Interns at 36555 26 Mile Rd, Lenox Michigan - Suite 3700
Rachel Smith, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
As a practicum student and clinical intern at Tree of Life Counseling Services I approach counseling with curiosity, compassion, and respect for the complexity of each person’s lived experience. I am currently completing my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Saybrook University. My background is rooted in holistic healthcare, philosophy, and hands-on experience within the mental health field.
My approach to counseling is integrative, trauma-informed, and inclusive of mind, body, and spirit within a biopsychosocial-spiritual framework. Grounded in Person-Centered and Existential-Humanistic theory, my approach emphasizes collaboration, authenticity, and shared humanity. I view counseling as a partnership between equals. Clients are honored as the experts of their own lives, and I bring clinical training and an authentic caring presence. I believe counseling can be a supportive and beneficial part of regular self-care for people at all stages of life. I am trained in Motivational Interviewing and value evidence-based approaches. I draw upon mindfulness-based interventions, somatic approaches, parts work, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Transpersonal Psychology, and Jungian Depth Psychology.
I enjoy working with individuals from many walks of life. I am passionate about working with individuals navigating end of life, grief, stress, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, life transitions, women’s issues, and spiritual or existential concerns. I also enjoy supporting those who are on a path of self-exploration and continued personal growth.
I am happy to answer any questions you may have as you work to find a therapist who feels like a good fit for you. I look forward to collaborating with you in support of your growth and well-being.
Office Location: Rachel holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox office as well as telehealth appointments.
To schedule an appointment or discuss how we might work together, please reach out via email at rachelsmith@treeoflifecounselingservices.com or contact Tree of Life's main office at (248) 608-4514.
Christian Wright, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Do you feel stuck in patterns you understand, but can’t seem to change?
Many people intellectually recognize where their struggles come from, yet still feel emotionally overwhelmed, disconnected, or caught in recurring emotional and relational cycles.
I work with adults navigating trauma, attachment wounds, burnout, emotional disconnection, perfectionism, and life transitions that raise deeper questions about identity, meaning, and direction. Many of the people I work with have spent years trying to understand themselves while still feeling stuck in patterns that no longer feel sustainable.
My approach is trauma-informed, depth-oriented, and collaborative. I integrate evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT-informed interventions, Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, somatic awareness, and EMDR, while also drawing from parts-based and Jungian-informed perspectives to explore recurring emotional patterns, internal conflict, and the deeper narratives shaping your life.
I believe meaningful change often begins not by forcing transformation, but by slowing down enough to understand what your mind and nervous system have been trying to protect. Therapy can offer a steady, grounded space to explore long-standing patterns with curiosity rather than judgment while building emotional clarity, self-trust, healthier relationships, and meaningful, sustainable change.
I am currently pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saybrook University and serve as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern at Tree of Life Counseling Services.
Office Location: Christian holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox office as well as telehealth appointments.
Contact: You can email Christian directly at christian@treeoflifecounselingservices.com to schedule an appointment or call our main office at (248) 608-4514.
Rachael Tavano, Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern
Regardless of whether you are feeling depressed or anxious, going through an extremely tough transition in life, or just need someone to talk to, everyone deserves the chance to be seen and heard in their lives. If you are looking to offload some of that struggle in life, sit down, and talk with someone who can help, then you have found the right place. I have worked with those with many different mental health challenges, personal traumas, and difficult life transitions and I would love nothing more than to work with you too. Together, we can find a way to work through these struggles and discover where the grass is greener.
I am currently an internship student and am completing my master’s degree through Central Michigan University’s Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. I also completed my bachelor’s in psychology at Central Michigan University as well. I hope to cultivate an environment for people of all backgrounds and cultures to collaborate with me on discovering how they can better cope with their lives and mental health. Using theoretical orientations such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Person-Centered Therapy, and Psychoanalytic Therapy, I try to create an atmosphere of self-discovery, psychoeducation, and personal growth. I endeavor to make this therapeutic atmosphere something that is comfortable and inspiring for every client, and I look forward to collaborating with you on your betterment and growth.
Office Location: Rachael holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox and Clinton Township offices as well as telehealth appointments.
You can email Rachael directly at rachaelt@treeoflifecounselingservices.com to schedule an appointment.
Browse for 36555 26 Mile Rd, Lenox, MI - Suite 3700
Ashley Kotowski-Clayton MA, LPC, CAADC
Accepting that anxiousness, depression, strained relationships, or substance use have gotten in the way of living the life you want can be overwhelming and finding the help you deserve can be challenging. As a therapist, it is my goal to provide a safe and open environment for you to feel empowered to overcome the struggles you are encountering. I’m a licensed professional counselor with a masters in clinical mental health counseling. Additionally, I am a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). I have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship issues, life transitions, and trauma. I work primarily with older adolescents (16+) and adults. You can expect me to use eclectic therapeutic techniques, specifically chosen for your needs. However, I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and solution focused therapy. My therapeutic approach will always revolve around the therapeutic alliance and the client's needs. I understand that finding the right therapist can be difficult and establishing a therapeutic alliance is important. Reaching out and making the connection is the first step. Please contact me if you have any questions about appointments or my practice.
Office Location: Ashley holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox and Rochester offices as well as telehealth appointments.
You can email Ashley directly at ashley@treeoflifecounselingservices.com to schedule an appointment.
Maryss Thompson MA, LLC
Joining therapy starts a journey toward finding the person you want to become. I believe you are the expert in your own life and together we can collaborate to reach your goals. Starting something new can be overwhelming and nerve-wracking at times. I am here to ease your concerns and hold a safe space for open communication about life’s difficulties. I strive to make the therapeutic space a fun environment for us to work on some difficult subjects. We are all humans trying our best. Let’s work toward making you the best version of yourself.
My interest lies in helping individuals with different backgrounds and experiences. I see adolescents and adults dealing with many different mental health concerns. All cultures and LGBTQIA+ individuals are welcome. I use an integrative approach in my practice to form the session's techniques toward the client’s needs. These approaches include but are not limited to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), person-centered, mindfulness, multicultural counseling, and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT).
I am a Limited Licensed Counselor (LLC) and received a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling degree from Oakland University. Prior to obtaining my MA, I received an undergraduate degree from Oakland University in Psychology.
When you’re ready let's talk.
Office Location: Maryss holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox office as well as telehealth appointments.
Email maryss@treeoflifecounselingservices.com to schedule an appointment directly with Maryss.
Zekeyra Phillips MA, LPC, EMDR-T
Stories are ways that we connect with our desires. They are opportunities for us to escape our current reality and immerse ourselves into an alternative one with various genres—adventure, romance, fantasy, you name it. However, life is not as simple as a storybook; there is no linear storyline, no frivolous love interest, no secret ingredient to success, and definitely not as predictable as we’d like it to be. Luckily, we are not books. We are much more fluid—we can change the narrative whenever, wherever, or however we would like. When it really comes down to it, we are the author of our own stories. It is up to us to move in a way that will make or break our future.
When we choose ourselves, we choose peace, love, vulnerability, and growth.
I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology from Michigan State University and in the future I will receive my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Wayne State University. As both my studies and my experiences with clients have taught me, we are the expert of ourselves. We cannot control what happens to us, but we can control how we react to it. By doing this, we then can take charge of the direction that we want our stories to go in. Narrative therapy is a therapeutic technique that I am drawn to because it separates the person from the problem. I believe that our problems do not define us, rather it divines us. Certain events that happen “to” us actually happens for us so that we can gain a lesson, perspective, and growth from then on. What truly defines us is how we go about making the most of what we learn during our experiences in life. I believe that therapy should be a collaborative effort between the client and the therapist. Therapy should not “fix” a person—we are not construction projects. Rather, we are all souls trying to find our way back to ourselves. As the therapist, I will provide my clients with the skills necessary to find their way.
Therapy should be a safe space to express the deepest and most vulnerable parts of ourselves and I will make it my mission to ensure that anyone who walks into my office is given the chance to express themselves freely and privately. With my help, I have hope that anyone who chooses to work with me can change the narrative.
Office Location: Zekeyra holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox office as well as telehealth appointments.
Email zekeyra@treeoflifecounselingservices.com to schedule an appointment directly with Zekeyra.
Jordyn Adams, MA, LLC
Counseling Philosophy:
The decision to seek therapy can be daunting. My goal is to provide a safe, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for everyone who steps into my office. Collaboration and the understanding that everyone has experiences and perspectives that shape who they are as individuals are core aspects of my counseling philosophy. I aim to support and empower each client, helping them develop strategies for overcoming life struggles and distress while enhancing their strengths.
Counseling Orientation:
I frequently utilize a person-centered approach coupled with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. I also use dialectical-behavioral techniques and strength-based approaches. Ultimately, my therapeutic approach will be determined by the client’s needs.
Areas of Specialty:
I have experience working with individuals coping with depression, anxiety, and various life transitions. I primarily work with older adolescents and adults.
Qualifications:
I am a Limited Licensed Counselor who is practicing under the supervision of a Licensed Professional Counselor. I graduated with my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Oakland University in December 2022. Prior to obtaining my MA, I received undergraduate degrees from Oakland University in Psychology and Sociology. I am a part of Chi Sigma Iota, a professional and educational honor society. In addition, I am also a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA).
Office Location: Jordyn holds in-person appointments out of our Lenox office as well as telehealth appointments.
To schedule with me directly please email me at jordyn@treeoflifecounselingservices.com or call the main office line at (248) 608-4514.