Phil Nienhuis, MDiv, MA, LMSW

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 513
Email: pnienhuis@secondstorycounseling.com

MSW - Western Michigan UniversityMDiv - Covenant Theological Seminary
MDiv - Covenant Theological Seminary

I have two passions in my work.
The first passion is working with individuals, couples and families to alleviate misery and increase wellbeing. (Think: two sides of a coin.)
Misery. Depression. Anxiety. Family conflict. Distress at work. Boredom and lack of challenge. Feeling hopeless and helpless, day after day. The list can go on and on. What's your misery?
Wellbeing. Affirmation of one's value and worth, talents and strengths. Good health. Satisfying relationships. Embracing hope and expressing gratitude. How would your life need to be for you to go to bed at night and be able to affirm, "Life's good. I'm blessed" ?
The second passion is working with people who want to experience satisfaction, purpose and meaning in their work. High school students who are confused about their future. Young adults who feel stuck in a job that's boring and lacks challenge. Adults who are considering a major switch.
Life is difficult. We experience disappointment, pain and adversity in our lives. All this does not take away from the affirmation that we are created in God's image. This simple but profound affirmation gives us deep value and worth. We will be healed and restored. We will be resilient. We will live a full and meaningful life. Embrace hope that you can experience joy and meaning in life.
As a counselor, these are my goals and focus when I work with my clients.

My Approach

My approach to counseling is person- and family-centered, whether I'm working with an individual, a couple or a family.

The counseling I provide is grounded in real life. We confront difficulties and adversities. We affirm personal beliefs, values and strengths.

I work with them to clarify their problems, their adversities.

I work with my clients to identify and develop their strengths.

I work with them to clarify and affirm their Desired Future, one in which they will experience joy and meaning in their lives.

I help my clients to strengthen their belief that they, indeed, can experience a meaningful life.

I work with them to develop a clear pathway to make it happen.

What you can expect

You can expect from me, as your counselor, to listen to both your problems and concerns, encourage you to affirm and use your strengths to solve these problems (Misery) and embrace "Life's good" (Wellbeing).

You can expect from me to not just listen but also coach you in the attitudes and skills to move from being stuck to moving forward.

In a safe and confidential environment we will explore how to alleviate misery and the pathway to living a life that is fulfilling.

We are not able to edit the first chapters in our story - chapters about our past - but we will write a new chapter about how life is very different and much better.