Zoe Gates, LMSW, CCTP

Hi! My name is Zoe Gates.

I’m a Licensed Master Social Worker and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I am also a children’s yoga instructor. I graduated with my MSW from the University of Illinois Chicago in 2008, and began working in foster care. I remained with foster care for most of my career, working as a case manager, supervisor, and a foster care therapist. My husband and I live in Grand Rapids and have two amazing children, ages 7 and 4. I've had the privilege of being home with them since 2016. During that time, I became certified as a children’s yoga instructor and have loved being able to tie in my clinical knowledge with yoga and mindfulness techniques, to provide a more holistic approach to helping kiddos.

I have been working with children for as long as I can remember. What I love most about it is the incredible opportunity and privilege it is to walk along side them as they discover who they are and learn to thrive. Life is not always easy for children, but I am passionate about giving them the tools and skills they need to handle life’s challenges and feel good in their own skin. Like most adults, there were parts of my own childhood that were amazing and moments that were very difficult. My own life experience as a clinician, a parent, and a human being allows me to offer genuine compassion and empathy to those I work with.

As a therapist, I strive to help children find connections - connections within themselves, with others, and with the world around them. Over the past few years especially, I feel that connections in human kind have been lost, but are so vital to restore. I have an eclectic therapy style that includes aspects of play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness techniques, and more, providing a holistic approach to helping children find their way through life with confidence and joy. 

Phone: 616-259-6679

Email: Zoe@openchaircounseling.com

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