Dr. Paul Hewitt
Because every person is uniquely shaped by a variety of relationships and experiences, I believe there is no cookie cutter approach to addressing the complex problems of life. I view psychotherapy as a coming alongside journey that creates an open, safe space where you as a whole person and the particulars of your story (including those places where you feel most “stuck”) can be explored, understood, and honored. I am passionate about the change process. As together we gain understanding into your problems, feelings, and ways of doing relationships and life, growth and transformation can occur.
Professional Experience
With over 15 years of experience working with adults and couples, I offer help addressing a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem/identity formation, family of origin challenges, men’s issues, trauma recovery (physical or sexual abuse), grief and loss, stress and burnout, and phase of life adjustments. I also specialize in integrating spiritual and religious issues into my work with those persons who desire to explore concerns experienced in their faith journey.
I earned my M.A. ('05) and Psy.D. ('08) degrees in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology (Biola University) in metro Los Angeles where I gained valuable experience in a wide range of clinical settings. Following the completion of my doctoral studies, I was a psychotherapist at the Christian Counseling Center in Grand Rapids, MI. In the fall of 2014, I transitioned to private practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Michigan and a member of the American Psychological Association. Prior to my graduate studies, I served college students for eight years as a campus staff worker for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Therapy Approach
While I seek to tailor my approach to the unique needs of my clients by integrating aspects of other models, I work primarily from a relational psychodynamic model. This more in-depth approach goes beyond symptom relief and focuses on expanding awareness of feelings, thoughts, desires, and needs (conscious and unconscious) in order to work through underlying core issues that are at the root of symptoms.
A primary goal of psychodynamic therapy is to uncover how aspects of your past (emotional wounds, ingrained ways of coping) are manifesting in patterns and responses in the present. As your old ways of being and relating are explored and relinquished, room is created to become “unstuck” as you experience and embrace new and healthier ways of living. To learn more about psychodynamic therapy, check out this interview with professor Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D. and this article published by the American Psychological Association.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, hiking, travelling, discussing spiritual formation, and various activities that help me engage with the natural beauty of Michigan and beyond.
Because every person is uniquely shaped by a variety of relationships and experiences, I believe there is no cookie cutter approach to addressing the complex problems of life. I view psychotherapy as a coming alongside journey that creates an open, safe space where you as a whole person and the particulars of your story (including those places where you feel most “stuck”) can be explored, understood, and honored. I am passionate about the change process. As together we gain understanding into your problems, feelings, and ways of doing relationships and life, growth and transformation can occur.
Professional Experience
With over 15 years of experience working with adults and couples, I offer help addressing a variety of problems including depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem/identity formation, family of origin challenges, men’s issues, trauma recovery (physical or sexual abuse), grief and loss, stress and burnout, and phase of life adjustments. I also specialize in integrating spiritual and religious issues into my work with those persons who desire to explore concerns experienced in their faith journey.
I earned my M.A. ('05) and Psy.D. ('08) degrees in clinical psychology from Rosemead School of Psychology (Biola University) in metro Los Angeles where I gained valuable experience in a wide range of clinical settings. Following the completion of my doctoral studies, I was a psychotherapist at the Christian Counseling Center in Grand Rapids, MI. In the fall of 2014, I transitioned to private practice. I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Michigan and a member of the American Psychological Association. Prior to my graduate studies, I served college students for eight years as a campus staff worker for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.
Therapy Approach
While I seek to tailor my approach to the unique needs of my clients by integrating aspects of other models, I work primarily from a relational psychodynamic model. This more in-depth approach goes beyond symptom relief and focuses on expanding awareness of feelings, thoughts, desires, and needs (conscious and unconscious) in order to work through underlying core issues that are at the root of symptoms.
A primary goal of psychodynamic therapy is to uncover how aspects of your past (emotional wounds, ingrained ways of coping) are manifesting in patterns and responses in the present. As your old ways of being and relating are explored and relinquished, room is created to become “unstuck” as you experience and embrace new and healthier ways of living. To learn more about psychodynamic therapy, check out this interview with professor Jonathan Shedler, Ph.D. and this article published by the American Psychological Association.
Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, hiking, travelling, discussing spiritual formation, and various activities that help me engage with the natural beauty of Michigan and beyond.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Paul Hewitt call 616.551.4694 or email [email protected]
