Spotlight on NHBP Certified Professional Counselors

Unfortunately, the stigma of using the services of Certified Professional Counselors still exists. This can create an unnecessary barrier to people seeking help, which NHBP aims to reduce by providing timely, expert and confidential professional counseling for Tribal Members.

“It’s so fashionable to have a life coach to help you through your life, but a life coach isn’t required to have any licenses or formal education,” said NHBP Professional Counselor Emy Marton, MA, LLP, LPC. “But nothing compares to the years of training, education and experience that a Certified Professional Counselor provides for clients. I wish that people wouldn’t have that stigma against counseling.”

NHBP’s two CPCs, Marton and Kallie Howell, MA, LPC, CAADC, CTRP, Diplomat of Cognitive Therapy and Behavioral Health Clinician, are part of an extensive Health and Human Services Department Behavioral Health team licensed to practice in Michigan. Like their fellow clinicians at NHBP, they have experience serving the diverse Native Community.

“Don’t wait until you are in crisis; you’re not a failure if you need help,” Marton said. “Sometimes, you just need a booster in life.”

Not afraid of boosting her skill set, Marton has earned many certifications, licenses and accreditations to help facilitate healing for clients. In addition to obtaining her license in Professional Counseling and her Limited License as a psychologist, Marton is certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), AcuDetox specialist, Advanced Certified Laughter Leader or a “joyologist,” as well as Certified in Advanced Trauma & Resilience and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC). Marton has completed additional training in more than two dozen disciplines, ranging from Positive Parenting, Mindfulness, Biofeedback, and family and couple’s therapy.

Howell has earned her master’s degree and certifications as an advanced alcohol and drug counselor and in cognitive behavioral therapy. Howell is also a licensed trauma specialist.

All of these treatment options are available to Tribal Members and NHBP employees based on personal preferences and needs and work in close conjunction with other areas of HHSD.

“I enjoy the multidisciplinary approach that NHBP offers,” Howell said. “As a counselor, I work closely with the other providers, such as medical, dental and social service providers, and we collaborate on how best to help our patients.”

Also tailoring to personal preferences and needs is telehealth, or virtual visits, to improve patient care.

“With virtual visits, we have reduced barriers like driving, scheduling themselves to be in a certain location or finding a babysitter,” Howell said.

“Now we are meeting clients where they are, both physically and emotionally, and I love that about NHBP,” Howell said. “Some people may not have been comfortable meeting in person, and now we address that. We accommodate people who may already be struggling to get the help they need. For us, flexibility is key.”

“I love helping people of all ages to improve the quality of their lives,” Marton said. “The best part is when they leave their sessions more serene.”

Howell can often be found at Tribal youth events as a friendly face in the crowd, hoping to reduce the stigma of seeking services at NHBP.

Marton invites all Tribal Members and team members to experience the AcuDetox program that she co-leads each Tuesday from 4 to 6 p.m. at The Pine Creek Community Center on the Reservation.

If you would like more information on the services the CPCs can provide, please visit Behavioral Health | NHBP (nhbp-nsn.gov)