Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Clinical Focus & Approach: I focus on supporting individual development within the context of family, cultural, and societal influences with a solution focused and strength-based approach to working with individuals and families. My clinical interests include grief and loss, life transitions, trauma and shame, infertility, self-esteem and self-worth, creating boundaries, codependency, anxiety management, divorce, LGBTQIA+, co-parenting and blended family issues. I endeavor to create safe spaces that promote each person’s dignity and allow for authentic and vulnerable expression. I strive to be both culturally humble and curious as a student therapist, holding the belief that every person is the expert on their own life and every family is created through intentionality and love. 

Professional Experience: Over the past two decades I’ve worked as a nurse practitioner in the neonatal intensive care unit which has allowed me the privilege of creating compassionate relationships with individuals and families, championing joy, and holding space for hardships. I’ve been able to continue my pursuit of supporting people in their growth and development through new and creative ways, now as a relational therapy intern. I work with a licensed supervisor (Hannah Sullivan LMSW, LMFT) to create individualized care plans for each client tailoring evidence-based treatment methods to meet their unique needs. 

Education: I have an undergraduate degree in Nursing through Saint Mary’s College (2007), a Master of Science in Nursing specializing in Neonatal Nurse Practitioner through Wayne State University (2011), and I am currently working toward a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy through Northwestern University (2027).

Inspiration: I’m inspired by the humanistic work of Virginia Satir who once said, “I believe the greatest gift I can give is to see, hear, understand, and to touch another person.”  Therapy may require clients to go to difficult places within themselves, and my hope is that you draw strength from knowing you aren’t alone, and we can go to those difficult places together.

Services: Individual, Relationship/Couple, and Family Therapy sessions. Virtual & In person services available.

Rate: $40 cash pay for 50-minute sessions

E: michelle.papke@grspecialtytherapy.com

P: 616.682.7041

F: 616.317.4933