Jalayah Ford, TLLP

Life can feel overwhelming at times, and it's not always easy to navigate life's challenges on your own. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, self-esteem, behavioral concerns, or simply feeling stuck, my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we'll work toward helping you gain insight, build on your strengths, and create lasting change.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Youth Services from Saginaw Valley State University and my Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology from the Michigan School of Psychology. My experience includes providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults. I believe every person already has the capacity for growth and healing, and my role is to walk alongside you, helping you discover the tools and confidence to move toward the life you want.

My Unique Approach to Therapy

I view therapy as a partnership. While I bring clinical knowledge and evidence-based interventions, I believe you are the expert on your own life. Rather than telling you what to do, I work with you to better understand your experiences, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools that support your goals. My aim is not only to help you feel better but also to help you feel more confident in navigating life's challenges long after therapy ends.

Because every individual is different, I tailor therapy to your unique needs instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach. My work is informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. Above all, I strive to create a warm, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment where you feel genuinely heard, respected, and empowered.

Specialized & Extended Training

What sets me apart is my commitment to building meaningful therapeutic relationships and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable being themselves. I understand that opening up can be difficult, so I focus on establishing trust and meeting you where you are. I have a special passion for working with children, adolescents, and young adults, and I enjoy helping clients build resilience, strengthen emotional awareness, and gain confidence in themselves.

My graduate training provided extensive experience with psychological assessment, treatment planning, crisis and safety planning, and evidence-based psychotherapy across the lifespan. In addition to individual therapy, I have experience facilitating psychoeducational and process-oriented therapy groups for adolescents, incorporating topics such as emotional regulation, self-esteem, communication, coping skills, and healthy relationships. I continue to expand my clinical knowledge through ongoing supervision, consultation, and specialized training to provide thoughtful, individualized care for every client.