Category Archives: Autism/Aspergers

Shelby Brandsma, MSW, LCSW

Areas of Interest Shelby provides assessment and treatment of all ages for individuals, couples and families.  She has a strong interest in working with families experiencing divorce, and with children on coping skills and adjustment, including working as a team when parent/child estrangement has occurred.  Shelby draws from a variety of approaches including CBT, functional family therapy, motivational interviewing, mindfulness, reintegration therapy, art and play therapies. Education Bachelor’s in Social Work, Marian College 1996 Masters level certification in Trauma Counseling, UW-Milwaukee 2000 Master’s in Social Work-with additional coursework in substance abuse and working with children, UW-Madison 2019 Additional training in Trauma Focused-CBT and working with high conflict families. Experience Shelby has been a social worker for 25 years working with children and families in child protection, juvenile justice and family court.  Shelby has been a therapeutic mentor with adolescents through Family Youth Interactive.  Shelby has presented on various topics including parenting, co-parenting, ethics and boundaries, and family court services *Note: Ms. Brandsma treats patients 4 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Amber Brown, MS, LPC, ATR

Areas of Interest Amber she/her is an art therapist and licensed professional counselor who offers individual and group therapy sessions for adolescents and adults.  I am fascinated by how the use of art materials can have a significance in the therapeutic process.  It improves problem solving skills, coping with life stressors, communication and appreciation for our uniqueness as human beings.  My practice is deeply rooted in the principles of client-centered therapy, providing clients with a warm, collaborative, and purposeful environment characterized by empathy, understanding, and acceptance.  My approach is holistic, recognizing the interconnectedness of emotional, psychological, physical, contextual, and spiritual elements in an individual’s well-being.  I value the diverse backgrounds and experiences of my clients, tailoring counselling sessions to address their specific needs and goals. As an artist and art therapist, I find that art is a powerful way to express things that words cannot.  It is my belief that through building connection with our inner selves and the natural world we can find a sense of belonging, purpose, and joy.  My specialties include working with ages 13+ impacted by anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions/stressors, behavioral issues, trauma, college, and career transitions, and women empowerment.  I am LGBTQIA+ allied. Education Masters of Science in Art Therapy with emphasis in Counseling, Mount Mary University, Milwaukee WI Bachelors of Arts in Art Therapy, additional coursework in psychology, Mount Mary University, Milwaukee WI Experience Previous clinical experience includes providing in home therapy services for children on the autism spectrum, art therapy groups for adults with disabilities and other chronic conditions, behavioral inpatient hospital settings with adolescents and adults, and community based non-profit organizations. **Note Ms. Brown see clients ages 13 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Autism/Aspergers, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Panic Attacks, PTSD, Sensory Processing, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Jesen Daniel, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest Provides professional, confidential and accessible support to children, adolescents, couples, and families. Addresses varying mental, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral disorders. Supports individuals impacted with relationship, marriage, divorce, parenting, addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger, grief, and self-esteem issues. Special interest in integration of faith based Christian counseling in psychopathologies and crisis intervention. Effectively addresses varying multi-cultural, cross-cultural and intergenerational views. Education Masters Degree in Professional Counseling, Concordia University of Wisconsin Masters Degree in Sociology, University of Bombay, India Bachelors Degree in Economics and Sociology, University of Bombay, India Experience Counseling experience in various settings with individuals and groups, including working with special needs students in the school system, experience as a therapist with the correctional population with dually diagnosed adults. Jesen is client centered and has the ability to come along side and build lasting rapport with clients to provide continuity in care and clinical insight. **Please note Ms. Daniel treats patients 18 years & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

James K. Giese, Ph.D.

Areas of Interest Research-based approaches to the treatment of adolescent drug and alcohol abuse; the assessment and treatment of children, adolescents and adults with depression and/or anxiety, academic and/or behavioral problems; and adults dealing with addictive behaviors such as, substance abuse, gambling, sexual and eating disorders. Education Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, 1998 M.S., Clinical Psychology, Marquette University, 1995 B.S., Psychology, UW Stevens Point, 1991 Experience Over twenty years of outpatient experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families from a variety of backgrounds with a broad range of problems. Ten years of research experience studying how various risk factors are related to the development of drug and alcohol abuse in adolescents. Personal Data Married with three children. Enjoys bike racing, rock climbing and hiking.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Abuse Victim, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Young Adult Issues |

Craig Groskreutz, PsyD, LPC

Areas of Interest My goal is to help you uncover your true potential and lead a life of possibilities. While we can’t change the difficulties of the past, we can work together to create a future of hope. By applying a variety of therapy approaches and techniques, we can uncover together the behavior patterns or perceptions that may be weighing heavy on your mind. I take pride in the opportunity to work with late teen adolescents and adults. If you are looking for extra support and guidance through life’s challenges, or just ready to move in a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to help achieve your goals. I work with a wide range of emotional and behavior issues providing services that span from therapy for depression and anxiety to grief counseling or parental support. Additionally, I have a special passion for working with individuals struggling with addiction issues. Even if life at work or at home is a general struggle for a variety of reasons, we can work on those areas of your life as well with a combination of therapy and various assessment tools to increase your confidence and understanding. I enjoy working with clients in a comfortable and supportive atmosphere. I offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each of my client’s individual needs. No two client’s story is the same, and I would take great pride in working with you to understand your story and your desires for change. Additional areas of specialized emphasis include: life stage changes (career, retirement, home life), adult ADHD, adult Autism, anger/emotional regulation, grief/loss, psychological testing, and individuals involved with the legal system. Education MS-Clinical Psychology, Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Milwaukee, WI BS-Psychology and Business Administration, Marian University, Fond du Lac, WI Pre-Doctoral Internship- Trinity Services, Inc. New Lenox, IL PsyD- Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Milwaukee, WI Experience My attention has been focused working with adolescents and adults with a wide variety of presenting concerns. Working in a residential and out-patient substance abuse treatment facility, community health settings, and private practice counseling and assessment, are just some of the areas that I can draw upon to assist each of my clients. *Note: Mr. Groskreutz treats patients 16 & older and currently sees clients on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays in the West Bend office and on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the Hartford office. 

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Men's Issues, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorder, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Young Adult Issues |

Elizabeth Paasch, MA, LPC

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults regarding mental health concerns. Special interest in mood disorders, anxiety disorders, attention deficit disorder, anger management, and healthy communication. Provides a cognitive-behavioral approach to individual and family therapy, which embraces individual strengths and comprises a strong working alliance with the client. Education Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology, Cardinal Stritch University Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology, Wisconsin Lutheran College Experience Counseling experience in various settings including individual and group therapy in both school and community based non-profit and outpatient mental health settings. Additional experience in the helping profession includes working in a group home with dually diagnosed adults and providing in-home therapy for children with autism. *Note: Ms. Paasch treats patients ages 6 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Autism/Aspergers, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Srutha Rajkumar, MD

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and teenagers. Areas of expertise include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, behavioral problems, Autism/Aspergers and learning disabilities. “I use a multi-pronged approach to treat my patients which includes education, medication and psychotherapy” Education Degree in Medicine, Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India Residency in psychiatry completed at Sinai Samaritan Medical Center Fellowship in child and adult psychiatry at the Medical College of Wisconsin Board Certified in Adult, Adolescent and Child Psychiatry Information **Dr. Rajkumar also speaks Hindi and Telugu. * Note: Dr. Rajkumar treats patients ages 5-30.  

Posted in ADHD, Anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Depression, General Anxiety, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Medication Management, OCD, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Young Adult Issues |

Abby Runge, MSW, APSW

Approach I find relief in the fact that there is more than one way to become who we want to be.  Just as life offers us curve balls and pain, so does it offer us second chances and hope.  Mental health is something everyone has to work to maintain and I strongly believe that anyone who seeks help for their mental health-whether that is through therapy or other means-is brave. My aim is to lead with a warm and empathetic approach because I believe everyone has intrinsic worth and deserves to be heard.  I view therapy as a human-to-human, collaborative endeavor-clients add value to my life and I hope to add values to their lives.  I believe therapy should be catered to the needs and learning styles of clients and there is no one-size-fits-all-all approach. Areas of Interest Special interest include grief, depression, anxiety, boundary setting, and maintaining well-being and acceptance while living with chronic mental health struggles.  In addition, I am interested in working with anyone who identifies as a highly sensitive person (HSP). Education Master of Science in Social Work in 2023. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bachelor of Science in Social Work and Psychology in 2017. Marian University, Fond du Lac Certification in Motivational Interviewing Fundamentals in 2017. Wisconsin Department of Health Services Experience Experienced mental health professional in various settings: inpatient care, correctional facilities, group homes, and non-profit organizations.  Administered Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to people with Autism. *Ms. Runge is willing to see people ages 5 and up.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sensory Processing, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Leah Stadel, MS, LPC-IT, NCC

Areas of Interest Leah offers individual and group sessions for children and adults.  Her areas of focus include depression, anxiety, developmental and situational adjustment (including cultural), identity work, life transitions, conflict-resolution, social skills, grief, and trauma.  Her eclectic approach begins with exploring the context of the individual and the challenge and proceeds with a strengths-based plan from a narrative, CBT/DBT, solution-focused, or acceptance commitment therapy.  Leah has a background in professional music therapy as well as a Christian counseling lens for those seeking a faith-based approach.  Through a therapeutic relationship she believes in a collaborative effort to identify, explore and inspire a holistic approach to what heals, empowers and inspires.  To her, there are no “typical” or “hopeless” lives; there is yours which is full of meaning and significance- with or despite your circumstances. Education Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Liberty University, 2022 Bachelors Degree in Music Therapy, Alverno College, 1990 Experience “I have a breadth of experience working with individuals across the lifespan and inter-generationally.  I began my helping career as a music therapist in the field of psychology, convinced of the benefits of experiential and neurologically adaptive therapies. Across thirty years I have worked in nursing homes, in-patient psych, personal and professional leadership development organizations, intensive day treatment, school-based, and outpatient care.  I also have assisted refugee and immigrant families in resettlement and adjustment.” **Note: Mrs. Stadel treats patients 4-12 years old, adults/seniors.

Posted in ADHD, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Marriage Counseling, Minority Issues, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Physical Abuse or Neglect, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Young Adult Issues |

Julia Truog, MS, LPC-IT

Areas of Interest I create a client-centered, strengths-based environment, implementing an eclectic approach drawing from multiple counseling theories, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and solution-focused interventions. Areas of interest include anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, women’s issues, and identity exploration.  I value working with and advocating for those who hold marginalized identities.  I am particularly passionate about working with those who are members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Philosophy I believe that self-knowledge and empathy are the keys to wellbeing and flourishment.  I strive to create a therapeutic environment and relationship where clients feel comfortable reflecting upon their inner experiences and how those shape their reality.  I work with clients to foster self-exploration, insight and action, building a path towards healing, compassion and resiliency. Education Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marquette University Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Certificates in Environmental Studies and Education and Educational Services, University of Wisconsin-Madison Personal Information I enjoy spending time with friends, engaging in outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports, and attending concerts and other community events. *Note: Ms. Truog treats patients 10 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism/Aspergers, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Codependency, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |