Just a little about me, I completed 3 tours in Iraq working as a Civilian Affairs Linguist. As far as jobs in the military go you rarely get close to the people in the combat zone, you just experience amazing levels of horridness every day! After finally coming home it was very difficult to relate to anyone without feeling judged. Nobody knows exactly what I experienced, but I became isolated and ended up avoiding any interactions.
I never gave it much thought, I just figured this is the way life is going to be. By this I mean, not being able to trust anyone or make any friends(wife and family included). I drank more, slept less, and had horrid night terrors, as well as terrible daydreams to the point of being paranoid and flinching at every sound.
One a random day, someone gave me the idea to get a dog. I 100% doubted it would help. The first couple of nights, I still woke up to random sounds(like neighbors closing their doors) and so did my new dog/beagle puppy “Kona”. Once I was up, I used to never go back to sleep. Lack of sleep for me leads to a lot of negative side effects. After a while, Kona was getting up at the random sounds and I just rolled over and went back to sleep. Probably the first time I felt comfortable like that in 10 years.
Joe and Kona (Army Veteran-currently active Army Reserve)
Beagle
Thank you so much Christine for helping me by making Athena my Emotional Support Animal(ESA). Athena helps me each day battle my anxiety and depression. Even after the worst day at work, I can come home and she makes me smile:) You made the process so easy and painless. Thank you so much once again.
Cole and Athena (ESA)
Coon Hound
I love the services CLJ Counseling/Christine Reiss provides! She is so helpful, caring, and open-minded. I am attending GVSU and wanted to bring my hamster, Latte with me. I wasn't allowed unless she was a qualified ESA(emotional support animal). I looked into this and Christine was weary at first since it's a hamster, but was very dedicated into getting me what I needed! Working with her was very pleasant and easy! I just had to fill out some “Disability Services” forms and have a short interview! I would recommend this to anyone who wants to bring their animal to college with them!
Makenna and Latte-(ESA)
Syrian Hamster
Brittany and Remi (ESA/PSD)
Army Reserve/Police Office (currently in-training at Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) police academy)
Derrick and Maddie (PSD) /
Beagle Mix
Veteran/Army Reserve-Military Police Soldier (Combat Support)
“Operation Enduring Freedom” (Kabul, Afghanistan (2013-2014)
I felt comfortable throughout the entire process especially since my mental health needs were being addressed. Working with CLJ Counselor getting my Emotional Support Animal(ESA) letter/prescription was a "quick and efficient" process with absolutely no hassle. I couldn't be happier with the experience and that I can now have my support cat(Theo)in my new apartment. "I highly recommend CLJ Counseling to anyone who is looking for an ESA letter."
Carly and Cameron & Theo (ESA)
Siamese
“Working with CLJ Counseling was a very positive experience. She took the time to gather all information needed without making it an uncomfortable experience while having to discuss prior traumas. I can reach out to Christine with any questions I may have and she will always get back to me in a timely manner. I truly appreciate the fact that she takes the time to check in on my Psychiatric Service Dog(PSD) and me. I would definitely recommend CLJ Counseling for PSD or ESA letter/prescription.”
Anglea and Goonie (PSD)
Pocket Class American Bully
CLJ Counseling was the best place I could have gone to in reference to getting my Emotional Support Animal(ESA) letter. Christine is a very knowledgeable Licensed Professional Counselor(LPC) and listened to my needs. Sensitivity to me was key when discussing my mental health, and that's exactly what I received. My ESA Letter was explained to me in depth so I could better understand “my role and responsibilities in having an ESA animal”. I have and will continue to refer my friends for their ESA/PSD letters. All my questions and concerns were handled in a calm and professional manner.”
Libby and Harry(ESA)
Russian Blue Cat
“My experience with CLJ Counseling was simple and easy! I always knew at some point I wanted to have an Emotional Support Animal(ESA) because of my anxiety, and my cat Ellie is the perfect fit for me! She is able to give me comfort and help me through difficult times. I received my ESA letter from CLJ Counseling in a quick manner. The communication was amazing and very thorough. Recently, I had an issue regarding my ESA at an apartment(Auburn Hills area) and CLJ Counseling was easy to reach. Christine returned my messages/calls within the hour. CLJ Counseling "guarantees" continued support if there is an issue with my ESA letter at another apartment complex!”
Kayla and Ellie (ESA)
Domestic medium hair
“Thank you for writing me an Emotional Support Animal(ESA) letter/prescription! Willow helps me get through every day with smiles on my face! She has brought so much joy back into my life. Thank you so much for making the process as smooth as possible.”
Dani and Willow (ESA)
Brindle