Counseling Team

With our diverse team of counselors / therapists, we are here to help you on your journey to a more fulfilled life. Our service team works hard in the background to help our providers help you, and keep the quality of your care consistent

To become a new client, contact us by calling or emailing us to schedule an appointment.   

Providers

Valerie Brenneman - MA, LPC, CAADC, NCC, EMDR Trained, LPC Supervisor. President/Owner

The key to a better future is you. I feel driven to work with adults that are trying to find themselves, trying to find direction, their voice, working through anxiety or trauma, navigating relationships, individuals at midlife looking back on their life wondering about the next half of their life, navigating the corporate world looking for fulfillment or balance. If your gas tank is on empty, you are experiencing a high degree of stress, or you seem to be putting in a lot of effort without results, If old feelings from the past are resurfacing, work/change is needed. Let’s find your light. You matter. Life should be good.

Psych Today
Risa Mendelson - MA, LPC, COTA

Risa is an experienced and dynamic counselor that integrates a collaboration of holistic approaches that addresses the mind, body, environment and daily activities. Risa works with clients to manage their anxiety, stress, overwhelming demands of life, emotional pain, disconnection or burnout and help them restore balance emotionally, cognitively and physically. Risa has great success in getting her clients to feel safe in a nonjudgmental space where their experiences are heard and honored to develop strategies, build resilience, and reconnect with meaningful activities.

Psych Today
Amanda Saxe - LPC, MA

I have been a Counselor since 2009, with a speciality in work with children and teenagers. I received my MA in Counseling in 2009 also from Oakland University, graduating with honors. I have worked as a School Counselor for years, helping to support students and parents navigating receiving 504 plans or IEP's. I have worked at A Better Future for 4 years, serving all ages but specializing in work with Children and Teenagers. I am also Trauma Certified. I have two sons who are both in college, and a pug puppy!

Psych Today
Juanita Landen - LPC, MA

My approach is empowering and pragmatic, but solution focused. I want to help you see yourself, others, and the world differently though a lens of self-compassion. I utilize CBT, DBT, and ACT, and elements of psychodynamic therapy. My availability is on Thursday evenings and daytime on Saturdays. I can open other times in my schedule on occasion.

Psych Today
Shauni Ford - LLPC, MA

Supporting Women Through Every Life Stage- I work with women through all seasons of life—pregnancy, postpartum, fertility challenges, miscarriage, motherhood, and the transitions of being single, married, or divorced. Each stage brings unique challenges, and I strive to create a safe, inclusive space where you feel heard and supported. My approach is flexible and personalized, drawing from various therapeutic frameworks to support your well-being. I believe growth and healing are always possible, and I’m here to help guide that journey.

Psych Today
Maria Vengachuvattil

My goal is to help the client accept your thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to avoid or control them. We focus on building psychological flexibility, emphasizing on staying mindful enough to take actions that align with personal values, even when difficult emotions show up. Each client's journey unfolds at their own pace, depending on their unique experiences, needs, and readiness to engage with the process. I look forward to joining your journey to a better future.

Psych Today

Service Team

Vicki Danforth & Tanya Swisher

Vicki (right) has over 30 years of experience of billing/office management experience. She takes a no-nonsense approach to her work however a compassionate heart while doing so.

Tanya (left) has over 18 years of experience working in office administration. She has a thorough management process and a heart of gold.

Logan

Website, Office Assistance

James Barnthouse

James has over 25 years of financial management experience. He oversees the finances, handles maintenance and IT issues.

Sean

Project Management, Data Analysis

Chloe Barnthouse

Mentor

Other Volunteers, Interns, Mentors

Ava (Group Therapy Assistant, Mentor)

Kara (Volunteer/Admin Support)

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