"In Grand Rapids, MI I began exploring volunteer opportunities in the field of social work. I did administrative work in a homeless shelter for families, supported a woman in hospice care until her death, and learned about domestic violence/sexual abuse in a domestic violence shelter for women and children. These initial experiences solidified my interest in social work and encouraged me to apply for graduate school at Grand Valley State University.
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        Once accepted into GVSU, I began an internship at a local mental health agency. I was an intern therapist doing home-based social work with mothers coping with substance use disorders. This internship helped me realize that part of my specialization must focus on women. Doing social work for women as a woman felt like the most authentic work I had done yet. Sharing the fundamental understanding of womanhood between myself as the therapist and my client became a dynamic I thrived in and wanted to continue.
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        After graduating with honors from GVSU and moving to the East side of the state, I continued my developing career as a therapist working with young women and children at a homeless shelter in Detroit, MI. I worked as an individual and group therapist and also provided resources to homeless women in the crisis center. Following this experience, I began work at a mental health agency in Lincoln Park, MI in a school-based setting as a children's therapist. This position allowed me to foster relationships with their families, further developing my understanding of motherhood and its complexities. At the same agency, I transitioned into providing mental health therapy to adults with varying diagnoses. I took this professional opportunity to learn a variety of therapeutic modalities with the aid of supervised work experience and specialized trainings. This instilled in me the ability to treat a range of mental health concerns. Doing so validated my decision to specialize in women's issues as I consistently found myself able to relate and understand mental health from their perspectives.
 
        Over time and great effort, I was able to open my own private practice to do the work I have loved for many years in a number of settings. I am confident that my background successfully demonstrates my dedication to providing quality mental health care to the female population."
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Thank you for reading, 
Margaret Elsesser, LMSW
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