Suicidal Ideation Therapists in Milwaukee, WI

Currently accepting new clients with no wait! Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed and frustrated? Are you ready to stop engaging in the same unhelpful coping mechanisms? I aim to support my clients in making realistic and sustainable changes in their lives. I am especially drawn to people experiencing mood disorders, life transitions, grief, trauma and prenatal and/or postpartum depression and anxiety. Above all, I aim to meet my clients where they are, so together we can work towards their goals and make a lasting change.

While I work with clients of all ages and needs, I spend a lot of time working with teenagers and young adults with depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders. I enjoy providing a safe space for clients of this age range to develop coping skills, discuss identity and self-esteem and address life changes and transitions. I enjoy assisting clients through past and present struggles and bringing both of these together to reach client goals. I believe that it can be difficult to work on the past if there are present day struggles taking precedent and help clients address immediate stressors or symptoms first.

“A JOURNEY OF A THOUSAND MILES BEGINS WITH A SINGLE STEP” (Tao Te Ching) I am a National Board Certified Counselor specialized in Evidence Based Treatment. My treatment philosophy is to help Adolescents, Adults and families manage stressful life situations, relational stressors, embrace change, acceptance and meet challenging goals.

At times, life can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to bear the burden alone. I have 25 years in the behavioral health field as an executive, teacher, consultant and dually-licensed clinician helping people move beyond their burdens to get on with their lives. I have been providing clinical services since 2005, and I'm a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science along with the American Counseling Association. My experience includes treating depression, anxiety, panic, stress, anger, trauma, grief and problematic substance use across the lifespan.

Making impactful, long-lasting change can be difficult. Draining mental health symptoms, substance use, and trauma can contribute to making positive lasting change feel like an impossible and daunting task. I understand the importance of wanting to find that immediate relief, as well as identifying and treating the root of the problem. An essential part of our work is exploring the past and making connections between the past and present. I enjoy getting to know my clients as individuals, assisting them in their journey of learning about themselves, and helping them learn the skills they need to live a more meaningful life.

I enjoy working to celebrate the individualism and uniqueness of each client. I have a special interest in diversity and am passionate about supporting clients who may be struggling with challenges related to immigration status, sexual orientation/gender identity, racial and cultural identity, etc. My treatment approach uses characteristics of trauma informed care, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and behavioral activation.

Professional Background ​ Clayton Sims is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Substance Abuse Counselor for adults and youth. He graduated from Waukesha Tech with a Substance Abuse Associates, Carroll University of Wisconsin with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Mount Mary University. With over 18 years of experience in the field, he has helped many people of different backgrounds heal from trauma, addiction and become a better representative of the person they want to be. His experience includes working with all ages in all 5 of the mental health settings.

Normal is a setting on a dryer. We are all unique and valid individuals with vast minds. We all have different situations and I believe in using those pieces to heal and build strength. While I specialize in trauma, addiction, and mood, our struggles are usually not that one note or simple. I focus on all aspects of who you and where you want to be, building a strong relationship based on empathy, trust and non judgement. Life is rough, we lose sight of our way, stop seeing the beauty, forget who we are, feel stuck or changed. It takes courage to be vulnerable and reality is we are imperfectly perfect.

I take a person-centered, strengths-based approach to meet clients where they are and address what they feel is impacting their lives the most. I believe building a strong relationship is the foundation of therapy, this is done by maintaining a non-judgmental stance and unconditional positive regard. The thing I love most about being a therapist is watching my clients grow and having the opportunity to be part of their journey. I pride myself on the passion I have for what I do, and how that translates into my ability to advocate for my clients.

I get it. You're doing your best to keep it all together, juggling work, family, and personal expectations. But some days, you're just not feeling like yourself. The weight of anxiety and depression can be heavy, making even the smallest tasks seem like mountains to climb. You're not alone in this struggle. I specializes in supporting those who are grappling with mental health challenges and substance use. Here's what we can work on together: Understanding and managing anxiety and depression. Developing effective strategies to cope with stress. Addressing substance use and finding healthier coping skills. Rebuilding self-esteem.

What concerns are you struggling with that have negatively impacted your life? Have feelings of anxiety and depression become too overwhelming to manage? Or, are you a couple facing challenges causing you to question your commitment to each other? The person you are most intimate with may not know what you need in the relationship. Does your family fail to realize the unique connection they have with one another? Is there blaming and resentment because of unresolved conflicts? I am a compassionate professional who is invested in you and here to support you during your healing process

Has life events left you wounded and confused? Do you feel hopeless and alone? Are you grieving the loss of someone or something? Do you crave freedom from negative thinking and dysfunctional behaviors? Do you seek true spiritual direction? Do you need someone to really listen to, understand, and support you? If you answer yes to any of these questions or have more questions, then we should talk. In a supportive atmosphere, I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client's individual needs to help attain the personal growth they want.

Accepting New Clients! Life is hard, but it doesn't have to be burdensome. Together, we can work through what is holding you back and help you begin to experience the life you deserve and have envisioned for yourself. As a counselor, I have learned that the counseling process is one that should be tailored to each individual's needs, not "one size fits all". I enjoy working with a variety of clients from ages 16 and up and from all different walks of life.

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and although this is my specialty, I am trained to provide psychotherapy services for a variety of services including: grief, couples, family, individual, group, and marriage counseling. I have experience working with a multitude of different issues ranging from depression, post-traumatic stress, anxiety, trauma, career counseling, coaching, anger management, work-life issues/balance, etc. I feel that the client is the expert of their lives and my duty is to provide unbiased, and non-judgmental support. I offer a laid back approach in order to foster a peaceful therapeutic environment.

I work with clients age 12+ and have experience providing individual and family therapy to clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, identity issues, relationship conflicts and difficult life transitions. For some clients, verbally expressing thoughts, ideas, and memories may feel difficult. Art Therapy can offer a bridge for the communication of ideas that may not be immediately accessible using words alone. I utilize the creative process to help clients find clarity and insight, develop new skills and access the strengths they already possess to make meaningful change.

Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be. Creating profound Peace, Love, Deep Fulfillment, & Spiritual Transformation and tapping into one's natural born potential. It Is Never Too Late To Be What You Were Meant To Become. BE – The best version of your Highest Self DO – The next “right thing” in becoming your “Authentic Self." HAVE – A new found freedom within yourself, to create the peace, love, happiness & fulfillment.

David believes in not only helping the individual facing challenges, but helping that person also build their supports that are around them outside of session. David is a military veteran who knows the struggle of being trauma informed and also person-centered in care. What works for one, doesn't always work for the other. David believes in treating the person and not the diagnosis because we are not what the words say we are!

Are you in a committed relationship but are tired of the constant frustration, poor communication and unhealthy patterns ? If so, I urge you to seek a professional relationship expert. I have had amazing results working with clients who are separated, on the brink of divorce and even post divorce to create a unique road map guiding them to their goals of personal and relationship growth and rebuilding. The only requirement is your willingness to try something different than you have already been doing. I will help you design a life and relationship that you love and appreciate!

“We are all born so beautiful The greatest tragedy is being convinced we are not” - Rupi Kaur I specialize in working with individuals and couples looking to reconnect with your unique beauty. Find your voice. Gain understanding and compassion. Create changes to embrace who you are at your core; individually and as a couple. Disconnection can look different in all of us. It can look like apathy, feeling hopeless, increased conflict with loved ones, and loss of your voice.