Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Wisconsin. You have demonstrated a lot of courage by reaching out for help. I am here to offer you a safe space where you can feel heard. I approach psychotherapy using a trauma-informed perspective which means your struggles are understandable based on your life experiences and we can work together to find effective ways to achieve your goals. I am committed to providing empathic and compassionate care so you feel comfortable and free to explore personal change.
My training includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and DBT Prolonged Exposure trauma therapy. I often include other therapeutic approaches to best meet the individualized needs of the clients I work with. Since 2008, I have worked with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder.
I will prioritize our therapeutic relationship and work in partnership with you to develop treatment goals that are meaningful to you. During our first session, we will begin to build our relationship and discuss any questions or concerns you may have about therapy. Next, our goal will be to gain a mutual understanding of what you would like to gain from therapy and work together to develop a treatment plan.
I find meaning and purpose in helping others impacted by trauma, mental illness, and other mental health issues. My passion is to foster empowerment and healing so clients can achieve lives worth living.
NPI# 1568055838 | LCSW License# 7924-123 WI
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is an evidenced-based treatment developed by Marsha Linehan, PhD, ABPP. Extensive research evidence has demonstrated DBT is effective in treating depression, anxiety, suicidality, self-destructive behaviors, impulsive behaviors, and borderline personality disorder.
DBT Prolonged Exposure is a trauma therapy developed by Dr. Melanie Harned specifically to treat clients with complex trauma symptoms including suicidality and self-injury. DBT Prolonged Exposure (PE) combines standard DBT with Prolonged Exposure, another extensively researched trauma therapy developed by Edna Foa, PhD.
A trauma-informed approach to care shifts the focus from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” by exploring and normalizing the impact of past life experiences on current functioning and developing strategies to manage.
Telehealth involves meeting with your mental health provider virtually by computer, tablet, or phone. Research indicates telehealth is as effective as in-person visits. Advantages for telehealth include reduced travel, time off from work, and the need for child care.
Emotions serve an important purpose. Fear is a normal and adaptive response when there is a threat to life, health, or wellbeing, as it motivates us to action to protect ourselves. However, fear and anxiety can arise when it is not helpful or productive and can lead to symptoms, behaviors, and consequences we don’t want. DBT is a comprehensive treatment that assists clients in developing skills to reduce overwhelming anxiety and change behaviors that can lead to symptoms.
Emotions serve an important purpose. Sadness is a normal and adaptive in response to loss or grief, disappointment or setbacks, or changes in life circumstances. Sadness becomes a concern when it lasts for an extended period of time or interferes with your daily life, relationships, or work. DBT is a comprehensive treatment that assists clients in developing skills to reduce overwhelming sadness and increase a sense of well-being.
The fight, flight, freeze, or fawn response is a natural human reaction to perceived threat or danger. When trauma happens, this threat system takes over in order to keep us safe. After trauma, if we avoid our thoughts, feelings, and memories or are unable to talk about them with someone we trust, our threat system can stay stuck and lead to PTSD symptoms.
You struggle with extreme emotional highs and lows, a deep sense of emptiness, and difficulty maintaining stability in your relationships. You are not alone and it is not your fault. Many people who experience these symptoms have endured traumatic invalidation (e.g., grew up in a household where emotions are not discussed or tolerated) and other traumatic experiences.
The DBT Center of Wisconsin LLC offers trauma-informed mental health counseling services via telehealth to adult individuals throughout Wisconsin.
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