Sherry Opalka, LMSW, LPC Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Professional Counselor and Addictions Counselor

• In professional practice since 1983
• Agency social work from 1974 to 1987, including Adult and Children’s Protective Services

M.A., Counseling/Psychology (CECP) Department, Western Michigan University, 1983

I believe in the wisdom within each of us and work to instill within each person a deep sense of self-respect and compassion. My work includes cognitive, psycho-spiritual, and expressive approaches. I provide ear acupuncture to help with smoking cessation, withdrawal from medications or alcohol and other drugs, or recovery from surgery or periods of high stress.

I use emotional release techniques either individually or in groups for deep change in old thinking and feeling patterns that interfere with current well-being. Either can be coordinated with other therapies or therapists. In my specialty area of chemical and behavioral addictions, I help people assess the extent of their problems and stop the harm. Then I assist individuals and their families through early, middle and late stages of recovery to change destructive behaviors, develop individual skills and self-confidence, and repair broken relationships.

My interest in working with our veterans and their families continues. In addition to previous training and extensive experience in treating trauma and PTSD, I am now trained through the Dept. of Deployment Psychology in using Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and have added these methods to my offerings.

My workshop presentations have included such topics as divorce and relationships, understanding gender differences, and women’s issues. I especially enjoy working with people who are in the helping professions, and those who want to heal childhood trauma.

Individual therapy, Group therapy, Family Recovery, NADA Certified Acupuncture Detoxification Specialist, Emotional Release, Addictions treatment (substances and/or behavioral), motivational speaking, workshops.

• President, Women Therapists Network, Kalamazoo
• Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Volunteer

• Therapist and Outpatient Coordinator, Michiana Addictions and Prevention Services.
• Self-esteem and Communication groups for parents through Region-12, S.A.P.E.