Category Archives: Obesity/Weight Loss

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 |

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 |

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 |

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 |

Rajesh Kumar, MD

Board Certified Psychiatrist, Medical Director-ACS Areas of Interest Dr. Kumar has been treating patients of all ages in Washington County since he started his practice. He enjoys working with families and emphasizes out-patient care to prevent expensive hospitalizations. He likes collaborative work with mental health therapists and family physicians in our community. Dr. Kumar has expertise in hard to treat mood, anxiety disorders and attention deficit disorders. He also provides treatment for substance dependence such as alcohol and opiate dependence. Education Graduate education: Osmania Medical College- Hyderabad, India Psychiatry Residency Training: University of Wisconsin-Sinai Samaritan Medical Center Licensed by State of Wisconsin Board Certified by American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology Member of Wisconsin State Medical Society and President of Washington County Medical Society 2009-2010 Experience Private practice since 1993 in Washington County at Hartford and West Bend office locations. Consultant at Waukesha County Health and Human Services – caring for chronic mental illnesses and developmentally disabled individuals. Consultant at Aurora Medical Center-Hartford and Community Memorial Hospital-Menomonee Falls.

Posted in ADHD, Anger Management, Chronic Fatigue, Chronic Pain, Depression, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Insomnia, Manic Depression, Medication Management, Obesity/Weight Loss, OCD, Panic Attacks, Personality Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Seasonal Affective Dis, Social Anxiety, Social Skills Training, Substance Abuse, Victim of Sexual Abuse |