Our Team
Barb Richards, MA, LPC, Owner & Therapist
I have a passion for coming alongside my clients and empowering them to find their strengths to make positive changes in their lives. I am committed to building a relationship with my clients that will facilitate growth and healing; gaining knowledge and tools that will promote continued growth and development even after therapy has ended. I am also dedicated to continuing to grow and learn professionally and personally in order to provide the best possible care for my clients.
My approach to counseling is person-centered and strength-based. I believe that each individual has the power to change, grow, and heal and that sometimes we all need someone to come alongside us and help us on our journey to living our best possible life.
I am trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing Therapy) and PRT (Pain Reprocessing Therapy). I also integrate other evidenced-based techniques such as mindfulness and cognitive techniques with clients.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outdoors, and spending time with family, friends and my dog, Louie.
*Barb is currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients. (Cash Pay & Insurance Accepted)
Melissa Lininger, LMSW, Therapist
It’s hard to be vulnerable with someone you do not know and start that journey toward healing. I use a trauma informed approach to help my client feel as comfortable and safe as they can in my virtual space. I believe that establishing safety is an important aspect to build relationships with my clients. I genuinely want to hear my client’s stories to be able to get to the root cause of what is causing yuck in my clients nervous systems.
I used a multi-faceted therapeutic approach that involves somatic practices, EMDR, internal family systems, and pain reprocessing therapy. I believe we come to therapy to be a better parent to ourselves.
In my spare time I like to travel, spend time with family, listen to audible books, practice yoga, and spend time with friends.
*Melissa is currently accepting telehealth clients (Cash pay & Insurance Accepted)
Allyse Weidman, LLMSW, Therapist
Hi, I’m Allyse Weidman—a therapist who’s been in your shoes. As a teenager, I faced my own struggles with mental health, and that experience is a big part of why I’m so passionate about supporting teens and young adults today. I know how overwhelming life can feel sometimes, and my goal is to walk alongside you as you figure things out, heal, and grow.
With experience supporting children, teens, and families across diverse settings, I use a flexible and compassionate approach tailored to each client. My work integrates CBT, DBT, mind-body techniques, and EMDR therapy, helping clients understand how the mind and body work together to shape emotional experiences, coping patterns, and a deepening understanding of yourself.
Together, we will work to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful change. I aim to create a space that feels safe, supportive, and empowering—where you can be fully yourself.
When I’m not in session, you’ll usually find me enjoying a cozy night in with my two spoiled cats.
*Allyse is currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients (cash pay and insurance accepted).
Amanda Fackler Wallace, LPC, MEd, NCC, Therapist
I have a deep commitment to supporting teenagers and adults through all of life’s challenges. It is my greatest desire to help people of all ages feel known, supported, and prepared to face the world each day. I consider it a joy to celebrate with you as you adjust your skill set to include improved ways of thinking, coping, and healing. As you dedicate yourself to this new journey, know that I am constantly working to improve my skillset so I can help my clients to the best of my ability.
In my therapeutic practice I use a variety of techniques that are evidence based and tailored specifically to the needs of my clients. I take a collaborative approach to set goals that are meaningful to you and that will ideally lead toward lasting change and a sense of empowerment. I am very passionate about helping my clients unlock their full potential, move through their struggles, and create a new way of like that feels like thriving not just surviving.
I am trained in Brainspotting Phase-1, Gottman Level 1 (couples counseling), and I have extensive training and experience working with both teenagers and older adults ages 65+.
In my free time I like to crochet, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, listen to Taylor Swift and spend time exploring with my fiancé and our dog.
*Amanda is currently accepting telehealth clients (Cash pay and Insurance Accepted)
Jessi Ailstock, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, Therapist
Within the therapeutic experience I aim to provide a safe, understanding, and supportive environment for growth and healing. As a Board Certified Art Therapist, I integrate art therapy as an option for all clients, to provide a more nonverbal and non-judgmental form of expression.
I also incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered approaches, and mindfulness techniques into sessions to promote growth and healing. I specialize in individual therapy working with adults and adolescents. I specialize in anxiety, depression, PTSD, anger management, self-esteem building, substance use/addiction, and managing stress.
In my spare time, I like to travel, read, make art, play piano, and spend time with my friends and pets.
*Jessi is currently accepting in-person and telehealth clients. (Cash Pay & Insurance Accepted)
Brigetta Phillips-Freeman, LLPC
I believe that everyone deserves a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. My goal is to help clients navigate life’s challenges while recognizing their strengths and building the tools needed to create meaningful change.
I enjoy working with adolescents, young adults, adults and families experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, behavioral challenges, and everyday stressors. Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming emotions, navigating a difficult season, or simply looking for additional support, I strive to create a warm and collaborative environment where you feel comfortable being yourself.
My approach is person-centered and strength-based, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and other evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs.
Seeking support takes courage, and I consider it a privilege to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing, growth, and greater confidence in themselves and their relationships.
*Brigetta will be accepting new telehealth clients soon!
Ashley Battell, LMT
I started my holistic healthcare journey in early 2017 when my family moved to Michigan. I began by completing my certifications in Practical Acupuncture and Clinical Nutrition / Herbology in December 2017 from Blue Heron Academy. Next, I became a registered 200-hour Yoga and Barre / Pilates instructor. I love being able to guide people through movement and breath, and I incorporate that into my massage techniques as well. In 2024, I also became a certified Thai Massage Practitioner through the Simplified Yoga Method. The final piece to the puzzle was graduating from the Great Lakes School of Massage in June of 2025.
Becoming an LMT has always been my ultimate goal, but adding all these other modalities leading up to it has truly created my unique, intuitive, and effective technique style! My latest accomplishment is my certification as an Oncology Massage Therapist. Being a part of someone's care team during such a difficult chapter of life is incredibly rewarding.
When I am not helping others feel better in their bodies and nervous systems, I love live music, dancing, travel, yoga, working out, kayaking, hiking, skiing, and spending time with my husband, stepson, dog, and three cats. I am also currently working on building a homestead where my family can raise farm animals, too! I have a hippie heart, a free spirit, and a deep love for caring for others.
Ashley is now accepting new clients!
Erica Staats, LMT
With 11 years of experience as a massage therapist, I’ve been practicing since starting out on the west side of Michigan in 2015. I completed my massage therapy training at Blue Heron Academy in Grand Rapids, and ever since then, have been passionate about helping people heal in whatever way I can.
I offer a variety of massage styles to fit what your body needs, including deep tissue, aromatherapy, reflexology, prenatal, Swedish, sports massage, and hot stone therapy. I strive to focus on creating a comfortable, supportive space where you can relax, reset, and feel taken care of.
Outside of massage, I love anything about antiques and am a big animal enthusiast. I also love to make chocolates as well as paint! I am very excited to be working with Best Life Counseling, where I can continue to grow in my approach to holistic wellness and support each client in a way that feels meaningful and personalized.
Erica will be accepting new clients soon!
Karli Richards, Social Media Manager
I am the social media manager and content creator here at Best Life Counseling & Consultation. I handle our digital marketing and the behind the scenes creative work to help keep our community connected. Currently, I am working toward my yoga certification with the goal of eventually owning my own studio. I've always been super passionate about being able to move freely and I really want to help other people feel that same way in their own bodies.
In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, baking new desserts, designing, and hanging out with friends.
