Category Archives: Social Skills Training

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 |

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 |

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 |

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 |

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 |

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 |

Tanya Wald, MS, ATR, LPC

Areas of Interest Treatment of children, adolescents and their families with school related problems and at risk behavior. Life transition issues including career changes, school to work and divorce. Interest in depression, anxiety and woman’s concerns. Special interest in using the process of art making to enhance the therapy experience. Education Bachelors Degree, Art/Minor in Psychology, Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee. Masters in Science in Art Therapy, Mount Mary College, Milwaukee. Experience Experienced therapist working with individuals and groups of all ages in various settings; schools, correctional facilities and community based non-profit organizations. *Note: Ms. Wald treats patients age 4 & older.

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

Ryanne Wendt, MSW, LCSW

Areas of Interest Assessment and treatment of all ages in individual, family and group therapy.  Eclectic approach to therapy, drawing from CBT, DBT, Christian counseling, motivational interviewing, and trauma informed therapies.  Special interests include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, emotional dysregulation, and life stress and adjustment issues. Philosophy Ryanne believes that there is beauty in the challenges of life.  Each challenge presents an opportunity to be our authentic selves, practice resilience, and create fulfillment.  She enjoys collaborating with clients to identify goals and problem areas, then seek realistic solutions and healing. Education Masters in Social Work: Mental/Behavioral Health Direct Practice, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 2018 Bachelors Degree in Psychology, Social Justice Minor, University Oshkosh, 2016 Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Trained Trauma Informed Care Certificate Experience Previous clinical experience includes school-based counseling, intensive outpatient programming, outpatient counseling, and Christian counseling.  Presentation experience for local organizations on topics of  social media, suicide prevention and trauma. Personal Outside of the clinic, Ryanne enjoys walking her two dogs, Henry and Leinie, and spending days at the lake.  She also enjoys listening to podcasts, studying the enneagram, reading fiction novels, and baking. **Ms. Wendt sees clients ages 5 and up and offers EMDR for clients ages 11-60

Posted in ADHD, Adjustment to Divorce, Anger Management, Anxiety, AODA Education, Bipolar, Career/Work Issues, Childhood Behavioral Problem, Childhood Sexual Abuse, Codependency, Depression, Eating Disorders, Gambling, General Anxiety, Grief and Loss, Manic Depression, OCD, Panic Attacks, Parenting, Personality Disorder, Physical Abuse or Neglect, 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, Women's Issues, Young Adult Issues |