Cassidy VanMalsen

About me: I attended Grand Valley State University where I graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work. My journey into therapy began when I realized that many people—myself included—carry hidden burdens of shame, unanswered questions, or trauma, and that just being held in a compassionate space can start to shift something inside. I became a therapist because I wanted to offer others what I once needed: someone who listens without judgment, offers gentle guidance, and helps you reclaim your own voice. I believe healing happens when someone is truly seen, heard, and accepted. My education and experience as a clinician in both inpatient and outpatient settings have given me the opportunity to work with individuals with developmental disabilities, depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance use disorders, and psychosis. In my personal time, I love to: ● be with friends and family ● spoil my three dogs and my cat ● spend time outdoors ● read thrillers and romance books ● try new recipes ● visit new coffee shops Working together: Starting therapy can feel like a big step, and my first priority is creating a space where you feel safe, seen, and genuinely cared for. I help people slow down, make sense of what they’re feeling, and reconnect with themselves and others in a more honest, grounded way. My style is warm, compassionate, and down-to-earth. I’m not here to “fix” you—because you’re not broken. I’m here to walk with you as you explore the parts of yourself that need attention, healing, or change. Therapy with me isn’t always heavy—it can also be a space to breathe, to feel seen, and to rediscover your strength. My approach is warm, open, and non-judgmental. Whether you’re carrying anxiety, grief, stress, trauma, or just a sense that something isn’t quite right, you’re welcome exactly as you are. This is a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out. You can show up messy, uncertain, emotional, or quiet—and we’ll work from there, at your pace. I believe that healing happens through our relationships with other people. That’s why I focus on building trust, offering compassion, and making sure you feel truly comfortable in our sessions. I’m not here to analyze you from a distance—I’m here to sit beside you, to ask thoughtful questions, and to hold space for whatever you bring into the room. The right fit: Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering: Will this person really get me? Will I feel comfortable opening up? Will therapy actually help? Those are completely valid questions—and the truth is, therapy works best when you feel safe, supported, and genuinely connected to the person you’re working with. If you’re here exploring, I want you to know it’s okay to take your time. Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and you deserve to feel connected and supported in that process. I might not be the right therapist for everyone. That’s okay. In fact, I think it’s healthy to acknowledge that. A strong therapeutic relationship requires mutual trust and fit and if we discover we’re not quite clicking; I am more than happy to support you in finding someone who does feel like the right match. Your healing is what matters most. My practice: By utilizing various treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, person-centered therapy, motivational interviewing, and strength-based therapy, I am committed to creating a safe space for clients and doing my part to help you overcome any challenges or obstacles you may be facing. My practice focuses on helping adults and young adults who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, or relationship difficulties. I also work with clients who feel “stuck” or disconnected from themselves and want to rediscover meaning and purpose. I tend to combine structure (goal setting, skills-building) with gentle exploration—so while we’ll work together on strategies and tools to manage symptoms, we’ll also consider what underlies them: beliefs, patterns, past hurts. I consider it a privilege to have a role in your personal growth and hope to create a professional relationship based on mutual respect, understanding, and trust to support you throughout your journey. In sessions, I strive to create a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe exploring whatever is weighing on you. If you’re feeling ready to make a change, or just curious about what therapy would be like, I’d be honored to meet you!