SOULUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND & BODY
Denise Potter, LMSW
Working over 20 years providing social work services to children, adolescents and families I have had the privilege of coming alongside those during the most difficult and challenging times of their life. I hope to be a grounding support for those taking that step forward to improving mental, emotional and physical well-being.
I have experience in working with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, children with ADHD, and anger or other behavioral challenges. I have also worked with youth involved with the court system and school disciplinary issues.
I support clients utilizing a variety of approaches to therapy specific to the client's therapeutic goals. Training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), mindfulness techniques, and Solution Focused Therapy.
My Story
Denise grew up in rural Montcalm County prior to attending Grand Valley University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Denise completed a practicum with Kent County Juvenile Probation. While completing her BA she worked at Project Rehab adolescent residential treatment center in Grand Rapids working with adolescents who were dual diagnosed with substance abuse disorder with co-occurring mental health diagnosed.
Following graduation she worked with Child Protective Services investigating child abuse/neglect complaints.
Denise completed her Masters of Social Work at WMU and her practicum in individual and family counseling. She went on to work at the Children Assessment Center in Kent County investigating sexual abuse complaints. Denise assisted in opening I AM SAFE in Montcalm and Kent County. Denise’s true passion is working with adolescents. She was also juvenile probation officer in Kent County. Denise supervisors MSW student’s practicum in Child Welfare, with a focus on Child Abuse/Neglect.
In addition to a counseling practice Denise has her 200 hour Yoga teacher certification and teaches donation base yoga classes. Denise focused in her Masters program the understanding of mind body relationship and the effects they have on one another.
Denise focuses her counseling practice working with teens who struggle in the juvenile justice system, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and family/school problems.