Meet Us

Lake Side Counseling is an association between 3 professional counselors in Traverse City that have training and skills to help people when they need guidance and are struggling with life stressors. Our partnership allows us to provide a wide range counseling services.

Janis Duwe, MA, LLPC, NCC

Contact Janis at 231-649-2157 or janis@lakesidecounseling.org

My formal education and personal life experiences have brought me to a place that can help you through your life transitions. A transition may include a family conflict, a child rebelling, a young adult in life transitions, a family caretaker of the elderly or infirmed, situational stress due to the economic climate, or just because. My goal is to view the conflict through your eyes and to develop an individual plan using proven methods to reach your goals. These methods can be behavioral, cognitive, and solution focused. As a unique individual, your plan will be highly individualized.

Although not my primary focus, I am open to introducing spirituality and faith into your sessions, if you wish. Sessions take place in my office or with special consideration, by phone. I provide an initial free consultation. The purpose of the consultation is for personal introductions, discussing your therapeutic needs, and fees.

Education

• Master of Arts in Counselor Education, Western Michigan University
• Bachelor of Science in Special Education and Elementary Education, Northern Michigan University

Licenses and Certificates

• LLPC, State of Michigan
• Michigan Teaching Certificate: Elementary K-8, Cognitive Impairment K-12
• School Guidance and Counseling: K-12
• Stephen Ministry Leader and Counselor
• Kids Hope USA Mentor
• Nationally Certified Counselor

Professional Associations and Memberships

• American Counseling Association
• Michigan Counseling Association
• Licensed Professional Counselors of Northern Michigan

Jason Simpkins, MSW, LMSW, CIRS

Contact Jason at 231-360-9649 or jason@lakesidecounseling.org

I am a Licensed Masters Level Social Worker for both clinical and macro level practice with over 11 years of clinical practice. I am a graduate of both the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and Grand Valley State University. I have a wide range of experience including working with individuals in crisis, suicide, bereavement by a suicide caused loss, along with depression, anxiety, addiction and recovery, grief, men’s issues, and co-occurring disorders. I have provided numerous trainings from communication skills to suicide assessment and intervention both for local and state agencies and conferences.

I believe that therapy is a process of which I am honored to play a part. I always work with the individual to create treatment goals and objectives which are reasonable and appropriate for the situation, in the form of a person centered plan. I believe that working with an individual’s skills and strengths is necessary as well as looking for areas of growth. My therapeutic approach combines active listening, emotional support, and specific feedback to address your life’s challenges. I look forward to working with you on the areas in your life in which you would like to see some personal growth and change.

Education

• Masters in Social Work Grand Valley State University, 2001
• Bachelors of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan, 1993

Licenses and Certifications

• Licensed Masters Level Social Worker for clinical and macro practice
• Certified Information and Referral Specialist
• ASIST Trainer
• SafeTALK Trainer

Additional Training In

• Dialectical Behavior Therapy
• Motivational Interviewing
• Solution Focused Therapy
• Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Suicide Assessment and Risk Management
• Crisis Intervention
• ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) Trained
• Safe TALK (Suicide Assessment For Everyone) Trained