Therapists for Teens in Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Life can just really suck sometimes! Therapy can often be the jump start needed to help you move in the direction of healing. I work primarily with adolescents and young adults. Currently, I am the only certified FBT Therapist in the state of Wisconsin, which is the leading treatment approach for adolescents/young adults diagnosed with an eating disorder. In addition, I also treat anxiety, OCD, social anxiety, and mood related difficulties. I am also here if you are navigating a difficult life transition... those can be brutal! I have been a therapist for just over 10 years and would love to hear more about your goals!

The emphasis of my clinical work is in pediatric assessments including neuropsychological evaluations. I specialize in providing individually-tailored, extensive examinations of symptoms, development, and functioning in order to better understand each child or adolescent. Thus, the goal is not to arrive at a standardized diagnosis, but to achieve a deeper insight into each person's distinct biopsychosocial makeup. The most enjoyable aspect of assessment work is being able to provide children and families with clarifying "ah ha" moments, in order to help them make better sense and successes of their lives.

Your teen doesn’t know what they want, and neither do you. At home, the conflicts seem constant—you’re always butting heads and they never seem happy, no matter what you do. You feel defeated. Teenagers are looking for a sense of belonging and it’s often hard for them to feel confident and explain their internal world to others when life is throwing so much at them. They need a space for someone to listen and validate their feelings, without fear of judgment. Understanding their behavior can be confusing and frustrating, but I’m here to tell you there is hope.

I work with adolescent and adult individuals, families, and couples that are looking to understand themselves and relationships more intimately. Often people come to therapy during a transition and have a desire to talk about their strategies and skills for navigating their life experience.

I believe each person comes to counseling with their own unique story. I am a genuine person who wants to help people achieve their goals in a healing environment that is free of judgment. I want to build a trusting relationship where we work together to make positive changes and achieve personal growth.

I help marriages on the verge of divorce, parents whose children are a mystery or having behavioral/emotional problems, and individuals who struggle with depression, trauma and anxiety. My success rate for saving marriages on the brink of divorce is approximately 80%. I believe my extensive training in Gottman marriage therapy Level 1 and 2, solution focused therapy, trauma, stress, and attachment theory and measures (AAI, Ainsworth Infant Scales, Circle of Security, Attachment Storytelling Completion Task,Mac Arthur Preschool Method) provides me unique insight into how relationships work. Dr. Bruce Perry was also my mentor.

My ideal client is someone whom is struggling in life and motivated to seek help and make the changes necessary in their thoughts, beliefs or circumstances to get back into wellness. I enjoy working with teens. Most of my career has been with at risk youth. I also work with women's issues, addressing underlying causes of stress and overwhelm. I use Imago and Gottman approaches with couples. When working with men, we discuss the need for vulnerability and self-acceptance. Anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss can all be successfully addressed with psychotherapy.

Life is full of surprises. Unexpected situations occur that impact the ways in which we cope with the world and our circumstances. Handling these issues over and over can leave us feeling exhausted, frustrated, out-of-control and saddened. When things just don’t feel right, it is time to reach out and ask for help. You don’t have to face your challenges alone. I’m a big fan of helping you find your voice and live the life you love. I want to help you find your power and purpose so you can navigate life like a boss!

Jennifer has a bachelor's degree in Psychology and Human Development from the University of Wisconsin-Green. She earned her master's degree in counseling at Marquette University in 2008. She has over 13 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, and families, utilizing a variety of theoretical perspectives. Her passion for working with children and their families dates to her days as a pre-school teacher, followed by providing in-home care in the inner city of Milwaukee.

Are you feeling overwhelmed or struggling to relate with your significant other, spouse, adolescent, child or coworkers? Do you or a family member struggle with the effects of trauma, depression, anxiety, or other mental health condition? I have over twenty years of experience helping individuals of all ages and families who were experiencing crisis in their lives or seeking increased fulfillment in their relationships. My education and practice is based on a strong Systems Theory background where all life influences are considered important and significant others are encouraged to participate as part of the therapeutic process.

If you are looking for someone who specializes in working with children and adolescents I have over 20 years of experience. Helping children and teens with issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, family issues, relationship issues, ADHD, learning struggles, low self esteem, parent/child, teen conflict, and sexual identity are all areas I enjoy working with. I am one of the few qualified therapists who provide services for children age 3 and up.