Meet Our Team in Eau Claire, WI

The vision of Collaborative Counseling is to guide and inspire people to overcome the obstacles they face and strive towards their goals. Our goal is to help people bring more joy, laughter and love into their life. It is our mission to provide counseling that will help people live their lives to the fullest by supporting them through difficult times as well as teaching them skills that will allow them to make changes and progress towards a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life.

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Areas of Specialty

Anxiety

Depression

Family Dynamics

Relationship/Divorce Issues

Specialized in ages 8-50


Offering Telehealth only at this time

Kathy Guilhas

MS, LPC
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Kathy Guilhas MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Counseling, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Master of Science in Counseling, Texas A&M University - Commerce

Clinical Approach

Kathy is a Texas native, with roots in Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. She loves working with children, adolescents, young adults, and families. She is passionate about meeting her clients where they are on their personal journey and creating a safe space for them to take steps toward the changes they hope to make, body, mind, and spirit. With over 18 years of counseling experience, she considers it an honor to collaborate with her clients as a team to help navigate through the highs and lows that life can bring. Kathy believes in building a rapport with client’s and offers genuineness in sessions.

Kathy provides counseling for those dealing with the following concerns: stress management, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship issues and/or divorce, family dynamics, as well as family planning (infertility/postpartum, and grief). Kathy also takes a holistic approach to her work and incorporates clients spirituality and faith in session, if desired by clients.

Kathy’s clinical approaches are as follows: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems.

Kathy has worked in a variety of settings such as: psychiatric inpatient, adolescent residential care, foster care and adoption, day treatment for adolescents and adults, school-based, and out-patient/tele mental health individual, and family counseling.

Kathy attended The University of Texas A&M University – Commerce and received her degrees in the following:

Bachelor of Science degree and was a double major Psychology and Counseling

Master of Science degree in Counseling

While Kathy was attending college, she was able to participate in two of the activities she most enjoyed and that was working for the football team and learning to become a counselor.

In her spare time, Kathy loves to travel, go to the beach, watch football, drink coffee and read a good book, spend time with friends and family, and enjoy the simple things in life that bring her joy.

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Areas of Specialty

Depression

Anxiety

Trauma

Transitions

Specialized in ages 13+


Offering Telehealth & in office

Nicole Gardner

MS, LPC
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Nicole Gardner MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of Wisconsin - Stout

Clinical Approach

Nicole has experience working with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, addiction, relationship concerns, trauma, and other life experiences. She believes that each person has their own story that has shaped what they are currently experiencing. Through her work, she strives to foster a safe space where clients can tell their story, gain insight into how that has impacted them, and create a new reality that is more fulfilling. She utilizes various therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and narrative therapy.

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Areas of Specialty

Health and Wellness

Anxiety and Depression

Parent Coaching and Women's Issues

Personal Development

Specialized in ages 18+


Offering Telehealth & in office

Stephanie Thomas

MS, LPC
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Stephanie Thomas MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Master of Science, Mental Health Counseling- University of Wisconsin- Stout

Bachelor of Arts, Criminal Justice- University of Wisconsin- Oshkosh

Clinical Approach

Throughout my career I have worked with a variety of clients, both children and adults, with a range of concerns to include depression, anxiety, mood disorders, health and wellness/personal development, PTSD and trauma, parent coaching, ADHD, and many more. My primary desire as a therapist is to help people achieve their greatest potential and embrace their own self-worth. I am goal-oriented with a strengths-based focus, empowering clients to bring their desired changes into their lives.

My therapy style is interactive, compassionate, and empathic. The therapy approach I gravitate towards is eclectic in nature, meeting the client where they are at, and tailoring the approach to their unique needs. I tend to use a combination of Cognitive-Behavioral and Dialectical Behavioral therapy skill building strategies, in addition incorporate Person-Centered and Solution-Focused therapy as well. I also have experience using Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

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Areas of Specialty

Anxiety

Depression

Life Transitions

Identity Development

Specialized in ages 18-60


Offering Telehealth & in office

Katrina Mahan

MA, LPC
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Katrina Mahan MA, LPC

She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Master of Arts- Eastern Michigan University

Clinical Approach

Katrina enjoys working to empower clients and increase self compassion in a non judgmental environment. She aspires to provide a safe space for clients from a variety of backgrounds, including people of color and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Katrina works with clients with a range of presenting concerns including anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity development, self esteem, coping skills, and boundary setting / assertiveness skills. Katrina utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in her work with clients. She has experience working with adults of varying ages and has a particular interest in working with college students and young adults.

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Areas of Specialty

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma

Mood Regulation

Specialized in ages 16+


Offering Telehealth & in office

Karissa Meyer

MS, LPC
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Karissa Meyer MS, LPC

She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Development, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Marquette University

Clinical Approach

Karissa is a strength-based, person-centered therapist who believes in meeting clients where they are at in order to help discover and utilize their own personal strengths and motivations to create change in their lives. Karissa believes that a compassionate, accepting, and respectful therapeutic relationship is a key component to change and aims to create that type of environment in her office. Karissa also utilizes cognitive-behavioral skills in her practice. She has experience working in day treatment and outpatient settings with children, adolescents, and adults.

She works with a wide variety of presenting concerns including: anxiety, depression, trauma, mood regulation, behavioral concerns, family conflict, and identity concerns.

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Areas of Specialty

Individual Therapy

Teen Counseling

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Anxiety, Depression, Etc.

Specialized in ages 12-50


Offering Telehealth & in office

Rian Rahm

MS, LPC
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Rian Rahm MS, LPC

She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
Master of Science, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of Wisconsin-Stout

Clinical Approach

Rian's hope as a counselor is to provide a safe and welcoming environment to all clients. She believes in working alongside her clients as a guide to create an improved well-being in all aspects of their lives. Rian believes the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in creating change for her clients and also incorporates a cognitive-behavioral approach in her work. Rian has experience working in day treatment and outpatient settings, mostly with adolescents and their families.

She works with a wide variety of presenting concerns including: anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, and mood regulation.

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Areas of Specialty

Individual/Teen/Family Counseling

EMDR Therapy

Trauma

Anxiety & Depression

Specialized in ages 8+


Offering Telehealth & in office


Stephanie Nicolet

MS, LMFT
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Stephanie Nicolet MS, LMFT

She/Her/Hers Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, University of Wisconsin - La Crosse
Master of Science, Marriage and Family Therapy - Edgewood College

Clinical Approach

Stephanie aims to meet clients wherever they are in their journey to assist them with recognizing their own capabilities and finding effective solutions and healing. Stephanie has experience working in day treatment and outpatient treatment settings. She has a particular passion for working with teenagers and young adults. She has spent the majority of her career working with marginalized and traumatized youth.

Stephanie works with clients presenting with a wide range of conditions including: family dynamics, school issues, self-esteem/identity concerns, spirituality, trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, bereavement, healthy communication/assertiveness skills and Christian counseling. Stephanie is certified in TF-CBT, is DBT-informed and has co-lead an adult DBT group.

Stephanie counsels out of a person-centered philosophy centered on self-compassion and understanding. Stephanie draws from family systems theory and strength-based techniques to guide clients to a better understanding of themselves and to find healing.In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys spending time with her family, exercising, reading, and doing anything that makes her feel productive!

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Areas of Specialty

Mood Difficulties

Couples Counseling

Phase of Life Difficulties

Grief

Specialized in ages 18+


Offering Telehealth & in office

Cynthia Hunt

MSW, LCSW
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Cynthia Hunt MSW, LCSW

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

Bachelor's Degree from University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Master of Social Work, University of North Dakota

Clinical Approach

Cynthia’s clinical perspective is that everyone is capable of change and her approach is using each person’s strengths to increase hope in a non-judgmental setting. Cynthia is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked in the mental health and health care field for many years. She has helped all age groups and focuses on adults and couples. Her areas of interest include work conflict, mood difficulties, relationship difficulties, phase of life changes, grief and chronic medical issues. Cynthia uses a person-centered approach with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

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Areas of Specialty

Individual Counseling

Nutrition

Restorative Practice

Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, etc.

Specialized in ages 18-80


Offering Telehealth & in office

Mary Beth Patterson

MSW, LCSW
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Mary Beth Patterson MSW, LCSW

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

Master of Social Work, Minnesota State University - Mankato
Bachelor of Science in Dietetics, University of Wisconsin - Stout

Clinical Approach

Mary Beth brings years of experience in helping all ages with a variety of mental health as well as nutrition concerns. Mary Beth's approach is looking at the whole person and finding solutions together to bring peace, understanding, and happiness again. Mary Beth has extensive knowledge and skills in the areas of Depression, Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Grief, and Conflict Resolution. Her tools include Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR as well as Restorative Practice.

Mary Beth Patterson is a current Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Wisconsin and a former Registered Dietitian of 20 years. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mary Beth has worked in a variety areas of Crisis Management, School Social Work, and presently in private practice as a Mental Health Therapist. Mary Beth also has extensive knowledge in the areas of Nutrition, Mindfulness, and Well Being.

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Areas of Specialty

Trauma-Informed Therapeutic Care

Law Enforcement/First Responder

Child and Adolescent & Family

Mindfulness and EMDR

Specialized in ages 5-40


Offering Telehealth & in office

Danielle Ruff

MA, LPC
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Danielle Ruff MA, LPC

She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, University of Wisconsin - Stout
Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Lakeland University

Clinical Approach

Danielle is passionate about working therapeutically with children, adolescents, young adults and families. Danielle also provides individual trauma-informed therapeutic care for law enforcement, first responders, firefighter, medical and emergency personnel. These individuals will be met with compassion and guidance to create body/mind balance and process the intricate complexities, compassion fatigue and traumas their helping role can place them in. She strives to create an atmosphere of warmth, compassion, genuineness and respect. Her desire is to create a space where you feel safe to share your story free from judgment.

Danielle has an eclectic and trauma informed therapeutic style and uses a variety of approaches in her therapy. To walk alongside clients in a mindful, relational and holistic manner for integrated harmony and balance Danielle supports through play therapy, somatic guided therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and Polyvagal/mindfulness approaches. When your story finds a safe space to be shared, you can begin your journey to healing.

Danielle is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional specializing in developmental trauma, relational trauma and complex trauma. Advanced training in Internal Family Systems (IFS), international training in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and national certification in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) equips Danielle with unified knowledge to support and guide you in your therapy process.

Play based therapies with children ages 3+ are offered to foster increased self-esteem, social + emotional skillset and helping children adapt to the busy and ever-changing world they live in. Danielle also works with adolescents, young adults, adults and families for a variety of concerns to include: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, relational stress, PTSD, parenting enhancement and guidance, attachment and nurturing repair, parent/child interaction concerns and general life transitions.

Alongside her therapeutic practice, Danielle holds an Adjunct Professor faculty position through Lakeland University, a private Liberal Arts University, serving in the Master of Arts | Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She finds joy in teaching and learning alongside her graduate students. Danielle additionally hosts a trauma consultation on a monthly basis for mental health professionals.

In her free time she enjoys cooking, gardening, reading, yoga, traveling and spending time with her family.


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Areas of Specialty

EMDR and Trauma

Mood Disorders

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Abuse, Anxiety, Trauma, etc.

Specialized in ages 18-50


Offering Telehealth & in office


Emily Cotton

MSW, LCSW
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Emily Cotton MSW, LCSW

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

Bachelor of Art Degree, Lewis and Clark College - Portland, OR
Master's Degree in Social Work, University of Utah - Salt Lake City

Clinical Approach

Emily has worked in the mental health field for twenty years and gained clinical experience working in day treatment, hospital, jail, in-home family therapy, wilderness therapy and school-based outpatient therapy before joining the Collaborative team. Emily uses a trauma-informed mindset in her approach to help people with histories of physical, emotional and sexual abuse. She draws upon family systems theory to guide her work, and she incorporates cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness and strength-based techniques. Emily is an EMDRIA-trained certified EMDR therapist (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and continues to enhance her therapeutic skills with advanced EMDR trainings and consultations. Emily loves to incorporate humor into her work and strongly believes that the therapy experience ought to be down-to-earth and enjoyable. She welcomes people of all gender and sexual identities with open arms. Emily is passionate about yoga and gardening.

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Areas of Specialty

Child and Adolescent Therapy

EMDR and TF-CBT

Anxiety, Depression & Phase of Life Challenges

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Specialized in ages 3+


Offering Telehealth & in office

McKala McWilliams-Nehring

MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
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McKala McWilliams-Nehring MSW, LCSW, PMH-C

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

Bachelor of Arts, Psychology, St. Cloud State University
Master's Degree in Clinical Social Work, University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine

Clinical Approach

McKala enjoys working alongside clients to help individuals and families function to their fullest potential. Building relationships and trust are at the heart of McKala’s therapeutic practice, and she believes everyone has unique and resilient qualities that can be tapped into, especially during difficult times in life. She strives to create a safe, therapeutic environment, where clients feel accepted and understood. McKala has several areas of specialized training focused on trauma informed care, play therapy, and maternal mental health. She is passionate about providing services to individuals throughout the life span (ages 3 and older).

McKala completed training in Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) through The Southern Regional Children's Advocacy Center, Duke University learning collaborative, and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).

McKala is certified in perinatal health (PMH-C) provides specialized therapeutic care for mothers and fathers during the perinatal and postpartum period. She works to provide support and address symptoms ranging from adjustment to life changes to mood and anxiety disorders (and everything in between), in an empathetic and compassionate way.

McKala has experience using prescriptive play therapy techniques to help engage children in therapy in a way that makes sense to them. She has experience collaborating with parents and other providers to create the best treatment plan to help cultivate success and healing.

McKala utilizes an eclectic, client-centered approach to work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, life-transitions/adjustment, grief/loss, aging and a variety of other life changes.

McKala loves living in the Chippewa Valley with her family. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, and is active in her church and community. She enjoys creating memories every chance she gets through traveling, crafting, taking pictures, snuggling her dog, gardening, and enjoying a good cup of coffee. She wants you to know, "You are not alone...Healing is possible."

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What is Trauma Informed Care?

Trauma informed care has become a highly coveted model for treating people who have experienced traumatic experiences or events. Read more to learn about trauma and this form of treatment. What is Trauma? Trauma is defined as an emotional or psychological response to an event that is deeply distressing or disturbing. It can refer to […] The post What is Trauma Informed Care? appeared first o… [more+]