Meet Sunny, Mel’s puppy.
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.
Founded by Dr. Mel Whalen
A culturally Deaf, nonbinary licensed clinical 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
You might see yourself here
Your experiences, identities, and needs belong in the conversation. We’ll help you find a therapist who understands what matters to you.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Chronic illness and disability
Autoimmune conditions, medical trauma, caregiver strain, grief related to the body, and identity shifts that come with illness or diagnosis.
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Adults, adolescents, and children
Autism, ADHD, masking, late diagnosis, and therapy for neurodivergent, ADHD, and queer/trans kids and teens, online across Michigan.
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People in transition
Divorce, parenting changes, grief, career reinvention, identity shifts, and the broader feeling that the old way is no longer working.
Clinicians who understand
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 & MEMIBody-based trauma processing that goes beyond talk therapy
Affirming & Identity-CenteredLGBTQ+, Deaf/HoH, neurodivergent — your identity is the starting point, not an afterthought
Accessibility by DesignText communication, captioned sessions, flexible scheduling — access isn't an accommodation; it's how we built this
Michigan-Wide TelehealthLicensed across Michigan, with in-person sessions available in Ypsilanti
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.
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Dr. Sneha Shankar
Accepting new clients.
Trauma & Recovery Specialist
PhD, LP · Complex trauma · Justice-involved clients · In person in Ypsilanti · Telehealth
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Libby Farren
Accepting new clients.
Justice-Oriented Trauma-Informed Care
TLLP · Sexual violence · LGBTQIA+ · Immigrant clients · In-person in Ypsilanti · Telehealth across Michigan
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Corin Magee
Accepting new clients.
LGBTQ+ & Neurodivergent Youth
TLLP · Teens & young adults · ASL signer · Identity intersection · In-person in Ypsilanti · Telehealth across Michigan
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Dr. Mel Whalen
Founder & Clinical Director
PhD, LP · Culturally Deaf, nonbinary psychologist · Complex trauma, LGBTQ+, Deaf/HoH · Telehealth across Michigan
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Cynthia Schiffman-Szegda
Accepting new clients.
Trauma Resolution Specialist
MA, LLP · Body-based trauma therapy · MEMI · Nervous system regulation · Telehealth across Michigan
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Sarah Shields
Accepting new clients.
Chronic Illness & Medical Trauma
MA, MSW, LLMSW · Arts-based healing · Caregiver fatigue · Autoimmune · Telehealth across Michigan
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Jane Halpert
Academics, Artists & Religious Trauma
MA, TLLP · Humanistic & existential therapy · In-person in Ypsilanti
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Jessa Brown
Accepting new clients.
Children, Couples & Families
MS, LLPC · Statewide telehealth · Military families
Support that meets you where life is changing
Services
Telehealth across Michigan · In-person sessions in Ypsilanti with select clinicians.
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Individual Therapy
For adults, teens, and children, with clinician matching based on needs, schedule, and fit. Meet the team above and we'll match you.
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MEMI Trauma Resolution
A content-free eye movement approach that resolves longstanding trauma responses without retelling the story.
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Child & Adolescent Therapy
Including neurodivergent, ADHD, and queer/trans youth. Online across Michigan.
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Couples & Family Support
Relationships, communication, parenting, blended families, and major life changes.
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Clinical Supervision
For therapists working toward licensure, grounded in real-world clinical experience.
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Consultation
Deaf/HoH client care, accessibility-centered practice design, and identity-affirming clinical approaches.
Getting Started
Simple. Gentle. Clear.
Start with a short request or a text. We’ll help you find a clinician, understand the cost, and choose your next step.
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Reach out
Use the request form, text the practice, or email. No phone calls needed — ever.
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We'll match you
We'll connect you with the clinician who best fits what brings you in.
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Verify benefits
We'll help clarify insurance and cost before the first session. Please tell us your insurance when you reach out.
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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.
We are a text-friendly, Deaf-led practice — no phone calls needed. We'll respond within one business day.