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Find the genuine you that has been hiding.

Substance abuse therapy for men and women in Waukesha and across Wisconsin.

Schedule a Consultation

There was a time when things felt more manageable

There was never an issue before, but now you have noticed how it is impacting how you feel and your relationships

Substance use may have started as something social, relaxing, or a way to take the edge off stress. You were still able to show up for work, relationships, and responsibilities. It felt under control.

But over time, something has shifted.

What used to feel manageable now feels harder to control, and you have started to notice the impact it is having on your mood, your relationships, and your day-to-day life.

You may notice it is harder to get going in the morning, or that you feel more drained, anxious, or emotionally unsettled than you used to. At times, you may want to isolate or sleep things off just to reset.

You may also notice changes in your emotions—feeling more irritable, more anxious, or more reactive than before.



But you’re noticing…

  • It is more difficult to get out of bed.  You want to stay by yourself and try to sleep off the feeling of being sick.

  • You’re having more arguments with friends and family because of your use.

  • You feel more anxious than you used to be.  You never used to be so angry and get so irritated.

  • You get stuck in thoughts loops more and can’t seem to get out of it unless you use.

  • You’re spending more money when you go out


Over time, what once felt like relief can start to feel like part of the cycle that keeps things feeling unstable.

Let’s find a path toward new possibilities.

In therapy, we focus on understanding the patterns that connect emotional overwhelm, thought loops, and substance use so you can begin responding differently when those moments show up.

Instead of getting stuck in cycles of stress, relief, and regret, you learn how to recognize what is happening internally earlier and build skills to respond without automatically relying on substances.

You may begin to notice that while substance use can feel like it helps in the moment, it often makes emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger more difficult to regulate over time. In therapy, we work on changing that cycle by building alternative ways to cope with distress.

We also focus on how substance use can affect relationships—especially when emotions escalate quickly or communication becomes more reactive. You’ll learn how to slow down in those moments, respond more intentionally, and stay connected even when things feel tense.

Rely less on substances and more on skills to respond to life.

  • Understand the patterns and triggers behind your substance use, especially how it connects to stress, emotions, and overthinking

  • Recognize how using can temporarily relieve emotions like anxiety, sadness, or anger, but also make them harder to manage over time

  • Learn how to respond to overwhelming thoughts and emotions without automatically turning to substances

  • Improve your ability to navigate relationships without reacting impulsively, shutting down, or feeling misunderstood

  • Reduce the frequency of use by building more awareness and choice in how you cope with stress and emotional intensity

  • Feel more steady in your reactions and less caught in cycles that leave you questioning yourself afterward

Start living a life that is authentically you. No more hiding.

Schedule a Consultation

Frequently

Asked

Questions

  •  Although I have experience treating individuals struggling with heroin/opiate, cocaine, and methamphetamine and stimulant abuse issues, most of my experience is working with individuals with alcohol and/or marijuana abuse issues.  I have extensive experience working with individuals who have legal concerns stemming from their substance use. 

  •  I discuss with each client what their own personal thoughts are on their substance use and what they feel is reasonable for them at any given moment in treatment.  I walk with each person as he/she discovers what is manageable for the substance use and have a conversation about what is realistic given their challenges.

  •  I have been a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) for 13 years in the state of Wisconsin.  I have worked in various programming models throughout my education and licensure, providing both individual and group counseling to those struggling with addiction. I have worked in both Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient programming for substance use disorders.

  • Generally, I determine how long a client sees me based on their individual needs and motivation.  However, if someone is considering minimizing or being sober from substances, I would like to meet with him/her for about a year with varying frequency.  This allows an individual to experience all seasons, anniversaries, holidays, and possible stressors while being supported in therapy.

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