Nolan Vander Ploeg

I'm a licensed professional counselor based in Wisconsin, and I work with adults navigating relationship challenges, anxiety, identity concerns, and the impact of early family‐of‐origin experiences. I earned my master’s degree in counseling and practice from a trauma‐informed, attachment‐based perspective, integrating approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I offer a steady, supportive space where clients can explore their stories, understand their patterns, and move toward healthier emotional and relational lives.

My approach to therapy is practical, relational, and rooted in understanding your story. In our first session or two, I focus on getting a sense of who you are—how you take up space, how you relate, and what experiences have shaped you. From there, I help you connect earlier life experiences with the patterns that feel problematic today, so you can gain more clarity and control over them. As trust builds, we begin to explore the deeper, more emotionally heavy parts of your story at a pace that feels safe and collaborative.

In our first session, my goal is simply to get to know you—who you are, what you’re like, and what experiences have shaped your story. I spend that time listening closely, understanding what brings you in, and clarifying what you hope to accomplish in therapy. The environment is steady, calm, and conversational, giving you space to share at your own pace. As we continue, we start connecting your past experiences with present patterns and build toward deeper work as trust develops.