Your Name: Amanda Ducharme

Your Position: Clinical Mental Health Therapist

Company Name: Detroit Counseling Collective

Industry: Mental Health Therapy Services

 

What prompted you to start your own business? The owners of DCC worked together in the past and were overjoyed to be able to start the journey of business ownership together. All five women have different education, experience, and training which we all share for the benefit of our professional growth and the well-being of our clients. 

 

Describe what your company does. We are a group of therapists who care for your mental, emotional, and relational well-being, offering both in-person and online therapy services in Michigan. We hope our business allows individuals and couples to feel seen, heard and valued. Helping clients find joy and purpose through therapy is our mission, and this is achieved by focusing on the human connection. 

 

How many people does the company employ? We are a collective of five Detroit-based therapists focused on cultivating our skills and working together to give our clients a productive and enriching experience.

 

How long have you been in business? Almost two years

 

Is there anything extraordinary/unique your company does? Our collective therapeutic vibe is a mixture of your most honest best friend, your champion and advocate, and a gentle confronter of truth. Sessions may include laughter and tears, a physical representation of the delicate balance of learning to hold multiple emotions at once, as you navigate yourself, your relationships, and your life. 

 

How did you decide on this industry (events that led to where you are now, where you went to school, etc.)? Amanda worked in the education and career services industry for ten years before her career in mental health. After earning her MBA in 2012, Amanda was able to work more closely with students and realized her passion for supporting others through one-on-one collaboration. Amanda earned her second Master's Degree in 2020 from Eastern Michigan University (Go Eagles!) and began her career in Perinatal Mental Health. Amanda now works primarily with parents and her clients tell her that it feels comforting to work with a therapist that “gets it” and can walk in their shoes. 

 

Given your business expertise and the nature of what you do, what advice (whether general or specific) can you offer to the residents of your neighborhood? The best business advice that I have ever received is to view the world as abundant and not have a scarcity mentality. Collaboration and community are foundational to success.

 

Where did you grow up? All five women met while working in Ferndale and Amanda is a hometown girl, growing up in Howell, MI.

 

What section of the neighborhood do you currently live in and how long have you lived in the neighborhood? The Ducharme family lives on Hole 2 of the Honors Course (they feel it’s the best street in the neighborhood!) The Ducharmes moved from a home in the heart of Downtown Brighton to Oak Pointe in 2016. 

 

Tell us about your family. Amanda and Jeff have been married for ten years. They have two awesome and energetic kids- Stevie, 8 and Frankie, 6. Stevie and Frankie both attend St. Patrick’s School. Jeff just started his own technology consulting company, Advanced Technologies Brokerage and Consultancy (ATBC), after working in the industry for 15+ years. 

Amanda and Jeff have long-established roots in the community. Both sets of parents live within a 20-minute drive, Amanda’s Mom is a teacher at Brighton High School, and Great-Grandma Jane has lived in the same Brighton home for 40+ years.

 

What are your hobbies/interests? Team Ducharme loves to take advantage of all that Oak Pointe Country Club has to offer- golf, tennis, swimming, friends, and fun! Amanda started golfing last year and Jeff has been golfing since childhood. Amanda is grateful to have a patient partner and encouraging friends who keep her on the course. All four Ducharmes love Jeopardy, dance parties in the kitchen, and taking long golf cart rides through our beautiful neighborhood.