Hidden Gems: Meet LISA CARPENTER of Center of Hope Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to LISA CARPENTER

Hi LISA, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I discovered that I have always been passionate about helping people with struggles that went beyond a normal doctor’s visit. After building up over 15 years of experience in the mental health field as a Licensed Professional Counselor, I realized that my true passion was helping those struggling with Eating Disorders. Since then, I have collaborated with some of the United State’s forefront Eating Disorder experts, and have developed and facilitated techniques in the treatment of eating and co-existing disorders, including anxiety, depression, trauma, as well as body dysmorphia.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time on the lake with my husband, 2 sons, and 2 dogs, Dexter and Bo. When I’m not relaxing on the lake, I enjoy music and attending concerts of all genres, especially groups like Shinedown, P!nk, Lady Gaga, and Papa Roach whom empower those who are struggling with Mental Health issues.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

Since forming my own private practice in mental health counseling in 2015, there have been many obstacles and challenges that we have overcome. We started out as a one office and group room in downtown Mount Pleasant, and have since expanded to a building that with 8 individual offices, and are now working on expanding outside of Mid-Michigan, so to say that there were some ongoing adjustments would be an understatement!

Additionally, a big struggle has been that Michigan offers very limited treatment options for Eating Disorders. Insurance companies have been reluctant to pay for Eating Disorder Treatment compelling us to vigorously advocate for insurance coverage for our acute clients who need a higher level of care.

Lastly, another large obstacle that we have faced is making it known that it’s okay to not be okay, and seeking out help is a sign of strength, and not weakness. There has always been such a major taboo around Mental Health and Eating Disorders, and we are working by educating our community so that we can break away from that mentality, and instead focus on Recovery.

We’ve been impressed with Center of Hope Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
For almost a decade, Center of Hope Counseling has provided services to the Mid-Michigan Area. We specialize in eating and related disorders, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjustment Issues. We provide a wide range of services which includes individual counseling using evidenced based practices including EMDR, DBT, and CBT via face to face and virtual platforms. The quality care that we provide our clients has lead to us receiving several awards including Best Counseling in Mount Pleasant 7 years in a row, recognition by Central Michigan University’s Counseling Programs Alumni Spotlight and membership in Top Doctors in America.

With decades of combined experience, Center of Hope provides a comfortable environment that fosters growth, healing, as well as provides a safe space to encourage those in need. Sigmund, our Emotional Support Cat plays a big role in making our clients feel welcomed in our office.

We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
I am extremely lucky to have the team that I work with today – They are dedicated, smart, and wonderful individuals that I consider myself lucky to work with every single day.

I am also lucky to have a supportive family that has had my back since the day I decided to take the risk and go out on my own!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://centerofhopemtp.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerofhopemtp
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CenterOfHopeCounseling