I founded my private practice on the principle of helping others create the life that they want. Often times that means resolving past trauma or issues that stand in our way. Change can be a difficult process, but with someone who understands how change occurs and the pitfalls that can hinder change it is possible. Every one deserves to be the person they want and I am here to help you on your journey of change and healing.

The past few months have many feeling down, depressed, or hopeless. Maybe you're noticing an increase in anxiety, and don't know where to start. I know what that feels like, and I'm here for you. You CAN face these life challenges; whatever the cause-with the help of someone who can guide and support you through the process of finding your healthy balance. As a professional counselor, I provide a judgement free environment where we can work together to achieve this.

Are you feeling on edge, numb, or “spaced out"? Are you easily startled, irritable, angry or full of rage? Do you have nightmares or intrusive thoughts that disrupt your life? Do you have tense muscles, digestion issues, or chronic pain? Have you been hurt by someone you love, or even a stranger, and feel unable to move on? These are all symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder and can go away with proper treatment.

Are you looking for a therapist that you can easily relate to and is easy to talk with? I am that therapist. Having overcome much adversity in my own life, I have the capacity to truly understand clients. I offer individual, child, couples,family, pastoral, and group counseling. The techniques I use in therapy are evidence-based. These include: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Existential Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been practicing in the Rockford, IL and Beloit, WI areas for 20 years. My approach with providing services to adolescents, adults, couples and families is relaxed, compassionate and non-judgmental. I have many years of experience assisting individuals feeling troubled with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, anger & irritability, relationship problems, problems faced within a blended family and traumatic experiences. For several years I have provided group therapy for individuals struggling with social anxiety and for women struggling with anger.

I strive to provide an environment for clients that is free of judgment in which clients feel safe to explore any issue that they are facing. My core belief is that all people have an innate ability and drive to achieve an overall state of happiness, comfort, and satisfaction with their lives. When given the tools that they need to move forward towards these goals, people will achieve the fulfillment that they have been hoping for. I will work with clients to identify any obstacles to personal fulfillment and incorporate evidence-based treatment techniques in order to overcome these barriers.

I love my work: helping individuals and couples solve problems, grow and flourish. We grow by learning mastery; to me this means being competent in dealing with yourself and the outside world. I help clients do this by gaining self-knowledge and learning the skills necessary to be empowered to reach their goals and improve their most important relationships. Since starting my practice in 1983 I have been dedicated to helping clients achieve mastery. I take a very active role, and do "what works" for each client, using a variety of treatment approaches.

As parents, we've all had those "WTF" moments. Maybe your child is acting out or their mood seems to have more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Sure, it comes with the territory of raising kids, but when they start to happen more often, we might feel confused, frustrated, or worried. That's where therapy for your child or teen can help! You want a therapist that can connect with your child and help them function and feel better. You want a therapist that will listen and see you for who you are: a caring and loving parent that is trying their best. You want a therapist that can help your family feel less stressed and overwhelmed.

Dana believes that empathy, trust, and compassion are the key components to creating a safe environment for you to share your life's stories. Through these components counselor and client can build a space where work on self can begin.

TELEHEALTH SERVICES are NOW AVAILABLE with all clinicians at Restore Counseling & Recovery. We will work with you to set up the needed software. For over 25 years, I have committed my work to healing the personal and relational damage caused by substance abuse and addiction, emotional disorders, and relational discord. I draw on multiple treatment approaches - particularly systems theory, relapse prevention training, cognitive-affective-behavioral theory, and brief solution-focused theory - in restoring one's dignity and worth.

My clients typically struggle with addictions, anger, and experience difficulties in relating to loved ones. I focus on the child-parent relationship with both children and adults who have had adverse life experiences.

Needing to make changes? Psychotherapy is an opportunity to look at your deepest fears and face them with the support of an experienced and trusted therapist. I am committed to work with you and support you through a style that is relational, compassionate and challenging.

Life is not always a smooth path. At time, life presents personal challenges and uncertainty that can make it difficult to see clearly through the storm. Seeking assistance is an effective strategy for conquering adverse circumstances and overcoming obstacles that make life difficult. Everyone deserves to enjoy their life to its fullest and realize their dreams can become reality. My goal is improve my client's lives, develop better coping skills, reduce symptoms of mental illness, and cope with various challenges.

Sometimes in our lives we have experiences that lead us to feel unsettled, overwhelmed, disconnected or maybe just stuck. During those times, I help my clients by offering acceptance, validation and a safe space, where clients feel they have a voice. I offer a calm and warm presence, and use a person-centered and strengths-based approach to help clients find their inner resiliency. So often in life we move too fast and forget to prioritize self care and it is my goal to create a space that is inclusive and intersectional, allowing all clients to put themselves first, feel safe and to be their authentic self.

I bring to my work a lifetime of experience with many different people in many different circumstances. My early life experience as a registered nurse enriches me as a psychologist and provides me with a unique perspective in navigating the path towards healing. I believe that the psyche holds within itself the power to heal, but our egos often get in the way. Through the struggles of life, we can lose contact with our own deep well of inner wisdom. My focus is on helping individuals develop the tools to re-connect with their true vital selves and restore balance.

I believe mental anguish and emotional pain are matters that not only affect the brain, but permeate through every fiber of the body. Thus, in order for someone to recover and heal completely, a holistic approach is essential. I also believe that every person's healing is different, and I tailor my approach based on thorough assessment and deep listening.

Change is hard, and life can throw us curve balls that are unpredictable and challenging. Having additional support can help through those times. I work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, intimacy and relationship issues, and am LGBTQ friendly. Whether you and your partner want support together or you’re ready to do something different for yourself, it takes courage to take the first step toward change and growth. Therapy is a collaborative process where we will work together to build a safe, compassionate, non-judgmental environment to help you get closer to living the life you want.

Therapy can offer more than just problem solving and emotional healing. Therapy is often about personal growth and self acceptance. As a licensed professional counselor, I can help guide you in developing the life you want and deserve. People are often fearful about entering therapy. I offer a safe, supportive and collaborative space to allow you to truly look inward. I use empathy, compassion, accountability and humor to help you reach your goals.

I provide therapy services from my office location in downtown Eau Claire. I am also partnered with the Elk Mound School District to provide therapy services to students at Elk Mound Schools. You can find my publication, regarding teen/parental perspectives, in the Chippewa Valley Family Magazine's September/October 2018 issue (page 12). For further business information, educational materials and informational articles, please visit my Facebook page: Karah Gonstead, LCSW

My real passion is in helping my clients step into their own power. I focus holistically on the whole person, which includes the mind, body, spirit and emotion. I believe that all 4 areas are needed to fully heal. I use a variety of holistic and alternative experiential practices to assist in accelerating one's healing process. Through this approach individuals are able to shift out of old patterning, self-limiting beliefs, thoughts, and habits. I am able to help one get to the deeper core issues that are blocking them from living a full and happy life.