Category Archives: Marriage Counseling

Ariana Anderson, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest Emphasizes a collaborative approach.  This allows clients to be active participants in the treatment process and fosters an environment where problems can be addressed holistically; examining the challenges as well as the influences that life experiences play in the assessment and treatment process.  The ultimate goal is to create a judgment-free, welcoming, respectful, honest and safe environment where clients can feel completely comfortable expressing their feelings and challenges without fear of judgment or condemnation. Operates from an evidence-based/solution-focused mindset and believes that clients are the true experts in their lives.  They are healthy, competent, resourceful, and have the ability and fortitude to foster the awareness and change they desire.  Through a collaborative effort, self-awareness, strength-identification, the development of healthy and effective coping skills, and goal achievement are fostered.  Moreover, mindfulness, solution-focused, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) modalities are utilized.  Special interests include anxiety, anger, depression, interpersonal effectiveness, and self-esteem. Education Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Capella University- 2021 Graduate Certification in Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Counseling, Capella University- 2019 Bachelors Degree in Psychology with a Minor in Sociology, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh -2017 Associates Degree, College of DuPage- 2015 Experience Experience emanates from an intensive and inclusive Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Degree program, as well as providing both individual and couples counseling in a private practice setting.  Has worked with clients struggling with anxiety, anger, addiction, physical and mental abuse, depression, forgiveness, guilt and blame, self-esteem, bipolar disorder, sleep disturbances, OCD, and relationship/marriage problems. *Note: Ms. Anderson treats patients 12 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Domestic Violence (perp), Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, 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 |

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 |

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 |

Tiffany Dubey, LCSW, SAC-IT

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment for individuals and their families, ages 16 and older who are struggling with substance use, anxiety, depression, life changes, interpersonal difficulties, marital problems, and trauma.  Emphasis on a solution-focused and client-centered approach to create a safe and judgement-free environment that empowers the individual to take advantage of their own strengths to create change.  Utilizes various treatment techniques including CBT, DBT, psychoeducation, and motivational interviewing with a special interest in substance use treatment, couples counseling, attachment theory, and positive psychology. Education Masters Degree in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Graduate certification in Trauma-Informed Care, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Licensed Clinical Social Worker Substance Abuse Counselor-in-Training Bachelors Degree in Social Work with a Minor in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Experience Previous clinical experience in a residential-based hospital setting working with individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health, specializing in trauma-focused care.  Provided substance use education for community members and participated in mental health advocacy work with local agencies.  Additional experience working with individuals and their families experiencing homelessness, helping provide case management services.  Ten years of experience providing supportive care in assisted living facilities as well as home-based care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Personal Information Enjoys spending time with her two teenage daughters, their rescue dog Carmen, and cat Izzy.  Loves hiking the trails throughout Wisconsin, reading all types of books, cooking, and playing cribbage. ** Please note Ms. Dubey treats patients 16 & older.

Posted in Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Codependency, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Men's Issues, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education, Uncategorized, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues |

Sean Fauls, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults.  Experienced in individual, family, and group therapy for mental health and substance abuse disorders.  Special interest in depression, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, stress, anger management, self-esteem, trauma, grief, relationship problems, family issues, work related problems, and couples issues.  Treatment focuses include cognitive behavioral, behavioral, client centered, motivational enhancement, and solution focused approaches. Education Masters Degree in Counseling from Medical College of Virginia in 1998 Bachelors Degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1995 Licensed by the State of Wisconsin as a Professional Counselor with an AODA subspecialty Experience Many years of experience in outpatient clinic settings providing individual and group treatment for mental health and substance abuse disorders to children, adolescents, and adults.  Also provided case management and counseling to adults with severe mental illness.   *Note: Mr. Fauls treats patients 6 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, AODA Education, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Codependency, Depression, Gambling, Gay/Lesbian, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Marriage Counseling, Men's Issues, Minority Issues, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, 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, 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 |

Jenna Koch, MS, LPC

Areas of Interest I provide assessment and treatment of individuals 8 years and older, as well as couples.  I use a strengths based and eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from CBT, psychoeducation, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing.  I enjoy working from a faith based Christian perspective.  Focus areas include anxiety, women’s identity and self-esteem work, life stress and adjustment issues, grief and loss, boundaries/interpersonal issues.  Prepare/Enrich certified for premarital and married couples. Philosophy I have an authentic spirit and deeply value relationships.  I seek to create a safe space where you feel known, understood, and valued.  It is my goal that this environment encourages healing, hope, and meaningful life change for you.  My general approach is to build trust and empower you to understand yourself more fully and live more freely.  This involves examining issues, relationships, uncovering patterns that are tripping you up and over time, offering insight and practical strategies to help fuel positive change and growth.  Whether it’s practicing new skills or utilizing new resources, no matter where you are at, we will navigate through life’s challenges together. Education Master’s Degree in Counseling from Concordia University 2016 Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Minor in Child and Family Studies from University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point 2006 Experience Clinical experience in an outpatient Christian Counseling clinic providing treatment for mental health since January 2018.  Previous experience counseling individuals in an inpatient recovery program and with children in a school setting. Personal I enjoy spending time gardening and outside in nature, especially weekends up north at the cabin with family and friends.  I love music, fishing, and golfing, as well as, serving on the worship team at church.  I have been married for over 17 years and have two children. *Note: Ms. Koch treats clients ages 8 & older.

Posted in Adjustment to Divorce, Anxiety, Career/Work Issues, Codependency, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Marriage Counseling, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Social Anxiety, Women's Issues |

Bridget Pogodzinski, MS, LMFT

Areas of Interest Bridget works with individuals, couples, and families(ages 12 and older) struggling with a variety of mental health concerns, including but not limited to depression, anxiety, stress management, behavioral concerns, emotional/behavioral dysregulation, anger/aggression, impulse control, focus/concentration challenges, ADHD, OCD, interpersonal challenges, relationship/marital conflict, adjustment concerns, parenting, safety concerns, grief and loss, and trauma, including PTSD.  Bridget works with clients using an eclectic approach, drawing from CBT, DBT, Narrative, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Internal Family Systems, Christian counseling, and Solution-Focused therapies amongst other therapeutic approaches. Philosophy Bridget views clients and their lives through a systemic lens and has a passion to work with clients and families from a place of deep empathy, excitement to collaborate and learn more about their unique strengths, remind them of their immense resiliency, and participate in their continued growth.  She works with clients through a strengths-based and holistic approach, taking into consideration all of the many aspects of life that make us who we are.  Bridget has a desire to walk with clients on their journeys through life, recognizing and emphasizing their unique strengths that will aid them in achieving the life, wellness, and fulfillment they desire within themselves and their relationships.  She desires to enhance the lives of clients by fostering hope and empowerment within themselves presently and for their futures. Education and Experience Bridget has been practicing therapy since June of 2020.  In 2019, she earned her BS in Family Social Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  She completed her MS program in Marriage and Family Therapy at Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin May 2021. Bridget has experience providing therapy to individuals, couples and families in outpatient, group, school, Telehealth and intensive outpatient group settings.  She also has experience working with clients through a Christian counseling lens.  Presentation experience in school settings on topics of mental health, social media, and self esteem. Personal Outside of the clinic, Bridget enjoys exercise, specifically running, cooking, reading, and spending time with her family and friends, especially in nature. *Ms. Manke treats patients 12 & older.

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Adoption/Fostercare Issues, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Codependency, Depression, Eating Disorders, 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, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, Pornography, Postpartum Depression, PTSD, Reactive Attachment, Religious/Spiritual Issues, Schizophrenia, Seasonal Affective Dis, Sensory Processing, Sexual Abuse Victim, Sexual Identity Issues, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Victim of Sexual Abuse, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |

Mical Schaffer, MSW, LCSW, CSAC

“Recovery is possible and it is waiting for you!” Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of adolescents and adults in individual and group settings for a broad base of mental health disorders.  Special interest in the treatment of substance use disorders, supporting families dealing with addiction, Christian counseling and couples counseling. Currently Mical is the Director of Substance Abuse Services at ACS. Education / Licenses Masters of Social work, University Wisconsin Milwaukee Bachelors of Psychology, Wisconsin Lutheran College Licensed Clinical Social Worker Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor Experience Extensive experience working with adolescents and adults with mental health conditions in residential and outpatient settings since 2004.  Providing direct psychotherapy services since 2009. Four years of experience as a high needs treatment foster parent. Personal Information Married with five children Grew up on a ranch in North Dakota Currently resides in Wauwatosa

Posted in Anger Management, AODA Education, Depression, Gambling, General Anxiety, Marriage Counseling, Sexual Addiction, Substance Abuse, Substance Abuse Education |