PuttingFamilyFirst

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RW Portrait of Dr. Rebecca Wiersma
Online therapist

Dr. Rebecca Wiersma

Compassionate, practical support for parents and individuals

Book with Rebecca
Credentials
LMSW
Experience
11 years
Licensed in
Michigan
Languages
English
Format
Online sessions

About Rebecca

Dr. Rebecca Wiersma is a licensed master social worker with over 11 years in the mental health field. She brings a practical, down-to-earth style to sessions and speaks plainly about common worries.

Parents often find her direct but gentle manner easy to follow. She is based in Michigan and offers services informed by her doctorate in philosophy with emphasis on social work practice. Her approach centers on the person in front of her.

Background and approach

She uses client-centered methods to learn what matters most to each family. From there she draws on cognitive behavioral tools to tackle unhelpful thoughts and on attachment-based ideas to look at how relationships shape behavior. She also teaches simple mindfulness practices to reduce stress and build emotional regulation.

In a typical session she listens first, then offers practical steps to try between meetings. She explains techniques in everyday language and checks in about how they fit a family's life. Sessions often include coaching around parenting strategies and ways to manage mood or anxiety symptoms.

Dr. Wiersma has experience addressing grief, trauma, mood disorders like depression and bipolar, ADHD, and problems that come up around adoption, blended families, or divorce. She also supports people dealing with career transitions, shame or isolation, and long-term caregiving fatigue.

Her style is collaborative and adaptable. She helps parents and individuals test small changes, track what works, and adjust plans as needed. The focus is on clear, achievable steps that fit each person’s routine.

Approaches that translate to online care

Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early and current relationships shape how people respond to stress and connect with others; it can help with parenting concerns, attachment issues, and family patterns. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening, empathy, and meeting the person where they are; it helps people feel heard and figure out what they want to change. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, teaches concrete skills to spot and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce anxiety and improve mood.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. The therapist will collaborate with each person to identify goals, try methods, and adjust plans based on what fits their life and needs. This means treatment is flexible and changes as progress is made.

Online therapy offers practical benefits for busy families and individuals. Video calls let people have face-to-face conversation from home, while phone sessions are an option when video isn’t possible. Live chat and text-based messaging make it easier to check in between sessions and to review ideas in writing. These formats increase convenience and help therapy fit into real-life schedules.

Attachment-Based Therapy

Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.

Client-Centered Therapy

The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT looks at the link between what you think, how you feel, and what you do. You work on noticing unhelpful patterns and practising steadier responses. It suits online sessions well, because much of the work happens between appointments and can be talked through from anywhere.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns are addressed?
Areas include stress, anxiety, parenting, bipolar disorder, depression, relationship and family problems, trauma and abuse, grief, anger, self-esteem, ADHD, and related issues.
How would you describe the therapy style?
Sessions emphasize a client-centered stance with practical techniques. Therapy mixes conversation, skill teaching, and exercises tailored to each person.
What is Dr. Wiersma's background?
She has a doctorate in philosophy focused on social work practice and over 11 years working in mental health settings.
What are the licensing and location details?
She holds the LMSW designation with license number MI LMSW 6801088916 and practices in Michigan.
Which languages are supported for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
What session formats are available?
Therapy is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
How is cost handled for sessions?
Cost varies with location and therapist availability, and sessions are provided through a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
What steps start the process?
Begin by selecting the Start Therapy button, completing a short matching questionnaire, and then scheduling according to the therapist's availability.

Specialties and expertise

Top specialties

Also works with

Therapeutic approaches

Experience
11 years
Licensed
Michigan
Languages
English

Next step

Talk to Rebecca

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