Our Treasured Interns
At Brighter Health Counseling, we are deeply committed to fostering the growth and development of emerging mental health professionals. Our internship program is designed to provide therapist interns with a rich, supportive, and hands-on clinical experience within a compassionate and ethical private practice environment.
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Supervision & Clinical Support
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Weekly Individual Supervision: Each intern receives consistent one-on-one supervision from a licensed clinician, tailored to their learning style and professional goals. Our supervisors are experienced, approachable, and invested in providing constructive feedback, clinical insight, and emotional support.
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Group Supervision & Case Consultations: Interns participate in regular group supervision and interdisciplinary case consultation meetings. These sessions offer opportunities for peer learning, collaborative problem-solving, and expanding clinical perspectives.
Allison Cole
Master Level
Counseling Intern
Allison (Allie) Cole is an LPC Intern and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She works with young adults through the geriatric population and provides counseling support for individuals seeking help with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, self-esteem issues, and life transitions.
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Allison takes a client-centered and holistic approach to counseling, honoring each client’s personal values, beliefs, and lived experiences. She is committed to meeting clients where they are and fostering a supportive space that encourages emotional growth and self-reflection.
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Her therapeutic style is warm, collaborative, and non-judgmental. Allison provides a safe and respectful environment for clients to explore concerns including trauma, grief, family conflict, forgiveness, and personal healing.
Ben VanAken
MSW Intern
Ben is an MSW intern currently completing his degree at Spring Arbor University. He views therapy as a collaborative journey and is dedicated to providing a grounded, supportive environment for his clients. With a professional background as a psychiatric technician at UofM Health System, Benjamin brings a wealth of experience in supporting individuals through their most vulnerable moments with empathy and respect.
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While Benjamin is a lifelong learner who welcomes the opportunity to work with people of all ages, his primary clinical focus is on young adults and individuals navigating the various stages of adulthood. He specializes in helping clients manage the impacts of anxiety and depression, particularly during periods of significant life change. His approach is highly goal-oriented, blending traditional therapeutic support with a coaching style that helps clients find clarity and take actionable steps toward personal growth.
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​Benjamin believes that the most effective work happens in a true partnership where the client is empowered. He strives to make every session feel like a conversation rather than a lecture, focusing on the unique strengths and goals of the individual.
Marriage and Family Therapy intern
Heather Labrecque
Heather is a Marriage and Family Therapy intern with a strong passion for supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating medical trauma, serious health challenges, and life transitions. She has a particular interest in working with oncology patients and their families, helping them process the emotional, relational, and systemic impacts of illness.
In addition to her work in therapy, Heather brings 24 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist with specialized training in medical, hospice, and oncology massage. This background has given her a deep, embodied understanding of the physical and emotional toll of illness, as well as the importance of compassionate, holistic care for medically frail individuals and their support systems.
Heather also values working with LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities and am committed to providing an inclusive, affirming space for all clients.
Her approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in a systemic perspective that recognizes how relationships and environments shape each person’s experience. She strives to create a safe, supportive space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, strengthen communication, and deepen connection. Heather is dedicated to meeting clients with empathy, respect, and care as they navigate challenges and grow together.