Meet Your Guide to Christian Addiction Counseling
Michelle Walzem, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
– Jeremiah 29:11
Hello! I’m Michelle
Michelle Walzem, Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC)
Welcome to Choose to Believe. I’m Michelle Walzem the counselor for Choose to Believe Counseling. Learn more about Christian addiction counseling in the FAQ box below.
My journey
My journey to becoming a substance abuse counselor began with my in-patient treatment for substance abuse when I was 19 years old. My own experience taught me the value of individual and group support for recovery.
When I left treatment, I was involved with an outpatient supportive care program that influenced my future. The power of that program inspired me to go back to school and become a counselor.
Since graduating and earning my LCDC, I’ve worked with in-patient and out-patient programs, treating teenagers and adults. For the past five years, I’ve had my own Christian addiction counseling practice. My practice includes online addiction counseling.
I did not journey alone
God revealed himself to me 30 years ago. That is the most impressive part of my journey, and the reason I know you will succeed.
God has a plan and purpose for every one of us. If you seek your true purpose, God will reveal it to you. I have seen changes in myself and the lives of others that only God could accomplish.
God turns lives upside down. He gives peace when there is no peace, and hope when hope is lost. He heals marriages and families even when individuals don’t appear to desire reconciliation. God shows me proof of his love and I know he can do the same for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sessions in person or online?
I offer online and in-person sessions. We can schedule sessions via Zoom, on the phone, or we can meet in person. For more information and to schedule an appointment, please go to the contact page and send an email requesting an appointment. Thank you.
How long is your program?
Our recommended individual, addiction counseling program is ten weeks. In my experience, the ten-week program is the ideal beginning of the recovery journey. The ten-week program gives you the tools you need to move forward with confidence.
You can come for fewer sessions if your participation is voluntary. The choice is yours. However, some of my clients are required to complete ten weeks of counseling due to an order related to probation or Child Protective Services (CPS).
What if I don’t believe in God?
You don’t have to believe in God to receive counseling services. This is not a religious program. I believe that anyone can receive help from the counseling process. I offer a safe space for you to share your story, feelings, and challenges, and receive positive and truthful feedback.
Do I have to do the recommended reading and assignments?
If probation or Child Protective Services requires that you attend counseling, you must complete the reading and assignments.
For other clients, reading and assignments are optional. However, I find that when someone invests more time by completing the reading and assignments, they are more successful in recovery than those that only attend the individual counseling sessions.
Everything you are asked to do and read is for your benefit. It’s not like forced homework in a subject you won’t ever need. The subject is you!
Contact Me
Ask a question or book an appointment below. For emergencies call 911 or visit your nearest hospital