It is my philosophy that therapy can provide a way to gain clarity and create opportunity for personal growth and self confidence. My background is in a variety of research-based therapeutic methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational therapy and others. My approach is to work together in an accepting, compassionate and safe environment, using the methods that best fit you as an individual.
My practice includes:
Individuals both adults and adolescents: Coping with life changes, Substance abuse/addiction, depression, anxiety, bipolar or mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder, EMDR, domestic violence, abuse, grieving and loss, ADHD, Autism/Asperger's learning disabilities, and addictive behaviors.
Couples/relationship counseling:
To build on strengths, rediscover each other, and improve communication and understanding by learning new skills to achieve a healthy balanced relationship.
Substance Abuse/Addiction:
Experience:
As a licensed substance abuse counselor trained in both SMART Recovery a the 12 step approach I am able to help you based on your individualneeds, beliefs and values overcome
self distructive behaviors and learn coping skills to lead a healthy balanced life. I offer individual and group counseling and am a volunteer SMART Recovery facilitator
Divorce/separation with or without children: As a member of WI Collaborative Divorce, I provide services to people planning on divorce as a team member: Mental health coach or child specialist to help couples take an active role to create a divorce agreement in a solution focused manner. (Contact me for more information about Collaborative Divorce- a better way to end a marriage and without the usual animosity, distruction and court involvement). This is a time when you may be very vulnerable, and need support and ways to deal with loss of a love relationship. You will learn ways to reduce conflict and, if you have children, learn ways to co-parent effectively, whether you are going through a difficult divorce or separation or want to find ways to reduce conflict
Parents/Families of Children with Disabilities: Having a child with a disability represents a fundamental challenge for the entire family. Hearing a diagnosis for the first time is often accompanied by the same stages of grief as any other loss: the dream for the child seems suddenly different from the one you had only yesterday. Having traveled this journey with children who have autism and developmental disabilities, I am able to help you and your family work through this process, to build on strengths and to learn about community resources and supports that are important to help support you and your child across their lifespan.
Postpartum Depression/infertility/miscarriage/loss of a child: These life experiences are often a time when women, men and couples struggle and need help dealing with unexpected life experiences. It is a time when you or your loved one may experience overwhelming feeling of sadness, loss or isolation. My training and my experience working in this field enable me to be here to help.
Training and experience in mediation, conflict resolution, collaborative divorce, and special education advocacy,EMDR
- 10 years working in high risk obstetrics and infertility
- Prenatal educator, including grief counseling, postpartum and newborn care
- State of Wisconsin early intervention Birth to Three program--outreach specialist/family facilitator for parents who have children with special needs
- Wisconsin Family Ties and Community Partnerships (Children Come First Program)--advocate for families who had children with mental health and behavioral challenges
- Mental Health Center of Dane County--mental health and drug and alcohol addiction
- Certified special education consultant for families and schools for students who have special education needs
- Comprehensive experience with individuals who have ADHD, Asperger’s, Autism, and learning disabilities including non-verbal LD and dyslexia
We all experience difficult times and challenges in life. You may have tried to resolve problems on your own or tried to ignore them and hoped things would get better on their own, only to find that they continue to interfere with your life and/or relationships with others. Therapy can provide empowerment to build upon your own inner strengths to meet these challenges.
I look forward to talking with you to discuss your individual needs or goals.