About Dr. Gibson
When someone calls my office about the prospect of beginning therapy with me, they typically want to know a few things about my professional background. These are answers to some of the more common questions.
Q: What are your credentials?
A: I was educated at Hope College (BA), Western Michigan University (MA), and Loyola University of Chicago (PhD). My doctoral program was fully accredited by the American Psychological Association. This program consisted of extensive study, but also plenty of hands-on clinical experience. It culminated in a year-long, pre-doctoral internship (2,000 hours).
After obtaining a doctoral degree (PhD), I worked under the supervision of a licensed psychologist for two years (4,000 hours) as a Limited License Psychologist. Then I sat for the state license exam and became a fully licensed psychologist (1996).
Q: What is your professional experience?
A: Over the years, I have worked or trained in a variety of counseling and clinical settings. These include community agencies, college counseling centers, an inpatient psychiatric unit, and an outpatient clinic at a hospital. Prior to entering private practice, I worked for several years as a staff psychologist at Holland Hospital, in the outpatient clinic (Behavioral Health Services). There I provided individual therapy, couple therapy, group therapy, consultation to the emergency department, and clinical supervision.
Q: How long have you been in practice?
A: I received my doctorate in 1994 and have been in continuous practice ever since. But I also practiced at the masters-level as a limited licensed psychologist for a couple of years before going back to school for a doctoral degree. So, depending on how you count it, I’ve been practicing for more than 16 years.
After working for Holland Hospital, I opened a solo private practice in 2001. I sought to offer high-quality therapy services at competitive prices while maintaining independence from the managed care industry. I also wanted to create a practice that allowed me to do my very best work. Hence, it is simple by design. I do not employ associates, receptionists, or billing services. I concentrate solely on providing good therapy.
Q: Do you have any specialized training as a psychologist? Or do you provide special types of therapy?
A: There are many ways to be a psychologist. My passion has always been about providing psychotherapy (i.e., helping people improve their lives) . As a result, I maintain a keen interest in state-of-the art methods of therapy. I have sought out workshops in short-term dynamic therapy, schema therapy, and couples therapy, to name just a few. I tend to be attracted to those methods that have been tested through rigorous research studies.
Because no single form of therapy fits all clients, the best therapeutic experiences are tailor-made for each individual or couple. This is one of the reasons why I have learned a variety of methods.
Q: Do you work with children or adolescents?
My practice is confined to adults.
Q: Are you involved in other professional activities besides practice?
A: Approximately once a year I teach a graduate level class for counselors-in-training at Western Michigan University. I also routinely provide consultation and supervision for professional therapists in our community.
Q: What is your personal background?
A: The short version goes like this: I was born and raised in Holland, but to moved to the Chicago area as an adult to pursue more education. Eventually we returned to Holland, Michigan to be closer to family and friends. I am married and have a daughter.