My name is Starr Golembiewski, and I am licensed marriage and family therapist practicing in the Lansing area. The path I’ve taken to get here was far from a “straight line” or “traditional” by most peoples’ standards. I’ve learned that peoples’ standards, or expectations, are important; they just don’t define me anymore. If I continued to form my worth by their expectations, ignoring my own, I would have missed out on the most rewarding career I have ever had – helping other manage and reduce mental health symptoms.
After spending almost 15 years as a professional writer across multiple industries, I learned my dissatisfaction with my career, my relationships, my location, my life as a whole, came from listening to too many people telling me what I SHOULD do rather than what my own heart was saying I COULD do. With the support of friends, I consider tribe, I embarked on a journey that led me to the University of Wisconsin- Stout, where I obtained a Master’s of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy, and if I am being honest, a raging awareness of my own anxiety and depression as unresolved trauma and undiagnosed ADHD surfaced. Why am I tell you all of this? Because I believe in practicing what I preach, which means I have to continue doing the work of managing my gremlins, continuing to grow, and accepting my vulnerable, authentic self.
Every day I strive to connect, and somedays I hit the nail on the head. Other days I fail, and sometimes that failure feels epic as I work through guilt, shame and host of other self-conscious emotions. It’s on those day when I fail that I have to dig deep and find compassion for myself, because if I don’t, the gremlins will eat me alive. Authenticity, honesty, compassion, humor, integrity, experience –these are all values that help me achieve my purpose of connection. Putting myself out there for others to potentially judge, reject or criticize is scary, and worth the risk. I’m grateful for every day I get another chance to try again, and connect.
I’m honored, and grateful for your courage to begin looking for a therapist. I hope I get an opportunity to learn more about you.