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.
Please note that all of our providers are independent contractors. Additionally, provider availability varies to please contact our administrative team to inquire about who is available for new clients.
Areas of Specialty
Anxiety
Depression
LGBTQIA+
Behavioral Issues
Specialized in ages 7+
Offering Telehealth & In office
Allyson (Ally) Brazier
MSW, APSWAllyson (Ally) Brazier MSW, APSW
She/Her/Hers Advanced Practice Social WorkerEducation
Master of Social Work - Saint Mary's University
Clinical Approach
Ally is a dedicated mental health therapist passionate about guiding individuals on their journey to emotional well-being and personal growth. With a profound belief in the transformative power of therapy, she is committed to creating a safe and empathetic environment where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Ally's therapeutic style is collaborative, warm, and non-judgmental. She believes in the strength and resilience within each individual, and is here to provide support, guidance, and practical tools to help you navigate life's challenges. Ally specializes in working with individuals struggling with life transitions, anxiety, depression, self-harm, stress management, relationship issues, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Ally is an Advanced Practice Social Worker who received her Master of Social Work through Saint Mary's University. Ally has worked in a variety of mental health settings including skills work with adolescents, continuing education, and county mental health.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Infant/ Early Childhood Mental Health
Childhood Trauma
Anxiety
Developmental Disabilities
Specialized in ages 0-11
Offering In office only at this time
Melissa Haas
MSW, LCSW, IMH-E ®Melissa Haas MSW, LCSW, IMH-E ®
She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Infant Mental Health SpecialistEducation
Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy and Philosophy - Mount Mary University
Master of Social Work - University of Wisconsin-Madison
Clinical Approach
Melissa is passionate about helping young children and families thrive. She believes all children do well when they can- and caregivers too. As a practicing occupational therapist for 24 years, she sees the intersectionality of mental and physical health, leading to additional education to become a licensed clinical social worker.
Melissa has extensive training in sensory integration and social-emotional development in children. She has an eclectic approach utilizing mindfulness, body-based activities, and play to promote emotion regulation for children while supporting caregivers as experts of their child.
She completed the UW-Madison Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health Capstone Certificate Program and is endorsed by the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health (WI-AIMH) as an Infant Mental Health Specialist.
Her clinical interests include: Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing. She is experienced in the assessment and relational support of infants and very young children and their caregivers.
In her free time, Melissa enjoys cooking, biking, traveling, and hiking. In the summer she especially enjoys watching baseball games and wearing out her active dog.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Areas of Specialty
Complex Trauma
Emotional Regulation
Intergenerational Trauma
Brainspotting
Personality Disorders
Specialized in ages 18+
Offering Telehealth & in office
Lisa Wilson
MSW, LCSWLisa Wilson MSW, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation
Masters in Clinical Social Work degree - University of Wisconsin Madison
Bachelors in Sociology degree - University of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Clinical Approach
Lisa takes a solutions-focused, trauma informed approach to therapy. She enjoys incorporating somatic work into the trauma healing process. Other therapeutic approaches include DBT, polyvagal/mind-body connection, narrative, psychodynamic, internal family systems and emotionally focused therapy. Lisa likes to explore the various social systems at play in your life to understand you as a person holistically. She is an LGBTQ+ identified clinician and has an anti-opressive lens.
Lisa aims to make a genuine connection with each client. Her style in session is authentic, honest, compassionate and non-judgmental. She works with you to create an individualized action plan to help you reach your unique goals.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Anxiety
Depression
Family Dynamics
Relationship/Divorce Issues
Specialized in ages 8-50
Offering Telehealth only at this time
Kathy Guilhas
MS, LPCKathy Guilhas MS, LPC
Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Counseling - Texas A&M University, Commerce
Master of Science degree 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.
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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Depression
Anxiety
Trauma
Transitions
Specialized in ages 16-60
Offering Telehealth & in office
Nicole Gardner
MS, LPCNicole Gardner MS, LPC
Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Master of Science degree in 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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas 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, LPCStephanie Thomas MS, LPC
Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling- University of Wisconsin, Stout
Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice - University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
Clinical Approach
Stephanie’s approach to therapy is focused on connecting with clients in an empathic, authentic, and compassionate way. She creates a therapeutic environment that is free of judgement, filled with understanding, and holds space for healing and growth. She has a background that includes serving a wide variety of clients across different settings and brings an eclectic, holistic, and wellness-based style to sessions. By using a combination of approaches, Stephanie hopes for clients to feel empowered to make changes that align with their values, experience meaningful improvements to their sense of well-being, and ultimately have renewed sense of vitality in their lives.
Therapy modalities used include but are not limited to; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Positive Psychology, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Approaches, and Solution-Focused therapy. Stephanie is passionate about health, wellness, spirituality, and mindfulness. She enjoys exercising, spending time with her family, the outdoors, reading, and embracing the simple things in life.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Anxiety
Depression
Life Transitions
Identity Development
Specialized in ages 18-60
Offering Telehealth & in office
Katrina Mahan
MA, LPCKatrina Mahan MA, LPC
She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Master of Arts degree - Eastern Michigan University
Clinical Approach
Katrina utilizes a short term solution focused approach in her work 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, life transitions, identity development, self esteem, grief and loss, concerns related to family of origin, and boundary setting / assertiveness skills. Katrina utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Person-Centered Approaches, 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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Anxiety
Depression
Trauma
LGBTQ
Specialized in ages 18+
Offering Telehealth & in office
Karissa Meyer
MS, LPCKarissa Meyer MS, LPC
She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Development - University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Master of Science degree in 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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Individual Therapy
Anxiety and Depression
Life Transitions
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Specialized in ages 18-60
Offering Telehealth & in office
Rian Rahm
MS, LPCRian Rahm MS, LPC
She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Bachelor's degree in Psychology - University of Wisconsin, Green Bay
Master of Science degree in 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 the therapeutic relationship is the most important factor in creating change for her clients while empowering clients to recognize their ability to do so. Rian's emphasis in cognitive-behavioral therapy allows clients to gain awareness into their thoughts and feelings, which ultimately provides clients with a sense of control in making the best choices for themselves and their overall well-being. Rian works with a wide variety of presenting concerns including: anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and interpersonal relationships.
Rian likes to bring authenticity into the therapy experience and tailoring the energy to fit each client's needs. In her free time, Rian loves to spend time with her husband and their 3 young children, jamming out to some good music, and rooting for all Wisconsin sports teams!
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Individual/Teen/Family Counseling
EMDR Therapy
Trauma
Anxiety & Depression
Specialized in ages 11+
Offering Telehealth & in office
Stephanie Nicolet
MS, LMFTStephanie Nicolet MS, LMFT
She/Her/Hers Licensed Marriage and Family TherapistEducation
Bachelor's degree in Psychology - University of Wisconsin, La Crosse
Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy - Edgewood College
Clinical Approach
Stephanie aims to assist clients with recognizing their own capabilities and finding effective solutions and healing. She has a particular passion for working with teenagers and young adults.
Stephanie works with clients presenting with a wide range of conditions including: school issues, self-esteem/identity concerns, spirituality, trauma, emotional dysregulation, anxiety, depression, bereavement, healthy communication/assertiveness skills, family dynamics and Christian counseling. Stephanie is certified in TF-CBT and is DBT and IFS informed. She is also trained in EMDR.
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!
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Mood Difficulties
Couples Counseling
Phase of Life Difficulties
Grief
Specialized in ages 18+
Offering Telehealth & in office
Cynthia Hunt
MSW, LCSWCynthia Hunt MSW, LCSW
She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation
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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas 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, LCSWMary Beth Patterson MSW, LCSW
She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation
Master of Social Work degree - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Bachelor of Science degree 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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Attachment + Trauma Therapeutic Healing
Law Enforcement/First Responder
Mindfulness, EMDR, Brainspotting
Somatic/Polyvagal/IFS-Informed
Specialized in ages 5-40
Offering Telehealth & in office
Danielle Ruff
MA, LPCDanielle Ruff MA, LPC
She/Her/Hers Licensed Professional CounselorEducation
Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology - University of Wisconsin, Stout
Master of Arts degree 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), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems/Parts Work (IFS) and Polyvagal/mindfulness approaches. When your story finds a safe space to be shared and held, 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 and ongoing knowledge to support and guide you in your therapy process.
Danielle works with children, 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, general life transitions and overall helping individuals feel heard and seen while they adapt to the busy and ever-changing world they live in.
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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas 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, LCSWEmily Cotton MSW, LCSW
She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation
Bachelor of Arts 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 over 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.
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionAreas of Specialty
Child and Adolescent Therapy
EMDR and TF-CBT
Anxiety, Depression & Phase of Life Challenges
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Specialized in ages 8+
Offering Telehealth & in office
McKala McWilliams-Nehring
MSW, LCSW, PMH-CMcKala McWilliams-Nehring MSW, LCSW, PMH-C
She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social WorkerEducation
Bachelor of Arts degree in 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."
Click "Join Session" below to enter your therapist’s virtual waiting room.
If you do not have a scheduled session at this time, please call 763-210-9966 to schedule an appointment.
Join SessionNews &
Information
from
Collaborative Counseling
View our Blog
Declutter Your Mind, Declutter Your Life: The Link Between Organization and Well-being
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the constant influx of information, tasks, and responsibilities. Amidst this chaos, organization emerges as a powerful tool for cultivating a sense of calm, clarity, and overall well-being. How Does Organization Boost Well-being? Practical Tips for Getting Started Remember, organization is a journey, not a destination. […] The p… [more+]