Compassion Focused Therapists in Milwaukee, WI
I work with a wide variety of ages and populations, from 3 and beyond, to make the most out of life. Life is full of ups and downs, and I'm here to help you through it all. I have experience working with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, suicidal ideation, grief, autism, ADHD, eating disorders, and self-esteem. You are the expert of you! I'm here to help in listening without judgement and providing psychoeducation, coping skills, and resources.
I work with a wide variety of ages and populations, from 3 and beyond, to make the most out of life. Life is full of ups and downs, and I'm here to help you through it all. I have experience working with addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, suicidal ideation, grief, autism, ADHD, eating disorders, and self-esteem. You are the expert of you! I'm here to help in listening without judgement and providing psychoeducation, coping skills, and resources.
Hi, I'm Serena, glad you are here! I specialize in supporting teens & adults who are overwhelmed by anxious or racing thoughts, relationship difficulties, or body image concerns. I help my clients learn to reconnect with the present moment and find a sense of purpose, self-compassion, and confidence in their authentic sense of self. Borrowing techniques from CBT, DBT, & compassion-focused therapies, I am passionate about helping my clients regain a sense of control over their emotions and confidence in living into their values.
Hi, I'm Serena, glad you are here! I specialize in supporting teens & adults who are overwhelmed by anxious or racing thoughts, relationship difficulties, or body image concerns. I help my clients learn to reconnect with the present moment and find a sense of purpose, self-compassion, and confidence in their authentic sense of self. Borrowing techniques from CBT, DBT, & compassion-focused therapies, I am passionate about helping my clients regain a sense of control over their emotions and confidence in living into their values.
Emily Landsverk
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53201 (Online Only)
I believe in the power of human connection, genuine & authentic relationships. I strive to create a safe & welcoming environment for my clients. I believe that vulnerability is brave & can be a powerful tool within the context of therapeutic growth. I utilize validation, empathic presence, a dash of humor, & honest communication, in rapport/trust building through sessions. The clinical modalities I most commonly utilize include cognitive behavioral, grief informed, person-centered, strengths-based, trauma informed, compassion focused, and strengths-based. I would be honored to walk through your journey with you.
I believe in the power of human connection, genuine & authentic relationships. I strive to create a safe & welcoming environment for my clients. I believe that vulnerability is brave & can be a powerful tool within the context of therapeutic growth. I utilize validation, empathic presence, a dash of humor, & honest communication, in rapport/trust building through sessions. The clinical modalities I most commonly utilize include cognitive behavioral, grief informed, person-centered, strengths-based, trauma informed, compassion focused, and strengths-based. I would be honored to walk through your journey with you.
Dr. Brittany Mathews
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53210 (Online Only)
Dr. Mathews specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults (ages 10-25) who are struggling with with anxiety and depression. She works as a team with adolescents and their families to conduct a thorough assessment and flexibly adapt evidence-based psychology treatments. Together, Dr. Mathews and her clients work to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help adolescents function better within the family, at school, and with peers. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to provide affirming and culturally responsive psychological health care.
Dr. Mathews specializes in working with tweens, teens, and young adults (ages 10-25) who are struggling with with anxiety and depression. She works as a team with adolescents and their families to conduct a thorough assessment and flexibly adapt evidence-based psychology treatments. Together, Dr. Mathews and her clients work to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression and help adolescents function better within the family, at school, and with peers. Dr. Mathews aspires to embody mindfulness and loving kindness on a daily basis and to provide affirming and culturally responsive psychological health care.
Markeda Cain
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Looking within for the truth can sometimes be a challenging first step. I’m here to guide you on your journey toward self-discovery and healing. Building a strong connection with my clients is my superpower. I believe genuine rapport and accountability creates the cornerstone of effective therapy. In my therapeutic environment, I bring not just professional expertise, but also a warm, compassionate, and authentic vibe that makes you feel heard and valued. Life can be tough, and having a safe space to express your thoughts and emotions is crucial.
Looking within for the truth can sometimes be a challenging first step. I’m here to guide you on your journey toward self-discovery and healing. Building a strong connection with my clients is my superpower. I believe genuine rapport and accountability creates the cornerstone of effective therapy. In my therapeutic environment, I bring not just professional expertise, but also a warm, compassionate, and authentic vibe that makes you feel heard and valued. Life can be tough, and having a safe space to express your thoughts and emotions is crucial.
Samantha Soppa
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, SAC-IT
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53214
Are you struggling with racing thoughts, continued unwanted behaviors, negative self-talk, low motivation, or just feeling stuck? It is not the easiest decision to ask for help, yet taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We cannot always tackle these difficulties all on our own, so reaching out for guidance through therapy shows strength, courage, and motivation.
Are you struggling with racing thoughts, continued unwanted behaviors, negative self-talk, low motivation, or just feeling stuck? It is not the easiest decision to ask for help, yet taking care of your mental health is one of the most important things you can do for yourself. We cannot always tackle these difficulties all on our own, so reaching out for guidance through therapy shows strength, courage, and motivation.
Amy Lynn Kerznar
Counselor, MS, LPC, SACIT, CCTP
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53227 (Online Only)
Many people with trauma or PTSD also suffer from substance use issues . Feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, grief, depression, loneliness, feeling judged, and misunderstood are very normal. You may not trust the world around you and may not know how to cope with symptoms of trauma alone and will instead seek to numb your emotional turmoil. Both are lonely and isolating issues. Substance use is an outward manifestation of your pain and with supportive trauma and substance use counseling combined, your addiction can be treated as well as the underline symptoms that cause the need to numb your emotions and avoid your reality.
Many people with trauma or PTSD also suffer from substance use issues . Feelings of anxiety, fear, anger, grief, depression, loneliness, feeling judged, and misunderstood are very normal. You may not trust the world around you and may not know how to cope with symptoms of trauma alone and will instead seek to numb your emotional turmoil. Both are lonely and isolating issues. Substance use is an outward manifestation of your pain and with supportive trauma and substance use counseling combined, your addiction can be treated as well as the underline symptoms that cause the need to numb your emotions and avoid your reality.
Our worldviews are made up of stories: about ourselves, others, the ways we engage with people, and the ways we move through the world. I'm fascinated by the mutual influence of individual perspective and shared experience, as well as the ways societal norms both limit and support individuals and relationships. How are you influencing and being influenced by others? What aspects of your story do you wish were different? How do you want to be known, and move through the world? "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer! Let's explore and see what we discover.
Our worldviews are made up of stories: about ourselves, others, the ways we engage with people, and the ways we move through the world. I'm fascinated by the mutual influence of individual perspective and shared experience, as well as the ways societal norms both limit and support individuals and relationships. How are you influencing and being influenced by others? What aspects of your story do you wish were different? How do you want to be known, and move through the world? "I don't know" is a perfectly acceptable answer! Let's explore and see what we discover.
Hey there, beautiful soul! Feeling like life's throwing too much your way lately? Take a deep breath. You're not alone in this. I'm here to walk alongside you through those tough times, especially those unique to us women.
Hey there, beautiful soul! Feeling like life's throwing too much your way lately? Take a deep breath. You're not alone in this. I'm here to walk alongside you through those tough times, especially those unique to us women.
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
Are you struggling to feel connected to yourself or others right now? Perhaps you’re exploring or questioning identity, sexuality, or gender? Are you a parent who has a child that may be struggling with their own mental health, “big feelings”, or behaviors? I specialize in working with kids (6 years and up) & teens, young adults (18-30), and the LGBTQ+ community.
The core of my work is creating a safe space where clients can feel heard, respected, and understood. A full and satisfying life is unique to each person; I will collaborate with you as you move toward the life you want to live. Understanding each client's culture, identities, and worldview is central to my approach. Not only is it important to deeply understand you as an individual, but also to explore how factors in the wider environment either promote your well being or intensify your distress. A holistic approach to wellness involves the individual, their relationships, and their wider world.
The core of my work is creating a safe space where clients can feel heard, respected, and understood. A full and satisfying life is unique to each person; I will collaborate with you as you move toward the life you want to live. Understanding each client's culture, identities, and worldview is central to my approach. Not only is it important to deeply understand you as an individual, but also to explore how factors in the wider environment either promote your well being or intensify your distress. A holistic approach to wellness involves the individual, their relationships, and their wider world.
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My name is Laurin and I have experience working with children (6+), teens, and adults. As a therapist, I believe families are a system and work to include parents in their child's treatment goals. When working with children, I believe working side by side with caregivers is essential to effective treatment. I am a licensed professional counselor and am a registered Art therapist in the state of Wisconsin. I come from a trauma informed background and have experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, life changes, etc.
My name is Laurin and I have experience working with children (6+), teens, and adults. As a therapist, I believe families are a system and work to include parents in their child's treatment goals. When working with children, I believe working side by side with caregivers is essential to effective treatment. I am a licensed professional counselor and am a registered Art therapist in the state of Wisconsin. I come from a trauma informed background and have experience working with issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, life changes, etc.
Are you feeling alone in a difficult situation or struggle? You don't have to navigate it by yourself. I specialize in providing support and guidance during challenging times, especially for people of color and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. In our sessions, you'll find a safe and understanding space to share your feelings and experiences. Together, we'll work on strategies to help you cope and regain a sense of control and well-being.
Are you feeling alone in a difficult situation or struggle? You don't have to navigate it by yourself. I specialize in providing support and guidance during challenging times, especially for people of color and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. In our sessions, you'll find a safe and understanding space to share your feelings and experiences. Together, we'll work on strategies to help you cope and regain a sense of control and well-being.
Naomi B Arenzon
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202 (Online Only)
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Making the choice to start therapy is not always an easy one. A bit about me... I specialize in working with both teens and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. I also have experience with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and OCD. My therapy style is warm, open, and centered on building compassion from within. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, using a variety of therapeutic techniques.
Welcome! I'm glad you're here. Making the choice to start therapy is not always an easy one. A bit about me... I specialize in working with both teens and adults dealing with depression, anxiety, and difficult life transitions. I also have experience with Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and OCD. My therapy style is warm, open, and centered on building compassion from within. I believe in tailoring my approach to meet the unique needs of each individual, using a variety of therapeutic techniques.
Julie Abdullah
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Are you starting to wonder if what you feel is "normal"? Maybe anxiety is getting to the point where it is an exhausting, everyday occurrence, and you'd like to get back in control of your life. Everyone struggles with overwhelming situations and emotions from time to time, and I am a firm believer that no obstacle you are facing right now is too big to tackle. As your therapist, I will use practical strategies that will guide you in your journey of empowerment and assist with creating a strengthened sense of self. I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and guide you to the life you most want to live.
Are you starting to wonder if what you feel is "normal"? Maybe anxiety is getting to the point where it is an exhausting, everyday occurrence, and you'd like to get back in control of your life. Everyone struggles with overwhelming situations and emotions from time to time, and I am a firm believer that no obstacle you are facing right now is too big to tackle. As your therapist, I will use practical strategies that will guide you in your journey of empowerment and assist with creating a strengthened sense of self. I will help you make sense of difficult experiences and guide you to the life you most want to live.
Christine Beckner
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53215 (Online Only)
Back to school stress? It is that time of year where children, adolescents, and adults are transitioning back to school. Whether it is going back to the same school, transitioning to a new school, or going to college for the first or even second time, this can bring about significant stress and anxiety. I would love to help you through this period of time.
Back to school stress? It is that time of year where children, adolescents, and adults are transitioning back to school. Whether it is going back to the same school, transitioning to a new school, or going to college for the first or even second time, this can bring about significant stress and anxiety. I would love to help you through this period of time.
Ryan Larkey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, SAC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53215 (Online Only)
Many of us struggle daily with issues like anxiety, stress, depression, anger or just feeling misunderstood. We may feel stuck and ashamed at our inability to just will ourselves into being "better". This internal suffering is so common, but the good news is we all possess an internal capacity for change. It hurts to feel "stuck", but making changes can also be hard to do on our own. I have years of experience working with folks with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction, stress and other personal challenges. I am specially trained and committed to supporting clients in the LGBTQ community and immigrant populations.
Many of us struggle daily with issues like anxiety, stress, depression, anger or just feeling misunderstood. We may feel stuck and ashamed at our inability to just will ourselves into being "better". This internal suffering is so common, but the good news is we all possess an internal capacity for change. It hurts to feel "stuck", but making changes can also be hard to do on our own. I have years of experience working with folks with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, addiction, stress and other personal challenges. I am specially trained and committed to supporting clients in the LGBTQ community and immigrant populations.
AMRI Counseling Services
Counselor, PhD, DSW, LPC, CSAC, CTTP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Milwaukee, WI 53216
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
Providing Quality Mental Health Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Counseling, medical/medication services, pharmacy services, and family support services such as housing, daily living skills, educational/ academic services, parenting and nurturing to children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. ***We accept most ALL insurances and private pay*** Call us at 414-455-3879 or email us at clinic@amricounseling.com to schedule an appointment.
My professional goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive therapy environment for persons with mental health and behavioral challenges. My hope is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable space during your time of healing and exploration.
My professional goal is to provide a compassionate and supportive therapy environment for persons with mental health and behavioral challenges. My hope is to provide a safe, secure and comfortable space during your time of healing and exploration.
Heather Cooper
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Milwaukee, WI 53215 (Online Only)
Heather Cooper, LPC. I have clinical experience working with children, teens, and adults and have a passion for working with clients with depression, and anxiety, as well as behavioral and trauma histories. I treat the individual from a strength-based perspective, offering an eclectic approach. It blends evidence-based practice with a warm and supportive therapeutic environment to create a safe and empathetic environment for my clients, so that they feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings, allowing clients to make change.
Heather Cooper, LPC. I have clinical experience working with children, teens, and adults and have a passion for working with clients with depression, and anxiety, as well as behavioral and trauma histories. I treat the individual from a strength-based perspective, offering an eclectic approach. It blends evidence-based practice with a warm and supportive therapeutic environment to create a safe and empathetic environment for my clients, so that they feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings, allowing clients to make change.
See more therapy options for Milwaukee
Nearby Compassion Focused Therapists Searches for Milwaukee
- Brown Deer
- Elm Grove
- Franklin
- Glendale
- Greenfield
- Hales Corners
- New Berlin
- Shorewood
- South Milwaukee
- Wauwatosa
- West Allis
- Whitefish Bay
Compassion Focused Therapists
How does compassion-focused therapy work?
Compassion-Focused Therapy is based on the idea that humans have at least three emotion regulation systems, including one that responds to threats and another that allows us to self-soothe. Those who experienced serious childhood adversity, the theory goes, have a hyperactive threat system and an underperforming self-soothing system, leaving them vulnerable to shame and a hypercritical mindset. CFT focuses on bringing these systems back into balance, helping the client be kinder to themselves and better able to accept kindness from others.
Is compassion-focused therapy a type of CBT?
Compassion-focused therapy is closely related to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and employs many of its techniques. In addition to CBT, CFT also draws from the fields of biology, evolutionary psychology, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and Buddhism. It also has similarities to some types of trauma-focused therapies.
Is compassion-focused therapy evidence based?
Evidence suggests that CFT can be helpful in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychosis, and other mental illnesses. It has also been shown to be beneficial for individuals who may not have diagnosable psychiatric disorders but who still struggle with persistent self-criticism and feelings of shame.
What are the limitations of compassion-focused therapy?
Compassion-focused therapy is still a relatively new therapy, and research on its efficacy is still in its early stages; while some studies have found positive results, many have suffered from quality issues or small sample sizes. And while most CFT clients find it difficult to practice self-compassion at first, some—especially those who actively fear compassion or are deeply uncomfortable being cared for—may not be fully open to the tenets of CFT, potentially limiting the therapy’s long-term effectiveness.