Excelsior Psychological Services Experts
Excelsior Psychological Services offers treatment to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with emotional, developmental, educational/occupational problems, as well as family or interpersonal concerns.
Whether you’re seeking counselling for anxiety, marital problems, ADHD treatment, addiction problems, depression, bipolar disorder, or other mood and anxiety disorders, our therapists will provide effective, caring treatment.
Meet our clinical team:
James A. Gall, Ph.D., LP
President/Founder
Dr. Gall is the founder and clinical director of Excelsior Psychological Services. He is a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Michigan and a Diplomate at National Center for Crisis Management.
Dr. Gall specializes in the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with anxiety, trauma, and stress-related disorders such as PTSD, OCD, as well as compulsive hoarding, conversion, and somatization disorders. Dr. Gall takes a special interest in treating members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. Military families experience unique challenges, such as the cycle of deployment and reintegration, frequent moves, and for some, the loss of a loved one — all of which can have devastating effects on an individual and family.
A frequent presenter of child and adolescent anxiety disorders, as well as childhood development around the region, Dr. Gall maintains close working relations with local school districts and assists the districts with crisis planning as well as staff training and development.
He has served as a Board Member of the Obsessive Compulsive Disorders Association of Michigan and currently serves as an Advisory Member. He also served as a visiting assistant professor as well as adjunct faculty with Oakland University in the departments of Counselling and Human Resource Development.
Dr. Gall received his Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Wayne State University in 1999.
Holly A. Aulph-Gall, MA, LLP Clinical Health Psychology
Chief Operating Officer, Excelsior Psychological Services
Holly A. Aulph-Gall, M.A., LLP is the co-owner and Chief Operating Officer at Excelsior Psychological Services. She is a master’s level clinical psychologist who specializes in health and rehabilitation psychology. She provides individual and family therapy with adults and adolescents. Emphasis on maintaining coordination of care with local school districts and health care providers is an integral part of her therapeutic work. In addition to outpatient psychotherapy services, she also performs pre-surgical psychological evaluations for bariatric and general surgery candidates. Holly has over twenty years of experience working with individuals who have a chronic pain condition. As part of her work, she performs psychological evaluations for intrathecal pump and spinal cord stimulator candidates as well as psychological evaluations and treatment for pain patients. Holly’s previous work in neuropsychological and psychoeducation assessment provides additional understanding and insight into common challenges and adjustment diffcilitties that individuals with such disabilities face. Therapy focuses on acceptance of such disabilities while maximizing and individual’s potential and overall quality of life.
Holly’s areas of specialized interest include: chronic pain, adjustment to chronic illness; sleep disorder; stress management; grief; women’s health disorder; as well as psychosomatic and psychophysiological disorders. Holly received a Master’s in Clinical Psychology with a specialization in Health Psychology from the University of Hartford in 2000 and completed her practicum at the West Haven Veteran’s Administration Hospital in Connecticut.
Robert Doug Chalmers, L.P.C.
Doug Chalmers obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration Degree from Eastern Michigan University in 1990, and his Master of Arts – Counseling Degree from Oakland University in 2011. Doug is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and has also received his National Certified Counselor (NCC) Credential from the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC). Doug's work experience includes work as a Behavioral Health Specialist for a large medical practice, where he engaged in individual counseling in a collaborative person-centered medical home model. Doug has also been a Clinical Services Manager for a non-profit organization, has worked as both a therapist and Assistant Clinical Supervisor in community mental health working with severe and persistent mental illness in adults, has worked in crisis stabilization programs and in private practice. Doug is person centered and focuses on use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Existential techniques, Far Eastern philosophies (Buddhism) and the mind-body connection. Treatment from a Christian perspective can be incorporated into your treatment, if you desire.
His areas of expertise include anger management, adjustment issues, anxiety, grief and loss, obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, bipolar disorders, low ego strength, life transition problems, acute stress reaction, post-traumatic stress and stress management. His treatment philosophy: “The human mind and body has everything it needs to heal itself. It is very much the
equivalent of having a tool shed full of tools that we would use to cope with life’s trials when we needed them. Unfortunately, life can sometimes spin out of control, and during these times we not only forget we have the tools, we forget where the toolshed is. To me, the purpose of counseling is to help you rediscover the tools you already possess and provide some new tools to you so that you can manage life no matter what it may throw at you.”
In his spare time, Doug enjoys music of all genres, reading, the peace and quiet of the outdoors, exercise, and gardening.
Wendy A. Goetz, MA, LLP
My name is Wendy Goetz and I am a Psychologist. I earned my Master’s Degree at Wayne State University with a Marriage and Family Concentration. The reason why I chose the field of Psychology is that I have a deep desire to help people who struggle from numerous life's challenges. I strive to do my best in order to help them understand and grow from those challenges and ultimately improve their quality of life. One of the most important aspects I cherish in my work is that I listen and seek to understand how WE can collaboratively devise treatment options with your specific needs in mind.
My work in the field of Psychology began more than 20 years ago beginning in the field of Foster Care where my goal was to reunify families that were in crisis. From there I began Forensic Work at Frank Murphy Hall of Justice where I facilitated in Forensic Evaluations. I also have extensive experience as an Outpatient Clinician at a Partial Hospitalization Facility.
In my work, I use numerous therapeutic techniques including, but not limited to, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Gottman Marital Therapy. My specialities include:
- Depressive Disorders
- Anxiety Disorders
- Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct Disorders
- Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders - PTSD
- Gender Dysphoria - LGBTQIA-+
- Marriage and Family
Melody M. Tranchida, PSY, SPEC, LLP
Melody Tranchida, Psy, Spec, LLP is a limited licensed clinical psychologist offering a unique dimension to the practice, as she previously worked in the public sector as a school psychologist, community mental health therapist, and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapist. She has a Specialist Degree in School Psychology from the University of Detroit-Mercy and a Bachelor’s Degree, Psychology major, from Oakland University.
Melody has worked with children and families for over 15 years. She has a specialty in developmental delays, including Autism Spectrum Disorders and intellectual disabilities. Melody has experience in infant mental health, working collaboratively with physicians and pregnant mothers to facilitate healthy births. Her assessment and treatment skills range from birth through adulthood.
Her psycho-diagnostic knowledge enables her to develop comprehensive strength-based treatment plans to facilitate improved functional living skills, personal growth, and improvements in quality of life concerns. Through training, she assists individuals and their families to function more independently and harmoniously. She has a special interest in adjustment disorders, trauma and loss, LGBT, and career issues.
Melody provides individual and family therapy to a wide variety of clients with various concerns and mental health issues, including the following:
- Depression, Anxiety, and Mood Disorders
- Stress and Anger Management
- Disruptive Behavior, Learning Difficulties, and Academic Issues
- Grief and Loss
- PTSD, Abuse, and Trauma
- Relationship Difficulties, Family Problems, and Interpersonal Skill Deficiencies
- Parenting Assistance and Developmental Guidance
- Gender Diversity/LGBT Issues
- Self-Worth/Self-Esteem Issues
- Career and Life Transitions
She utilizes evidence-based practices, depending on the client’s diagnosis, needs, and person-centered plan.
Brooke Silverson, LLC
Brooke Silverson is a limited licensed counselor that earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Oakland University. Brooke gained mental health experience through her internship at a psychiatric hospital in their adolescent partial hospitalization program. In addition to working with adolescents, she also has experience working with children and adults.
Brooke’s practice integrates empowering individuals to explore their difficult life struggles, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, depression, and trauma while supporting a collaborative therapeutic relationship. She places emphasis on personal growth tailored to each unique individual and strives to provide a safe space for individuals to feel comfortable in a welcoming, non-judgmental environment.
Brooke uses various therapeutic techniques/interventions including CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), Solution-Focused & Goal-Oriented Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Art/Play Therapy, among other integrated approaches. Brooke’s specialized areas of focus include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Intrusive Thoughts
- Relationship Issues
- Self Esteem
- Life Transitions
- Mood disorders
- ADD/ADHD
- ODD
- Stress Management
John Yax, LMSW
John Yax, LMSW, has worked in the behavioral health field for nearly 20 years. He conferred with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Michigan State University and a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Michigan. He has experience treating older adolescents, young adults, and adults. John has extensive training and experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder/Mania, ADD/ADHD, Adjustment Disorders, Marital/Relationship Issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Personality Disorders, Stress Management, Anger Issues, Behavioral Issues, and Life Transitions (among others). Additionally, he has significant experience and training in Grief/Loss/Bereavement issues, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
(DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Trauma Informed Treatments (including Prolonged Exposure Therapy). Most recently, he has undergone training for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). His diverse experience gives him unique insight and ability to process issues from several vantage points. He tailor’s treatment around client goals/priorities and utilizes a strength-based approach. At this time, John is only seeing clients virtually.