Dan Carlin

Growing up in Milwaukee, I was always told I was a good listener, so I found a career where I could use that strength every day. I'm Dan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor with more than 10 years of experience working with children, teens, and adults. I started as a case manager and knew I wanted to be on the other side of the table, providing therapy directly.

I especially enjoy working with teenagers, since that was such a formative time in my own life, and with men who are looking for a little help as they figure out who they are and how they fit into the fabric of life. I help people from all backgrounds with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, substance use, relationship issues, workplace stress, and life transitions.

I'm also a Christian, and I enjoy exploring how faith has shaped people and how life's struggles fit into that picture. I'm not here to evangelize anyone. I'm simply someone who understands the Christian faith, for clients who want that in the room. I earned my Bachelor's in Social Work from Creighton University and my Master's in Social Work from UW-Milwaukee.

My job is never to change you. I'm here to walk with you on your journey. I believe every person has strengths inside them they can use to reach their goals, and when something feels missing, I help you build it. I also want to reduce the stigma around mental health. When someone gets a personal trainer at the gym, everyone congratulates them. Getting a therapist should be no different. And like a good trainer, a good counselor challenges you. I'll push, but never shove, and we'll always go at your pace. My approach is grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, Trauma-Focused CBT, solution-focused work, and at times a psychodynamic approach.

Remember being 5 years old and learning something new, full of curiosity? That's how I approach our first session. I want to listen to your story with empathy and genuine curiosity. No judgment, just care. I'll also ask how you'd like me to help, and I'll be honest with you about what I can offer. You don't need to have it all figured out. We'll start wherever you are.