Juanita Tookes, Ph.D, LPC, NCC, ACS

“I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” ~Brené Brown

Where's the pause, easy, or redo button when you need one? Sometimes life can take unexpected turns and leave us navigating circumstances we never anticipated. Moving through these experiences can feel overwhelming and may bring feelings of fear, isolation, uncertainty, defeat, or shame.

Maybe you're struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or simply trying to keep up with the demands of everyday life. Perhaps you're questioning your identity, feeling uncertain about your life's purpose, or trying to understand where you are in this season of your life. Maybe you need a space to unpack your thoughts, make sense of your experiences, or simply say the things you've been carrying inside of you out loud in a safe space. Whatever brings you to counseling, you don't have to navigate it alone.

My name is Dr. Juanita Tookes, and I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Approved Clinical Supervisor. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and master’s degree in counseling psychology from Wayne State University and my doctorate in counselor education and supervision from Oakland University. I have nearly 20 years of experience spanning child and family services, community mental health, higher education, and private practice. Throughout my career, I have provided counseling and psychoeducational services in a variety of settings, including homes, schools, clinical and community facilities, private sessions, and college campuses.

As your counselor, my goal is to understand your unique story, experiences, and perspective. I approach counseling from a multicultural and person-centered perspective, recognizing that our identities, relationships, environments, and life experiences can all shape how we understand ourselves and navigate the world. I also help clients recognize the importance of nurturing the different dimensions of their well-being as part of their overall health. Being well is more than just not being physically sick. My counseling approach is holistic and considers the whole person, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional, mental, physical, relational, social, and other dimensions of well-being. Together, we can explore the different areas of your life that may be influencing how you feel, function, and experience yourself, while developing strategies that support greater balance and self-understanding.

You have a POWERFUL story. My hope is to create a space where you can explore that story with honesty and compassion, make meaning of where you've been, and move toward where you want to go. Let’s work together to help you own your story with pride, compassion, and intention.