Trauma Focused Therapists in Middleton, WI

Children and caregivers who are experiencing emotional distress need developmentally specific ways of naming and coping with the difficulties. I work with caregivers to help them strengthen their caring attention and enlarge their 'toolkit' of interventions. I work with children to help them name and reduce emotional distress because "inside feelings show up on the outside". I offer developmentally- and neuroscience-informed approaches, EMDR, Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), Trauma-Focused CBT, and mindfulness-based interventions to restore wellbeing.

We love to collaborate with clients to help them draw from their own expertise, build on their own positive values, discover their own skills, and use these new tools to work through conflicts and hardships. We are systems therapist. What that means is: we like to approach problems that people have within the context of social, political and cultural storylines that influence the way we view ourselves and our own personal stories. We use this same approach in family therapy to seek ways to change the way the family system works rather than trying to "fix" a specific family member.

I have worked for over 20 years in inpatient mental health facilities and in the community serving individuals with a range of psychological issues and sexually problematic behaviors. I have experience assessing and treating people with sex offending histories, sexually compulsive behavior, anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship problems and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Are you looking for something different and effective? Online teletherapy is a great way to get your mental and emotional needs met at your convenience. With extensive experience in self-esteem, addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety,, grief/loss, divorce, and co-occurring disorders; I work with diverse populations with multicultural backgrounds. I look forward to speaking with you.

It takes courage to heal and act in one's own best interest. Shadow has had the honor of teaching young adults and parents of all ages self-love, resilience, and self-efficacy. She has worked in a variety of settings including residential treatment, disordered eating, crisis intervention, ATODA, criminal justice, schools, and private practice. Shadow wants all of her clients to feel empowerment to live safe, balanced, fulfilling lives. She does this by guiding others toward building the muscle of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and intuition. She proposes that life is a journey toward loving yourself.

You are not broken and in need of “fixing.” Rather, your early life, sense of belonging and experiences have influenced patterns and behaviors that brought you here. Change is within your reach. Whether you’re struggling with addiction or unresolved trauma; healing from domestic violence; enduring a relationship breakup; or concerned by your child’s mental health and behavioral issues, let’s work together on a positive path forward. I am a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in addiction and substance abuse and certified in trauma and domestic violence therapy and as divorce and family mediator.

I am a double board certified Licensed Clinical Therapist. I have worked with adolescents, adults and families for over 15 years. Each developmental stage of your life brings unique challenges. As a psychotherapist, I feel that it is important to walk alongside clients in a collaborative manner. I believe in personalizing each treatment plan to meet clients where they are. My goal is to create an atmosphere that is positive, supportive, accepting and productive. This environment helps clients to reach their personal goals, attaining a healthy, balanced, life worth living.

Counseling is a journey of change and self-discovery and it is not always easy to take that first step. There are not issues that are “too small” or “unimportant.” They are worth addressing because they are affecting your life. We will work together as a team to find the best solutions for your situation. I believe in beginning with the strengths you already have and building on those. We will develop coping mechanisms and strategies to help you through what is bringing you to counseling. The journey toward living the life you want begins with you taking the first step.

Many people ask me, "Why would I want to feel my feelings?” Whether you are constantly staring at a screen, filling every space on your calendar to avoid being alone with your thoughts, putting on a new mask for every person you encounter, or using alcohol as "social lubricant" to quiet the noise, many of us have mastered the art of avoidance. Some of us neatly tuck our feelings away, trading our emotions for a nicely organized life with lots of explanations and justifications, while others stuff the jumbled up mess under the bed.

Do you sense that you are "just getting by" in life? Do you feel weighed down by a sadness, restricted by anxieties, or just a sense of detachment and numbness? Are you concerned about a relationship or lack thereof? Or perhaps there are old, unattended wounds still hurting from long-ago. Buddhism reminds us that suffering is universal, but not necessary, and that it emerges from a disconnection from our essential nature. Therapy with me uses mindfulness practices and trauma-informed therapy (EMDR) to reconnect with that nature and inquire into the barriers that resist such connection to ourselves and others.

Clients often come to see me when they feel lost, stuck, or overwhelmed. I strive to help clients identify and explore the foundation of a challenge or issue so that they can effectively (and often quickly) achieve deep and lasting change. My work is rooted in my belief that our bodies and minds are designed to heal, and we can get stuck when those innate processes are interrupted or ignored. I use an integrative approach to help strengthen the client's inherent wisdom and ability to heal, with an emphasis on self-awareness, skill-building, and the mind-body connection.

I am a skilled therapist who helps clients manage and overcome life's challenges with a gentle, interactive approach. I work with individuals of all ages and ethnicities, married and pre-married couples, families, individuals and mental disabilities. I have actively counseled since 2003, and has received training in several areas including grief, anxiety and depression. I received a BA in Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and he received his MA in Community Counseling at Regent University in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Here is how I help: I offer grounded and compassionate therapy that is open, present, and realistic. You will be understood and accepted as you are so we can work toward resolving the problems that stand in your way, whether they are challenges you want to face on your own, or relationship issues you want to resolve with your partner or family. With couples, Meshel Lewinski is my co-therapist. Having both of us provides balance, perspective, and support (please see our website, linked on this page).

There are many reasons for seeking guidance and today, you have taken the first courageous step by looking for help. I invite you to take the next step and call 608-577-4222 for a NO COST “get acquainted” phone consult. Maybe your current coping strategies are not working, or you haven't healed from emotionally painful life experiences/trauma. Perhaps you want to improve your relationship and learn effective communication skills. Together we can work to find effective solutions and coping strategies.

I work with a variety of clients, and I seek to create a personalized approach to meet each of their needs. I believe that my clients can experience profound and lasting change in their lives, and I empower them to implement that change. I believe in a person's inherent ability to heal, grow, and move towards positive change. I approach my clients with compassion and respect for their unique perspectives and life experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to identify lasting solutions to problems so that they can have more satisfying lives. I uphold the Health at Every Size and Intuitive Eating approaches to wellness.

Chocolate, snowboarding, and shopping can be therapeutic, but sometimes they're not enough. I see teenagers, adults, and families when struggles get in the way of fun and suffering becomes too familiar. Friends and family hopefully are there when we need them, yet therapists can provide additional essentials: nonjudgmental, individual attention in a safe setting. Relationships are central to our well-being, and the therapy process involves building a relationship. Clients lead, and I listen to your goals and help you to identify unhealthy patterns, reduce negative self-talk, and learn more about how you view yourself and the world.

I work to make the process of therapy a positive and effective one where people feel listened to and supported. Scientific research has shown that psychotherapy is beneficial to children, teens & adults dealing with difficulties in their lives. It's a privilege to work with young to old wanting something to be better or different, as well as managing stress. I offer counseling and consultation to children, teens, adults and families.

Sometimes life can feel overwhelming and charting a new path can seem difficult alone. I focus on empowering you to make decisions and changes that help you identify and achieve your goals. I will collaborate with you and support you as you work to overcome past or current challenges, explore new opportunities, and find new perspectives. Though you may be struggling now, you can forge a path to a happier, more fulfilling life.

Change can be hard. It can be scary, overwhelming, and can produce fears. It is different than what we know, different than what things are like today. Change happens no matter what; it is the one constant that we all experience.

Are you ready to make significant changes in your life? Individual therapy can help you resolve problematic beliefs, feelings, behaviors, negative physical responses, and relationship issues. Through therapy, you can learn to reduce painful emotions, recognize and change unhealthy behaviors, and improve your relationships. I believe people are incredibly resilient in the face of adversity. My goal is to help you grow and thrive as you create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.