Smita is the co-owner and Director of Program Development of the practice. She is originally from India, getting her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Delhi. She came to the U.S. in 1993 to complete her PhD at the University of Toledo, completing it in 1999. During her doctoral training, Smita specialized in Marriage and Family Therapy. She has had her work published in professional journals and has given many workshops in the community. She started the practice in 2000, working out of her home. Through her hard work and dedication, the practice has grown to two offices in three  cities. Smita and her husband Brian own and manage the practice together. Smita enjoys working with a wide range of clients, including young children, couples, and families. She specializes in using meditation and relaxation techniques in therapy. She provides groups and workshops on mindfulness for lay people as well as professionals such as teachers, social workers and administrators. 

Smita is very involved in the community, serving on Saline Alive! (a community group focused on mental health issues in the schools) for many years, serving as co-chair of the Saline Substance Abuse Task Force for 2 years, serving on the City of Saline Environmental Commission, and in 2014 being named Citizen of the Year for the city of Saline. Smita is also an accomplished author. She has recently published a book chapter on mindfulness-based therapy in The Healing Room, a lay-person’s guide to psychotherapy published by Harper-Collins India.

Brian has been involved in the planning and management of Still Waters since the beginning, and started working  full-time for Still Waters in 2007.  He has been practicing as a psychologist since 1984, working for Lenawee County Community Mental Health Authority for 23 of those years.  Brian has degrees from the University of Michigan (B.A.), Michigan State University (M.A.) and The University of Toledo (Ph.D.). During his doctoral degree he majored in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Brian has had an article (Classification of Dual Relationships in the Helping Professions) published in a major professional journal and has given numerous workshops on Suicide Prevention, Dual Diagnosis, ADHD, and Crisis Intervention.  For years he also did emergency mental health interventions in the emergency rooms of Lenawee County.

Brian enjoys working with couples and families; and does a considerable amount of work with divorced / divorcing  couples for the purpose of keeping the best interests of the children as the primary focus.   He also enjoys working with families around issues of ADHD and parenting.  Brian is co-owner of the practice, having Smita Nagpal as his spouse and business partner.   Brian is Clinical Director of Still Waters Counseling.

Emily is a clinical therapist at Still Waters Counseling. She holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Art Therapy from Wayne State University. Emily believes that counseling is a collaborative relationship between the client and the counselor that involves exploring personal concerns in an effort to resolve them and work toward personal growth. She enjoys empowering client’s to reach their goals in a safe, supportive environment that is both non-judgmental and authentic. Emily has a background working with various different populations that include children and young adults with Autism, young and older adults with cognitive disabilities, pediatric patients, homeless individuals in Detroit, and women who have been through trauma and abuse.

Emily is passionate about Art Therapy and finds that sometimes visualizing and creating a thought or feeling can be a more comfortable way to experience it. She believes that art can be a vessel to hold the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of the mind and body. Through art making and mindfulness, permission may be granted for the depths of the unconscious to come forward and be noticed. Emily sees art as a great communicator that often has something really profound to say if we allow the space for it to be. In her free time, Emily enjoys creating her own art that is focused on allowing the context of the art to be informed by the process and the psyche. Emily also enjoys practicing yoga and hiking.

Jonathan Buckman, MSW is a graduate of the University of Michigan and New York University with special interest in narrative informed therapy, play therapy, mindfulness, attachment theory, and psychedelic assisted therapy.   

He has special interests in meditation, chess, philosophy, music, and is a Tai Chi instructor under Yang family lineage holder Master Sang Kim. 

Before becoming a therapist he was employed as a New York City Charter School Teacher, where he was responsible for designing curriculum, tutoring math and reading, and coaching nationally ranked chess teams. He currently practices virtually with some in person availability.

Ankush specializes in conducting psychological, and neuropsychological assessments. He serves various ages and populations ranging from toddlers to adults and specializes in the diagnosis of developmental and psychiatric conditions, including but not limited to Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, language disorders, behavioral disorders and problems, learning problems, adjustment and mood disorders, and intellectual disability.

In his therapy work, Ankush utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities. These include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other mindfulness-based techniques.

Carolynn Dougherty, MA LPC is a trauma informed clinical therapist with over twenty years of experience in the mental health field.  She earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology at Western Michigan University and her Bachelor’s of Arts degree from The Catholic University of America. Carolynn has extensive background working with a wide variety of  individuals seeking positive change.   Her philosophy is to raise self-esteem, rekindle hope and enhance lives in a holistic way.  She is a staunch advocate of overall health and family.

Carolynn uses critical thinking and sound clinical judgment to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with the goal of empowering them to move toward self-awareness.  She achieves this by using a collaborative, strength-based, solution focused approach as well as integrating physical and mental health.  Carolynn has experience with issues of trauma, parenting, life changes, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and substance use.

Allen Finkel, M.S.W., L.M.S.W. has been a psychotherapist since 1990. He has worked with a wide variety of adults and teens in individual, couple, family, and group treatment modalities. He earned his Master of Social Degree at New York University, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.

Allen has formal training as Focusing Therapist, helping people to believe and trust in their internal wisdom and self-guidance capabilities.

He has broad knowledge of and extensive experience with Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual people.

Allen is also a Certified Personal Trainer, and has developed a practice model which integrates fitness training with psychotherapy. This model helps people gain a sense of well-being, through feeling good about their bodies by breaking through obstacles which may be holding them back.

Charlotte holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Eastern Michigan University. She earned a teaching certificate, as well as early childhood and reading endorsements. Charlotte’s passion lies in guiding parents and helping children build self-esteem and problem solve social, emotional, and behavioral challenges. She first realized this passion by spending over five years teaching at one of University of Michigan’s preschool programs.

Charlotte has a special interest in supporting individuals with Autism,  anxiety, and trauma.  She uses a combination of attachment theory, mindfulness, play therapy, narrative, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Charlotte recently moved to south Florida with her husband and provides tele-therapy sessions on a HIPAA-compliant platform. Charlotte loves art, yoga, music, nature, hiking, gardening, reading, and has a passion for working with others.

 Maria is always energetic and eager to learn, and is a valued addition to the Still Waters team!

Still Waters Counseling is pleased to announce the addition of Rita McBean, MSN, PMHNP-BC to our staff. Rita is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 19 years of nursing experience. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Rita is able to provide prescription medication management and consultation for treatment of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder etc.

Rita completed her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Walden University. Prior to this, she spent most of her career as a psychiatric nurse. Rita has completed cultural sensitivity training. She utilizes a team based approach to the care she provides, working directly with our therapists to maximize positive treatment outcomes. She incorporates a holistic, patient-centered model to determine which pharmacological, biological, and complementary interventions are appropriate, and addresses the specific needs of each client. Rita places an emphasis on supporting and educating clients, as well as empowering clients to take an active role in their care.

Rita is available to see children, adolescents, and adults. She will be working in collaboration with Dr. Robert Lagrou, who is Board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, as well as General Psychiatry. Rita is open to seeing existing clients of Still Water Counseling, as well as clients new to the practice. Appointments can be made by calling (734) 944-3446.

Alexander received his BSW in 2018 and his MSW in 2021 from Eastern Michigan University, specializing in Mental Illness and Chemical Dependency.

Prior to joining Still Waters Counseling as a therapist, he worked as a Housing and Triage case manager with a homeless shelter and interned in private practice doing outpatient therapy with people of all ages, backgrounds, and culture. He is experienced in working with individuals in recovery.

Alexander is open to working with people of all ages and backgrounds and strives to treat every client with dignity and respect. He is LGBTQIA+ friendly. Alexander uses a client centered approach when working with clients and strives to meet his clients needs with a combination of therapies, methods and approaches based on each individual he works with.

Alexander comes from a humanistic approach implementing styles of Carl Rogers, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler and Abraham Maslow. Alexander grew up around Adrian, MI and spent several years living in Ypsilanti, MI while attending university and working in Ann Arbor.

In his free time Alexander enjoys exercising, reading history and spending time with his family.

Kathy joined the Still Waters team in December of 2015.  She is a graduate of Siena Heights University, receiving her Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling earlier.  Kathy is deeply committed to community work, having volunteered for over a decade working with and advocating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, working with people in crisis, and facilitating therapy groups.  

She has her own business, Lifetime Art Impressions LLC, through which she has published a book on bereavement.  She also writes a Healthy Living column on-line. An artist at heart, Kathy appreciates creative expression and utilizes this in her therapeutic approach.  Kathy enjoys her family time, community work, travel and artistic endeavors.  She is always smiling and brings her unique talents to all of us at Still Waters.

Joe is a clinical therapist at Still Waters Counseling.  He received his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2012.  Joe values an interpersonal and relational counseling approach. He believes that wellness encompasses the five dimensions of a person: physical, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and relational. His philosophy revolves around helping each client answer the existential questions that are unasked in much of society.  Joe’s aim is to provide a safe and constructive relationship that enables each individual to find ultimate purpose and meaning in life.

Joe also enjoys public speaking and feels comfortable addressing groups about Psychology or Christianity.  He has given talks on Parenting, Marital Relationships and Non-Suicidal Self Injury. He has also helped teach Master’s level classes on Group Therapy and Group Dynamics.

Carolyn joined the Still Waters team in September 2019 as a Social Work intern.  Since then, she graduated with her Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan and has stayed on staff as a psychotherapist.  She has training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and enjoys working with adolescents and adults.

As a therapist, Carolyn believes in using a holistic perspective to consider the interplay of many biopsychosocial factors in clients’ lives.  She uses an eclectic approach to therapy, incorporating different therapeutic techniques depending on the needs of the client.  Her particular areas of interest include depression, anxiety, trauma, and chronic illness.  Her goal is to provide a safe and supportive space for processing and healing.

In her free time, Carolyn enjoys figure skating, film, and spending time with her pets.

Jenipher joined Still Waters Counseling in June of 2020. She works as a psychotherapist with a focus on helping children, adolescents and adults learn to cope with the difficulties that bring them into treatment. Jenipher utilizes many techniques in her work, primarily drawn from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, attachment theory, mindfulness,  and integrative brain-based interventions. She also provides psychological testing to children, adolescents, and adults. Jenipher is a fluent Spanish speaker, and works out of our Saline location.

Irene is a board certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She completed her Master of Science in Nursing degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Irene also completed a grant funded training program that places special emphasis on integrative approaches to behavioural health and cultural sensitivity training. Irene has practiced in the field of nursing for 21 years and her experience includes psychiatric, chemical dependency, emergency, and trauma.

Irene incorporates knowledge of pharmacological, biological, and complementary interventions with applied clinical skills to restore health and prevent further disability. Her practice model is holistic and patient centered. This includes health assessment and teaching about mechanism of action, intended effects, potential adverse effects of the proposed prescription, ways to cope with transitional side effects, and other treatment options, including the selection of a no-treatment option. She believes clients should be empowered with knowledge so they can have the information they need to participate in making informed decisions about their care.

Irene uses knowledge of relevant psychosocial, biological, and developmental theories, as well as best available research evidence, to select therapeutic methods based on the client’s needs. 

Irene is available to see children, adolescents, and adults. In addition to her own experiences with these populations, Irene works in collaboration with Dr. Robert Lagrou, who is Board certified in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry as well as General Psychiatry. 

Kate is a licensed professional counselor (LPC) who received her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Eastern Michigan University in 2021. She gained experience working in non-profit clinics, including Chicago Women’s Health Center, before joining Still Waters Counseling. Kate has experience working with clients from many backgrounds, utilizing a collaborative approach and acknowledging the impact of different systems and structures at play in our lives.

Kate has experience with and particular interest in treating the following concerns:

• Self-acceptance, self-compassion, and/or transitioning into a new sense of self
• Spiritual exploration and integration – all practices/faiths/work welcome!
• Attachment/relationship issues: Have people described you as “clingy”? Is it extremely painful for someone to be mad at you? Or, on the flip-side, do you find it difficult to engage in meaningful ways with partners? Have people described you as aloof? Kate’s here to help you cultivate safe and secure attachments in meaningful ways.
• Emotional regulation: If you have ever felt like your emotions are out of control or you do things without really understanding why, let’s figure this out together and establish safety in yourself.

Additionally, Kate has specific experience and continued interest working with queer, trans, non-binary, and gender-expansive folks. She works primarily with adolescents and adults and practices counseling out of our Saline office.

Shelby joined the Still Waters team in June of 2020 as a Clinical Therapist , working out of the Saline office. She holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology from Lindenwood University and a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan. While Shelby’s primary training is in trauma and mindfulness work with children and youth, she also integrates techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and strengths-based approaches into her work. Shelby is additionally an EMDR trained therapist. Shelby has experience working with parents who are dealing with their child’s difficult and challenging behaviors resulting from trauma or mental health difficulties. She believes in supporting and empowering parents/caregivers to promote positive changes in the child’s life, working with the entire family system when needed to sustain change.

Shelby’s background includes working with individuals, families, and groups from diverse populations across all ages. She believes that understanding the person as a whole is essential for promoting the change that the client desires. Shelby strives to create a therapeutic environment that is safe and supportive for each client in order to encourage them to make positive strides toward their personal goals. Shelby is energetic and motivated by her passion for the field of social work and her desire to promote optimum mental and physical health in the community and the clients she serves.