Therapist Profiles
Heather Budzien, LPC CSAC
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 life transitions.
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. I 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!
Clinical Interests: I work primarily with adults and adolescents, but also enjoy working with families, couples, and some younger children. I work with individuals who have experienced extensive trauma and dissociation, with those experiencing adjustment concerns as well as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, and substance use concerns. I use an integrative approach in my therapy with techniques including cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed techniques, mindfulness, person-centered, psychodynamic, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), among others. I always want to be working in a helping profession where I’m continuously challenged and have a positive impact on others.
Karen Drexler, MS, LPC
Education: Master of Science— Education Counseling/Concordia University-Wisconsin, Mequon, WI; Bachelor of Arts— Journalism/University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI
Specialties:
Clinical Style:
Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, volunteering at a Farmer’s Market, working out, photography, and ballroom dancing with my husband.
Personal Interests: While not in session, I enjoy reading books, staying active at the gym and outside, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with my friends and family. I am a huge Milwaukee Brewers fan, so you can find me at the ballpark!
Ellie Georgetta, MS, LPC
Education: I received my bachelor’s degree from UW-La Crosse and my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University with a specialization in children and adolescents. In addition, I am a credentialed National Certified Counselor.
Specialties: I specialize in working with children and adolescents who may be experiencing anxiety disorders, mood disorders, past and current traumatic experiences, focus and attention difficulties, substance use, school and social stress as well as life transitions. I value partnering closely with young clients’ support systems to provide meaningful change in and out of the therapy space.
Clinical Style: My clinical style is tailored to each person’s unique needs through a Trauma Informed lens. I draw from Attachment Based Therapy, Play Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Person-Centered Techniques. I strive to create a space where young people and adults feel heard and respected, just as they are, while gaining the tools they need to thrive.
Personal Interests: I love spending time in nature and exploring new places! Anything to do with spending time outside, hiking, music, dancing, singing, and animals (especially my four cats) excites me!
Specialties: Trauma/PTSD, LGBTQIA+, dissociative disorders, anxiety, grief/loss, and mood disorders.
Aubrie Gorski, MS, LPC-IT
Education: Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling/University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; Trauma-Informed Care Certificate/University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
Clinical Interests: I enjoy working alongside individuals who strive to understand themselves in the context of their life experiences, roles, and identities. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, athletes, dissociative disorders, life transitions, and women’s issues.
Clinical Style: Relationally focused and trauma informed therapy with an emphasis on leaning into your strengths is extremely important to me. I enjoy utilizing mindfulness informed interventions, Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), harm reduction, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic techniques to support individuals in exploring themselves and the meaning of their experiences. Understanding you as the expert of your own life is a central focus of mine. I enjoy understanding what motivates and inspires you. My sessions are often grounded in openness, curiosity, and compassion.
Dr. Richard Hohfeler, PsyD
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.
Clinical Style: I am someone who loves to learn, so I often take classes and read about therapeutic issues in my spare time. There is always more to learn, especially when it comes to the human experience! One of the reasons why I continue to train in a variety of clinical approaches is because I do not believe that psychotherapy should feel like a “one-size-fits-all” approach. My main goals as a therapist are to meet you where you are at and find unique and personal ways to collaboratively work together. While I work hard to be trustworthy, I also feel that trust must be earned, and this can take time. I often employ the creative and compassionate use of stories, metaphors, and humor to create rapport with my clients. Although the prospect of healing is desirable on many levels, it can also feel quite scary and daunting, rather like getting lost in the wilderness of trauma. I strive to make the journey feel less intimidating and lonely.
Katharina Hren, MA, LPC
Education: MA in Foreign Language and Literature, UW-Milwaukee and Freie Universitaet, Berlin, Germany; MS Community Psychology, Alverno College; Certified Yoga and Mindfulness Teacher. I am a native speaker of both German and English. I have studied several foreign languages, as well as have traveled extensively. Before I became a psychotherapist, I worked in the non-profit and educational sectors.
Specialties: Trauma / PTSD; Sexual Abuse; Dissociative Disorders; Mindfulness/Meditation Practices; Somatic Psychology/Yoga; Sensorimotor Psychotherapy; Compassionate Inquiry with Gabor Mate; Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR); Clinical Hypnosis; Creative Writing/Journaling/Visual Art; Ecotherapy; Grief; Spirituality; Emotional Regulation Techniques
Clinical Interests: I enjoy working with people from all walks of life. I am an LGBTQ+ ally, and I care deeply about racial and multicultural issues. I work with both teens and adults.
Personal Interests: Yoga, Meditation, Philosophy, Walking in Nature, Poetry/Creative Writing, Travel.
Clinical Style: I see therapy as a collaborative process where we work together to better understand your experiences, challenges, strengths or just you as a whole. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to support you, ask thoughtful questions, and help you find what matters most to you. I often describe it like you’re the one driving the car, and I’m in the passenger seat. You’re choosing the direction and how fast we go, if we need to slow down or stop, while I’m here to help you notice things along the way, explore different routes, and stay with you through the twists and turns.
So, who are you? And where do you want to go?
Nicholas Kernen MA, LPC
Education: Master of Arts – Clinical Psychology/Cardinal Stritch University, Fox Point, WI; Bachelor of Arts – Psychology/University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI
Specialties: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma and PTSD, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem and Positivity, Sex-Positive, LGBTQIA+, Suicidal and Homicidal Ideation, Self-Harming, Personality Disorders, and Behaviorial Issues
Clinical Interests: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Play Therapy, Strengths Based, Attachment Based, Mindfulness. I also use psychoeducation frameworks to supplement my style and support clients.
Personal Interests: Spending time with my orange tabby, writing short stories, drawing anime, spending time with family and friends, experiencing new cultures/travelling, visiting nature preserves or botanical gardens, playing video games and tabletop games, and catching up on my favorite tv shows.
Personal Interests: Traveling, hiking, listening to music, watching movies, and spending time with her family and friends.
Chris Krzyston, MS, APSW
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.
Clinical Style: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strengths-Based Approach, Mindfulness, Holistic Approaches, Art Therapy.
Natalie Mayer, MSW, APSW
Education: Master’s of Social Work from UW-Milwaukee, Bachelor’s of Arts- English from UW-Whitewater.
Specialties: Trauma, depression, anxiety, adjustment concerns, stress management, women’s issues, LGBTQIA+.
Clinical Interests: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Strengths-Based Approach, Mindfulness, Holistic Approaches, Art Therapy.
Personal Interests: Crochet, jewelry making, painting, volleyball, exercising, adventures, movies, music, reading, cats, reptiles.
Clinical Style: I use a person-centered, culturally responsive approach grounded in harm reduction and tailor treatment to each client’s needs. My practice incorporates evidence-based treatment modalities: Trauma-Informed Care, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Mindfulness.
Specialties: Trauma, Women’s Issues, LGBTQIA+, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and Addiction.
Emily Miller, MSW, APSW
Education: Master of Social Work, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee; Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology, Carroll University.
Clinical Interests: I work with adults and youth from all walks of life and experience a variety of concerns. Including trauma (PTSD and CPTSD), domestic violence, relationship challenges, incarceration, substance use and addiction, depression, anxiety, self-esteem challenges, gender-affirming therapy, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and stress management.
Personal Interests: I love hiking, kayaking, and spending time outside. I consider myself a travel enthusiast; two of my favorite destinations are Amsterdam and Zion National Park. I enjoy balancing my adventures with quality time spent with my friends, family, and two cats.
Personal Interests: I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family. I love to camp, hike, swim, and spend time with friends as well.
Mackenzie Moebius, MS, LPC
Education: Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at UW-Stout
Specialties: Alcohol and other Drug Abuse, Crisis, and Trauma
Clinical Interests: AODA, Trauma, Adults, and youth.
Clinical Style: I take a person-centered approach to therapy. Building a relationship by having conversations to create a safe and welcoming environment. Psychodynamic and CBT approaches.
Clinical Style: Do you like to laugh? I do too. Humor is very important to my work as a therapist, and if it is important to you – you’re in the right place. Healing and growth can be uncomfortable, sad, and hard however, laughter plays an important role in healing.
Personal Interests: Travel, swimming, dancing, eating, cats, dogs, whales, gardening, nature, audiobooks, music, standup comedy, movies, TV, learning, podcasts, doodling, staring into space, and laying down.
Morgan Tonner, MS, LPC
Education: Knox College in Galesburg, IL – Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology; Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI – Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Specialties: Substance use disorders, trauma (PTSD and CPTSD), those who have been incarcerated, veterans, dissociative disorders, anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, LGBTQIA+, and cultural transplants, Certified in the administration of the Structured Interview of Psychosis Risk Syndromes (SIPS). Certified Gottman Method couples therapy – level I.
Clinical Interests: I emphasize the use of evidence-based treatment modalities: Somatic Processing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Psychodynamic therapy, Attachment based therapy, and Gottman’s Method. My approach revolves around person-centered and trauma informed practices.
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.
Personal Interests: In my spare time, I enjoy running. I have run several marathons including the Boston Marathon. I also write fiction and poetry.
Annette Towler, MSW, LCSW
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 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.
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.
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.
Personal Interests:I enjoy reading, traveling, vegetarian cooking, and spending time with my family, friends, and pets