We've been
there too.

Forest Ferns is a group practice of second-career clinicians who understand life transitions from the inside. We work with clients navigating complex trauma, chronic illness, identity shifts, neurodivergence, grief, and the strain of living in systems not designed with them in mind.

Affirming therapy for people in transition.

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A smiling person with short gray hair, wearing glasses, a navy blue shirt, dark pants, and hiking shoes, sitting cross-legged on a wooden bench in front of large green tropical plants and a brick wall.

Founded by Dr. Mel Whalen
Culturally Deaf, nonbinary licensed psychologist. Forest Ferns was built to offer therapy that is identity-aware, accessible, and grounded in lived experience.

Therapy grounded in lived experience

About Forest Ferns

Every clinician at Forest Ferns came to this work after first careers and real life. We know what it means to navigate hard transitions — after divorce, career change, identity shifts, loss. We bring that understanding into every session, alongside rigorous clinical training.

We specialize in helping people navigate the in-between: the moments when the old story no longer fits and the new one hasn't arrived yet.

Who We Work With

Specificity matters

People reach out more easily when they can see themselves here.

  • Clients across language modalities

    ASL users, hearing clients, mixed Deaf-hearing families, parents of Deaf children, and clients who prefer text-based or visually accessible communication.

  • LGBTQ+ and nonbinary clients

    Identity development, relationships, family dynamics, transition-related questions, and the strain of living in environments that don't make enough room.

  • Complex, layered histories

    Trauma that shows up through the nervous system, trauma tangled with systems or relationships, and clients seeking content-free resolution through MEMI.

  • Chronic illness and disability

    Autoimmune conditions, medical trauma, caregiver strain, grief related to the body, and identity shifts that come with illness or diagnosis.

  • Adults, adolescents, and children

    Autism, ADHD, masking, late diagnosis, and in-person therapy for neurodivergent, ADHD, and queer/trans kids and teens in Ann Arbor.

  • People in transition

    Divorce, parenting changes, grief, career reinvention, identity shifts, and the broader feeling that the old way is no longer working.

Support that meets you where life is changing

Services

In-person in Ann Arbor and via telehealth in Michigan, Texas, and New York, depending on clinician licensure.

  • Individual Therapy

    For adults, teens, and children, with clinician matching based on needs, schedule, and fit.

  • MEMI Trauma Resolution

    A content-free eye movement approach that resolves longstanding trauma responses without retelling the story.

  • Child & Adolescent Therapy

    Including neurodivergent, ADHD, and queer/trans youth. In-person available in Ann Arbor.

  • Couples & Family Support

    Relationships, communication, parenting, blended families, and major life changes.

  • Clinical Supervision

    For therapists working toward licensure, grounded in real-world clinical experience.

  • Consultation

    Deaf/HoH client care, accessibility-centered practice design, and identity-affirming clinical approaches.

Clinicians who understand

We're not fresh out of graduate school wondering what your life feels like. Our team came to clinical work after careers in education, art, research, advocacy, and more. That matters in the room.

We integrate evidence-based modalities with the kind of understanding that only comes from having lived it.

Our Approach

  • EMDR, Somatic Experiencing & MEMI

    Body-based trauma processing that goes beyond talk therapy

  • Affirming & Identity-Centered

    LGBTQ+, Deaf/HoH, neurodivergent — your identity is the starting point, not an afterthought

  • Accessibility by Design

    Text communication, captioned sessions, flexible scheduling — access isn't an accommodation, it's how we built this

  • Multi-State Telehealth

    Licensed in MI, TX, and NY with in-person available in Ann Arbor

Second-career clinicians, real expertise

Our Team

Every therapist at Forest Ferns chose this work deliberately, bringing both clinical rigor and life-earned wisdom to the therapeutic relationship.

  • A person smiling and wearing glasses standing in a cactus garden during the daytime.

    Dr. Mel Whalen

    Founder & Clinical Director

    PhD, LP · Culturally Deaf, nonbinary psychologist · Complex trauma, LGBTQ+, Deaf/HoH

    Read Bio
  • A young woman with light brown hair tied back, wearing a patterned blouse, a gold chain necklace, and small pearl earrings, standing against a light-colored wall.

    Cynthia Schiffman-Szegda

    Trauma Resolution Specialist

    MA, LLP · Body-based trauma therapy · MEMI · Nervous system regulation

    Read Bio
  • A woman with short blonde hair, smiling, wearing glasses on her head, colorful earrings, and a gray sweater, standing against a plain wall.

    Sarah Shields

    Chronic Illness & Medical Trauma

    MA, MSW, LLMSW · Arts-based healing · Caregiver fatigue · Autoimmune

    Read Bio
  • A smiling woman with short brown hair and glasses outdoors in a wooded area.

    Jane Halpert

    Academics, Artists & Religious Trauma

    MA, TLLP · Humanistic & existential therapy · In-person in Ypsilanti

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  • A woman with blond wavy hair, wearing black glasses and a blue and white striped sweater, standing in front of a scenic backdrop of mountains and a lake.

    Jessa Brown

    Grief, Cancer & Veteran Trauma

    MS, LLPC · Statewide telehealth · EMDR · Military families

    Read Bio
  • A smiling woman with short black hair and fair skin, wearing a speckled beige cardigan over a polka dot black shirt and a necklace, sitting on a leather couch with a blurred colorful background.

    Angela Bonham

    Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor

    MSW, LMSW · Earth-based spirituality · Life transitions · Holistic

    Read Bio
  • A woman with black hair, glasses, and gold jewelry smiling against a plain white background.

    Dr. Sneha Shankar

    Trauma & Recovery Specialist

    PhD, LP · Complex trauma · Justice-involved clients · Coming late summer 2026

    Read Bio
  • A woman with short pink hair, glasses, and multiple piercings smiling in front of a plain wall.

    Libby Farren

    Justice-Oriented Trauma-Informed Care

    TLLP · Sexual violence · LGBTQIA+ · Immigrant clients

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  • Young woman with long dark hair, wearing a black sleeveless vest over a black and white striped shirt and a dark brown hat, standing against a brick wall.

    Corin Magee

    LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Youth

    TLLP · Teens & young adults · ASL signer · Identity intersection

    Read Bio

Simple. Gentle. Clear.

Getting Started

Less friction. More clarity.

  • Reach out

    Use the request form, text the practice, or email. No phone calls needed — ever.

  • We'll match you

    We'll match you

    We'll connect you with the clinician who best fits what brings you in.

  • Verify benefits

    Verify benefits

    We'll help clarify insurance and cost before the first session. Please tell us your insurance when you reach out.

  • Begin

    Begin

    Your first session is about getting oriented, setting goals, and finding the right pace.

You do not have to have it figured out to begin.

Get Started

That is what we are here for. Text us or fill out our request form, and we'll find the right clinician for you.

Text Us: (810) 394-8921

We are a text-friendly, Deaf-led practice — no phone calls needed. We'll respond within one business day.