Services 

Specialty Counseling & Therapy- Manipulation Recovery 

If you ever find yourself thinking "I can't believe they did that to me," "why did I put up with that for so long?" or "I am in too deep, I can't leave this situation now" you likely experienced some level of manipulation or coercion. Whether through a high-control religious group, a manipulative family dynamic, or a toxic relationship, experiences of coercion and psychological control can leave deep and lasting wounds. In our work together, we honor the strength it takes to untangle from those systems and begin reclaiming your voice, your values, and your sense of self. This practice specializes in supporting individuals who are healing from manipulation in its many forms — spiritual abuse, cultic influence, emotional gaslighting, complicated family dynamics and more. You don’t have to sort it all out alone. Healing is possible, and connection can be safe again.

Estranged Family Relationships 

Estranged and complicated family relationships can be exhausting to navigate, caught between love, obligation, and deep frustration. The tension may come and go while the weight of unresolved conflicts and unmet expectations lingers, making even small interactions feel unpredictable. Cultural pressures can reinforce the idea that family bonds should be unconditional and built on a one-sided respect, adding guilt or doubt to an already complex dynamic. We serve clients who have experienced an estranged relationship as well as those that are impacted by these relationships. 

Internet Scams 

Internet scams have evolved past "catfishing" and are, in many ways, still in their infancy. The individuals behind them are becoming increasingly sophisticated, persuasive, and aggressive. These scams may involve convincing someone to send large sums of money or gift cards under the false pretense of a financial opportunity, a romantic relationship, or an urgent family crisis. Online manipulation takes many forms and impacts individuals across all age groups. Lately, we have seen teens pushed to make swatting hoax calls to avoid sextortion, and elderly individuals lose their life savings to a bitcoin scams. At Michigan Solace, we support individuals who have been targeted or affected by these scams, as well as their loved ones. Our approach is not to shame or blame, but to provide a supportive space where people can process what has happened, rebuild trust in themselves, and make empowered decisions about their digital and personal safety. There are many misconceptions around who falls for internet scams — at Michigan Solace, we recognize that vulnerability is human, and exploitation is never the victim’s fault.

High-Control Groups (Cults) 

Cults and High-Control Groups often prey on individuals looking for a sense of belonging. There is a slow and methodical manipulation that may eventually isolate a person from their traditional support system. The incidents of cults and high control groups are on the rise with the quick growth of connection and community on the internet. We serve both individuals who have found themselves in a high-control group or may be questioning if their situation constitutes as a cult, as well as these individuals' loved ones. At Michigan Solace, it is not our mission to sway individuals toward or away from high-control situations, rather, we provide a space for individuals to explore their own circumstances and future goals. There can be a lot of assumptions and misunderstandings around cults and high-control groups. Michigan Solace does not judge or shame our clients' involvement in cults or high-control groups, and we do not fault the family members of those involved in these groups. 

Interpersonal and Intimate Partner Violence (domestic partner) 

Experiencing domestic violence or intimate partner violence is often confusing, isolating and deceptive. There are many types of abuse that can be perpetuated that people are generally unaware of, including but not limited to financial abuse, spiritual abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. Societal narratives about relationships can reinforce the idea that love requires endurance, adding layers of guilt or self-doubt to an already painful reality. We work with clients who have experienced IPV as well as those navigating the lasting effects of these relationships, creating space for safety, healing, and reclaiming a sense of self. 

Spiritual Abuse

Spiritual abuse can be difficult to recognize and even harder to name. It often occurs in spaces that once felt sacred, safe, or life-giving—and the harm may unfold gradually through manipulation, coercion, or misuse of spiritual authority. At Michigan Solace, we support individuals who are beginning to question the spiritual environments they've been part of, as well as those who have already chosen to step away. We also provide guidance to loved ones seeking to understand and support someone affected by spiritual abuse. Our role is not to define anyone’s beliefs for them, but to offer a space where individuals can reflect on their experiences, reclaim their sense of agency, and move toward healing on their own terms. We recognize the deep grief, confusion, and isolation that can accompany these journeys, and we meet every client with respect, empathy, and without judgment.

Extremist Groups 

Extremist groups, in person or online, can be evasive and may not be outward with their opinions at first.  You may not recognize a family member who has joined an extremist group, and it may feel like this change happened overnight. In reality, the process of integrating into an extremist group can be gradual and discrete. Often, casual friendships grow through common beliefs and bonds over shared injustices, and soon, individuals feel comfortable to share opinions that may traditionally be "unacceptable." Discovering community within division creates a comfort and trust that can push individuals further from their values and toward their anger and hatred. Discussing the experience of being in an extremist group or having a loved one involved in an extremist group can bring apprehension, but be assured that Michigan Solace adheres to strict ethical codes and confidentiality practices.