Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel McClenahan.
Hi Rachel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I grew up in Muskegon and later joined the Laker community at Grand Valley State as a social work major. A lot of experiences in college – working at a YMCA after school program, being a Big Brother Big Sister mentor, working as a summer camp counselor, and interning in the court system- opened my eyes to the importance of healthy families for children. After college I worked in youth ministry in San Diego, where I met my husband. I came back to West Michigan because I have family roots here.
I worked in foster care and adoption for about a decade, and my job was to help children find forever homes. The families I worked with are courageous, and navigated extremely difficult circumstances. I got to see the resilience of children, though trauma was part of every foster care adoption story, and I saw the importance of having trauma informed counselors support these children and families. After awhile, I felt the nudge to support families as a counselor. I first decided to receive counseling services myself and after some months, my own counselor encouraged me and gave me the confidence to transition to therapy work.
After several years of working in a group counseling practice, I started my own practice on January 1st of this year. My husband has a side marketing business, so he was very helpful in getting my LLC and business bank account set up, making a website and finding a space for me to work. After I had I toured 845 Park Ave., I knew I had found the place for my counseling practice to start. I named it Take Heart Counseling after my favorite Bible verse, John 16:33. I want all my clients to know they are not alone, and there is hope.
After finding the office space, I spoke with my mentor/friend Cheryl Kallio and learned she was also thinking of starting her own group practice. Together we credentialed with health insurances, learned new practice management software, and opened our separate businesses (under the same roof) early this year. I see teenage and adult clients, many with trauma, who are struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, and interpersonal relationships. The work is rewarding, though at times difficult, and it’s a gift to have a friend in the building doing the same work. It’s a privilege to walk alongside clients in their healing; I’m honored to witness the courage it takes to grow.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Starting my own practice has definitely been a challenge. The counseling part is great. It’s the business part that’s been hard… especially trying to navigate credentialing with multiple insurance companies. At the beginning, it seemed like every few days there was a rejected claim and I had to make phone calls to insurance companies and hunt down the issue only to find out it was some small code rule. But after a few months, I’ve developed a consistent weekly rhythm to stay organized with intake referrals, treatment notes, and making sure billing responsibilities are done. While it has been challenging to step into the business side of private practice, it has also been empowering to build new skills and take ownership of this work.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
When clients come in to counseling, they are often dealing with overwhelming feelings, interpersonal relationship issues, and a need for something to change in their lives. When clients begin counseling, we typically meet weekly or biweekly, creating a consistent space to work together. Together, we explore what’s on their mind, their feelings and needs, challenging relationships in their lives, attachment patterns, and life experiences that have shaped them, often stories from childhood.
A central part of my work is helping clients establish healthy, protective boundaries—especially as they begin to feel more emotionally regulated and secure. From there, I help clients gradually learn how to stay open and connected in relationships without losing their sense of self.
What I feel most proud of is witnessing the transformation that takes place over time. It’s incredibly meaningful when a client shares that our work has helped them find greater peace, joy, and healing—especially within their relationships. I love seeing how counseling not only impacts the individual, but also strengthens families and ripples out into their broader lives.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Compassion. My years in child welfare and my own experience as a counseling client have given me a deep respect for the different stories people hold. Everyone has a story, and there’s a reason people think, feel and act the way they do. My job isn’t to judge, but to attentively listen for the stories that help make sense of where the client is coming from and how to help them get to where they want to be.
Consistency. Showing up week after week, creating a steady and safe space where clients know they will be met with care and without judgement is powerful. Reliability builds trust, and trust is where so much healing begins.
Pricing:
- I take BCBS, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, and Medicare Insurance
Contact Info:
- Website: https://takeheartcounseling.net/
