Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists in Milwaukee, WI

Photo of Maria Elena Perez, Psychologist, PhD
Maria Elena Perez
Psychologist, PhD
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Each individual is on a unique path of growth, healing. and self-discovery. Identifying barriers to becoming whole is key to a life of fulfillment and joy. It is my life’s purpose and privilege to help my clients on their journey to better emotional health and freedom from patterns that prevent happiness, contentment, and security. All too often, we suffer in silence, and in doing so we experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and disconnectedness. Psychological and emotional wellness are truly possible as new ways of thinking develop and shape how we show up in the world.
Each individual is on a unique path of growth, healing. and self-discovery. Identifying barriers to becoming whole is key to a life of fulfillment and joy. It is my life’s purpose and privilege to help my clients on their journey to better emotional health and freedom from patterns that prevent happiness, contentment, and security. All too often, we suffer in silence, and in doing so we experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, and disconnectedness. Psychological and emotional wellness are truly possible as new ways of thinking develop and shape how we show up in the world.
(262) 228-9894 View (262) 228-9894
Photo of Dr. Gabrielle Finta, Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Dr. Gabrielle Finta
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53222
I specialize in the treatment of PTSD, complex trauma, and borderline personality disorder and understand that trauma/adverse life experiences can affect a person in a number of ways.
I am known for having a validating and light-hearted demeanor, combined with a client-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize evidence-based modalities including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), relational psychotherapy, and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
I specialize in the treatment of PTSD, complex trauma, and borderline personality disorder and understand that trauma/adverse life experiences can affect a person in a number of ways.
I am known for having a validating and light-hearted demeanor, combined with a client-centered and goal-oriented approach. I utilize evidence-based modalities including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), relational psychotherapy, and eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
(262) 683-5223 View (262) 683-5223
Photo of Andrew Royal, Licensed Professional Counselor, JD, MS, LPC
Andrew Royal
Licensed Professional Counselor, JD, MS, LPC
3 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
My clients tend to be intelligent and insightful individuals who come to work with me because they suffer from despair and disorder. They have tried to resolve their troubles and cope with their uneasiness for a long time--often partly successfully, and against strong odds--but they have reached a point where they want extra support and insight in order to finally transform their suffering into meaningfulness and growth. With consistency, dedication, patience and focus, I help my clients achieve deep and lasting emotional transformation.
My clients tend to be intelligent and insightful individuals who come to work with me because they suffer from despair and disorder. They have tried to resolve their troubles and cope with their uneasiness for a long time--often partly successfully, and against strong odds--but they have reached a point where they want extra support and insight in order to finally transform their suffering into meaningfulness and growth. With consistency, dedication, patience and focus, I help my clients achieve deep and lasting emotional transformation.
(262) 533-0018 View (262) 533-0018
Photo of Eme Swaggthorne, Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR-P
Eme Swaggthorne
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, ATR-P
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Are you often called “too much?” Do you have the feeling that others don’t fully understand you, your emotions, or your potential? Are you finding challenges in identifying with or connecting to your inner self, or even seeing its full form? You want to stop just surviving your weeks and start feeling present in your own life. You need a space where you don't have to be the strong one—a place to unpack the burnout and perfectionism that keep you stuck. Your goal isn't just to "fix" a problem; it’s to reclaim your agency, set boundaries without guilt, and finally feel at home in your mind.
Are you often called “too much?” Do you have the feeling that others don’t fully understand you, your emotions, or your potential? Are you finding challenges in identifying with or connecting to your inner self, or even seeing its full form? You want to stop just surviving your weeks and start feeling present in your own life. You need a space where you don't have to be the strong one—a place to unpack the burnout and perfectionism that keep you stuck. Your goal isn't just to "fix" a problem; it’s to reclaim your agency, set boundaries without guilt, and finally feel at home in your mind.
(773) 692-6628 View (773) 692-6628
Photo of Nicole Eul, Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Nicole Eul
Counselor, LMHC, LPC
Serves Area
For many clients, it is important for their therapist to present with a warm and empathetic demeanor while also employing a direct and balanced viewpoint. As a person with chronic illness, I understand firsthand how invisible disabilities can impact employment, personal relationships, and the ability to feel safe and trust your own body. My practice strives to create a non-judgmental environment that is genuine and compassionate. Seeing the world through rose colored glasses doesn’t resonate with everyone. I believe that your experiences and perspective are valid and deserves to be considered by all members of your care team.
For many clients, it is important for their therapist to present with a warm and empathetic demeanor while also employing a direct and balanced viewpoint. As a person with chronic illness, I understand firsthand how invisible disabilities can impact employment, personal relationships, and the ability to feel safe and trust your own body. My practice strives to create a non-judgmental environment that is genuine and compassionate. Seeing the world through rose colored glasses doesn’t resonate with everyone. I believe that your experiences and perspective are valid and deserves to be considered by all members of your care team.
View
Photo of Holly J Erskine, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Holly J Erskine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Online Only
Your past keeps showing up in the present. It’s why you’re always keyed up, scanning for danger and never fully at rest. Sleep is broken, your body stays tense, and small moments spark big reactions. Some days you feel irritable or flooded; other days you feel shut down and far away. It’s hard to talk about because it feels unsafe and overwhelming, even with people you care about. You try to push it aside and keep functioning, but it’s getting harder. Deep down, you may wonder if something is wrong with you and worry that life will always feel this exhausting. What you want is relief, safety, and the ability to feel present again.
Your past keeps showing up in the present. It’s why you’re always keyed up, scanning for danger and never fully at rest. Sleep is broken, your body stays tense, and small moments spark big reactions. Some days you feel irritable or flooded; other days you feel shut down and far away. It’s hard to talk about because it feels unsafe and overwhelming, even with people you care about. You try to push it aside and keep functioning, but it’s getting harder. Deep down, you may wonder if something is wrong with you and worry that life will always feel this exhausting. What you want is relief, safety, and the ability to feel present again.
(715) 322-3408 View (715) 322-3408
Photo of Dr. Caitlin Williams, Psychologist, PhD
Dr. Caitlin Williams
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, life transitions, and adjustment-related challenges.
I tailor treatment to meet your needs, pulling from a variety of evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, Problem Solving Therapy) and incorporating your treatment goals, personal values, and preferences. Some of my specialties include full-model DBT and CBT for suicide. I also offer diagnostic assessments.
I work with adults navigating depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, life transitions, and adjustment-related challenges.
I tailor treatment to meet your needs, pulling from a variety of evidence-based practices (e.g., CBT, DBT, ACT, Problem Solving Therapy) and incorporating your treatment goals, personal values, and preferences. Some of my specialties include full-model DBT and CBT for suicide. I also offer diagnostic assessments.
(860) 454-6643 View (860) 454-6643
Photo of Zaharra Beyah, Pre-Licensed Professional
Zaharra Beyah
Pre-Licensed Professional
Serves Area
You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. You want balance, but intense emotions, stress, or relationship difficulties keep pulling you off course. You’re looking for practical tools to cope, alongside space to better understand yourself and what’s driving these patterns.
You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns that no longer serve you. You want balance, but intense emotions, stress, or relationship difficulties keep pulling you off course. You’re looking for practical tools to cope, alongside space to better understand yourself and what’s driving these patterns.
(262) 383-4148 View (262) 383-4148
Photo of Jose Eluvathingal, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Jose Eluvathingal
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Online Only
My name is Jose Eluvathingal and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Racine, Wisconsin, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I accompany my clients on their journey of self-discovery as they embrace their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual gifts that become catalysts of their growth. The modalities i use help me and my clients to understand the presenting challenges within a specific framework and chart a clear path towards holistic healing and growth.
My name is Jose Eluvathingal and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Racine, Wisconsin, working with clients statewide via telehealth. I accompany my clients on their journey of self-discovery as they embrace their physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual gifts that become catalysts of their growth. The modalities i use help me and my clients to understand the presenting challenges within a specific framework and chart a clear path towards holistic healing and growth.
(414) 710-9416 View (414) 710-9416
Photo of David Phelps, Psychologist, PhD, LP, MSHR
David Phelps
Psychologist, PhD, LP, MSHR
3 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Is there a part of you that you don’t quite understand—something that feels like it’s holding you back or leading to painful, repeating patterns in your life? You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unfulfilled, or a sense of frustration about not being able to move forward despite your best efforts. Many people who come to therapy have tried everything they can think of to feel better. When things don’t change, it can feel discouraging or confusing. I believe these struggles often have roots in ways of thinking and relating to ourselves and others. These patterns can develop over time and we may be unaware of them.
Is there a part of you that you don’t quite understand—something that feels like it’s holding you back or leading to painful, repeating patterns in your life? You may be struggling with anxiety, depression, feeling unfulfilled, or a sense of frustration about not being able to move forward despite your best efforts. Many people who come to therapy have tried everything they can think of to feel better. When things don’t change, it can feel discouraging or confusing. I believe these struggles often have roots in ways of thinking and relating to ourselves and others. These patterns can develop over time and we may be unaware of them.
(414) 877-6608 View (414) 877-6608
Photo of Kathryn Markgraf, Counselor, MS, LPC-IT
Kathryn Markgraf
Counselor, MS, LPC-IT
Milwaukee, WI 53209
My clients and families are motivated to improve their lives and are open to discovering new ways to manage their emotions and navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with individuals who are navigating neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, low self-acceptance or self-worth, motherhood, and those healing from childhood trauma or complex family dynamics, which often impact performance in work, school, sports, and relationships. I also work with young children, teens, and families who are struggling meeting school or family expectations and are having trouble connecting with one another.
My clients and families are motivated to improve their lives and are open to discovering new ways to manage their emotions and navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in working with individuals who are navigating neurodivergence, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, low self-acceptance or self-worth, motherhood, and those healing from childhood trauma or complex family dynamics, which often impact performance in work, school, sports, and relationships. I also work with young children, teens, and families who are struggling meeting school or family expectations and are having trouble connecting with one another.
(414) 310-2268 View (414) 310-2268
Photo of Juan Corral, Licensed Professional Counselor, M.S, LPC, CSAT
Juan Corral
Licensed Professional Counselor, M.S, LPC, CSAT
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53208
Over the past several years, I have worked with individuals and couples navigating complex emotional challenges, relationship conflict, and the long-term effects of trauma. I am especially passionate about helping couples rebuild trust and create an entirely new foundation—one rooted in honesty, safety, and emotional connection—rather than trying to return to what existed before. I also specialize in working with individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, as well as partners who have been impacted by sexual betrayal. I provide a nonjudgmental compassionate space grounded in unconditional positive regard.
Over the past several years, I have worked with individuals and couples navigating complex emotional challenges, relationship conflict, and the long-term effects of trauma. I am especially passionate about helping couples rebuild trust and create an entirely new foundation—one rooted in honesty, safety, and emotional connection—rather than trying to return to what existed before. I also specialize in working with individuals struggling with compulsive sexual behaviors, as well as partners who have been impacted by sexual betrayal. I provide a nonjudgmental compassionate space grounded in unconditional positive regard.
(414) 240-4317 View (414) 240-4317
Photo of Kristen Serchen, Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC
Kristen Serchen
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, CSAC
Online Only
Welcome! I believe therapy can be life-changing and I am committed to supporting you on your personal journey toward healing, growth, and well-being. As an experienced therapist, I can help reduce the stress you are feeling. My goal is to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment where you'll receive compassionate support to work through your troubles and reach your goals.
Welcome! I believe therapy can be life-changing and I am committed to supporting you on your personal journey toward healing, growth, and well-being. As an experienced therapist, I can help reduce the stress you are feeling. My goal is to provide a warm, safe, and supportive environment where you'll receive compassionate support to work through your troubles and reach your goals.
(262) 300-7265 View (262) 300-7265
Photo of Sara Rahn, Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Sara Rahn
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, CCTP
Milwaukee, WI 53211
I specialize in working with individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and mind-body disconnection. I’m a trauma-trained therapist who also identifies as a person with a physical disability, which informs my work in a deeply compassionate, disability-affirming way. Many of my clients come to me wanting a therapist who truly understands the intersection of mental health, trauma, and identity—and who supports healing without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. My practice centers on creating a space where you can feel grounded, understood, and gently challenged.
I specialize in working with individuals navigating complex trauma, anxiety, chronic stress, and mind-body disconnection. I’m a trauma-trained therapist who also identifies as a person with a physical disability, which informs my work in a deeply compassionate, disability-affirming way. Many of my clients come to me wanting a therapist who truly understands the intersection of mental health, trauma, and identity—and who supports healing without forcing a one-size-fits-all approach. My practice centers on creating a space where you can feel grounded, understood, and gently challenged.
(414) 897-9652 View (414) 897-9652
Photo of Dr. Lakeia Jones - AMRI Counseling Services, Counselor, PhD, DSW, LPC, CSAC, QS
AMRI Counseling Services
Counselor, PhD, DSW, LPC, CSAC, QS
5 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
(414) 501-7312 View (414) 501-7312
Photo of Tammy M Beran, Psychologist, PhD
Tammy M Beran
Psychologist, PhD
6 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53204
Dr. Beran is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been providing evidence-based psychological care to individuals for the last 17 years. She received her PhD from the nation’s most highly rated clinical psychology program, UCLA, where she gained extensive experience helping people with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, chronic illness, trauma, and grief. A firm believer that academic knowledge is only part of what makes a quality therapist, Dr. Beran combines her in-depth psychological training with warmth, humor, and affection for her clients.
Dr. Beran is a licensed Clinical Psychologist who has been providing evidence-based psychological care to individuals for the last 17 years. She received her PhD from the nation’s most highly rated clinical psychology program, UCLA, where she gained extensive experience helping people with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, chronic illness, trauma, and grief. A firm believer that academic knowledge is only part of what makes a quality therapist, Dr. Beran combines her in-depth psychological training with warmth, humor, and affection for her clients.
(414) 206-1901 View (414) 206-1901
Photo of Mehwish Aqueel, Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, MSc
Mehwish Aqueel
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, MSc
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Mehwish Aqueel is a Board‑Certified Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who provides psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders, drawing on more than eight years of board‑certified clinical experience. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma‑Informed Care. She emphasizes the connection between mind and body, the cultivation of mindfulness, and value exploration.
Mehwish Aqueel is a Board‑Certified Licensed Professional Counselor in Wisconsin who provides psychotherapy for adults, adolescents, and children. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, PTSD, and substance use disorders, drawing on more than eight years of board‑certified clinical experience. Her therapeutic approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma‑Informed Care. She emphasizes the connection between mind and body, the cultivation of mindfulness, and value exploration.
(414) 246-5601 View (414) 246-5601
Photo of Aaron L Rutell - Easttown Psychotherapy, L.L.C., Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Easttown Psychotherapy, L.L.C.
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Milwaukee, WI 53202
With compassion and understanding, I work to create a safe and trusting environment for individuals to share their inner most thoughts and feelings.  I will also meet each individual where they are in life and to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth the they are committed to accomplishing. As a therapist uniquely trained to listen in depth, I offer my warm, thoughtful style and 15 years of experience to listen with patience, understanding and insight.  If you are wanting more than just listening and understanding, you maybe seeking therapy because today's troubles express how something's not working for you.  My psychodynamic approach considers your current circumstance, past history, feelings and motivations, dreams and disappointments. In short, you as a whole person. By looking at you as a whole person, I can help you develop your self understanding and acceptance so that you can be more open of your strengths, accepting of your limitations, capable of a living a fuller life and confident about today.
With compassion and understanding, I work to create a safe and trusting environment for individuals to share their inner most thoughts and feelings.  I will also meet each individual where they are in life and to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth the they are committed to accomplishing. As a therapist uniquely trained to listen in depth, I offer my warm, thoughtful style and 15 years of experience to listen with patience, understanding and insight.  If you are wanting more than just listening and understanding, you maybe seeking therapy because today's troubles express how something's not working for you.  My psychodynamic approach considers your current circumstance, past history, feelings and motivations, dreams and disappointments. In short, you as a whole person. By looking at you as a whole person, I can help you develop your self understanding and acceptance so that you can be more open of your strengths, accepting of your limitations, capable of a living a fuller life and confident about today.
(414) 306-6627 View (414) 306-6627
Photo of Natasha Clark, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Natasha Clark
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, LCPC
Milwaukee, WI 53214
My focus as a therapist is creating a collaborative and supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges like mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and identity exploration. I also support individuals coping with caregiving issues, aging, and crisis. My approach blends warmth with practical tools, using evidence-based techniques like DBT, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and Jungian Sand-Play to support both immediate relief and long-term change.
My focus as a therapist is creating a collaborative and supportive space for children, adolescents, and adults navigating challenges like mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, autism, trauma, relationship issues, life transitions, grief, and identity exploration. I also support individuals coping with caregiving issues, aging, and crisis. My approach blends warmth with practical tools, using evidence-based techniques like DBT, CBT, attachment-based therapy, and Jungian Sand-Play to support both immediate relief and long-term change.
(262) 449-0659 View (262) 449-0659
Photo of Melissa Gilliam, Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Melissa Gilliam
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Milwaukee, WI 53210
I am Melissa Gilliam, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with young adults and adults who have suffered from trauma, family issues, sexual violence, relationships, and alcohol and drug addiction. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1984, I accepted a position with the State of Wisconsin, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation where I was employed for 33 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with youth and adults with varied disabilities such as mental illness, substance abuse, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired.
I am Melissa Gilliam, I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in working with young adults and adults who have suffered from trauma, family issues, sexual violence, relationships, and alcohol and drug addiction. Upon graduating from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 1984, I accepted a position with the State of Wisconsin, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation where I was employed for 33 as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor working with youth and adults with varied disabilities such as mental illness, substance abuse, deaf/hard of hearing, blind/visually impaired.
(414) 710-8569 View (414) 710-8569

See more therapy options for Milwaukee

Borderline Personality (BPD) Therapists
What is the most successful approach to treating borderline personality disorder?
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is considered the gold standard of treatment for borderline personality disorder. An evidence-based treatment, it addresses the extreme emotional reactivity, the relationship difficulties, and the acts of self-harm that create so much distress for BPD patients. DBT is a comprehensive program that includes both regular individual psychotherapy sessions and weekly group sessions of skills training.

What happens in treatment of borderline personality disorder?
Treatment typically consists of weekly individual therapy sessions that last an hour and group skill-focused instructional sessions that may last up to two hours. Patients are typically given homework “assignments” in which they are asked to practice in their daily life the skills they acquire in therapy. Patients also keep a diary tracking their emotions and impulses as a way to know which situations are most problematic and to help them gain control over their own behavior. Difficult situations and feelings are typically reviewed in therapy sessions and more constructive solutions found.

What kinds of problems does BPD treatment help with?
DBT was initially developed to dampen the self-destructive impulses of chronically suicidal patients. It is now the treatment of choice for borderline personality disorder, a serious condition marked by extreme emotional reactivity, relationship instability, and self-injurious behaviors. Treatment of BPD helps patients tolerate the flux of emotions without acting on them, often with a specific focus on tolerating negative emotions. DBT addresses the core problems of BPD—fear of abandonment, low self-esteem, and impulsivity.

What is the goal of treatment in borderline personality disorder?
The goal of treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) is to relieve the extreme emotional distress that patients experience—to curb their emotional reactivity, to minimize their inclination to self-harm, and to reduce their impulsivity. Toward these ends, patients are not only taught an array of new coping skills and techniques for emotional regulation, they are given opportunities to practice them. Another major goal of treatment is interpersonal effectiveness; patients learn and problem-solve ways to effectively communicate in relationships, especially how to ask for what they need as a way to minimize hurt feelings.