Location: Muskegon
Specialties: Women’s Issues, Behavioral Issues, Depression, Pregnancy/Prenatal/Postpartum, School Issues, Self-Harming, Self Esteem, Stress, Teen Violence, Trauma, Young Adults, Teens, Preteens, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT),, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Mindfulness (MBCT), Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, Psychodynamic, Solution-Focused (SFBT)
Ages: 2+
Hello my name is JaLiyah Waker! I work best with adolescents, young women, and families who are navigating trauma, emotional challenges, or major life transitions. Many of my clients are teen girls or women who feel overlooked, misunderstood, or caught between who they are and who they want to become. They may be struggling with self-esteem, identity, anxiety, or family dynamics and are looking for a safe, affirming space to heal, grow, and build resilience.
Together, we focus on managing big emotions, healing from past hurts, and finding healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or family challenges. I aim to create a supportive and authentic space where you can be yourself, while also learning practical tools that help you feel stronger, calmer, and more grounded in your daily life.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, know that you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re a teen navigating big emotions, a woman moving through life transitions, or a family working toward better connection, I’m here to walk alongside you. If this sounds like the support you’ve been seeking, I’d love to connect with you and begin the journey together.
Supporting women through life transitions, relationship challenges, and self-esteem work. Ja'Liyah creates a space for growth, healing, and empowerment!
Challenging behaviors can feel frustrating. Ja'Liyah helps you understand patterns and build healthier ways forward.
When everything feels hard, even the small things, you’re not alone. Ja'Liyah helps you navigate depression and start to feel like yourself again.
Commercial: Aetna, ASR, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, Priority Health, UMR, United Healthcare
Medicare: No
Medicaid: Priority Health Medicaid (no Medicaid as a secondary insurance)
Other: Out of Network, Private Pay (available on a sliding scale if needed)
The first step is to fill out the contact form with your information to the best of your ability. One of our intake specialists will then reach out to answer any questions you may have and schedule a brief phone consultation. During this call, we’ll ask you to share a little about yourself and discuss what you’d like to focus on in therapy!
Unity Counseling offers a wide range of accepted insurances such as Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, Priority Health, UMR, and United Healthcare. Along with accepting some Medicaid and Medicare! Unity Counseling also offers out of network, private pay avalbile on a sliding scale. If you don't see your insurance or have questions, please give us a call (616-439-1866) to learn more!
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to therapy. In the beginning, we typically recommend meeting on a weekly basis. This gives us a chance to get to know one another, and as our work together develops, we encourage personal assessments so we can create a schedule that suits your specific needs.
Whether you’ve worked with a therapist before or this is your first time reaching out, you may have questions about Unity Counseling, JaLiyah, and what working together might look like. Below are answers to some of the most common questions to help you feel more informed and comfortable as you take this next step.