring the knowledge that our thoughts, behaviors, and feelings are interconnected. Together, we will discern what thoughts, feelings, and actions are serving your life and the power they hold.
What You Can Expect
Emotions can be powerful, and true vulnerability can be quite intimidating. I believe there is relief in naming hard things out loud. To make this easier, I bring wholehearted support, open-mindedness, passion, and warmth with a touch of humor. You deserve a place where you feel accepted and empowered to continue telling your story. In our work together, I will aim not only to provide that environment but to instill a consistent underlying message of hope.