Patrick Power, Intern

Phone: 616-426-9034, ext. 666
Email: ppower@secondstorycounseling.com

MA Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Aquinas College (In Progress)
MBA - University of Michigan
BS Mechanical Engineering - University of Illinois

My story has included significant challenges and many difficulties, but it has also encompassed growth and meaning. I was drawn to this vocation because of the personal nature of the counseling relationship. I believe that everyone has their own unique story. I hope to help individuals, families and couples explore their story, discover their strengths and begin moving toward a more hopeful place. I am currently in the process of completing my Master of Arts in Counseling from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids.

When I’m not working or taking classes, most of my time is spent with my family. I have been married for almost twenty years and have four children at various stages of life. My time is usually spent running from one activity to another, coaching baseball, going on hikes and watching movies with my family. As a family, we are also very active in our faith community and love to spend time with other families.

My Approach

Because I believe so deeply in developing a personal relationship with my clients, my counseling approach is largely grounded in the person-centered approach. I believe that clients should receive empathy and unconditional positive regard from their counselor. In this way, an alliance can develop between the counselor and the client. Creating this environment will create the space for the client to explore and discover their unique strengths and experiences.

In addition to the person-centered approach, I will utilize other theoretical approaches based on the unique needs of the client, including narrative therapy, family systems and the Gottman method. Besides my clinical training, my years as a business professional and an entrepreneur, combined with my coursework in career counseling, has prepared me to help my clients work through vocational exploration, challenges and decisions. I am passionate and excited to work with individuals as well as families, couples and adolescents.

What you can expect

You can expect someone that, when we sit down together, will unconditionally treat you with dignity and respect, because I believe in you as an individual with a unique story. We will spend our time getting to know each other and I will begin to walk with you on your journey. We will explore the reasons that you are coming to therapy and we will collaboratively build a plan based on your goals and what is important to you. We will continue to walk together as you learn new tools and skills that address your needs and empower you to begin moving toward a more hopeful place.