No matter who you are, your life is precious. For 30 years, The Center for Counseling has had the joy of listening to, caring for, and helping our patients. In order to create a holistic mental health plan we take into consideration individual values, needs, family situations, and work environments.

No matter where you reside in Michigan, we will walk with you. Through telehealth and in-person services, your plan can be as unique as you are.

Ultimately, what we do together will leave you empowered to overcome and heal.

Meet The Staff

Dr. James Hansen, PhD

Dr. Hansen is a professor at Oakland University and does clinical supervision for therapists as well as providing ongoing education for our therapists to ensure high-quality, up to date practices within the clinic.

Catharine Whiting, LMSW, PMH-C, Clinical Director

Clinical Director

Catie sees children/adolescents and adults. Catie is certified in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Other specialties include treating anxiety and depression utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She's worked extensively with children and their families that are facing or have faced terminal illness.

Sheila C. Cowling, MA, LLP

Sheila is a Christian based mental health provider, who has been practicing for more than 30 years. She has focused her treatment on adults with depression, anxiety, marriage and family issues, and body image issues. Sheila also specializes in traumatic brain injuries.

Joan Ghougoian, LMSW

Joan is an experienced mental health provider with a background as a community provider. Because of that, she has focused her treatment on adults with mental health issues and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

Jessica Kapral, MA, LPC

Jessica is a highly-trained mental health provider, specializing in anxiety and depression treatments. While she works with patients of all ages, she focuses much of her treatment on adolescents.

Christina Lawton, LMSW

Christina is a highly-trained mental health provider, with extensive experience providing mental health services to a wide variety of age groups, ranging from 8 years of age to geriatric.

Lisa Elia, LPC

Lisa is a trauma focused mental health provider. Her current niche is working with clients who have anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress. Lisa is trained in such therapeutic modalities as EMDR, TFCBT, EFT tapping and attachment based interventions. These modalities assist clients in addressing root causes and reducing symptoms. Lisa is a family oriented provider, with an extensive background in behavioral strategies to assist parents with children’s behaviors in the home and school setting.

Bill Whiting, MA, LMSW

Bill is a highly experienced mental health provider with expertise in anxiety, autism and ADD/ADHD. He offers a distinctive therapeutic method that incorporates various modalities tailored to each client's requirements. Bill has a vast background in working with children and adolescents, using movement and attachment-based therapies.