Kristen Vareka LPC, CSAC, NCC
Education: Master of Arts – Marquette University, Bachelor of Science – UW-Green Bay
Specialties/Clinical Interests: I work with adults on a variety of issues including substance use disorders; anxiety; depression/mood disorders; psychosis; anger management; and overall stress management for life transitions. I also have additional training in harm reduction – this approach can be helpful when someone isn’t ready to stop using substances but wants to minimize risk/consequences.
Clinical Style: I strive to understand each person’s individual story as well as their unique goals and motivations for engaging in therapy. I offer a collaborative and conversational approach and believe authenticity and empathy are crucial in the therapeutic relationship. I often focus on how our thoughts influence our feelings and behaviors (cognitive-behavioral therapy) within a trauma-informed and strengths-based framework. However, I also incorporate elements of additional evidence-based therapies (acceptance and commitment therapy, solution-focused, motivational interviewing, person-centered) depending on each client’s needs.
Personal Interests:I enjoy reading, traveling, vegetarian cooking and spending time with my family, friends and pets.
Dr. Jeffrey Ligman, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Many people suffer and they are not quite sure what the problem is. Many other people may have been told what the problem is but this still has not helped. These are the people I work best with. No matter what the problem seems to be, I seem to be able to help when others have not. When my clients have told me this, I know I am on the right track. Besides working with a general range of problems, I also have worked quite a bit with other therapists, and their unique issues and with other helpers, particularly physicians. I also supervise several other psychotherapists. I feel I have the training and experience to be able to really understand the depth and complexity of human problems, combined with a down-to-earth practical, humanistic focus on solutions.
Dr. Richard Hohfeler, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
I have been a licensed Psychologist since 1987 and have specialized in the field of trauma and dissociation. My affiliations include active membership of Roger’s Memorial Hospital Medical staff, American Psychological Consultation, and certification by the National Health Service Providers. I have spent many years developing and running hospital treatment programs for children, adolescents, and adult victims of abuse. I am the clinical supervisor for all of APC’s therapists. We strive to provide a continuous learning environment for our agency, and this has created a high quality staff.
Karen Drexler, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Chief Compliance Officer
Education: Master of Science— Education Counseling/Concordia University-Wisconsin, Mequon, WI; Bachelor of Arts— Journalism/University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Karen Drexler works primarily with adults and adolescents, but also enjoys working with families, couples, and some younger children. She is trained in working with traumatized individuals and uses an integrative approach in her therapy. Techniques include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, client-centered, and strategic family therapy, among others. One of her professional goals is to always to be working in a helping profession where she is continuously challenged and has a positive impact on others.
Sandra Betka, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
Education: Masters in Education Counseling/Concordia University, Mequon, WI; Bachelor of Arts/Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI
I help individuals create more meaningful lives and more satisfying relationships by addressing the underlying issues that keep us stuck in an endless cycle of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, and unresolved emotional and physical abuse. My life-long journey of healing and unfolding to connect with my authentic self and create a more meaningful life full of contentment and joy.
Clinical Interests: Mindfulness; Somatic Experiencing, Psychodynamic Therapy and Inner Child; Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP); Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT); Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT); Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Motivational Interviewing.
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Behavioral Issues, Loss/Grief, Sexual Abuse, Family Conflict, Domestic Abuse, Relationship Issues, Parenting, Anger Management, and Coping Skills.
Populations: I work with Individuals, Adolescents, Adults, Families, and Groups.
Sheila Bowman, MS, LPC, NCC
Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor
Education: Master of Science— Community Counseling/University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, WI; Bachelor of Science— Psychology/University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, La Crosse, WI
Specialties: Mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and attachment-related issues, compulsive disorders including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Disorders (AODA). I have additional education and experience in Marriage & Family Therapy and greatly enjoy working with couples and families to help resolve relationship-related issues.
Clinical Interests: Individuals, adults, couples, families, and groups. Attachment-related problems and the effects that trauma and attachment issues may have on an individual throughout the lifespan, the effects on his/her relationships with others, and the effects passed from generation to generation.
Clinical Orientation: I use a holistic and Integrative psychotherapy approach by incorporating Humanistic, Family Systems, and Psychodynamic therapies, Attachment Theory, Trauma Informed, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Personal Interests: Spending time with family and animals, the outdoors/nature, taking walks with my dog, photography, gymnastics, funny movies, and the “little things” in life.
Dr. Wayne Chen, PsyD
Psychologist
Education: Doctor of Psychology & Master’s of Science—Clinical Psychology/Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Milwaukee, WI; Bachelor of Arts—Psychology/University of Wisconsin- Eau Claire, Eau Claire, WI
Specialties: Depression, anxiety, grief, anger management, relationship issues, parenting, couples/marital challenges, issues of self-esteem/codependence, clinical narcissism, and trauma/dissociation. I use cognitive behavioral, psychodynamic, client-centered, solution-focused, and psychoeducational modalities.
Clinical Interests: I strive to apply evidence-based treatment approaches to presenting issues with tailored interventions. I work with clients as active participants in exploring the depth of their challenges so that we may collaboratively develop helpful strategies for positive outcomes. I greatly enjoy using a laid-back, conversational style to explore the many known and hidden strengths, talents, and resources of those with whom I meet. In providing therapy, I sincerely hope to offer a warm, accepting, and empathic relationship that clients may use for their personal growth, feel cared about, and be deeply heard. Further interests include the therapeutic use of metaphor and the art of story-telling to promote experiential learning and lasting change.
Personal Learning: Spending time with my family, both teaching and learning from my two young children; bicycling, playing video games, watching comedies, reading poetry, and trying new foods, reading about most things in psychology and to become a better/different therapist every year.
Markeena Gilbert, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
Education: Master of Science—Rehabilitation Counseling/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI; Bachelor of Arts— Community Education/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Specialties: Depression, Anxiety, Self-Esteem, Behavioral Issues, Loss/Grief, Sexual Abuse, Family Conflict, Domestic Abuse, Relationship Issues, Parenting, Anger Management, and Coping Skills.
Clinical Interests: Individual, Adolescents, Adults, Families, and Groups
Clinical Style: I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational, Solution Focused, and Interpersonal Therapy.
Personal Interests: Spending time with family, singing, shopping, volunteering in church and community, and movies.
Annamaria Iskandarani, LPC, SAC-IT
Licensed Professional Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
Education: Master of Arts—Clinical Psychology/Cardinal Stritch University, Milwaukee, WI; Bachelor of Arts— Psychology/Alverno College, Milwaukee, WI.
Specialties and Clinical Interests: Youth, Adults, Trauma, Autism, Anxiety disorders, Grief/adjustment.
Clinical Style: I utilize Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Trauma Informed Care, Person-centered, and Humanistic therapies.
Personal Interests: I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, exercising, shopping, and country music.
Katharina Hren, LPC, SAC-IT
Licensed Professional Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor in Training
Education: MA in Foreign Language & Literature, UW-Milwaukee & Freie Universitaet, Berlin, Germany; MS Community Psychology, Alverno College; Certified Yoga & Mindfulness Teacher.
(Languages studied: German – native speaker, French, Spanish, Italian, Norwegian, Sanskrit, Turkish.)
Specialties: Trauma-Informed Care, Dissociative Disorders, Mindfulness Approach and Practices, Somatic Psychology/Yoga, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, Compassionate Inquiry, Hypnotherapy, Creative Writing/Mindful Journaling, Storytelling, Eco-Therapy.
Clinical Interests: Dissociative Disorders, Trauma, Depression, Trauma, Racial and Multicultural Issues, At Risk Youth, Spirituality, Grief.
Clinical Style: Person-Centered, Somatic & Mindfulness-Based, Trauma-Informed.
Personal Interests: Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy, Walking in Nature, Poetry/Creative Writing, Travel.
Chris Krzyston, MS, APSW
Advanced Practice Social Worker
Education: Master of Science—Clinical Psychology/Illinois State University, Normal, IL; Bachelor of Arts—Psychology/University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee; Milwaukee, WI
Specialties: I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are affected by mood and anxiety disorders, traumatic experiences, grief/loss issues, eating disorders, and relationships issues.
Clinical Interests: I use a compassionate, client-centered, strength-based approach with clients and is continually inspired by their resiliency. I have worked in several mental health settings, including a college counseling center, a county child and family services agency, inpatient behavioral health, residential care, day treatment, and intensive outpatient programs.
Personal Interests: Traveling, hiking, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Dr. Annette Vielleux, PsyD
Psychologist
Education: Doctorate of Psychology/Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Milwaukee, WI; Master of Science— Clinical Psychology/Wisconsin School of Professional Psychology, Milwaukee, WI
Specialties: I specialize in working with children, adolescents and adults who are survivors of trauma (physical, sexual abuse, and neglect), with a special interest in those who experience dissociative symptoms.
I also enjoy working with individuals of all ages who have attachment problems, those with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity disorder, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. I also perform psychological testing, with a focus on assessing dissociative disorders, attachment problems, and trauma.
Clinical Interests: I use a psychodynamically-informed therapy style. I believe in the value of delving deep into issues in order to discover their origins and to work through them. I also use trauma and dissociation-focused assessments and treatment so that these often overlooked symptoms are not ignored. I believe in holistic treatment and value the treatment of the entire person: body, mind, and spirit.
Personal Interests: I enjoy reading, going for walks, hiking, camping, and practicing Tai Chi. I am also an animal-lover and enjoy traveling.
Michael Weidman, MSW, LCSW, SAC
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Substance Abuse Counselor
Education: Master of Social Work (MSW)/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI; Bachelor of Science— Human Services Leadership/University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Oshkosh, WI
Specialties: ADHD, Addiction, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, difficult life adjustments, Grief and Loss, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Issues, Shame, and Stress Management
Clinical Styles: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy
Hobbies/Interests: Spending time with family and friends, going for walks with our two King Charles Spaniels, spending time up in Door County, being outdoors, traveling and experiencing other cultures, long distance bicycling, golf, racquetball, snowboarding, technology, and brewing Kombucha tea.
Heather Budzien, LPC, CSAC
Psychotherapist
Education: M.S. Community Psychology from Alverno College, B.S. Psychology from UWM.
Specialties: Veteran’s issues, identity and relationship concerns, self-esteem, mood disorders, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, grief/loss, addiction and substance use, and psychosis.
Clinical Style: I work with individuals, couples and groups, and draw from a number of evidence-based approaches to assist clients in exploring challenges and moving through barriers to wellness and fullness. It is my desire to offer a space of warmth and compassion where natural strength and resiliency can be celebrated and directed toward healing.
Clinical Interests: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy.
Personal Interests: Traveling and experiencing other cultures, being outdoors, yoga, weightlifting, spending time with loved ones. I am also an animal lover and will gladly show you pictures of my dogs!
Annette Towler MSW, APSW
Education: Masters in Social Work, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; Masters in Experimental Psychology, San Francisco State University; BsC in Psychology and Anthropology, University of London.
Specialties: Anxiety and depression, grief, relationships and attachment, substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, abuse, and trauma-related issues.
Clinical Interests: Adults, couples, and groups. Focus on enabling individuals to build healthy and flourishing lives through improvements in self and in relationships with others.
Clinical Style: Person-centered, attachment and commitment therapy (ACT), motivational interviewing, and strengths-based approach. I have a compassionate approach to helping clients through showing empathy and increasing client self-determination.
Personal Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy running. I have run several marathons including the Boston Marathon. I also write fiction and poetry.
Jessica Lovely MSW, APSW
Education: I earned my Master of Social Work degree from Loyola University in Chicago, IL in 2002. Since then, I have been learning through experience and study with an emphasis on trauma informed, mind body and attachment practices.
Specialties: Children, Adolescents, and Families. Trauma and attachment informed care.
Clinical Interests: I am most interested in what works. For that reason, my goal is to partner with people and take a holistic approach to find what will be most effective for that individual or family. Depending on the needs or wants of the individual or family, I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, imagery, somatic or body-based practices, play therapy as well as psychoeducation. I also use attachment therapy principles to explore how our early life experiences impact our relationships and the way we interact with the world. With this awareness we can decide if we want to make changes, which changes we want to make and explore how to make those changes. I am also interested in elements of art and nature therapy.
Clinical Style: I see therapy as a collaboration. You are the expert on you and your life, and I bring a certain set of skills and knowledge. Working together can make it easier to face, (tackle, deal with, embrace, overcome or accept) those things that are painful or difficult and to be better equipped to lead the life you want. When working with young children I use a playful, nurturing approach to assist in processing difficult feelings and experiences and learning new ways of coping.
Personal Interests: That all things are connected and how they connect is an endless fascination. I love to observe and interact with nature and wildlife through gardening, hiking, traveling to beautiful natural places, walking my dog and simply being outdoors. I am also interested in how our daily activities and what we eat impact our wellbeing individually and collectively. This has led to learning more about food and cooking as well as different types of physical, social, and spiritual activities. Really, I am interested in anything that helps me feel connected to myself, others, and the natural world because that is when I feel the best.
Elissa Dani
el, LPC-IT
Education: Master of Educational Psychology-Clinical Mental Health Counseling/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Bachelors of Science- Kinesiology & Psychology/ University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Family Conflict, Relationship Concerns, Self-Esteem, Trauma and PTSD, Negative Behavioral Patterns
Clinical Interests: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Mindfulness, Strength-Based Approach, Attachment and Commitment Therapy(ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy(DBT)
Clinical Style: I work with youth and adults, couples, and families, utilizing a variety of evidence-based approaches that adhere to the individual’s current needs. Every individual faces a unique set of challenges and goals. Each client deserves access to high quality treatment in order to move towards increased self-determination and autonomy.
Personal Interests: I love fitness, and anything related to the mind-body connection. I enjoy taking runs, bike rides, basketball, and resistance training exercises. In my free-time I listen to music, travel, and spend time with close family and friends. I am also a dog lover…I have a Blue Heeler Sheltie Mix named “Ace”.
Mackenzie Moebius
Education: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UW-Stout, expected graduation date of May 2023
Specialties: Alcohol and other Drug Abuse, Crisis and Trauma
Clinical Interests: AODA, Trauma, Adults and youths. I take a person-centered approach to therapy.
Clinical Style: Building a relationship by having conversations to create a safe and welcoming environment. Psychodynamic and CBT approaches.
Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family. I love to camp, hike, swim, and spend time with friends as well.
Brianna Buehler
Education: Bachelor of Arts in Psychology – Concordia University Wisconsin 2020, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology – Cardinal Stritch University 2022
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Relationship Difficulties, Self-Esteem, Stress Management
Clinical Interests: I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Clinical Style: I believe in creating a safe and collaborative environment, working with each individual to find an approach that works. My ultimate goal is to create a space where an individual can feel supported and comfortable discussing anything they need while working together to address areas they wish to strengthen, embrace, overcome, or tackle. I view the client as the expert of their life, and my role is to provide tools and strategies that can help with managing life’s challenges.
Personal Interests: I am a big animal lover and have a mixed-breed pup named Darcy who I will gladly gush about. I enjoy being outside and go hiking, skiing, kayaking, and on long walks with my dog. I love to cook and bake, especially when I get to try out new recipes. When I have free time I like to read, watch movies or play video games with friends and family.
Laura Ceccato
Education: I received a Masters of Science in Community Counseling from Mount Mary University in 2010. I also received a Bachelor of Arts from Mount Mary in 2007 majoring in psychology and behavioral sciences with a minor in philosophy.
Specialties: Substance use disorders (Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse), anxiety, depression, grief and loss, gender-related concerns, co-occurring disorders, and trauma-related concerns.
Clinical Interests: I have many: The lifespan process, addiction, acceptance, spirituality, trauma, grief and loss, death and dying, gender identity, and perinatal support. But I can summarize and share that it’s important for me to keep learning and growing in the profession.
Clinical Style: My clinical style is to be authentic, genuine, and kind. Most people say that I’m easy to talk to and I’ve made them feel at ease in therapy. I can adapt to different modalities of therapy, but a Logotherapy approach is nearest to my heart. A major principle of logotherapy is to help people find or create meaning from their experiences. I strive to be a culturally competent person and I’d be the first to say that I am constantly learning, and welcome having conversations. I receptive to being taught in life. I consider my approach to be trauma informed (trauma sensitive), person-centered, and strength-based as well.
Personal Interests:I am a creative soul. I enjoy crafting of all kinds. I value a good game of cribbage too. I do love to get outdoors and explore. Nature can be so beautiful and mysterious. I am a mother too, so I can find peacefulness in enjoying just a quiet cup of coffee. I love movies and wish I could watch them more often. I have bowling in my genes, and I also love to ice skate (ice fall). On nice summer days, I enjoy taking my pet turtle out for walks. Turtles make the best therapists. They are fantastic listeners.
Kathryn Goldberg, LPC-IT
Education: I attended UW-Lacrosse and graduated in 2014 with my bachelor’s in Psychology with a minor in At-Risk youth. I then attended Capella University where I obtained my Master’s of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019.
Specialties: Anxiety, depression, anger management, grief/loss, working with youth, truama related experiences, relationship concerns, interpersonal conflict, self-esteem, and attachment-related concerns
Clinical Interests/Style: I use a person-centered, strength-based, and truama-informed approach with the individuals I work with to help convey empathy and build resiliency within each of them. I also utilize cognitive behavioral approaches with my clients to help bring a better awareness of the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. I enjoy working with individuals who have experienced some kind of truama in their life to help them come to a place where they are able to process that truama and then take steps towards healing. Seeing personal growth in each of the individuals I work with is what brings me joy and reinforces the passion I have in helping people.
Personal Interests: In my free time I really enjoy reading, going for walks/runs, spending time with my family and friends, and playing with my dog. I also really enjoy going hiking and kayaking in the summer and skiing in the winter and find that when I move my body, I feel rejuvenated and motivated in life.