Forest Ferns Therapists
Mel is not currently accepting new clients. Please fill out the new client form to be added to their waitlist. Dr. Mel Whalen, LP
Therapist | Social Justice Framework | Culturally Deaf | ASL Fluent As a therapist, I approach all of my work from a social justice framework. I enjoy working with clients from diverse backgrounds, including those struggling with chronic illness or dynamic disabilities. I aim for transparency in everything that I do. I am culturally Deaf and fluent in ASL, and as such, I serve many Deaf clients. However, spoken English is my native language, so many of my clients are also hearing.
With the advent of virtual therapy, I can now offer my services to Deaf teens, parents of Deaf children, CODAs, or entire families via Zoom. I work with adults in mixed Deaf-hearing marriages, regardless of the language modality. I also supervise new therapists and am available for training, consultations and presentations on Deaf mental health topics.
My doctoral dissertation was conducted on the topic of transgender identity development. Currently, many of my clients identify as queer, trans, LGBTQ, genderqueer, non-binary or asexual. I also greatly enjoy working with neurodivergent, gifted, or immigrant clients, as I am intimately familiar with being a minority in this world.
Angela is not currently accepting new clients. Please fill out the new client form to be added to her waitlist. Angela Bonham, LMSW
Psychotherapist | Clinical Supervisor | Educator Angela Bonham, LMSW, is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and educator dedicated to empathetic and strength-based care. In her clinical practice at Forest Ferns Counseling, she utilizes a warm, humanistic approach to support clients through challenging life transitions and mental health concerns.
Angela serves as a clinical supervisor to LLMSW psychotherapists, holds a supervisory role at the Genesee Health Systems behavioral health urgent care and crisis residential unit, and is an instructor and program coordinator at Mott Community College. She is committed to continued growth and is currently pursuing her Doctorate of Social Work (DSW).
Sarah Shields, LLMSW
Sarah is currently accepting new clients. Social Worker | Trauma-Informed Care Sarah Shields is a Social Worker with specialized training in Trauma-Informed Care. She earned her MSW in Interpersonal Practice (Integrative Health, Mental Health, and Substance Abuse) from the University of Michigan and is completing a School Social Work certificate at Michigan State University. Her interdisciplinary background includes visual arts training at the College for Creative Studies, BA/MA degrees in English from Oakland University (where she also taught Film Studies), and over 14 years supporting individuals and communities as an English as an Additional Language Instructor.
Sarah brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach grounded in active listening, cultural humility, and deep respect for each client's lived experience. She is committed to holistic care and to understanding how social determinants of health and health disparities impact well-being.
Her clinical interests include women's healthcare across the lifespan, acute and chronic illness, autoimmune disease, eating disorders, disability, neurodivergence, and complex trauma (including medical and relational trauma). She supports clients navigating perinatal needs, solo/single parenting, pro-aging transitions, caregiver stress, domestic violence, acculturative stress, and recovery from narcissistic abuse. As an inclusive therapist, she draws from mindfulness, strengths-based work, CBT, arts-based, somatic and narrative approaches through an intersectional, anti-oppressive lens.
Jonathan is currently accepting new clients. Jonathan Lawson, TLLP
Licensed Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist Jonathan is passionate about helping individuals, couples, and families navigate the challenges that hold them back. His approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to creating a safe and inclusive space where clients feel heard, understood, and supported.
He specializes in working with adults, teens, and couples facing trauma, codependency, addiction, and relationship challenges. Whether you're seeking healing from past wounds, working to break unhealthy patterns, or wanting to strengthen your relationships, he supports clients in reconnecting with themselves and their goals.