THERAPISTS
Donald Zaksek, Psy.D., L.P.
In addition to providing psychological services, Dr. Zaksek oversees training, supervision and consultation for our clinical staff. Dr. Zaksek received his Doctorate of Psychology from Wright State University in 2005. From 2004-2008, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force where he gained a wealth of experience in clinical psychology, behavioral medicine and leadership. He considers it an honor to have worked so closely with service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. Dr. Zaksek has also worked for the Veterans Administration and the University of Michigan where he implemented cognitive behavioral therapy programs for veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. He has received training from some of the foremost experts in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He particularly enjoys working with veterans, athletes and men's issues. Dr. Zaksek's compassionate, respectful approach to psychotherapy allows him to develop strong working alliances with our clients. He takes the time to understand and appreciate the unique nature of each client's presenting problem in a non-judgmental fashion. As such, Dr. Zaksek is highly skilled in helping clients navigate even the most challenging and complex problems that life presents.
Rachel Sienko, Ph.D., L.P.
Dr. Sienko completed her doctoral training at Eastern Michigan University. She has worked in college counseling centers, a community outpatient clinic and private practice. Dr. Sienko sees adults and couples. Her clinical interests include anxiety, relationship concerns, LGBTQ issues, women’s issues, body image and disordered eating, group therapy, and social justice. Rachel uses an integrative clinical approach, though she tends to focus on acceptance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal processes. She values working with clients of all backgrounds and identities.
Stephen Nelson, M.A., L.L.P.
Stephen obtained his Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology at Wayne State University, and has held clinical and supervisory roles in a number of healthcare settings. He has been a Program Coordinator for an adult crisis residential center, an intensive in-home therapist, the lead therapist for partial hospitalization program, and an outpatient therapist for children, adolescents and adults. Stephen has also served as a supervisor and empathy trainer for psychology graduate students. He has an eclectic approach to therapy, often integrating elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. His expertise in Mindful approaches to mental health has afforded him the opportunities to share his knowledge by presenting to and training clinical staff in numerous treatment settings. He has a passion for serving individuals struggling with Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Grief and Loss, Marital Conflict and more. Stephen utilizes empathy, compassion, non-judgment and psychoeducation to form a strong therapeutic relationship, while helping individuals understand their challenges and accomplish their treatment and life goals.
Taylor Jones, M.A., T.L.L.P.
Taylor received her Masters of Arts degree in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology. Her prior experience includes: working with domestic and sexual abuse survivors in shelters, as well as leading certified Youth Mental Health First Aid training courses to address suicidal crises in child and adolescent populations. As a clinician, her experience in a medical facility allowed her to reach a broad variety of clients of all ages dealing with depression, anxiety, gender dysphoria, eating disorders, and grief. While Taylor’s clinical approach is integrative, she her approach involves using Cognitive-Behavioral strategies, in addition to mindfulness techniques to assist each individual client on their journey toward self-actualization. She is under the supervision of Dr. Donald Zaksek.
Amanda Luurtsema, L.L.M.S.W.
Amanda obtained her Masters of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. She has worked in a variety of settings, including in-home family first programs, supervision within foster care, differing non-profit agencies, and has provided school social work interventions to students with diverse emotional and cognitive impairments. Amanda is focused on helping children, adolescents, and adults navigate through anxiety, depression, trauma, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), crisis, and other interpersonal issues. Amanda firmly believes in providing her clients with a safe environment that cultivates new ways of thinking and expression. Her nurturing, humanistic approach guides her treatment modalities when assisting clients and their families through hard times. Amanda is passionate about building deep relationships and understanding the stories and experiences of those she works with. She is currently supervised by Don Zaksek (Psy. D) and Lisa Inoue (LMSW).
Grant Ellison, M.S. , L.L.P.
Grant obtained his Masters in Clinical Behavioral Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. In addition to outpatient therapy, Grant conducts formal bariatric psychological evaluations prior to bariatric candidates receiving surgery, as well as formal ADHD assessments. He has experience working with community mental health populations, children and adolescents diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders, as well as both inpatient psychiatric and college counseling facilities. His diverse experience and interests include anxiety and mood disorders, mindfulness, finding and instilling motivation, behavioral difficulties, and developmental disabilities. Grant’s therapeutic approach pulls from empirically supported treatments stemming from the broad cognitive-behavioral domain, including more specific treatments such Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure-based therapies to assist clients with their unique struggles. He takes a caring, nonjudgmental approach to clients of all identities and beliefs, understanding that this is key to building a meaningful therapeutic alliance.
Brittany Burns, M.S., T.L.L.P.
Brittany earned her Masters of Science degree in Clinical Psychology from Eastern Michigan University. She has experience conducting individual and group therapy in private practice, residential facilities, family medicine clinics and hospice care. Brittany excels working with adolescents, young adults and mature adults who suffer from depression, anxiety, medical conditions, trauma, grief and loss. Brittany’s approach is integrative, and she is well-trained in cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques. She excels at providing a warm and welcoming environment for her clients to develop the insight and confidence necessary to grow and change. She also strives to help clients maintain their success once their treatment has concluded.
SUPPORT STAFF
Lauren Frane, Receptionist
Lauren is currently working on completing her undergraduate degree in Behavioral and Biological Sciences from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She has been working as a receptionist in the medical field for over three years, and has also worked as a pharmacy technician for a year and a half. Lauren’s long term educational goal is to become a psychiatrist. She has always been fascinated by the effects that medication can have on the brain and body. Lauren is interested in working closely with therapists to help patients overcome mental health concerns such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Lauren is passionate about providing amazing patient care and strives to reflect that in all of her work.
Kelsey Miller, B.S., Receptionist
Kelsey has a Bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Tourism management and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Moody Theological Seminary. Prior to returning to school, Kelsey spent 6 years in managerial roles in hotels and restaurants. During this time, she began to understand just how deeply our personal perceptions influence our mental health and quality of life, and she developed a passion for helping people work through interpersonal conflicts by teaching people to communicate clearly and effectively. Kelsey hopes to eventually work with adults and couples in a therapeutic setting. She has special interest in both social justice issues and perinatal mental health, and she hopes to incorporate those things into her future practice. Kelsey strives to be empathetic and compassionate in all areas of life and hopes that those qualities are visible to patients even in her brief interactions with them at reception.
Hayley Nasrallah, B.A., Receptionist
Hayley has a Bachelor’s degree in International and Global Studies, with an emphasis on Global Human Rights, Global Arts and Belief Systems. Before entering the field of psychology, Hayley worked with non-profit organizations in development, operational, and interpersonal roles. Hayley’s experience includes working with college and graduate students, survivors of human trafficking, and refugees and immigrants from around the world. Her long-term goal is to continue working with these populations in a therapeutic environment. Hayley is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Moody Theological Seminary-Michigan, where she is learning an integrative approach. Administratively, Hayley interacts with patients in a respectful and caring manner, and is passionate about helping patients problem-solve and overcome obstacles in order to receive the highest quality care.
Integrative Psychology is also supported by the caring, responsive administrative team at Cruz Clinic.
Ida Goutman
Ida Goutman has been involved in mental health care administration since 1973. In addition to overseeing Integrative Psychology's support staff, Ida is responsible for the day to day business operations of Cruz Clinic, a large interdisciplinary mental health clinic in Livonia. Ida monitors and enforces all quality assurance measures involving patient care and employee performance. She and her staff are also responsible for Joint Commission Accreditation and ongoing compliance. The Cruz Clinic billing department seamlessly coordinates reimbursement from insurance companies. They are always gracious and helpful when billing questions arise!