Forest Ferns Therapists
Mel is not currently accepting new clients. Please fill out the new client form to be added to their waitlist. Dr. Mel Whalen, LP
Therapist | Social Justice Framework | Culturally Deaf | ASL Fluent As a therapist, I approach all of my work from a social justice framework. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those struggling with chronic illness or dynamic disabilities. I aim for transparency in everything that I do. I am culturally Deaf and fluent in ASL, and as such, I serve many Deaf clients. However, spoken English is my native language, so many of my clients are also hearing.
With the advent of virtual therapy, I can now offer my services to Deaf teens, parents of Deaf children, CODAs, or entire families via Zoom. I work with adults in mixed Deaf-hearing marriages, regardless of the language modality. I also supervise new therapists and am available for training, consultations and presentations on Deaf mental health topics.
My doctoral dissertation was conducted on the topic of transgender identity development. Currently, many of my clients identify as queer, trans, LGBTQ, genderqueer, non-binary or asexual. I also greatly enjoy working with neurodivergent, gifted, or immigrant clients, as I am intimately familiar with being a minority in this world.
Dr. Whalen is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), Aetna, and Priority Health.
Angela is not currently accepting new clients. Please fill out the new client form to be added to her waitlist. Angela Bonham, LMSW
Psychotherapist | Clinical Supervisor | Educator Angela Bonham, LMSW, is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and educator dedicated to empathetic and strength-based care. In her clinical practice at Forest Ferns Counseling, she utilizes a warm, humanistic approach to support clients through challenging life transitions and mental health concerns.
Angela serves as a clinical supervisor to LLMSW psychotherapists, holds a supervisory role at the Genesee Health Systems behavioral health urgent care and crisis residential unit, and is an instructor and program coordinator at Mott Community College. She is committed to continued growth and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW).
Angela is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), and Aetna. Angela is in the process of becoming in network with Priority Health.
Sarah, LLMSW
Sarah is currently accepting new clients. Social Worker | Trauma-Informed Care Sarah is a Social Worker with specialized training in Trauma-Informed Care. She earned her MSW in Interpersonal Practice (Integrative Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse) from the University of Michigan and is completing a School Social Work certificate at Michigan State University. Her interdisciplinary background includes visual arts training at the College for Creative Studies, BA/MA degrees in English from Oakland University (where she also taught Film Studies), and over 14 years supporting individuals and communities as an English as an Additional Language Instructor.
Sarah brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach grounded in active listening, cultural humility, and deep respect for each client's lived experience. She is committed to holistic care and to understanding how social determinants of health and health disparities impact well-being.
Her clinical interests include women's healthcare across the lifespan, acute and chronic illness, autoimmune disease, eating disorders, disability, neurodivergence, and complex trauma (including medical and relational trauma). She supports clients navigating perinatal needs, solo/single parenting, pro-aging transitions, caregiver stress, domestic violence, acculturative stress, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. As an inclusive therapist, she draws from mindfulness, strengths-based work, CBT, arts-based, somatic and narrative approaches through an intersectional, anti-oppressive lens.
Sarah is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Sarah is in the process of becoming in network with Aetna, and Priority Health. Sarah is unable to accept Blue Care Network (BCN), but does offer private pay options.
Jane is currently accepting new clients. Jane Halpert, LLP
Limited Licensed Psychologist One of our deepest human needs is to be seen, valued, and understood. Only then can we begin to grow into the people we are meant to be. Therapy is a space where exploration can lead to self-awareness and wholeness, both internally and within our relationships and communities.
I work from a humanistic approach, integrating psychodynamic thinking, existential therapy, and cultural awareness. I welcome people navigating life and identity transitions of all kinds. I especially enjoy working with artists, academics, queer clients, parents, older folks, and fellow therapists. I also welcome those facing the effects of systemic oppression, grief, or religious trauma.
I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology and have taught literature and writing at the college level, which gives me an appreciation for the symbols and stories that shape our lives.
Sessions with me are focused and supportive. We’ll devote our work to what feels most urgent to you. I'll help guide the reflective process, but your introspection is central. Together, we’ll notice patterns and survival strategies, shine light on your strengths, and explore new, expansive ways of living and relating.
Jane is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) and Aetna.
Cynthia is currently accepting new clients. Cynthia Schiffman-Szegda
MA, LLP, CCTS-I, CCTS-S, CMEMIIP-1
Licensed Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist I believe every individual has the key to their own success and healing. They are the experts on themselves. My job is to help them discover their own healing journey, and guide them along the way by offering unconditional positive regard, and skills I have learned. My task is to listen, hold up a mirror, and offer tools from my tool kit. It is up to the client to determine if the tool is something they are willing to try and feels right for them. If not, I simply put it back and offer something else. Sometimes the best thing I can do is simply sit with them in the “yuck,” so they do not have to sit there alone.
I practice general counseling with adults, particularly in the areas of depression, anxiety, and life stress. I specialize in trauma treatment. I am strengths-based, and take a forward-facing approach to trauma healing, working from a bottom-up approach, rather than top-down. I understand trauma responses as a biologically, natural response. It is the brain doing exactly what it is designed to do. I teach clients how this happens and what it means. Then we work together to rewire the nervous system for safety, and give clients control of their own nervous system responses.
In 2012, I earned my Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a focus in Mental Health from Madonna University, and in 2015 I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Argosy University-Twin Cities. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Individuals, Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist in Sex-Trafficking and Exploitation, and Certified Multichannel Eye Movement and Integration Practitioner Level One. I am a Limited License Psychologist in the State of Michigan. I am a member of WPATH and Psy Chi. Additionally, I have experience administering neurological evaluations, including ADHD, IQ, Memory, Traumatic Brain Injury, Autism, and parenting evaluations.
I welcome everyone from all walks of life, including spirituality and religion, LGBTQIA+, gender non-conforming, cultural diversity, and neurodiversity. I seek to accompany and guide clients wherever they are on their mental health journey.
Cynthia is in network with Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Blue Care Network (BCN), and Aetna. Angela is in the process of becoming in network with Priority Health.
