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Meet Our Therapists

Kimberly Gruber

MA, LPC, NCC

Owner

  • Accepts Clients Age 12 through Adult
  • In-person Sessions or Telehealth
kim@aboutbalancelife.com

Choosing a counselor is an important step, and I believe one of the most meaningful parts of the counseling process is finding someone with whom you feel safe, heard, and understood. My goal is to provide a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you can openly share your story and feel supported as we work together toward healing and growth.

I work with teenagers, adults, and seniors who are navigating a variety of life's challenges. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, low self-esteem, life transitions, stress, or simply feeling overwhelmed, I am committed to walking alongside you with empathy, encouragement, and practical tools for lasting change.

As a Christian, my faith is an important part of who I am and influences the compassion, grace, and hope I strive to bring into every counseling relationship. I welcome clients from all backgrounds and beliefs, and I am happy to incorporate faith into counseling when it aligns with a client's goals and preferences.

I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Every person is unique, so I tailor treatment to meet each client's individual needs. I utilize a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), play therapy techniques when appropriate, and other integrative modalities to help clients reach their goals.

Before becoming a clinical counselor, I began my career as a certified teacher and later earned my dual Master's degree in Community and School Counseling from Oakland University. My experience as both an educator and counselor has given me a unique perspective in supporting students, families, and individuals through life's many transitions. I also have extensive experience helping families navigate school-related concerns, including 504 Plans, IEPs, learning differences, bullying, test anxiety, and college planning.

I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients during some of life's most challenging seasons. Whether you're seeking support through a difficult time or looking to create positive changes in your life, I would be honored to help you find hope, healing, and the confidence to move forward.

 

Katelyn Lutey-Falkey

MA, LPC

  • Accepts Clients Age 10 through Adult

  • In-person Sessions or Telehealth

 

katelyn@aboutbalancelife.com 

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Hi, my name is Katelyn. I am a dedicated and compassionate licensed professional counselor with experience helping adolescents, teens and adults through their experiences of anxiety, depression, self-esteem, self harm, grief and loss, relationship issues, divorce and trauma. I see clients 10 years old through adulthood. My approach to therapy is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals. Since everyone faces unique challenges, I use a combination of evidence based therapeutic approaches that best meet the clients unique needs. As a therapist, I strive to create a safe and judgment free environment where my client can be their authentic self.

After graduating from Oakland University with my dual Masters degree in Community and School Counseling, I worked in middle and high schools. There I was able to work with individuals experiencing a wide range of issues. I established and ran the district gender and sexuality alliance (GSA) to support the LGBTQIA+ community and allies. I am also well versed with 504 plans, IEPs, career/college planning and other school based issues. As a school counselor, I felt I could be more impactful if I was able to support individuals one on one in private practice. This brought me here to Balance Life Counseling!

If you are struggling, please know you are not alone. I would be honored to support you through the challenges you are facing. I look forward to working with you!

Simon

Therapy Dog

Simon is our therapist Katelyn’s beloved therapy dog.  A truly gentle giant with an even bigger heart, Simon offers quiet support to people of all ages.

As a trained therapy dog, Simon has a natural gift for sensing emotions and offering comfort. Whether he's resting quietly by your side during a session or greeting you at events, Simon’s presence can help reduce anxiety, ease stress, and provide a non-judgemental connection. He’s a master of sitting patiently, offering a paw when needed, and reminding us all that healing often begins with connection.

When you see Simon at events or in the office, stop by and say hello — Simon is always happy to make a new friend!

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Kattie McMullen

LLMSW, CTRP-C

  • Accepts Clients 12 and under

  • In-person Sessions only

 

kattie@aboutbalancelife.com 

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Hello my name is Kattie, I am very excited to work with children and their families at Balanced Life Counseling! My area of specialty is working with pre-school aged children through early adolescence.  I am well versed in working with children in a play based setting and have additional training in Play Therapy.  Play is a child’s language and this is where they will learn, process, and practice their skills. I have experience working with children who have experienced trauma and need to build resiliency in their lives, those who have trouble regulating their feelings, those that are experiencing anxiety and those in need of learning social skills to successfully function in school and society. I want to create a safe space for children and help them through any challenges they may face. I incorporate therapeutic approaches that are useful for them such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Play Therapy, and I hope to help unlock their full potential.  

 

I have worked with children and families for 25+ years in various dynamics. I started  my career working as a teaching assistant in a Montessori classroom and then became a Head Start lead teacher and Head Start and Early Head Start home visitor. Moving into roles managing and overseeing these programs in various school districts-as an Education Coordinator, Early Childhood Specialist, and Disabilities Coordinator. Within these positions I gained knowledge of IFSPs and IEPs and worked with the Early On program to support some of our youngest learners. In my most recent role as a School Social Worker, I am serving children and families within a kindergarten through third grade public school. In this position I organize small groups or one on one sessions with students, I collaborate with special education, I write Functional Behavior Assessments and Behavior Intervention Plans & 504 Plans, and I partner with parents, teachers, and administrators to provide the best support possible. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement, a Master in Science in Education with a major in brain -based teaching, and a Master in Social Work. I am also a certified trauma and resilience practitioner. I look forward to supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing at Balanced Life Counseling!

Kim Henson

MA, LLPC

  • Accepts Clients Age 8 through Adult

  • In-person Sessions or Telehealth

kim.henson@aboutbalancelife.com 

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Hi, my name is Kim, and I am a counselor with a strong foundation in education and a deep passion for supporting mental health and emotional well-being. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s in Counseling from Oakland University. I bring over 25 years of experience in education, including 23 years working in Linden Michigan as a teacher—20 of those in special education—and
the most recent 2 years as a school counselor. Throughout my career, I’ve seen how meaningful relationships can positively shape a child’s emotional and academic development. That realization inspired me to focus more intentionally on mental health and social-emotional growth.

 

I specialize in working with individuals and families navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, self-harm, relationship issues, ADHD, and learning disabilities. I also offer parenting support and incorporate principles of
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy when helpful—particularly for children and families working on behavior and communication skills.

 

My therapeutic approach draws from evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and ABA-informed strategies. I aim to create a compassionate, collaborative space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered.

 

Although I have extensive experience working with children ages 8 and up, I also welcome adults and senior citizens into my practice. I believe that growth and healing are possible at any age.

 

I offer individual and family counseling sessions, available in person or telehealth, whichever best fits your schedule and preferences.

 

If you're looking for a supportive, experienced counselor to help guide you or your loved ones through life’s challenges, I’d be honored to connect with you.

Jared Freeman

MA, LLPC

  • Accepts Clients Age 13 through Adult

  • In-person Sessions or Telehealth

 

jared@aboutbalancelife.com

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I obtained my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024 and have worked as a therapist for the past year. Before entering the mental health field, I spent 15 years as a gym owner, strength coach, and wellness coach, helping individuals improve their physical health, performance, and overall well-being. I also hold a bachelor’s degree in Wellness and Health Promotion, which laid the foundation for my integrative approach.

In my practice, psychotherapy is a relational process that creates space to slow down and explore the patient's inner world. Sessions focus on self-exploration, articulating difficult or conflicting emotions, and examining avoidance patterns to reclaim disavowed aspects of the self. Identifying recurring themes reveals how patterns emerge across different contexts and relationships, creating opportunities to break free from cycles that no longer serve us. Past experiences are explored not for their own sake but to understand how they shape present difficulties—these insights can then be translated into action through the co-creation of behavioral strategies.

This process relies on a strong therapeutic relationship built around a shared understanding of our purpose and a mutual agreement on the methods for achieving meaningful change. I integrate various therapeutic approaches to support this process, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Theory, and Psychodynamic Theory.

I am trained and experienced in helping individuals ages 13+ struggling with depression, anxiety, substance use, emotional regulation challenges, interpersonal difficulties, trauma, mood disorders, and phase-of-life issues, particularly for young adults struggling to navigate the process of individuation. I have also completed level one training through Gottman Method Couples Therapy. 

April Heaman

Office Manager

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