The Madonna University Psychological Services clinic (MUPS) serves as a practical training experience for advanced graduate students in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program (MSCP). The MSCP graduate interns provide psychotherapeutic services to patients in preparation for obtaining state licensure to practice as master’s prepared clinical psychologists.
As pre-licensed clinical psychologists, our students provide psychotherapeutic treatment in an empathic, sensitive and confidential manner, to all members of the public as well as to the university community.
As student clinicians, we respect the uniqueness of each individual and provide a client-focused experience grounded in reflective listening and understanding. We respect the dignity and autonomy of all those we work with.
As future clinical psychologists, we acknowledge our role in the therapeutic alliance as one which assists individuals in self-discovery, exploration of life experiences, and seeking gratifying interpersonal relationships.
We would be privileged to walk alongside you on your journey.
We are located on the Madonna University Campus near the intersection of Levan Road and Schoolcraft Road. The entrance for the Madonna University Psychological Services Clinic (MUPS) is located near Kresge Hall, in the 1300 wing – rooms #1309, #1311 and #1313.
Madonna University
36600 Schoolcraft Road
Livonia, MI 48150
If you are interested in further information about the services available or would like to speak to a therapist about scheduling an appointment, the MUPS clinic can be contacted via phone or email. You can expect a return phone call with 24 - 48 hours or the next business day if it is a holiday or weekend.
Phone: 734-432-5629
Email: MUPsychClinic@madonna.edu
The MUPS clinic operates Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:00am and 8:00pm. Appointments are scheduled on an individual basis and dependent upon client need and therapist availability.
If this is an emergency, please contact:
32 East, 1200 Telegraph Road
Pontiac, MI 48341
800-231-1127
Open 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
28050 Grand River Ave.
Farmington Hills, MI 48336
947- 521 – 8000
36475 Five Mile Road
Livonia, MI 48150
734-655-4800
800-273-TALK (8255)
Available 24 Hours
Dial 988
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
Available 24 Hours
We are able to treat individuals ages 13 and older, as well as couples and families.
The Madonna University Psychological Services Clinic is committed to delivering exceptional clinical training in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy while providing supervision by Licensed Clinicians. Operated as a community-based mental health outpatient clinic, it is staffed by master's level students at Madonna University.
The clinic's primary objective is to educate the next generation of leading Clinical Psychologists, focusing on advancing individual, systemic, and societal well-being through intervention, prevention, and resilience promotion.
Additionally, the clinic endeavors to promote Christian humanistic values, cultivate intellectual inquiry, foster respect for diversity, and nurture a commitment to serving others rooted in the truths and principles recognized within a Felician Franciscan tradition.
I am currently a graduate student in clinical psychology and a dedicated clinician specializing in psychodynamic and integrative approaches. My passion lies in enhancing the well-being of individuals, adolescents, adults, senior citizens, and couples by promoting healthier lifestyles and addressing a wide range of clinical interests. These include grief, caregiver stress and burnout, couples therapy, veterans' mental health issues (including PTSD), and addiction.
I am committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care, leveraging my empathic, compassionate, understanding, and patient nature to build strong therapeutic relationships and support my clients through their psychological journey.
One of the biggest challenges we are faced with as human beings is not only recognizing our moments of need but having the strength to ask for help. Psychotherapy creates the opportunity to establish an empathic connection with another person, one different from any other present in your life. This connection is known as the therapeutic alliance or therapeutic relationship. This relationship is viewed as more of a partnership between you and your therapist, allowing you to experience your most vulnerable self in an empathic, understanding, and confidential environment. Entering this relationship, you bring a unique contribution having experienced your interactions with others and the world through a different lens than your therapist. The therapist also brings with them life experiences, rigorous clinical training, and professional experiences that have prepared them to be open and ready to learn from you.
Now that we have discussed a little about what psychotherapy is and what you can expect, allow me to provide you with information about myself and my background. I am a pre-licensed clinical psychologist receiving graduate-level clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy, meaning I focus on the psychological roots of your emotional experiences and how they are impacting your present thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I have an extensive educational and professional background in human development and early childhood education. That experience includes working with young children ages birth to 12 and their families. My undergraduate background includes a certification in early childhood education from Schoolcraft College, as well as a Bachelor of Science in psychology, with a concentration in mental health which included a year-long internship at Saint Mary’s in Livonia from Madonna University.
While the foundation of my approach to therapy is grounded in psychodynamic theory, I recognize that each individual experiences their internal and external worlds differently. For this reason, I take an integrative approach to psychotherapy; but what does that mean? Integrative psychotherapy responds to the individual’s behavioral, cognitive, spiritual, and physiological functioning by implementing the most effective techniques from various treatment modalities (psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, family systems, etc.). Within the four walls of the therapy room, we will work together to formulate the best possible treatment approach that will serve as a guide in your personal exploration and understanding of your thoughts and feelings states and how the impact your behaviors. Through our work together, you will begin discovering yourself, exploring more meaningful relationships with others, and experience life through a different lens. My role is to walk alongside you through your journey of personal growth and exploration, and I will be privileged to do so.
I am currently a student in the Master of Science in Clinical Psychology program at Madonna University. I am a graduate intern in the Madonna University Psychological Services Clinic on campus and I work as a pre-licensed clinical psychologist receiving graduate-level clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy.
In my role as a therapist, it is of utmost importance to me to establish a safe and non-judgmental environment where clients can freely express their thoughts and emotions. I am dedicated to supporting women in navigating life's obstacles, managing anxiety and depression, and processing trauma while also assisting adolescents and seniors in adapting to life changes, resolving family conflicts, enhancing coping strategies, and mitigating stress. Ultimately, my objective is to aid individuals in fostering self-acceptance and striving for improved life outcomes.
Allow me to introduce myself. I am Laura Westra, a dedicated pre-licensed professional undergoing clinical training in psychodynamic psychotherapy pursuing a master's in clinical psychology. I am deeply passionate about the transformative journey of self-discovery, which is essential in one’s lifetime. I received a Bachelor of Science in psychology, focusing on mental health. I am an Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) with a strong foundation in psychological principles and a deep commitment to supporting individuals on their journey to recovery and mental wellness. With extensive academic training and hands-on experience, I bring a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy and counseling.
My approach to therapy is centered around you, the client. I believe in the power of building a strong therapeutic relationship, and I strive to create a safe and nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without fear of being misunderstood or invalidated. Our therapy is a collaborative effort, as I firmly believe that you are the expert on your own life. I am here to guide and support you on your journey.
I recognize and honor the unique cultural values, beliefs, and experiences that everyone brings to the therapeutic process. I am deeply committed to ensuring that therapy is tailored to meet your specific needs, considering your cultural context. Your cultural context is not just a part of our work together; it is the foundation of it, and I am here to support and understand you in that context.
Above all, I am dedicated to helping individuals reach their full potential and live fulfilling lives. I am here to provide support, guidance, and encouragement as you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way. Together, we can embark on a journey of self-discovery and growth, empowering you to create lasting positive change in your life. I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how I can support your mental health and well-being goals.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist and joined the psychology faculty at Madonna University in 2022 as an Assistant Professor and Director of the Master's in Science in Clinical Psychology in the Department Behavioral and Social Sciences. I earned a BA in Multidisciplinary Social Science from Michigan State University, an ADN degree from Wayne County Community College, a MA in Anthropology from Wayne State University, a MS in Human Development and Mental Health Counseling and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from University of Detroit Mercy. I have worked in various multidisciplinary settings and have been involved in practice from 2004 to date. I've held a variety of academic, clinical and administrative positions including adjunct teaching, hospice nursing, Director of the Health Clinic and Mental Health Counseling Department for University of Detroit Mercy. I currently run a group practice in Ferndale MI. I have provided medical and psychological services to medically under-served populations both as a nurse and clinical psychologist in both inpatient and outpatient modalities.
My research interests include a focus on relationship dynamics, marital satisfaction, interaction analysis and empathic connection in communication. My teaching and research is grounded in an attempt to understand human behavior from a multidisciplinary perspective and is framed in a cross cultural paradigm.
Early in my career I investigated the neural mechanisms of drug addiction, primarily through the use of lab rats. Following my time in the world of animal research, I decided to take a position as a Research Psychologist with the U.S. Army. I spent several years traveling across the country to many of our outstanding military installations and working with Soldiers suffering from some of the "invisible" wounds of the war (i.e., posttraumatic stress disorder and/or traumatic brain injury). I was also part of a longitudinal study in which we administered neurocognitive test batteries and drew blood for genetic/proteomic testing from hundreds of Soldiers prior to their first deployment with the hope that this information might better help us identify some key behavioral and neurochemical predispositions to developing combat-related psychological disorders.
I am currently Chair of Madonna's Institutional Review Board, and I am the Faculty Advisor for Psychology Club and Psi Chi (Psychology's Honors Society).
