Gold Star Counseling

1.0 (1 review)

Counseling & Mental Health

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Peter D.

1 year ago

While it is true that April Brandon uses a variety of therapeutic techniques in her practice, her preferred methodologies could accurately be described as "Staring Unblinking Into the Camera" and "Long, Awkward Silences." Her sub-specialty training must have included a long seminar on how to turn one's face to stone, as she averages 1-2 facial expressions per hour. When addressing a client's fears and premonitions, April utilizes a somewhat lesser-known tactic called, "just tell them not to worry about it," a method previously discredited by actual therapists on account of it not working. Her humanistic and clearly well-thought out approach to hearing her clients' issues includes key elements like, "not listening while they speak" and "interrupting frequently." Her ability to make clients feel awkward and stupid for not knowing how best to seek counsel from an apathetic wall of granite is borderline impressive. In all seriousness: I spent about 8 sessions with April, and I am worse off for it. She is offensively disengaged from her patients, does not engage with them while they speak, and possesses all the warmth and compassion of driftwood. After those 8 sessions, when I told her I did not wish to reschedule, she admitted to me that she "was going to recommend I'd go with someone else." When she planned to tell me that is something I couldn't hope to guess, but I'm grateful nonetheless that she chose to blatantly waste my time. It genuinely concerns me that April Brandon is tasked with aiding people toward mental wellness, as she is profoundly, ceaselessly, and laughably lousy at it. If you're considering her as a therapist, this is your sign to run screaming in the other direction. Save yourself the frustration, and find a therapist with a discernible pulse. read more

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More info about Gold Star Counseling

Holly, MI 48442
Directions
(734) 743-2889
Call Now
Visit Website
https://april-brandon.clientsecure.me

Hours

What time does Gold Star Counseling open?

Gold Star Counseling opens at 8:00 AM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

What time does Gold Star Counseling close?

Gold Star Counseling closes at 2:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.Gold Star Counseling is closed on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday.

Mon-Tue, Thu-Fri 8:00 AM - 2:00 PMWed, Sat-Sun Closed

Payment methods

Does Gold Star Counseling accept insurance?

Yes, Gold Star Counseling accepts insurance.

Does Gold Star Counseling take credit cards?

Yes, Gold Star Counseling takes credit cards.

Other Amenities

Does Gold Star Counseling have free WiFi?

Yes, Gold Star Counseling has free WiFi.

From the Business

Specialties

Gold Star Counseling provides compassionate, professional support for those navigating life’s toughest challenges. As a Gold Star mother, I understand firsthand the sacrifices of military service and the unique struggles faced by veterans and Gold Star families. I also specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, survivors of narcissistic abuse, and anyone coping with anxiety, trauma, or major life transitions. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and lived experience. I meet clients where they are and help them build the tools for healing, resilience, and long-term well-being. At Gold Star Counseling, you will find a safe place to be heard, understood, and supported.

History

Established in 2018.

Gold Star Counseling was founded in 2018 out of both personal experience and professional dedication. As a licensed counselor and a Gold Star mother, I understand the unique challenges faced by veterans, military families, and anyone navigating trauma or major life transitions. Since opening, I have focused on supporting veterans and Gold Star families, the LGBTQ+ community, survivors of narcissistic abuse, and individuals coping with anxiety and stress. My practice is rooted in proven methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a person-centered approach that ensures every client feels heard and respected. At Gold Star Counseling, the mission is simple: to walk alongside people as they reclaim their strength and build the life they deserve.

Meet the Business Owner: April B.

Hello, I’m April, the counselor behind Gold Star Counseling. As a Gold Star mother and licensed professional, I bring both lived experience and clinical training to the work I do. My background includes a Master’s degree in counseling psychology and years of helping people through anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I specialize in supporting veterans and Gold Star families, the LGBTQ+ community, and survivors of narcissistic abuse. I use approaches like ACT, CBT, and person-centered counseling to meet each client where they are. Outside of my practice, I’m an active community member here in Holly, Michigan, and a proud mom who believes in building resilience, compassion, and hope one step at a time.

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Hands down the best therapist I've worked with. Great care and knowledge to help navigate any life…read moresituation. Whole heartedly recommend Devon and Wholeness Recovered.

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We just love going to see Mrs. Chrissy! She has helped my son with his speech so much that his…read moregrandparents can finally understand him! He looks forward to going to see her every week. Some people are just meant to work with kids and Chrissy is one of them. We drive from Brighton to get speech therapy at Simpli Speech in Whitmore Lake. So thankful for the team! Everyone is so kind and welcoming.

From the owner: We provide personalized, client-centered speech and language therapy for children and…read moreadults—starting at 18 months and beyond—serving families in Southeast Michigan. We specialize in treating apraxia, fluency disorders/stuttering, early intervention, autism, receptive/expressive language delays, speech-sound disorders, aphasia, and dementia. Contact us today for a free consultation and to discover the best path for your child or loved one’s communication journey.

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Recommend this caring, friendly, helpful agency. We were foster parents & eventually adopting 5…read moreof our foster children. Ennis is an outstanding & well respected agency thanks to Bob Ennis, the founder. He & his social workers are always available & pretty amazing. Thanks Ennis for our wonderful adopted children.

Do not ever use this agency. They aren't for the children. They are money to them. We've had PER's…read moredone for kids placed through them before they were done. Now that another agency needs a bed and they won't get any money for them they are denying a child a home. We've had other issues with them as well.

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Meniyka is a wonderful, highly trained practitioner and I had a phenomenal session with her that…read moreI'm still processing almost a year later. She offers a unique and deep experience. We are lucky to have her in the area!

I have had spinal nerve-pain for 15 years due to a burst lumbar in my spinal column…read more since my manifestation my nerves have stopped rioting against me. I had a negative outlook on life, now that the pain is retreating; I'm ecstatic & looking forward to moving in a totally different direction. Sleep was three to five hours a night maximum. my energy levels were meager to nonexistent. I now get 6+ hours a night of deep replenishing blissful sleep. I'm not gonna go into how much I've suffered, it's a beautiful thing that has manifested & the future is looking wonderful. Thank you Meniyka Kiravell ‍ ~Roberto Orosco

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I have come with a few different ailments and have always had a good experience from the front…read morestaff, nurse, and doctor. Plus I like being able to schedule my time on line and do my paperwork before I get there.

Doctor does not even let you talk. he doesn't even actually look at what's wrong. front desk…read moredoesn't even have someone sitting there, equipment was dirty. never going here again!!!

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I moved to fowlerville from Durand and I needed a new primary care physician. My old one wouldn't…read morerenew my prescriptions until I saw him. It wasn't pain medications or narcotics it was cholesterol thyroid and depression meds. I saw Dr Fred yesterday afternoon we had a wonderful visit. Dr Fred has a great personality and I'm sure he's going to be a great doctor for me. He had called all of my prescriptions in by the end of that day. The entire office is clean the girls are friendly I am so happy I chose Dr Fred and his office.l

The front desk girl, nurse and doctor was incredibly helpful, nice and professional…read more Thank you

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Went to Hope Urgent Care for a covid test. Never been there…read morebefore. They were wonderful!!! So kind, listened, took time to answer questions, personable, but professional.

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Children's area in the waiting room.

Telegraph Urgent Care

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They only want patients with insurance. I stopped in for a couple stitches and the lady at the…read morecounter said it would be at least a couple hundred dollars. What!? She should try stand up comedy. FYI there's at least six of these 'urgent' care facilities within a mile of this one. Being price competitive just might be a good idea.

*COVID TEST REVIEW*…read more Experience at office: 5/5 stars Experience getting test results: 0/5 stars I made a test online for the same day because I woke up feeling sick. They let me put in my info ahead of time which made paperwork easy at the actual appointment. There was very minimal wait time - they did two swabs - one for rapid and one for PCR tests. Everyone was very nice and speedy. I was told I'd receive a call for my rapid and pcr results. The next day, I still hadn't heard anything so I called them and asked if my rapid test results were in. They told me it came back negative and that pcr results would be in in a day or two. It has now been 10 days since getting a test and I still do not have pcr results. I have called every other day and they claim that their lab is very backed up on tests. In short, don't go to them for a PCR test because it could take weeks. Additionally, they did not send an email or call after getting my rapid test results, so if you do go here, be ready to call repeatedly to get your results.

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IHA After Hours Care

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Went in for a strep test on a Saturday at the newer IHA Urgent Care-Brighon since my PCP was closed…read moreover the weekend. I wasn't swabbed correctly resulting in negative test. I was prescribed a steroid for the inflammation which didn't even help. A few days later my son tested positive for strep. I called IHA back around 11am asking for a call from the doctor hoping they would prescribe me antibiotics since I was still feeling terrible. I had to call multiple times and still didn't get a call back from anyone. I was told I just need to wait until they have time to call me back. At this point, I'm very upset this misdiagnosis caused me to spread it to my son and now trying to avoid spreading to everyone else in our household. I NEVER got a call back, only an email the next day after 2pm (over 24 hours from my initial call) that I didn't even see until after 4pm saying that I would need to come back in to be re-evaluated. At this point I had already spoke to my primary doctor and was prescribed the antibiotics that I should have been given at IHA in the first place. Very unprofessional and felt my care didn't matter at all! Will not be back and will not recommend to anyone.

I have taken my son here a few times. Always in and out. Doctors and staff are wonderful and…read morethorough. Recommend getting there right before 5pm since it is first come first serve. Sign in online if able to get in line before you even arrive there.

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

Hundreds of millions of reviews are posted on Yelp, and our automated recommendation software works in the background to showcase the reviews that it …

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Hippy C.

11 months ago

My therapist has been such a light in my life. When I first came to her I was carrying so much pain and confusion from an abusive relationship. I felt tangled up, drained, and unsure of who I even was anymore. She helped me find my strength again. The space she creates is warm and safe, like sitting in the glow of a campfire while someone reminds you that you are worthy of love and peace. She guided me to see my truth, trust my intuition, and finally let go of the toxic energy that was weighing me down. Because of her I was able to step away from my abusive ex with courage and clarity. Now I feel free, lighter, and more connected to myself than ever. She did not just help me heal, she helped me remember who I am. read more

Wendy W.

11 months ago

As an RN with a demanding schedule, I deeply value efficiency, professionalism, and expertise. My therapist consistently demonstrates all three. Sessions are focused, practical, and tailored to my needs, while still allowing space for reflection and growth. I appreciate the balance of empathy and evidence-based strategies, which has made a noticeable difference in how I manage both personal and professional stress. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a therapist who respects your time and truly understands the challenges of high-pressure careers. read more

Sam W.

11 months ago

I made this account just to leave this review. I don't want my neighbors to know I saw a counselor. Small town. I met April at the American Legion where she works with vets and that where I found out she was a counselor. I needed help with trauma and I didn't even want to call it that. She showed me how I was damaging my relationships by ignoring my self-care. She really helped me. I can't recommend her highly enough. read more

Penelope S.

11 months ago

April is warm and compassionate. She is a specialist for narcissistic abuse survivors and I really needed her insights. She validated me and helped me realize how abusive my (I am proud to say my now EX) was. read more

Dan T.

4 months ago

Great counselor. I've been seeing her for 6 months now and really turned my life around.

Gold Star Counseling - c_and_mh - Updated July 2026

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Gold Star Counseling

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Vibrational Sciences With Meniyka Kiravell

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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

Gold Star Counseling - c_and_mh - Updated July 2026

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5 Gold Star Counseling reviews that are not currently recommended

Why does Yelp recommend reviews?

5 reviews that are not currently recommended

Gold Star Counseling - c_and_mh - Updated July 2026

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