Meet Our Therapists

Our Team
Discover our dedicated team of mental health professionals at Michigan Center for Traumatic Stress. Each therapist specializes in unique areas to provide personalized care. Explore their profiles to learn more about their expertise, approach, and how they can support you.

She/Her
Sylvia Johnson, LMSW, CTP-C
CEO and Founder
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic
Ages: 5 and up
Specialties: childhood trauma, human trafficking, cult survivors, first responders, complex trauma
Bio:
If you’re looking for kindness and compassion, then let Sylvia help you on your healing journey. Sylvia  provides a safe and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences to gain self-awareness, understanding,  and discover how to get back to the life you love. She is extremely passionate about helping others get to the root of their current behaviors, thoughts, and feelings. Sylvia is specialized in treating trauma, traumatic stress, and complex trauma. She is also experienced in treating other difficulties such as depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, and grief.​Working with children as young as four, adolescents, and adults, Sylvia is a certified trauma practitioner and completed her training at Wayne State University. Sylvia is extensively trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy, play therapy, trauma-focused interventions, and utilizes techniques to best suit your needs.  While meeting you where you are at, she can help you discover how to live the life you love.  ​​
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She/Her
Alex Bollas, LLPC
Psychotherapist
Available Openings
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, somatic, humanistic
Age: 18 and up
Specialties: Sexual abuse and assault, anxiety, self-esteem, relationships
Bio:
Alex strives to create a warm, supportive space where clients can explore their emotions and experiences. She uses a person-centered, existentialist approach, honoring each client’s unique strengths and autonomy. By incorporating mindfulness, somatic awareness, and other modalities, Alex helps clients process emotions and deepen self-understanding. She believes that healing occurs in a safe and accepting environment, where clients feel truly seen and heard. With an understanding of how societal and systemic factors impact mental health, Alex is committed to creating an inclusive and affirming space. She specializes in working with anxiety, self-esteem, life transitions, and those seeking deeper emotional connection. Tailoring therapy to each individual, Alex works to ensure that their journey feels authentic and meaningful.

She/Her
Breanna Harris, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
In-person only, parent coaching (virtual option)
Modality: Psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), strength-based
Age: 4-10, parent coaching
Specialties: Parent separation and divorce, foster care, adoption, childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, parent coaching
Bio:
Making a choice to seek help can be challenging and takes courage. As a parent, you want to be sure that your child has the emotional support they need to flourish. Breanna provides a fun and safe atmosphere for your child to explore and manage their emotions while developing a strong sense of self. Breanna specializes in trauma and with playfulness and creativity, Breanna will help your child process issues such as parent separation and divorce, foster care, adoption, childhood sexual abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. Breanna uses a strength-based, cognitive behavioral approach. She often incorporates play as a way of learning and processing the difficult parts of life, in a way children can understand and relate to. She works with children and adolescents. Breanna is excited to walk with your child on their journey of healing and self-discovery.

She/Her
Denise Jackson, LLPC
Psychotherapist
Available Openings
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, role play
Age: 21 and up
Specialties: Trauma with co-occurring disorders
Bio:
Denise believes and desires to show every person in therapy that they are resilient. She will help you explore ways that you are resilient and how to hone in on that resiliency. Denise uses psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, DBT techniques, and person centered planning. Denise is a graduate of Siena Heights University with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling. She has extensive experience working with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and co-occurring disorders.  Together, you will tap into your resiliency, learn to cope, and work through what you are experiencing.

She/Her
Elise DiLaura, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
Available Openings
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic
Age: 14 and up
Specialties: Trauma, relationship concerns, anxiety, depression
Bio:
Everyone deserves a space to feel safe, seen, and supported. Elise creates a calm, compassionate environment for adults and teenagers to explore life’s challenges and gain deeper emotional insight. With a passion for fostering self-awareness and personal growth, Elise works collaboratively with clients to navigate issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, and relationship concerns. She practices psychodynamic psychotherapy, helping clients understand how past experiences shape their present thoughts and behaviors. Elise earned her Master of Social Work from Wayne State University, with a focus on clinical practice. She approaches therapy with empathy, curiosity, and a genuine understanding of each client’s personal journey. Together, you'll work toward greater self-awareness, healing, and emotional well-being.

She/Her
Emma Peck, LMSW
Supervisor and Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, relational, attachment based, and strengths-based
Age: 18 and up
Specialties: Complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depressive disorders
Bio:
Whether life is presenting current challenges or the trauma you experienced in your past is preventing you from living in the present, therapy can be a powerful tool to help process those intense emotions and find ways to soothe. Enduring trauma can prevent us from living our life to the fullest, whether it’s negative thoughts playing over and over, physical responses, painful memories, or feeling overwhelmed with everyday stressors. Emma provides a safe and non-judgmental space for clients to heal and gain new insights on their own unique experiences. Emma works with adolescents and adults. Emma obtained her master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University. She has experience working with adults with complex trauma, anxiety, depressive disorders, and grief and loss. She utilizes psychodynamic approaches, relational, attachment based, and strengths-based therapy to promote a new sense of well-being with each unique client she engages with. Emma understands that beginning the journey of therapy can be intimidating and works with clients to ease their nerves while building the therapeutic relationship. Therapy can be tough but together, you and Emma can find hope and safety within your journey.

He/Him
Jacob Cooper, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
Available Openings
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic therapy, IFS, CBT, mindfulness, and somatic methods
Age: 21 and up
Specialties: Trauma, grief, LGBTQ+ identity development
Bio:
If you’ve been feeling stuck, like you’re in survival mode, or like you’ve lost track of who you are, I’m here to help. Together, we can help you slow down and get to a place that feels like you are thriving, not just surviving. My specialty is working with adults dealing with trauma, identity struggles such as sexuality, coming out, and gender, anxiety, and depression. It is important to note, I’m LGBTQ+ affirming and bring experience from both community mental health and working at an LGBTQ+ center. Let’s make sense of the past while learning how to live in the present. My style is calm, grounded, and collaborative. I draw mostly from my expertise in psychodynamic therapy, but I also use tools from IFS (parts work), CBT, mindfulness, and somatic practices. Psychodynamic therapy is about getting to the root of what brings you to therapy and understanding where behavior and thoughts come from. Once we understand that, awareness allows change. We'll use psychodynamic therapy and whatever helps us get to the root of what’s going on. Therapy with me is about slowing down, getting curious, and shining light on the parts of yourself that have been hidden or pushed away. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply and start living more authentically; not just surviving, but actually thriving. Let’s make sense of the past while learning how to live in the present.

She/Her
Kayla Nabozny, LLPC
Psychotherapist
Available Openings
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, play therapy, cognitive behavioral (CBT), and person-centered
Age: 5 and up
Specialties: Grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, marriage/relationship issues
Bio:
Kayla believes that it is healthy and natural for people to attend counseling. She views therapy as a partnership between client and therapist, both working towards your goals. Every counseling session is entered with optimism and open-mindedness. Kayla specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, and depression and has worked with a variety of additional issues such as stress management, eating disorders, grief and loss, and marriage/relationship conflict.  She received her Master’s degree from Oakland University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her therapeutic approaches and techniques focus on psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing, supportive listening, and enhancing skill strengths. She cannot wait to work together to help you achieve your healing goals.

She/Her
Kristin Nobles, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, CBT, and Motivational Interviewing
Age: 6 and up
Specialties: Racial trauma, various ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+
Bio:
Therapy offers a powerful opportunity for personal growth and healing, and I’m here to provide a supportive, empathetic space for that journey. With a Bachelor's in Psychology from Oakland University and a Master's in Social Work from Wayne State University, I specialize in working with diverse populations, including LGBTQA+ individuals, clients from various ethnic backgrounds, and people of all ages, from children 6-18 and adults. I help clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, self-esteem, addiction, ADHD, and PTSD. Using tailored therapeutic approaches like CBT, MI, and Psychodynamic therapy, I’m committed to supporting you in your unique healing process. Let’s take the next step together!

They/Them
Lyz Luidens, LLMSW
Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic
Age: 10 and up
Specialties: Trauma, LGBTQIA+, ADHD, disability, autism, anxiety, depression
Bio:
Therapy is a brave step in the process of navigating life’s current challenges and healing past wounds in a safe environment. Lyz offers a unique and compassionate perspective to therapy, employing IFS/parts work and Psychodynamic methods, while drawing on the transformative power of curiosity and creativity as impactful tools for healing and growth. As a genderqueer person and 10 year resident of the city of Detroit, Lyz recognizes that oppressive systems contribute to mental health disparities among marginalized groups. Combining their experience teaching art across all age groups, treating trauma both individually and in group treatment, their Master's in Social Work, and their lived experience as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Lyz works from a feminist, anti-racist, perspective. Working with children (ages 10 and up), teens, and adults, Lyz’s commitment to inclusivity includes LGBTQIA+ issues, disability, trauma, ADHD, autism, depression, and anxiety. Lyz is here to provide a compassionate therapeutic experience for you to explore your narrative, embrace your strengths, and foster resilience, hope, and joy.

She/Her
Monika Saladiak, LPC, CTP-C
Supervisor and Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic and CBT
Age: 18 and up
Specialties: Trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infertility, LGBTQ+
Bio:
Beginning therapy can be both intimidating and exciting. Monika strives to develop a therapeutic relationship for clients to explore their lives in an environment that is non-judgemental and safe. Therapy is a collaborative effort that Monika will take you through with compassion and care. She works with clients with a variety of challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, infertility, and trauma. Monika is a certified trauma practitioner who works with teens, 14 and up, and adults, using an approach that is tailored to each person she works with. She uses elements of Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Person-Centered Therapy. With compassion, hard work, and even a few laughs, Monika will assist clients in becoming their best selves.

She/Her
Nicole Green, LMSW
Supervisor and Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, EMDR, CBT, DBT
Age: 11 and up
Specialties: Trauma, anxiety, depression
Bio:
Nicole is a trauma-informed therapist who is dedicated to helping individuals navigate and heal from the impact of trauma, addiction, anxiety, and treatment-resistant depression. Nicole works with children, adolescents and adults. Nicole integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches to best meet the needs of each client; including EMDR therapy, psychodynamic therapy, CBT/DBT skills work and gender affirming care. Nicole believes in creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for healing. Nicole’s work is rooted in empathy, collaboration, and empowerment—values that guide commitment to understanding each person’s unique experience. Nicole is passionate about helping clients find their strength, reconnect with their authentic selves, and develop the tools they need to thrive. Through psychodynamic therapy, Nicole helps individuals uncover and understand the root causes of their emotional struggles, allowing them to process past experiences that may still be affecting them today. Nicole utilizes EMDR therapy as well, helping clients process trauma, addiction, anxiety, phobias, and treatment-resistant depression. By helping clients reframe and desensitize painful memories, EMDR supports long-lasting

​She/Her
Sam Johnson, LLPC
Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, ACT, object relations, and gestalt
Age: 16 and up
Specialties: Men's issues, sexual trauma, childhood trauma, relationship issues
Bio:
Starting therapy is an amazing step towards understanding yourself on a deeper level, unlocking new perspectives, and building the resilience to navigate life’s twists and turns with confidence and clarity. Sam is here to be your co-pilot on this journey, providing warmth and understanding in each session. She is dedicated to creating a safe and supportive space for you to navigate the complexities of your experiences. Sam utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, and somatic theories with a down-to-earth approach. Sam works with adolescents from age 12, young adults, and adults. She acquired her masters in clinical mental health from Wayne State University and specializes in the LGBTQI+ community, disability, trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, and depression. In and out of the clinic, Sam operates a person-centered and compassionate approach, fostering resilience and guiding individuals toward a path of healing and self-discovery. With Sam’s support, you will embark on a path towards a brighter, more empowered future.

She/Her
Vasiliki (Vasi) Colas, LLPC
Psychotherapist
*Waitlist*
Virtual or In-person
Modality: Psychodynamic, stength-based, humanistic, and multicultural
Age: 16 and up
Specialties: Bilingual English and Greek, trauma, depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, developmental disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, and dual diagnosis
Bio:
Vasi motivates, educates, and instills hope to guide you along your journey, working together towards the goals you set throughout sessions. Vasi is a bilingual therapist, speaking English and Greek. Her cultural background provides her with an open mind and an empathetic understanding when working with her clients. ​Through Vasi’s education, she has gained a strong theoretical and clinical foundation in the practice of disability and personal adjustment counseling. Utilizing a Humanistic approach with her clients, Vasi creates a warm and welcoming environment, while tailoring her therapeutic techniques to meet the needs of each client. ​Vasi works with adolescents and adults. She specializes in traumatic stress and has treated PTSD, depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-harm, developmental disorders, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar, and dual diagnosis. With willingness and hope, Vasi can't wait to start your journey with you.