OUR TEAM
Our Team in Southfield
Transformational Choices respects and affirms each client and works in partnership to create a life based in positivity and action. We want you to give yourself permission to shine and develop the future that you deserve. We accept you and honor your story and experience.
We welcome you. We will welcome you regardless of your present status; anxious, sad, angry, lonely, happy, questioning, depressed, lost or otherwise. We will welcome you regardless of your current family situation, relationship or marital status or lack thereof. We will welcome you if you have been to therapy in the past, are looking to come in for the first time, or have no idea what to expect. We will not judge you based upon your personal history, age, race, ethnic background, appearance, sexual orientation or gender identity. We welcome all beliefs, religions, spirituality, and affiliations. We welcome children, even when they act like children. We welcome adults, families, couples, and we welcome you. We welcome your tears, your laughter, your thoughts, your moods, your journey, and your story. We are all in this together, trying to find our way. All are welcome. You are welcome.
Stephanie Beavis, LMSW
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Addiction/Substance Abuse, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Chronic Illness/Pain, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Family Conflict, Gender Identity, Infertility, Infidelity, LGBTQ+, Marital/Premarital, Men's Issues, OCD, Parenting, Personality Disorders, Pregnancy/Prenatal/Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, Sex Therapy, Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Sleep Issues, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma/PTSD, Women's Issues
Populations: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Couples, Family, Group
Certifications: CADAS (Graduate Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Abuse Studies)
Do you often find yourself feeling empty – as if you float through your days going through the motions, rather than living an abundant and thriving life? Life can be difficult, and no matter how strong one may be mentally, there is only so much stress one can shoulder alone before it becomes too much. I believe in working together collaboratively in order to unlock one’s innate ability to self-heal. Through support and guided introspection, the answers to our troubles become self-evident. Applying a cognitive behavioral lens as well as focusing on a strengths-based approach, let us reframe failures as setbacks and enhance motivation to achieve personal growth. Utilizing a holistic perspective, I prefer to assess my clients from multiple dimensions of wellness as a whole person, taking on a person-in-environment approach. It is my goal to enhance quality of life by uncovering what is it that is holding one back from their true potential as well as empowering my clients to take the reigns of their own mental health. Don’t suffer in silence for another moment – contact me to begin your road to healing.
Sylvia Brooks, LLMSW
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Depression, Family Conflict, Intellectual/Developmental/Learning Disabilities, Marital/Premarital, Self Esteem, Stress, Trauma/PTSD
Populations: Children, Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Couples, Family
Certifications: QIDP (Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Practitioner)
Everyone is unique and special in their own way. We are all destined for greatness but how we view that greatness can determine the key to our success. Everyone has the right to feel accepted, appreciated, understood, and valued. We travel through this thing called life and may experience barriers along our travel. It is my goal to embrace the obstacles and find another way around those barriers. My approach to a therapeutic relationship is to support to the needs of others, support their need to have freedom and control over their lives and encourage them to embrace the world around them and to become the best advocate for themselves.
The best practice is to meet the person where they are and encourage full participation in their goal development. Each person’s experience in life is a distinct set of circumstances which has helped to shape them into the person that they are. Life is a journey that we all travel every day, and the journey is unique to every person. Each person can guide and direct their journey but as the therapist, I am here to help you to see the full potential of your purpose, while cultivating your strengths and building on your self-awareness.
My perspective to therapy is creative, approachable, and understanding. I will focus from a strength base perspective and help work through any challenges that may arise. It is important to practice motivational interviewing and allowing the person to feel that they are in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. I will create a space that is full of hope, patience, understanding and compassion. My goal is to provide support, encouragement and strategies that promote self -awareness, self-confidence, healing, and change.
Adam Haj, LLMSW
he/him
734-559-3540
Specialities: Addiction/substance abuse, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Depression, Divorce, Gender identity, Grief/loss, Marital/premarital, Men's issues, Parenting, Relationship issues, School issues, Self-harming, Self esteem, Sleep issues, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma/PTSD
Populations: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Couples
My approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of giving every person I meet an empathic, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to process their experiences and struggles. I offer practical insight and advice, as well as evidence-based tools and resources to help guide you as you pursue healing and self-actualization. I adapt our sessions to your specific preferences based on your individual goals, preferred identity, spiritual perspectives, and comfort level, while encouraging openness and transparency through practice, and by example. Nothing is off limits; you may cry, laugh, swear, or crack jokes. I want you to be authentically you.
My areas of expertise include cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, mindfulness-based, or acceptance and commitment therapy, based on your specific needs. I also implement evidence-based tools from the Gottman Method for my couples, and SMART Recovery for those who may be struggling with addiction.
Hassan Jafer, LMSW
he/him
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Grief/Loss, Men's Issues, Personality Disorders, Self Esteem, Stress, Trauma/PTSD
Populations: Adolescents, Adults
Modalities: Individual
My approach to therapy relies on creating a safe environment to assist my clients in processing and healing various aspects of their lives. It is imperative to provide a therapeutic relationship built on trust and compassion, in order to help my client reach their goals. Through empathy and acceptance, I will work with my client towards restoration, happiness, satisfaction, and the unlocking of their true potential.
I am committed in providing and implementing the most effective professional services. My areas of expertise are Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic and Person-Centered modalities. The goal is to provide therapy that thrives through gentle exploration of one’s thoughts, emotions, feelings, and sense of self.
Paige Pattenaude, LMSW
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Addiction/Substance Abuse, Adoption, ADHD, Anger, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Child Welfare, Chronic Illness/Pain, Codependency, Depression, Divorce, Domestic Violence, Eating Disorders, Family Conflict, Foster Care, Gender Identity, Grief/Loss, Infertility, Infidelity, Intellectual/Developmental/Learning Disabilities, LGBTQ+, Marital/Premarital, Men's Issues, OCD, Parenting, Personality Disorders, Pregnancy/Prenatal/Postpartum, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Harm, Self Esteem, Sexual Abuse, Sexuality, Sleep Issues, Spirituality, Stress, Trauma/PTSD, Women's Issues
Populations: Infants/Toddlers, Children, Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Couples, Family, Group
Certifications: Temporary Approval for School Social Work
I believe that working together to create a collaborative approach is vital to a therapeutic relationship. I recognize that it takes courage to seek help--with that in mind, I treat my clients with respect, an open mind, and dignity. The truth is, we all have our own story to tell, and we all need help at least once in our lives, whether we want to admit it or not.
For clients to tell their story and work through their struggles, they act as the driver while I am the passenger. The passenger outlines details and shares concerns or suggestions with the driver, but ultimately the driver is in control. The client is the expert in their own life. I believe, wholeheartedly, that each person strives to become their best selves. To achieve their full potential, I provide a strengths-based approach with support, assistance, a listening ear, and guidance.
Currently, I am only accepting clients for telehealth sessions. Please reach out to learn more on this opportunity.
Eva Qerama, LPC
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anxiety, Behavioral Issues, Bipolar, Depression, Family Therapy, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem, Stress, Substance Abuse
Populations: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Family, Group
In this fast-paced society that we live in, it is easy to overlook one’s mental health and stability. I see myself as a trusted professional that you can rely upon to really listen to you. Through a journey of self-discovery, along with application of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy principals amongst other, together we can identify effective coping mechanisms to lead to a more productive healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.
Brett Schwartz, LMSW
he/him
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anger, Anxiety, Chronic Illness/Pain, Codependency, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief/Loss, Intellectual/Developmental/Learning Disabilities, LGBTQ+, Men's Issues, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self Esteem, Sleep Issues, Spirituality, Stress, Suicidal Ideation, Trauma/PTSD
Populations: Adolescents, Adults
Modalities: Individual
As human beings, we all share variations on a similar range of emotions, stressors, responsibilities need for and challenges in relationships. These are universal themes running through all our lives - even when they sometimes show up in unexpected or unusual ways. As the late, great Maya Angelou once said: “We are more alike, my friends, than we are unalike”.
Whether you are seeking guidance in your life, help managing painful symptoms and emotions or if you simply want to be more proactive and live a more fulfilling, vibrant life, seeking a sincere conversation with a therapist can be of immense help.
My therapeutic approach combines both insight and action and is grounded in both mindfulness, as well as cognitive behavioral approaches - namely the dynamic relationship between our thoughts, feelings and emotions. Trained in both Psychology and Social Work, I carry a passionate interest in physical and emotional well-being, human relationships and mind-body issues. I am eager to make your acquaintance and discuss the various challenges and gratifications in your life.
Madalin Sowden, LLPC
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Family conflict, Gender identity, Grief/loss, LGBTQ+, Relationship issues, School issues, Self-harming, Self esteem, Sexuality, Sleep issues, Stress, Trauma/PTSD, Women's issues
Populations: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual
Hello! My name is Madalin, here's a little bit about me as a counselor. My approach to counseling is largely humanistic and person-centered, which means that I believe in being genuine, empathetic, and unconditionally non-judgemental with everyone I work with. My goal is to create a trusting relationship with each of my clients, and in that I will do my best to help you work toward positive growth in whichever way is relevant to you. We will collaborate together to achieve whatever goals you are working towards upon entering counseling. I will never tell you what to do, because I believe each person is an expert on their own life; however, I will always be listening and doing my best to understand exactly where you're at in any situation so that way we can work together to find out what you need.
I have worked with clients ages 10 through 70 experiencing a variety of difficulties ranging from grief/loss, anxiety, depression, and family-related trauma. As previously mentioned, I do work from a largely humanistic and person-centered lens; however, I do have experience with cognitive-behavioral techniques as well as a variety of mindfulness and solution-focused strategies. I believe that my job as a counselor is to be continually learning, so I am always researching new counseling methods. I know and completely understand that each individual person has different counseling needs, and I am dedicated to being able to assist as much as possible within the limits of my competency.
Ariana Talbert, LLMSW
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Self esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Women's issues
Populations: Adults
Modalities: Individual
My approach to therapy is client-centered. I use a humanistic and holistic approach and I let the client drive the session. I enjoy helping individuals look at their challenges from a full-life perspective and using strength-based approaches to find solutions to challenges.
Rebecca Vickers, LLMSW
she/her
734-559-3540
Specialties: Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, Eating disorders, Obsessive compulsive disorder, Relationship issues, Self-harming, Self esteem, Suicidal ideation, Women's issues
Populations: Adolescents, Adults, Older Adults
Modalities: Individual, Group
My approach to therapy is first and foremost person-centered. I strive to meet each individual where they are, regardless of where they are in the therapeutic process. I seek to create a safe, nonjudgemental space for clients to heal. Therapy is hard work and it can be really scary at times. It takes time, patience and effort. My goal is to help guide individuals through the process using empathy, patience and understanding. I use a combination of therapeutic techniques including Mindfulness, Strengths-Based practice, Behavioral Activation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing.