Child & Family Psychological Services of Michigan

Child & Family Psychological Services (CFPS) of Michigan provides comprehensive psychotherapy and counseling services in Southwest Michigan. Our licensed psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists offer individual, couples, family and group counseling for children (ages 3 and older), teens and adults. We also provide psychological assessments, including ADD/ADHD evaluations. <br><br>CFPS delivers personalized care using a variety of evidence-based approaches to meet your unique needs. Appointments are available in-person at Portage and via telehealth for convenient access throughout Michigan.

Therapy and coaching for adults, teens and children.

Our team of mental health professionals is here to help you and your loved ones manage emotional, mental and behavioral health challenges.<br><br>We tailor care to fit your unique needs – and help make sure you feel safe, accepted and supported along the way.

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Careers

Helps individuals explore personal challenges and life transitions, process emotions, set goals, and build coping skills and resilience.

Individual therapy

Uses structured exercises and strategies to help individuals better understand and manage unhelpful thoughts and emotions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Helps family members improve communication, resolve conflicts and build stronger bonds.

Family therapy

Teaches mindfulness, emotional regulation and stress management techniques to help individuals manage intense emotions.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Help individuals process painful experiences, reduce the impact of trauma, and feel safer and more in control.

Trauma-focused therapies

Helps partners examine their relationship and work to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen trust and connection.

Couples therapy

Helps individuals achieve personal growth and positive change by exploring how past experiences influence the way they think, feel and relate to others.

Psychodynamic therapy

Helps individuals acknowledge and accept difficult emotions while taking meaningful steps to support well-being and quality of life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

Helps individuals gradually face and manage anxiety through a step-by-step, confidence-building process.

Exposure therapy

Help individuals explore their self-identity, process emotions and nurture well-being through art, music and movement.

Expressive therapies

Provides a supportive setting for individuals facing similar challenges to share experiences, participate in guided discussions and activities, develop coping skills, and nurture healing and personal growth.

Group therapy

Helps individuals identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts to manage emotions and improve well-being.

Rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT)

My name is Shannon Hilton-Smith. I believe in creating, nurturing and maintaining an environment that facilitates personal growth and empowerment for all of my clients. I view my work as helping others along their journeys in hope, healing and opportunities.
I have two beautiful grown children and a darling bulldog named Olive. I have been married to my husband for 28 years, together for 35 years. I enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends, as well as traveling. I also enjoy outdoor activities such as tennis, yoga, pilates, kayaking and meditation.
I have worked in a therapeutic setting since 1994. Early on in my career, I worked in child abuse and then with adolescent sexual offenders. I spent several years working at hospitals in both Medical Social Work on the floors and in the Emergency Room. I have been working in a private practice setting since 2007. Having a significant work history prior to being in a private practice has allowed me to view my clients and their various concerns with a strong working knowledge utilizing several diversified techniques.

I am a Limited Licensed Psychologist who provides treatment to adults, children, adolescents and families. For more than 20 years I have had the pleasure of assisting clients in addressing change and overcoming challenges to create a path to wellness and sustainable growth in their lives. 
I treat a variety of psychological and wellness issues, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, ADHD and behavioral disorders. I utilize evidenced-based practices that include cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based practices. 
I obtained my master’s degree in Counseling Education and Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University. Undergraduate studies were completed with Ferris State University and Western Michigan University. My internship experience was completed with the Psychiatry Department at Ascension Borgess Hospital/Behavioral Medicine Services.
My clinical experiences have included treating children in a child autism program at Western Michigan University, adjunct instructor with Michigan State University/Kalamazoo Center for Medical Studies Psychiatry Department, various outpatient settings, residential treatment settings, St. Joseph County Community Mental Health and emergency services at Ascension Borgess Hospital.
I have retained membership with the following organizations:
American Psychological Association
Michigan Psychological Association
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Alzheimer’s Association of Southwest Michigan
Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders

Since completing my masters of social work in 1999, I have spent the past 20 years working with children, families and individuals across a variety of settings.
In 2013, I became certified in Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT). This modality is both an evidence and strength-based approach with the premise that “families change when the love that is trapped behind the anger is allowed to flourish”. In addition to my therapeutic work with families, I am a certified BSFT supervisor with the Family Therapy Institute of Miami where I provide supervision and training for new BSFT clinicians around the country.
When working with individuals, I incorporate both Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and Solution- Focused therapy based upon the needs and preferences of the individual. I see therapy as a collaborative effort wherein we work together to ensure your time spent with me is beneficial to you.
In my personal time, I enjoy tennis, running and spending time with friends and family.

Hello, I’m Dr. Susan Pattison. Thank you so much for taking the time to review my introduction! My educational background includes a doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology, with a specialization in Neuropsychology. I provide clinical therapy as well as psychological and neuropsychological testing. I have worked in the field for over 25 years.
From a therapy standpoint I have experience with all ages, 3yo to 99yo, and truly love the variety this field has to offer! It is my great passion to help individuals find freedom from whatever issues may be holding them back! Whether you are struggling with childhood trauma, marital or relationship problems, parenting challenges, college and career decisions, or individual emotional difficulties, I would be honored to work together with you toward solutions and growth.
Regarding testing services, I can provide various types of evaluations including (but not limited to): ADHD evaluations, Dementia evaluations, Autism screenings, diagnostic evaluations of Learning Disorders, Bariatric Surgery clearance evaluations, Guardianship evaluations, diagnostic evaluations of cognitive functioning, and evaluations for diagnostic clarification. These services begin with an assessment to determine if I can provide what you are looking for. If I cannot, I will help you find who can.

I value the importance of a strong alliance with my clients that involve trust, understanding, and an environment that is conducive to the therapeutic relationship. My specialization is adult mental health, and I have worked in a hospital’s psychiatric ward, nursing homes, adult foster care homes, and private practice. My experience includes clients with anxiety, depression, complex PTSD, bipolar disorder, phobias, abandonment, and many others that are found in the human condition.

I am a licensed, nationally certified counselor who practices outpatient mental health therapy in Southwest Michigan. I graduated with my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Michigan University.
As a counselor, my main roles include decreasing and preventing unwanted mental health symptoms within clients, empowering my clients to make strides towards desired changes, increasing overall wellness and resilience in my clients, and advocating for my clients to ensure their rights and wellbeing are intact. I offer a judgement-free safe space to explore my clients’ thoughts, feelings, and experiences in order to foster self-discovery.
Because of the unique needs and behavioral norms across cultures and ages, I practice counseling from a culturally competent, developmentally aware perspective. I strive to assist adolescents, adults, and couples in managing their mental health disorders through diagnosis, assessment, and the use of evidence-based interventions.
It is my philosophy that when given the proper support and resources, every person has the ability to take control of their lives, and that counseling can be a catalyst for change. The goal is to recognize that each person has the power to live a life where they can take control and expand their perspective. Through this process, my clients have recognized their ability to heal and gain a greater insight into self-empowerment.

My name is Pamela A. Cook, and I am thrilled to be a new therapist with Child and Family Psychological Services. To tell you a little bit about myself, I started my career in 1995 as an elementary teacher and taught most of those years in third-fifth grade classrooms until 2003. From 2003-2015, I was an elementary and high school counselor with Battle Creek Public Schools.  Since 2015, I have been at Loy Norrix High School working with 9th-12th grade students.
I enjoy and have experience working with children and adolescents that struggle with anxiety, depression, trauma, anger, and grief/loss, etc. Some areas I have been trained in are:
Restorative Justice
College and Career Readiness
Coping Skills
Mindfulness
Behavior Modification
Grief Counseling
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, watching football, basketball, and baseball, working out and spending time with my daughter.

My 14 years of experience working in the field of mental health have allowed me the privilege of helping others in a variety of capacities and settings. These professional experiences include inpatient psychiatric care, residential treatment, psychosocial rehabilitation in a long-term care facility, group and individual therapy at a drop-in center, clinical case management within a public housing development, intensive community-based mental health services, emergency room mental health crisis screening, and now outpatient private practice. My diversity of work in the field truly allowed for an expansion of my awareness, knowledge and clinical skills. Seeing the varying manifestations of pain and growth has imparted upon me perspective and a deep appreciation for people in general, the human experience.
 In the practice of therapy, I am both humbled and delighted by the vast differences in personality, the strength and resiliency, and the profound transformations I have witnessed over the years. I fully appreciate the great courage it requires to enter into therapy. With that understanding, my goal is to reframe life’s challenges to be seen more so as an invitation for growth while supporting movement toward more satisfying and purpose-filled experiences. I wholeheartedly believe in and embrace the powerful healing nature of relationship.
 In therapy, I work with clients to co-create a trusting, safe relationship where in a more relaxed state, meaningful therapeutic work can be done. I work with clients to explore the areas of life that they feel are not adequately serving them and to celebrate the unique qualities they already possess that will help them to achieve their goals.
 I see the therapy relationship as a team, meaning that I work collaboratively with clients, understanding that they are the true experts of their personal experience. I help them address concerns through developing self-compassion, learning relevant skills, problem-solving and strategizing. My approach to therapeutic work can be described as holistic, person-centered and relational. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) strategies, mindfulness practice, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) techniques and psychoeducation as my primary sources for supporting change.
Outside of work, I have many interests, spending time with my family and friends being at the top of my list. I also find great value in time spent in solitude and contemplation. I love being in nature. Camping, hiking and canoeing are my favorite outdoor activities. Some of my other interests include studying metaphysics and spiritual works. I enjoy learning and practicing a variety of meditations and mindfulness exercises. Although I do not consider myself to be an artist, I am quite an enthusiastic appreciator of many forms of art, in particular performance art (live music, theater and dance).

Daily life consists of many experiences that can negatively affect our day-to-day living, important relationships, and performance at work or school. When we experience distress in these areas, our ability to cope and our quality of life can decline. At times like this, having a counselor to serve as a sounding board can help sort out emotions. They can also assist in helping us change the thoughts and behaviors that create and/or increase problems and debilitating stress in our lives. I serve and assist people during these times.
As a professional counselor, I endeavor to establish and maintain a safe, non-judgmental environment in which individuals can share and reflect on their life experiences, figure out next steps to effectively address their problems, and enhance their quality of life. Trust, confidentiality, and goodwill are fundamental building blocks in this therapeutic relationship. I do not make decisions for anyone, nor will I give directives in attempt to solve the problems of the people I assist. I collaboratively work with individuals, couples, and groups; using clinical assessments, goal-setting, and evidence-based therapies to address the problems discussed in counseling in a manner that is multiculturally responsive and respectful of the people I serve.
I have 13 years of education, training, and professional experience providing counseling to individuals, couples, and groups (adolescence to late middle age) for problems related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, substance/alcohol addictions and abuse, eating disorders, self-injurious behavior (suicidal and non-suicidal), marriage concerns, career/academic challenges, and adjustment issues.  I earned my master’s degree in Counselor Education: Clinical Mental Health at Western Michigan University in 2012 and I am in the final stages of completing my Ph.D. program in Counselor Education at the same institution.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)  in the state of Michigan. I am also certified as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) by the National Board for Certified Counselors and credentialed as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS) by the Center for Credentialing & Education.  I abide by the codes of ethics, policies, and best practices set forth by the American Counseling Association (ACA), Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (ACES), National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE) in the fields of counseling, counselor education, and supervision.
I highly value continuing education, professional development, and service within the counseling, counselor education, and supervision fields. I actively engage in self-study, trainings, workshops, and research to ensure that I am knowledgeable and able to utilize current evidenced based interventions in my counseling practice. I am an active member of the executive councils and/or committees of the Michigan Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (MACES), the Michigan Counseling Association (MCA), and the North Central Association for Counselor Education and Supervision (NCACES).
I have been married to my best friend for over 19 years. We have 4 intellectual, creative, and zany children with us at home. They range in age from elementary school all the way to college student. We also have one heavenly baby lost through miscarriage. We are grateful for the time we had and our hearts remain full of love for our little one. There is never a dull day in the Ray household! Our daily family antics keeps us laughing and appreciative of each other. Some of my hobbies include cooking and hosting gatherings for family and friends, singing, dancing, listening to audio books and music, and over-indulging on animal/pet videos.

My name is Aaron Wilson.  I enjoy helping people from all walks of life achieve their goals whether they be life goals, mental health goals, or both.  I like to get to know my clients in session, and get to work right away on the goals and changes they would like to make in their lives. 
I have been a therapist since 2009, and I’m fully licensed with the State of MI.  I’m originally from Detroit, MI, and I’ve been in the Kalamazoo area since 1995.  I love this area, and I don’t plan on leaving. I double majored in Spanish and Psychology at Michigan State University, and graduated with a bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2004.  During my undergraduate career I studied abroad in Spain for a year, and continue to love to travel the world.  I completed my graduate studies at Grand Valley State University in 2009.  I’ve had years of experience working as a foster care worker with the State of MI along with other private practices in the area.  I’m also currently an employee at the local VA hospital in Battle Creek, MI.

Therapy and coaching for adults, teens and children.

What we offer

Individual therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Family therapy

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Trauma-focused therapies

Couples therapy

Meet the team

Shannon Hilton-Smith

Chad Muffley

Michelle Oursler

Susan Pattison

Denise Stoddard

Tara Bulko

Pamela Cook

Jessica Niland

About us

Contact

Child & Family Psychological Services of Michigan