Category Archives: Childhood Sexual Abuse

Dan Baranek, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest I am interested in mental health and substance abuse assessment, treatment and education for adults and adolescents/children. Areas of focus include anxiety, depression, stress, life adjustments, psychological trauma, anger management, interpersonal and family conflict and addictions. I use a strength-based and collaborative approach with my clients during individual and group sessions. My therapeutic philosophy consists of motivational enhancement strategies and solution-focused interventions to allow clients to challenge negative thoughts and change their patterns of behavior. Education Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling, Mount Mary University 2018 Trauma-Informed Care Certificate with additional coursework in Substance Use Disorders and Psychopharmacology Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Platteville 2010 Licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Licensed Professional Counselor- In Training and Substance Abuse Counselor- In Training Experience Clinical experience in outpatient settings working with the individual and group treatment of mental health, substance use and dual diagnosis disorders. Additional experience in the correctional system and providing community case management and counseling to individuals suffering from severe mental illness, addiction and trauma. I have given presentations on suicide alertness and substance abuse to various community organizations. *Note: Mr. Baranek treats patients 10 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sex Offender, Sexual Addiction, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Young Adult Issues |

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 |

Brooke Brockman, MSW, APSW

Areas of Interest I provide mental health and substance abuse assessment and treatment for individuals as well as their families.  Areas of focus for mental health concerns include, but are not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, stress management, psychological trauma, behavioral/emotional dysregulation, interpersonal difficulties, and dual diagnoses.  I use a strength-based approach which helps individuals feel empowered and take control over their lives.  I also use CBT and DBT skills to help clients reach their goals through therapy.  It’s very important to me that the client feels comfortable and safe during sessions, together we can create a healthy therapeutic environment where clients do not feel judgement and are able to express themselves freely. Education Bachelors in Rehabilitation Sciences from Concordia University Drugs, Society and Human Behavior Certificate from Concordia University Masters in Clinical Social Work from Concordia University Experience Clinical experience includes individual and group treatment in outpatient services for mental health, substance abuse and dual diagnosis disorders.  Additional experience in intensive residential treatment for those with substance abuse and dual diagnosis disorders.  This included both individual and group treatment as well and highlighted education surrounding recovery. *Note: Ms. Brockman treats patients 18 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Learning Disability, Manic Depression, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sex Offender, Sexual Addiction, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Everest Brooks, MSW, LCSW, CSAC

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of clientele ages 13 to seniors.  Areas of interest include anxiety disorders, mood disorders, personality disorders and working with the LGBTQ+ community.  I utilize a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral techniques and Motivational Interviewing in my approach to psychotherapy. Philosophy I am passionate about helping individuals maximize their potential to become their best self. I provide a safe, non-judgmental space to promote healing and growth. Education Masters Degree in Social Work, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee Helen Bader School of Social Welfare, December 2003 Bachelor of Arts Psychology and Sociology, University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, May 2000 Experience Twenty years of clinical experience working in a variety of mental health settings including outpatient, inpatient and residential environments.  Background in working with both severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders providing individual, family and group psychotherapy. Licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor.  Certified in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Addiction, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, 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 |

Kellyn Henke, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of children, adolescents, and adults through individual and family therapy.  Special interests include trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment, life transitions, school-related issues, social skills, relationship stressors, family dynamics, grief and loss, emotion dysregulation, self-esteem, and other life stressors. Utilizes therapeutic approaches that include person-centered, solution-focused, mindfulness, trauma-informed, cognitive-behavioral, and strength-based perspectives to foster a trusting and supportive environment.  Kellyn is a trained EMDR provider through the EMDR Institute.  Through these approaches we can work collaboratively on growing, healing, reflecting, and developing healthy coping strategies. Education Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire- 2011 Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Viterbo University- 2014 Certification in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)- 2020 Trained Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) provider- EMDR Institute- 2024 Experience Previous clinical experience includes providing individual and family therapy in home, school, and outpatient clinic settings, as well as facilitating groups for children and adolescents in a day treatment setting.  Specializes in trauma treatment for all ages.  Presented on topics including stress management, mindfulness, and meditation. *Note Ms. Henke sees clients ages 4 and older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sensory Processing, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse Education, Uncategorized, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Abby Janssen, MSW, LCSW

Areas of Interest Abby works individually with adults and seniors on issues related to trauma, addiction, and major life changes, such as divorce and grief. She has a strong interest in how childhood trauma can affect health and well-being later in life. Abby is an EMDR Approved Consultant through EMDRIA and a Facilitator through the EMDR Institute, Inc.  She is also trained in Brainspotting through Brainspotting International.  She works to provide a strength-based approach that collaboratively works with the client’s goals and values. Education Masters in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; additional coursework in substance abuse and trauma. Bachelors Degree in Professional Communication, Alverno College, Milwaukee. Experience Clinical experience in outpatient settings providing treatment for mental health, substance abuse, and dual-diagnosis clients.  Additional experience providing in-home therapy, treatment in an assisted living setting and working with individuals with developmental disabilities.  Abby has also served as an adjunct instructor in the Social Work department at Alverno College, Milwaukee. Presented to groups on grief and loss, older adult anxiety and depression, transitioning into long-term care, and AODA issues. *Note: Ms. Janssen treats patients age 18 & older.

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, AODA Education, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Obesity/Weight Loss, Panic Attacks, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues |

anna Kitowicz, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Areas of Interest Provides assessment, psychoeducation  and pharmacological management to adolescents and adults seeking psychiatric services.  Areas of interest include mood disorders, anxiety, trauma, psychotic disorders, substance use disorders, and chronic mental illness. Philosophy My focus is to support clients as they achieve their goals for recovery.  I believe in creating a plan of care that values client involvement, interprofessional collaboration, and evidenced-based practice.  My goal is to provide effective and sustainable mental health interventions that may include medication, education, mindfulness, symptom management skills, and self-care.  I am committed to providing a welcoming, trauma informed, and stigma free environment. Education Doctor of Nursing Practice (Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner), University of Wisconsin-Madison Bachelor of Science in Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison Experience I have worked with inpatient mental health clients of all ages while employed by the State of Wisconsin for the last 20+ years. *Note: anna treats patients 12 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Eating Disorders, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Medication Management, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, OCD, ODD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, 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 |

Abbey Kuehn, LCSW

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of adults through individual therapy.  Therapeutic approach draws from various evidenced-based modalities including: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Brainspotting, Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).  Special interests include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional dysregulation, perinatal/postpartum, parenting support, and life stress and adjustment issues.   Philosophy Abbey believes in a curiosity driven, strength-based approach that highlights your existing resilience.  Abbey will work with you in identifying your goals and will walk side-by-side with you as you go through your healing journey.   Education Masters in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2018 Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Sociology Minor, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2016 Brainspotting Level 1 Trained, Brainspotting International Trauma Informed Care Certificate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Substance Use and Addiction Certificate, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee   Experience Individual, group, and in-home therapy.  Abbey has provided care in various settings including: Trauma Recovery Partial (PHP), and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) program for adults, general mental health IOP for adolescents, in-home treatment for children and parents, and individual therapy for individuals of all ages.

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Codependency, Depression, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Manic Depression, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues |