Meet Rebecca Gerlach of Being Human Group

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Gerlach.  

Hi Rebecca, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I went off to Michigan State at 17 thinking I would become a lawyer and work for the ACLU. In my third year there, I had my son and my perspective shifted a bit. I had the opportunity to do an internship my last year at State and was placed at the Guidance Center, a community mental health agency Downriver. I was placed in the research and evaluation department with lots of social workers. I loved the team and the work. I applied to social work grad programs rather than law school and learned more about clinical work. I had thought I would still work in policy, which is what my undergrad degree is in, and many social workers go on to do with a macro systems focus. I fell in love with clinical work along the way and became a therapist. 

I’ve had the opportunity to work with children, teens, and adults in a variety of settings. One thing each role had in common was the focus on trauma and healing the trauma people experience throughout their lifetime. I continued my training with more focus on trauma and holistic approaches to health. I completed Ph.D. coursework while working full time and raising five kids (no I’m not superwoman, just anxious and cannot sit still!) 

I reached a point where I wanted to slow down and be with my kids more and began my own practice. It’s grown over the last four years to the point where I have been able to add other therapists-which has become Being Human Group. I’m so proud of our team and grateful for the work they put in with clients. We’re real people, serving real people and walking alongside them on their journey-which is such an honor! 

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?
It’s not always been a smooth road. Work-life balance is a constant dance between my professional desires and my family’s needs. Work has at times presented challenges and dilemmas which ultimately lead me to start my own practice. I wanted to be able to serve people without so much bureaucracy. 

Having babies while still in school was certainly a challenge, and was not my original plan. We’ve made it through though, and I’m lucky to have a supportive partner. Life is easier now that my kids are bigger, and I’m able to take the space to attend their events and be with them, while still walking individuals through their therapy journey. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Being Human Group is a therapy practice specializing in trauma-informed care for teens and adults. Our therapists are well-trained, real people who truly love what they do. Our team works with a range of challenges people face. Our team is all women of varying backgrounds. I’m proud that we serve people in a nonjudgmental, compassionate way. Many of us have walked through our own therapy journeys and have come out the other side. We’re real people too, and want people to be able to feel safe to show up as themselves without fear of judgment. 

We offer both in-person and online therapy to meet your needs. I’m really proud of our office space and the feeling we’ve been able to create in person as well as online. We serve individuals, families, and couples. We do take Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance as well as Blue Care Network. We can also provide superbills to get out-of-network reimbursement from other insurance plans. 

What was you like growing up?
Growing up I was the kid with a book in hand at all times. I genuinely loved school both for academics and because that’s where all my friends were! I loved being with people and learning new things at all times. I’ve become more introverted as I’ve gotten older, but as a kid, I would say I was a nerdy extrovert. I have a competitive streak and zero athletic talent. 

I was lucky to have teachers that acted as mentors and offered me safe space and challenge that was sometimes lacking at home. I spent a lot of time with both sets of grandparents and loved hearing about their lives and past experiences. Looking back, it makes sense that I became a therapist, though at the time it came as a surprise to me! 

Pricing:

• $150 for 60 minutes
• $130 for 45 minutes
• Sliding scale is available for those who qualify

Contact Info:

• Email: becca@beinghumangroup.com
• Website: beinghumangroup.com
• Instagram: @thebeinghumangroup

Image Credits
Megan Hardgrove