Michigan Psychological Care

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Michigan Psychological Care

Welcome to Michigan Psychological Care! Our mission is to aid in the emotional and psychological deve

02/12/2026

One of our amazing psychometrists has graciously agreed to move his home base to the Alma office. THANK YOU, Joe! This will help the speed of our testing and waitlist!

Joseph is a Michigan transplant originally from Plainfield, Illinois. He holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in music from Alma College. Currently, he is pursuing a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling at Central Michigan University. He administers psychological testing at the Saint John’s office. Outside of the office, he likes hiking, spending time with friends and family, taking pictures with his film camera, playing piano, and listening to his records.

www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

02/10/2026

Tip Tuesday

Name It to Tame It
When you feel a heavy emotion, label it silently: "I am feeling overwhelmed" or "This is anxiety." Research shows that the simple act of naming an emotion shifts brain activity from the emotional amygdala to the rational prefrontal cortex, instantly lowering the intensity of the feeling.

02/09/2026

Mental Health Monday:
The "Zeigarnik Effect" and Brain Loops

Ever wonder why an unfinished task or a cliffhanger in a movie stays stuck in your head, but you forget completed tasks almost immediately? This is known as the Zeigarnik Effect.

Research suggests that the brain is roughly 90% more likely to remember an interrupted or incomplete task than one that has been finished.

This "open loop" in our subconscious is a primary driver of bedtime anxiety and "procrastination stress," as the brain uses significant cognitive energy to keep the unfinished item at the forefront of your awareness.

Bluma Zeigarnik, the psychologist who discovered this, first noticed it while watching waiters in a busy cafe. They could remember complex, unpaid orders perfectly, but as soon as the bill was settled, the information was completely wiped from their memory.

To close the "loop" and lower your cortisol levels before bed, write down your to-do list for tomorrow. This "externalizes" the memory, tricking the brain into thinking the task is managed and allowing it to rest.

989-640-4263
www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

02/05/2026

We want to congratulate and thank our lovely clinician from the Saint Johns office, Mark Caswell.

Mark has taken on a supervisory role in our Saint Johns office as he is a well-established and knowledgeable clinician.

Mark completed a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Work at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids. He then went on to earn a Master's of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University in St. Paul Minnesota. Mark gained counseling experience as he worked in private practice, providing counseling to adolescents, adults, and couples; and while working as a school counselor and principal at a private high school. Mark enjoys working with many populations but especially enjoys his work with adolescents and couples. In therapy, Mark utilizes many different modalities, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Strengths Based Approaches, Choice Theory, and Attachment Theory. The goal in all of this is to help individuals make meaningful and lasting changes that can help them enjoy their life and loved ones to the fullest. Outside of the office, Mark enjoys sports and the outdoors and spending time with his family.

Thank you and congratulations, Mark!

www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

02/03/2026

Tip Tuesday

The "Five-Minute Rule"
If a task feels overwhelming, commit to doing it for just five minutes. Our brains often fear the start of a task more than the task itself; once you break the "static friction" of starting, you’ll likely find the momentum to continue.

02/02/2026

Mental Health Monday:
The "Social Brain" and Isolation

Did you know that your brain perceives social rejection in the same way it perceives physical pain?
According to research published in the journal Science, neuroimaging shows that the anterior cingulate cortex (the same region of the brain that registers physical distress) is activated when a person feels socially excluded.

Mindfulness Tip: This week, check in on a friend. Schedule a therapy appointment. Your brain literally thrives on positive social connection!

989-292-3572
www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

01/29/2026

Meet Shaquelle!

Shaquelle Carr, TLLP
Care Provider in Saint Johns

Shaquelle is a Temporary Limited Licensed Psychologist (TLLP) with experience providing therapy and psychological assessments for children, teens, and adults. Her clinical focus includes anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation. She utilizes an integrative approach that combines epathy, structure, and practical tools to support growth. Shaquelle is passionate about helping people find peace, understand themselves better, and feel more in control of their own lives. Outside of work, Shaquelle enjoys spending time with family and friends.

01/27/2026

Tip Tuesday
The "20-20-20 Rule" (Focus & Eye Strain)

To combat "digital fatigue" during the workday, try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Research shows this simple reset significantly reduces eye strain and "brain fog," helping your nervous system stay regulated during long hours on a computer.

01/26/2026

Mental Health Monday
Hygiene

While we often think of hygiene as a chore, psychologists view it as a fundamental "Activity of Daily Living" (ADL) that serves as a vital barometer for our mental health. Research shows that the simple act of showering or brushing your teeth can trigger a "sensory reset," helping to lower cortisol levels and provide a small but essential sense of mastery during a depressive episode or high-stress week.

If you're noticing yourself struggling to keep up with hygiene, it may be time to see a therapist. We are here to help you balance and manage your responsibilities.

www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

01/22/2026

IMMEDIATE PSYCHIATRY OPENINGS IN HOWELL!!!

Lisa Bemis, PMHNP-C
Nurse

Lisa Bemis is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner based in Grand Blanc, where she lives with her husband and their five children. With a deep commitment to early diagnosis and consistent treatment, Lisa works collaboratively with individuals to help them manage their mental health conditions, overcome obstacles, and live meaningful, productive lives.

Outside of her professional work, Lisa enjoys spending quality time with her family. An avid runner, she has recently taken up marathon running and finds joy in the challenge and discipline it brings. She is also passionate about travel and loves exploring new cultures and destinations around the world.

989-292-3572
www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

01/20/2026

Tip Tuesday
Cognitive Reframing for Winter

If the Michigan grey is affecting your mood, try Cognitive Reframing: instead of thinking "I'm stuck inside," try reframing it as "I am prioritizing a season of restorative rest." Statistics suggest that intentional "cozy" behaviors (or hygge) can significantly lower cortisol levels and help your nervous system recover from the high-stress holiday season.

01/19/2026

Mental Health Monday
The "Window of Tolerance" (Stress Management)

The transition back to work and school in January can frequently push us outside our "Window of Tolerance." When our nervous system is overtaxed, we may flip between irritability (hyper-arousal) or feeling "numb" and withdrawn (hypo-arousal). Recognizing where you fall on this spectrum is the first step in using grounding techniques to bring your nervous system back to a state of calm and focus. If you need assistance with feelings, we are here to help!

989-292-3572
www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com

Address

1505 Waterford Pkwy
Saint Johns, MI
48879

Telephone

+19892923572

Website

https://www.michiganpsychologicalcare.com/

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