Ciara Vannatter, MSW, LLMSW*
About Ciara
Ciara is a limited licensed master of social worker who has always been passionate about creating open, nonjudgmental communication in her life and strives to create this comfortable space for clients to experience in session. She is dedicated to helping clients feel heard, valued, and understood. Ciara believes people are unique and that there is not a universal approach to helping others. When a client’s needs change, she will always adjust the strategies to fit what they need. Ciara’s goal is to create a safe, trusting, and helpful atmosphere and relationship with every one of her clients.
Ciara has previous experience working with individuals of all ages in multiple community mental health settings. Additionally, Ciara completed her master’s level internship at the ADHD Center of West Michigan, where she provided counseling and diagnostic services to children, teens, and young adults/adults. Experience has taught her that the most valuable thing she can offer her clients is time, energy, and empathy to help everyone feel safe to open up and tell their complete story.
Ciara helps clients identify strategies that can effectively reduce anxiety, manage moods, and ease stress. She can help you develop coping skills to reduce that feeling of life being "too much." She is capable of guiding children, teens, and young adults/adults to identify and regulate emotions like anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, mood changes, stress, trauma, and adjustment. Ciara focuses on empowering clients to understand themselves and to make the changes necessary to live their most authentic life.
Contact Ciara: 616-773-2908 ext 135
EMAIL: ciara.vannatter@ihcwestmichigan.com
*Supervised by a Licensed Social Worker
Education
B.S. in Psychology from Grand Valley State University (2021)
M.S. in Social Work from Grand Valley State University (2023)
Post Masters Training
Certified ADHD Professional (ADHD-CCSP) Intensive Training Course: Evidence-Based Strategies for Managing ADHD Across the Lifespan - Pesi - 2023
Exposure and Response Prevention School for Mental Health Professionals by Kimberley Quinlan - CBT School - 2023
Medical University of South Carolina: A Course for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy - TFCBT2.0 - 2023
What is Narrative Practice? A Gateway to Narrative Therapy and Community Work - Dulwich Centre - 2023
Treatment Interests
Individual Psychotherapy for Kids, Teens, Young Adults, and Adults
Anxiety/Depression
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (Inattentive, Hyperactive, and Combined types)
Emotional Dysregulation
Identity Exploration and Support
Improving Negative Self-Talk Spirals/ Shame/ Guilt
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Specific Phobias
Trauma Processing
Therapeutic Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
DBT-Based Techniques
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Mindfulness-Based Techniques
Narrative Therapy
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Memberships
National Association of Social Workers (NASW), Michigan and National Branches (NASW)