Hi, I’m Xenia Chavez, a Michigan limited licensed counselor and founder of Arise Counseling. I earned my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Central Michigan University. Before becoming a counselor, I worked in refugee assistance and homeless services. That experience taught me to listen closely and consider the relationships, culture, and everyday pressures that shape someone’s life.

I’m also Mexican American and a first-generation college graduate. I care about making room for conversations about identity, belonging, and family expectations. In our sessions, you can speak English, Spanish, or both. Use whichever language helps you express yourself.

My style is calm, honest, and collaborative. Trauma work is an important part of my practice. If past experiences are still affecting your emotions, relationships, or sense of self, we can start with what feels most pressing. Grounding and DBT skills can help you handle difficult moments as we explore the deeper patterns you’re ready to work through.

I use a person-centered approach and draw from CBT, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). With couples, I also use tools from my Level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. Sometimes our work will involve practical skills; other times, we’ll slow down and make sense of something you’ve been carrying for a long time.

I work with teens, adults, and couples navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and life changes. You don’t need to know exactly what to say or where to begin. We can find a starting point together.