Grief counselors and therapists in Appleton, WI

I serve a broad population of clients coping with crisis, trauma, faith-based issues, relationship and marital issues, substance use and addictions, anger management and emotional dysregulation, career decisions, self-esteem and self-efficacy skill development, and other challenges clients are facing.

My philosophy is meeting clients where they are, without bias or judgment. I believe the client is the expert in their own life, and I am here to walk beside, providing the tools and techniques to support finding solutions and healing. I use an integrative theoretical approach to tailor services to meet the clients' needs. I work with clients from a holistic approach.

I have a Ph.D. in Counseling Education and Supervision, a Master's in Professional Counseling, a Masters in Health Care Administration, and a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. I am licensed in Wisconsin as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Registered Nurse.

I've long been drawn to the dance between the psychological and the spiritual. As I journeyed my own early path of discovery, it lead me to studies in psychology, classic literature, and theology in undergraduate, and then later Buddhist psychotherapy and meditation, and depth psychology in graduate school. I received my graduate degree from Naropa University's Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program in 2003, and am licensed in WI (LPC) and MN (LPCC). I am a practitioner of shamatha-vipassyana meditation, and have a well-established background of working for various therapy group practices in MN and WI.

Education

2003, Naropa University, MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology.

1998, College of St. Benedict, BA in Psychology; 1997 study abroad in Beibei, China.

As a lifelong student of East and West methodologies, I blend Person-Centered, CBT, Gestalt, depth psychology, somatic, and Buddhist psychology views. I also take a trauma-informed, IFS-informed, EFT-informed approach. I spent many years exploring Christian mysticism and theology before finding my own path and practice in Tibetan Buddhism for the past 20+ years, and I welcome heartfelt conversations about any psycho-spiritual path.

I’ve spent my career supporting people who have experienced trauma, mental health, and substance use issues. I have used a mix of traditional talk therapy, art and adventure therapies to assist in the healing process. I have been in practice since 2002 after completing my master's in social work at Simmons University in Boston, Massachusetts. Prior to completing my master's I worked in the social work field, working as a case manager and substance use counselor, and volunteering at my local domestic abuse program answering the crisis hotline, facilitating community support groups, and assisting in the annual walk for women's safety. I work with children, adults, families, couples, and groups. My style is natural and organic, giving you space to heal in a way that feels right for you. My approach is person centered. My focus is to help you build trust and safety at your own pace and create a strong therapeutic relationship for you to heal.

I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University in 2023, and I have had the privilege of working with a great variety of clients in an outpatient hospital setting over the last three years. Through a trauma informed and person-centered lens, I want to help clients explore concerns relating to shame, depression, anxiety, identity, and more.

I am someone who enjoys uplifting others and helping others succeed with their mental health. I am an active listener, able to show empathy, and still challenge clients when needed. I have a direct approach when counseling.

Hello! I’m Rianna, a life-long Madisonian, animal lover, and nature enthusiast. I’m a licensed clinical social worker and provide individual mental health counseling. I’ve been practicing since 2017 and work with a range of presenting concerns such as anxiety, depression, identity concerns, family or origin concerns, trauma, and more. I enjoy working with adult clients and have experience working with clients with various identities (race, gender, disability, faith, etc.).

I think it is important to know that I am a very genuine person who strives to make the counseling space feel warm and safe.

Hello, my name is Ashleigh Dowis, and I’m glad you’re here. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field, 15 years as a mental health professional. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals through life’s challenges with compassion, respect, and care. I specialize in working with women who are in transitional periods of their lives and helping them reach their goals. I have experience working with a variety of presenting problems and symptoms including but not limited to anxiety, depression, grief, adjustment to big life changes and with traumatic injuries.

I am licensed in both mental health and substance use treatment in the state of Wisconsin, and have spent over 20 years working with a wide range of people and concerns in many different settings. I understand that reaching out for support can feel vulnerable, and my goal is to offer a grounded, respectful space where you feel heard, accepted, and supported at your own pace.

I graduated from UW-Stout in 2020 and had a crash course of therapy during the pandemic. This has allowed me to become a more empatheic and passionate therapist who works hard to support clients through all of life's changes. I specialize in couples and relational work, but also work with indiviudals who are looking to navigate grief, anxiety, life changes, and stress. I support and research women's health, fertility/infertility and treat perinatal mood disorders.

Through the unique lens of multiple international and domestic cultures Sara has learned to see the patterns of the human experience. Dr. J credits her amazing education, advisors, supervisors, colleagues and clients for supporting the concretization of her Open Space approach. Which highlights meeting each client where they are in their life as a sacred space, a space of possibility.