Mental health and stress management resources for corrections officers and people working in high adrenaline jobs dealing with trauma, anxiety, and burnout. Mental health therapy in the state of Michigan.
Learn to flip the switch and stop being in work mode all the time.
If you could flip the switch, what would you turn off?
Your brain—it’s a shit show in there
Making your home a housing unit
Quick temper, anger, irritation
High sense of urgency, lack of patience
Seeing potential threats everywhere you look
Graphic, disturbing images and memories
Poor sleep, no sleep, nightmares, interrupted sleep
Fatigue, exhaustion even when you do get sleep
Bad diet and too much alcohol
If you could flip the switch, what could you turn on?
Your romantic partner, cuz not being an asshole is a pretty good turn on, just saying.
Energy and motivation
Empathy, caring about people and their problems
Being in control of your thoughts and emotions
Pursuing hobbies, interests, fun, passion
Separation between your job and your life
Joy, happiness, life purpose and reaching goals
Longer life expectancy than age 59
I wish it were as easy as flipping a switch.
It takes time to create healthy patterns and to change your mindset and daily habits to manage the stress of working in a high adrenaline environment.
With the resources and tools I offer, you can start with a dimmer switch and turn down the intensity of those negative side effects of the job. It is possible to work in high trauma environments without losing yourself to the uniform.
Packed with free tools designed for real-world support:
Guided Audio Emotional Resets: 2-minute decompress sessions
Stress Management Game Plan: 15+ strategies to create your own
Coping Skills Cheat Sheet: Quick tactics for urgent stress relief
EFT Acupoints How‑to Guide: Simple tapping techniques
Assessments: Self-scored GAD‑7, PHQ‑9, PCL-5
FMLA Overview & tips for using mental health leave.
PEMF Device Program: Learn how to calm your nervous system through electromagnetic therapy
Nationwide Provider Directory: Easily find supportive therapy providers
Crisis Hotline List: 988, Veterans Crisis Line & more
Brains, intuitive badassery, and a fantastic sense of humor. Honestly? A pretty damn good package.
I’m Vanessa Lake, LCSW — those fancy letters mean I’m a licensed clinical social worker and trauma specialist. For over a decade, I’ve worked with humans in high-adrenaline, high-trauma jobs — especially corrections officers — helping them navigate anxiety, burnout, and the silent toll this kind of work takes on your body, mind, and relationships.
I now offer mental health therapy that integrates holistic spiritual practices to treat the mind, body and spirit but only in the state of Michigan.
And if you’re ready to go deeper — into your healing, your energy body, or your spiritual awakening (yes, it’s happening) — I also offer energy work, intuitive support, and soul-aligned coaching through my other practice, Finding Your Inner Sensei.
I bring compassion, clinical knowledge, spiritual depth, sarcasm, and a fair bit of cussing to the table. This work is serious, but we don’t have to be serious all the time.
To learn more about why I’m known as the Purple Couch Lady, check out my about page.
Of course due to confidentiality I can neither confirm or deny I know these people or that they in fact said these things so....for what it's worth.
"I appreciate all you have done for me. You keep doing what you're doing. F#!k the MDOC."
"Thank you so much for being there for me and supporting me through the last couple years. I know it's your job but it's nice having someone to tell the good and bad things with zero judgement. You've helped with my anxiety and making me feel so much better mentally. I really do appreciate you."
"I was miserable for so long. I probably would've died in that place if it wasn't for you. You helped me get out alive. My life is completely different now. Thanks for everything doc!"