Hello and welcome to Journey of Hope! I am the proud and passionate owner and therapist of this amazing company. Here is a little information about me:
My extensive clinical and school experience spans over three decades. I am a certified and licensed clinical social worker with a double Master’s Degree in Social Work & Education, as well as being a certified Grief & Loss Specialist. My areas of specialization encompass anxiety, depression, grief and loss, athletes with anxiety, managing stressors related to school/work issues, as well as family counseling. I work with middle school ages up through people in their to 60's. I have been a school administrator at Cranbrook Schools for many years.
I specialize in helping athletes with anxiety, grief & loss, generalized anxiety disorder, stress management, family dynamics, school/college issues, and finding a healthy balanced lifestyle. My therapeutic approach is holistic, incorporating strength-based strategies, mindfulness, spiritual support, art therapy, animal therapy, neuroscience-based techniques rooted in brain research, and much more. I love to help people identify and remove their history of shame, build their confidence, give themselves grace, and find their inner peace and strength to look and feel their best self that they absolutely deserve. No more shame! Let's do this together!
On a personal note, I love spending quality time with family, boating, playing sports, working out, and delivering food to families in need. I am a former college basketball player from SVSU as well as a previous basketball and volleyball coach. Laughter and prayer are integral parts of my daily routine.
I am the youngest of 12 siblings. This year my husband and I are celebrating 30 years of marriage. We are very blessed to be a parent to two wonderful daughters and several grandchildren. My Christian/Catholic faith serves as the unwavering foundation and compass guiding my life's journey. I am deeply committed to accompanying you on your path to wellness, offering support, understanding, and expertise, It would be an honor to walk alongside you in your journey of wellness.
LMSW - Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, State of Michigan (Licensed in the states of Michigan and Florida)
Ed.S. - Master of Education Specialist, Certified School Administrator
Certified Trauma & Loss Specialist
Grief
Anxiety
Depression
Spiritual Support
Emotional Regulation/Control
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Stressful Workplace Environments
Sexual Harassment
Career Development (Resume Building)
School Issues - Middle school through college level
Athlete's with Anxiety
My Journey...
Hello, I am a seasoned and dedicated Licensed Master's Social Worker (LMSW) based in the state of Michigan, bringing 29 years of invaluable experience to the field of social work. My journey began in 1993 when I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University. Continuing my education, I earned a master’s degree in social work from Michigan State University in 1995, where I also earned a School Social Work Certificate.
My professional story began in Denver, Colorado, where I served as a medical social worker in a large urban hospital for five years. During this time, I worked with patients on various units, including oncology, post-surgical, obstetric, transitional, and emergency units, gaining valuable insight into the complexities of healthcare and patient support.
In 1999, I returned to Michigan and started my role as a school social worker at a day treatment program in Wayne County. Here, I have passionately worked with children, adolescents, and their families, particularly those identified as having severe emotional impairments. My dedication and expertise in this field were recognized in 2018 when I was honored as the School Social Worker of the Year, Wayne County by the Michigan Association of School Social Workers.
Alongside my school social work position, I dedicated 14 years to working part-time in the substance abuse field with adult clients. My practice involved establishing trust and fostering open relationships with clients through a holistic and evidence-based approach. I utilized multiple therapeutic paradigms, including cognitive-behavioral and strengths-based techniques.
My areas of expertise include mental illness/diagnosis, parental coaching, and behavioral modification. I have a robust background in treating concerns related to anxiety, depression, addiction, ADHD, special education, anger management, trauma/loss, gender dysphoria, neurodiversity, and relationship issues. I tailor each therapeutic session to the unique needs of the individual, creating a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment.
Recognizing the importance of walking alongside clients during their journey, I look forward to our time together. Whether you're navigating long standing challenges, seeking personal growth, or addressing a specific and more recent crisis, I am here to provide compassionate, support and evidence-based interventions. Together, let's embark on a journey towards healing and well-being.
LMSW - Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, State of Michigan
Anxiety
Depression
Addiction
ADHD
Anger Management
Trauma/loss and relationships issues
Special Education Students - Emotionally Impaired
Medical Oncology Background
Hello, I am a seasoned and compassionate bilingual clinical social worker with a profound understanding of the cultural factors influencing the mental health of the Latino Community. Over the past decade, I have been actively involved in facilitating a women's support group focused on addressing domestic violence concerns. My dedication to women's issues is not just professional; it's a personal passion that fuels my commitment to making a positive impact.
Throughout my extensive career, I have specialized in addressing prevalent issues such as anxiety, ADHD, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and trauma to adolescents and adults. My person-centered approach forms the foundation of my therapeutic practice, emphasizing the significance of tailoring treatment to the individual's unique needs, experiences, and strengths. I am well-versed in several therapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and Mindfulness-based approaches. These evidence-based techniques allow me to offer a comprehensive and effective approach to therapy, ensuring that each client receives personalized and impactful care.
My dedication to bilingual services reflects my commitment to inclusivity and accessibility. I understand the importance of providing therapy in a language that feels comfortable and familiar, facilitating a deeper connection and understanding between myself and my clients. My expertise extends to trauma, and I have undergone extensive training to better comprehend its effects on individuals and families. Guiding clients through the healing process and helping them rebuild their lives after experiencing trauma is a central focus of my therapeutic approach.
Outside the therapy room, I am a proud Christian (Catholic) mother of three boys. Family holds a special place in my heart, and I find joy in spending quality time with my loved ones. Laughter is an essential part of my life, and those who know me well are familiar with my appreciation for a good laugh. Additionally, I share my home with three dogs, further emphasizing my belief in the healing power of companionship and the importance of creating a supportive and loving environment.
One of my strengths lies in connecting with clients on a personal level, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration. I believe in the power of genuine connections to facilitate meaningful change and growth. As we embark on this journey together, my goal is to provide you with a safe and nurturing space where you can explore, heal, and grow. Your well-being is my priority, and I look forward to collaborating with you on your path to positive transformation and resilience.
LMSW - Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, State of Michigan
Trauma Trained
Anxiety
Depression
Obsessive Compulsive Behavior
Women's Issues
Domestic Violence
Cultural Issues
Family Relationships
Couples Therapy
Hello, and warm greetings to all! My name is Elaine Plotzke. I bring various professional and firsthand experiences, with a passion for promoting inner peace and personal harmony. I received my master’s degree in social work from Wayne State University, specializing in Family, Children, & Youth, and a School Social Work Certification from the University of Michigan. My vocation continues to grow in diverse and fulfilling ways.
My social work career began as a clinical therapist with Macomb County Community Mental Health, I then transitioned to providing medical and psychiatric hospital home care for families, couples, and adult populations. For 22 years, I enjoyed my role as a school social worker, with students from age three through alternative education, age 26. Throughout my professional career and individual encounters, I have connected with individuals with the following challenges, and turned their obstacles into opportunities: ACOA (Adult Child of Alcoholic), ADHD, Alzheimer/dementia, anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, bullies and the bullied, closed head injuries, depression, domestic violence, emotional impairment, behavior challenges, grief, loss, learning challenges, mental illness, and trauma.
I am happily married with two sons and blessed with grandchildren. I am an outdoor, fitness, creative, and mindful enthusiast. My vibrant Christian (Catholic) faith is a cornerstone of my life, nourishing me with inspiration and guidance. As we journey together, a span from individual steps to the full staircase will lead to achieving a holistic emotional, social, spiritual, and physical self.
LMSW - Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, State of Michigan
Certified School Social Worker
Anxiety/Stress Management
Depression
Alzheimer's Disease / Caregivers Support
Closed Head Injuries
Educational Concerns
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
ASD - Autism Spectrum Disorder
ACOA - Adult Children of Alcoholics
ACOD - Adult Children of Dysfunction
OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Relationship Challenges
Support for Breast Cancer Survivors
Parent Coaching
Faith Based Direction, Development & Growth
My Journey...
Hello to my prospective clients! I am eager to start working with you and promise to customize our therapy sessions to meet your particular needs. I began my career in the mental health field in Baltimore, Maryland in 1993, after graduating with a B.A. in Psychology from Yale University and going to work as a case manager for people impacted by HIV/AIDS and substance use. In 1995, I moved to Ann Arbor to pursue Master’s degrees in Social Work (Interpersonal Practice) and Public Health (Health Behavior/Health Education) at the University of Michigan, later earning a certification there in school social work, and more recently an Education Specialist degree from Wayne State University.
Though I was initially interested in the field of drug and alcohol addiction, I shifted my focus to the prevention side of drug and violence-related issues, and I began my work with youth and families through the Guidance Center in Southgate. I later worked with adjudicated high school youth through Growth Works, Inc. in Plymouth before joining the South Redford School District as a school social worker, then eventually transferring to Livonia Public Schools in 2018 to become a behavior intervention specialist.
Over the course of my 30+ years working with children and families, I have received extensive training in crisis de-escalation, trauma-informed practices, grief and loss, restorative practices, social-emotional learning, and cognitive-behavior therapy. I have helped clients navigate through an array of mental health issues and life circumstances, including but not limited to stress and anger management, maladaptive coping mechanisms, anxiety, depression, addiction, co-dependence, neurodiversity/autism spectrum disorder, trauma, relationship and communication challenges, divorce/separation, changing families, parenting/co-parenting, sexual/gender identity dysphoria and the process of coming out as 2SLGBTQIA+.
I value diversity, equity, and inclusion in my practice to help you through whatever life transition you might be experiencing. I bring a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to help you mitigate the stress, fear, or pain that may come with these challenges, and I am committed to helping you realize the best version of yourself through our journey together!
LMSW - Licensed Master Clinical Social Worker, State of Michigan
Education Specialist - Master of Education Specialist
Anxiety/Stress Management
Depression
Educational Concerns
ADHD - Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Trauma-informed
Grief and loss
Social-emotional learning
Cognitive-behavior therapy
Co-dependence
Neurodiversity/autism spectrum disorder
Relationship and communication challenges
Divorce/separation & changing families
Parenting/co-parenting
Sexual/gender identity dysphoria and the process of coming out as 2SLGBTQIA+
