Therapy for Adults in Highland and Ferndale, Michigan: Specializing in Caregiver Support, Chronic Illness Adjustment, and Life Transitions
Welcome! I’m Jessica Carnes, and I work with adults of all ages who are navigating the complex challenges of caregiving, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, and grief. My goal is to help you find balance, rediscover yourself, and develop the practical skills you need to face life’s demands with renewed confidence.
I specialize in supporting people who are stretched thin—those juggling multiple roles as parents, caregivers, employees, spouses, and friends while struggling to care for themselves. If you’re exhausted from putting everyone else first, I’m here to help.
Who I Work With
My clients often fall into one or more of these situations:
- Sandwich Generation Caregivers: Adults caring for both children and aging parents simultaneously
- Special Needs Parents: Parents of children (both minor and adult) with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, or other neurodevelopmental differences
- Spousal Caregivers: Partners caring for spouses with chronic or serious medical conditions
- Adults with Chronic Illness: Individuals adjusting to living with chronic illness and the emotional impact of health challenges
- Adult Children Caring for Aging Parents: Those navigating difficult health decisions, decline, and end-of-life planning
Whether you’re dealing with caregiver burnout, struggling with anxiety or depression, or simply feeling overwhelmed by everything on your plate, I provide compassionate, practical support.
My Approach: Collaborative, Strength-Based Therapy
Therapy with me starts with a conversation—no judgment, no pressure, just honest dialogue about what you’re facing. I take a collaborative approach that emphasizes your strengths and helps you develop practical coping strategies tailored to your unique situation.
I integrate multiple evidence-based therapeutic approaches including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Compassion-Focused Therapy
- Cognitive Processing Therapy
My style is calming, accommodating, and easy-going. I use humor when appropriate and create a space where any topic is welcome, nothing is off limits. Above all, I will meet you where you are.
What to Expect in Sessions
In our work together, you can expect someone who truly listens, validates your experiences, and helps you find clarity amid the chaos. My clients describe me as calming and easy to talk to—someone who makes therapy feel less overwhelming and more like a partnership.
Whether you need validation, psychoeducation about what you’re experiencing, or practical problem-solving strategies, I’m here to support you in becoming the best version of yourself. My hope is that you’ll leave our sessions feeling heard, equipped with new tools, and reconnected to the strength and resilience you already have inside you.
About Me
I earned my Master’s of Social Work degree from Grand Valley State University in 2015 and have been working under the social work umbrella for over 25 years. My diverse background includes experience in community mental health, public schools, youth courts, probate court, and job development programs.
For the past two years at New Perspective Counseling, I’ve focused on supporting adults dealing with the emotional toll of caregiving, medical challenges, and the everyday stressors that pile up when life gets complicated. This breadth of experience means I understand the complex systems families often have to work within—and I’ve helped countless people navigate problems both large and small.
Ready to Start?
If you’re an adult in Highland, Ferndale, or surrounding Michigan communities who’s tired of carrying everything alone, I invite you to reach out. Let’s work together to help you find balance and face life’s challenges with renewed confidence.