Hello

My name is Dennielle and I am an owner and clinician here at Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Counseling (PABC). If you are new, returning or just researching counseling, I congratulate you on your bravery because it’s difficult to take this step. The process of trying to figure out what you need, who you need, and what might work can be terrifying, scary, exhausting, defeating and overwhelming; but the reward when you do find the right match can be life changing. I hope that you are able find your match here at PABC.

Education and Career

My path to becoming a helper was interesting as I knew what I wanted at an early age, however I ignored my passion and pursued an Associates Degree in Web Design and Bachelors Degree in Computer Science majoring in IT Security. Upon entering the field as a program and security manager, I quickly realized how isolating and emotionally damaging this position was for me. With a passion to help people, I decided to volunteer for the Macomb County Crisis Center where I provided referrals to community resources, listened to concerns, and helped those whom may have been suicidal, homicidal or in crisis. I enjoyed this experience so much that when I was laid off, I decided to take a leap of faith and enrolled for my Master’s program at Capella University where I graduated as Summa Cum Laude with a Masters Degree in Human Services specializing in Mental Health Counseling in March of 2012. 

I completed two clinical internships at New Oakland Family Center in the partial hospitalization program called FACE to FACE. This experience put me in the center of learning, observing and providing clinical interventions for those struggling with moderate to severe mental health symptoms. It also provided me with the opportunity to work with a full comprehensive team of social workers, counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, and nurse practitioners. I was able to observe and learn how essential each role is instrumental in improving one’s mental health. The most important piece that I was able to take away from this experience was learning the structures of a diagnosis(s) backed by the professional team and how clinical/medical interventions reduce the severity and allow an individual to feel relief and stability. Once I completed my internships, I continued to provide outpatient services there for approximately six years. In 2012, I opened Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Counseling with the goal of providing education, inspiration and empowerment for individuals, couples and families to overcome daily thoughts, feelings, and problems.

Therapeutic Approach and Interventions

I have evolved my professional development to become a Board Certified Counselor by the NBCC, Clinical Supervisor, ADHD coach and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. As a board certified counselor, I am required to continue my education and gain knowledge of up to date, evidence based clinical interventions. This allows my counseling style to take on an eclectic approach that draws on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques which may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing amongst other therapeutic interventions. This approach is flexible and one of the most effective methods available to meet each individual client unique needs despite their age, background, race, sex, sexual orientation, gender, history, and reason for seeking support.

In September of 2019, I participated in the Michigan Legislative Process to pass the bill HB4325, which allows Licensed Professional Counselors to continue to diagnose and provide clinical interventions. This is one of the fastest moving bills in history placed immediately into effect signed by Governor Whitmer on October 29, 2019. In 2020, during the start of COVID-19 pandemic, I was encouraged by my youth clients to join TikTok. I became a creator providing mental health awareness, education, humor and resources gaining over 75k followers and 1.1 million likes within a year. Maybe one day I will go back to this platform, but for now I would like to evolve the practice and focus on business, education, and leadership for the practice and my team. 

Specializations

I specialize in working with children and teens struggling with a wide range of needs including, but not limited to anxiety, panic, depression, coping and adjustment difficulties, trauma, PTSD, stress, anger, female autism, grief, ADHD, behavioral issues, struggles with school and family, low self esteem, bullying, social pressures; and suicidal and homicidal ideation. I love to help parents who are struggling with young children exhibiting behavioral problems at home or school, struggling to adapt to parenthood, divorce or blended families; and identifying how to parent/co-parent. I also provide individual counseling services to adults that are victims/survivors of abuse, trauma and neglect; struggle with codependency, grief, relationship issues, depression, anger, anxiety, and more. No matter what age you are or what you are struggling with, we will work together to identify your strengths while exploring your own motivation and plan for change. You won’t have to worry about what to talk about because I genuinely want to get to know you and will do so by asking a lot of questions. As we build our rapport, I will start to implement a variety of interventions, but not without your permission. Sometimes we just want to be heard and supported rather than being told what to do or how to cope. 

A Note For You...

Something valuable that I have learned through my experiences of trying to find the right helper is that not everyone is a good match. Just because you meet with one Counselor, doesn’t mean this is the person you HAVE TO HAVE. If something is off, please know that you are allowed to keep interviewing clinicians until you find someone you are comfortable with. If we are not a good fit, it is important to be honest asap because the goal is to help YOU. Together, we will find someone that is qualified to meet your needs.

They say that change is inevitable, but no one prepared us for what the world has thrown us in the past few years AND that doesn't include what occurs in our personal lives. Whether you need a safe place to talk, cry, vent yell, learn, or grow; I will support you. Thank you and I look forward to meeting you.

Professional Achievements

• 2017 Best of Bloomfield Hills Awards for Counseling
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP)
• National Board Certified Counselors - NBCC
• Owner of Pediatric and Adult Behavioral Counseling since 2012
• December 2022: Expanding practice location and hiring/training new clinicians to provide psychedelic integrated psychotherapy in 2023 and 2024