Michelle Murray, MSW, LCSW, SUD, ICS, EMDR I & II, SEP-IT

mmurray@forward-counseling.com

Welcome to Forward Counseling & Consultation, where healing and growth are at the forefront of our practice. Meet Michelle (she/her/hers), the founder and owner, a dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Independent Clinical Supervisor with a Substance Abuse Specialty and over 25 years of invaluable experience. Michelle’s journey in the mental health field has been rich and diverse, with a background deeply rooted in community advocacy and support. Her expertise spans crisis intervention, case management, and psychotherapy, particularly within agencies addressing interpersonal violence and mental health issues. With a passion for helping individuals facing both mental health and substance abuse disorders, Michelle offers compassionate individual and group therapy sessions, tailored to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. As a Long-Term Lecturer at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Social Work, she shares her knowledge and wisdom with students, teaching classes on assessing and treating adults, substance use disorders, and working with individuals, families, and groups. Michelle’s commitment to professional growth and community support extends beyond the therapy room. She provides individual and group supervision, community education, workshops, and consultation services, covering a wide array of topics including Moral Distress in Healthcare, CBT for psychosis, Trauma, Substance Use, and Interpersonal Violence. With advanced training in trauma and certifications in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing I&II and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner in training, Michelle offers a holistic approach to healing. She incorporates evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Activation, Mindfulness Practices, and Strengths-Based Motivational Interviewing into her sessions. Michelle’s unique style fosters a safe and trusting environment, empowering individuals to realize their full potential and reach their personal goals. She believes in addressing the “whole person,” acknowledging their spiritual, physical, and social needs on the path to wellness. With a perfect balance of challenge and support, Michelle guides her clients towards long-term change and overall wellness.

Michael Walmer, MS, LPC, SUD, EMDR I & II

mwalmer@forward-counseling.com

Mike (he/him/his) is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Substance Use Specialty, who has experience working with individuals to address a variety of mental health and substance use concerns. Mike graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and an emphasis in substance use treatment. Mike has received specialized training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), trauma informed treatment, and substance use treatment, and has experience providing individual and group psychotherapy, case management, medication-assisted treatment, and clinical supervision. Mike has experience as a Clinical Team Leader in an outpatient mental health center and has worked in the Janesville and Madison communities for the past several years, providing client centered, strengths based treatment to a variety of populations, to treat issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, schizophrenia, and substance use disorders. Through treatment modalities such as EMDR, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered therapies, Michael works with individuals to help them mobilize their own resources, and use their own strengths and abilities to learn, cope, adapt, and grow in their recovery.

Becky Hiller, MS, LMFT, SUD, EMDR I & II

bhiller@forward-counseling.com

Becky (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Substance Abuse Specialty, and specialized training in Trauma Informed Care.  She has worked in Madison as a social worker since 2008, and has provided psychotherapy for the past five years in a community agency setting.  She has a strong understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities, and resources available in Dane County. She has experience providing individual, group, and couples counseling. Her approach as your therapist will be straightforward, compassionate, and collaborative. She uses a mind-body approach to help individuals access their natural ability to heal from psychological and physical symptoms. Specifically, she provides treatment that utilizes techniques from Expressive Arts Therapy, guided imagery, mindful breath and movement, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR).  She specializes in helping clients: heal attachment wounds, shift stuck emotional/relational patterns, regain control from substance use, increase confidence in managing overwhelming emotions, and heal from traumatic experiences.  Becky works with individuals, couples/families, groups and enjoys family systems work.  Becky is a passionate and consistent provider, showing up for clients in each session, and working collaboratively with individuals to navigate their personal path towards healing.

Annette Haas, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II

ahaas@forward-counseling.com

Annette (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work at University of Wisconsin-Madison.

“Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.” – Brene Brown Effective therapy requires attunement to ourselves and being present with all the parts of ourselves. By tuning into ourselves we begin to notice the narratives that we have formed to interpret our experiences. While these narratives can help us understand the world around us they do not define us. Annette works to support clients in attuning to themselves through recognizing, listening, and attending to all parts of yourself which will lead to healing and growth. She will work with you to revise old narratives in a way that better suits you. A foundation for this growth and the self-exploration needed requires a trusting therapeutic relationship. Annette support clients through compassionate listening and non-judgmental presence. She works to support clients in finding the inner wisdom they possess and help them discover their own light. She offers individual therapy services to adults (ages 18+). Annette frequently work with clients who have experienced traumatic events, grief and loss, have experienced a major life transition, and those who experience anxiety disorders. She is a trained Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapist, which is a therapy that uses eye movements to help individuals heal from the symptoms of emotional distress caused by disturbing life experiences. She’s trained in levels I & II. Annette also incorporates the use of mindfulness based cognitive behavioral therapy, somatic based interventions, and narrative therapy into her practice. Some of her previous work has been in community based mental health and counseling and advocacy work for those impacted by sexual violence.

Amanda Henschel, MSW, LCSW, SUD, EMDR I & II

ahenschel@forward-counseling.com

Amanda (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Substance Abuse Specialty, and specialized training in trauma treatment. She graduated from the University of Illinois-Chicago with her Masters in Social Work. Amanda has a passion for working with underserved communities and started her career in Chicago, providing in home therapy and case management support to individuals struggling with severe mental illness, addiction, and homelessness. She also has experience working with survivors of interpersonal violence, medication assisted treatment for opiate addiction, and a variety of other mental health and substance use concerns. Outside of her work with Forward Counseling, Amanda currently holds a position at an outpatient mental health center, as a therapist and a supervisor for clinical interns completing their Masters program. Her therapy approach is compassionate and client centered, empowering clients to take the lead in their own treatment and matching methods to meet each individual’s unique needs. In her work, she utilizes a number of therapy approaches and evidenced based practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Amanda strives to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and supportive therapeutic environment for healing and growth. She believes that each person has the strengths and resources they need within themselves to reach their recovery goals.  

Jake Schuldies, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II

jschuldies@forward-counseling.com

Jake (he/him/his) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience working with teens and adults who have experienced trauma, anxiety, and concerns about their sexual behavior and interests. He has provided psychotherapy and supportive services in the community and inpatient settings including the development and implementation of adapted programming for neurodivergent individuals and supervised an evidenced-based inpatient treatment program for individuals who have engaged in harmful sexual behaviors. Jake has assisted in facilitating research on the effect of trauma in harmful sexual interests and the efficacy of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to reduce these interests.  He currently instructs a graduate-level mental health policy course at the Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Because of his background in Computer Science and Information Technology, Jake is particularly passionate about helping teen and adult clients use the internet and technology safely. In his work, he utilizes a number of evidenced based approaches and practices including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR level I and II trained). He is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia. Jake has a deep understanding of the challenges that people who have experienced trauma face and is committed to providing a safe and supportive space where his clients can heal and grow. He believes that everyone has the capacity to heal and live a full and meaningful life.

Britt Gilles, MSW, LCSW, EMDR I & II

bgilles@forward-counseling.com

Britt (she/her/hers) is committed to cultivating a compassionate and holistic therapeutic environment. Drawing on her deep understanding of the societal, cultural, and economic obstacles individuals encounter, Britt views therapy as a guiding process to assist clients in navigating life’s complexities and achieving greater self-awareness. Central to Britt’s therapeutic philosophy is the recognition of the importance of identity in the journey towards recovery. She fosters an open and collaborative space where clients are empowered to explore their identities and pursue personal growth and healing. Britt’s professional experiences, particularly her work with survivors of intimate partner violence and individuals coping with attachment disorders, trauma, and various mental health diagnoses, have provided her with invaluable insights. Her extensive background in crisis interventions, counseling, and advocacy for clients dealing with addiction and mental health concerns further enhances her therapeutic practice. With a master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Britt’s academic focus has been on supporting individuals grappling with addiction and pervasive mental health symptoms. She integrates evidence-based interventions and uses aspects of Internal Family Systems, EMDR I & II, Somatic Experiencing, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a Psychotherapist and Independent Skills Developer, Britt prioritizes establishing a safe and nurturing space where clients can freely express themselves and collaboratively work towards their goals.  Known for her mindful practice, thoughtfulness, and unwavering belief in the potential for healing, Britt’s approach is characterized by empathy, empowerment, and profound respect for each client’s unique journey towards recovery and personal growth.

Ann Frisella, MS, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, SEP-IT, Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200)

afrisella@forward-counseling.com

Ann (she/her/hers) completed her Master’s degree in Counseling at University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and holds a Master’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  Ann worked as a community-based case manager in Madison and, previously, Minneapolis over the past 7 years while continuing her education as a professional counselor, Registered Yoga Teacher and being trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP). She believes in the healing power of relationships and emphasizes a body centered approach to treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, chronic pain, trauma, and addiction. Ann focuses in on how the body holds onto stories and memories that we can’t specifically recall in a different way than traditional talk therapy, which often struggles to fully process the pieces that tend to show up in the body. She works integrates the body through movement and expressive arts and believes strongly one can move recovery forward by improving emotional capacity and the body’s ability to prepare for and manage stress. Ann relies primarily on Somatic Experiencing techniques to support clients with learning more about themselves, understanding their nervous system and regulation, sensations and emotional response, and ways of coping to effectively release trauma activation in the body.

Dana Goodman, MS, LPC, SUD, Yoga Teacher (YTT-200)

dgoodman@forward-counseling.com

Life presents us with beauty and chaos, hope and loss, confidence and uncertainty. Together we can navigate these dichotomies and find your balance. My therapy style is person centered and holistic, focusing on the dynamic factors that make you unique and authentic. I believe in treating everyone with respect, non-judgment, unconditional positive regard, sensitivity and compassion. I will fully open my heart, mind and healing efforts in the direction of your goals. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing techniques. I offer specialty care in spirituality, somatic healing, hope as a cognitive process, positive psychology, emotional and creative expression, lifting ancestral burdens, grief and readjustment to new roles in life. It is my belief that you are your own best expert and the answers to your questions lie within; it is with my expertise that we will tease out these nuggets of internal wisdom to help light up your authentic path towards your brighter future! Thank you for exploring the first steps towards seeking support! Are you a person wanting to connect, grow, change, divulge, examine, unearth, challenge and manifest? “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf” Jon Kabat-Zinn

The time is now! Surfs up!!

Bethany Woychik, MSW, LCSW, SAC-IT, EMDR I & II

bwoychik@forward-counseling.com

Bethany (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Substance Abuse Counselor – In Training (SAC-IT). She has a Master of Social Work Degree with a specialization in Mental Health from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and has earned certificates in Substance Use Disorders Counseling, Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Grief Support. She is EMDR Level I & 2 trained and is an Internal Family Systems (IFS) Level 2 trained therapist through the IFS Institute.

Bethany has experience with inpatient and outpatient community mental health and substance abuse treatment, as well as residential services for those with developmental disabilities and other challenges. Bethany welcomes all parts of her clients into session and seeks to hold therapeutic space as they deepen their Self-to-part connections. She feels privileged to work with people as they progress through the stages of change and finds value in normalizing that change can be scary! Together, she collaborates with her clients to find a path forward that feels safe for the various parts of themselves. Bethany specializes in working with: Addiction, trauma (including religious trauma), depression and anxiety, domestic violence, grief and bereavement, ambivalence, LGBTQIA2S+, career and educational changes, people who are disabled, and loved ones of people who are disabled.

Emma Zeldin, MA, MFT-IT, EMDR I & II

ezeldin@forward-counseling.com

Emma Zeldin (they/them), MA, MFT-IT, is a Marriage and Family Therapist in training specializing in neurodivergent affirming care and providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals.  Emma works with couples, families, and individuals of all ages.  Their educational background includes master’s degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College and Educational Policy Studies from UW-Madison.  Utilizing a client-centered and systemic approach, Emma creates a safe and supportive space for you to navigate the many influences in your life and find your own personal path. They adapt treatment approaches to each client using a variety of techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Narrative Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Emma is Gottman Level 1 trained and an active member of AAMFT. They are EMDR 1 & 2 trained. They are a nurturing and compassionate provider who will work with you to find and meet your therapy goals.  Emma believes that we can all discover our own resilience.  They provide a trusting environment where you can grow at your own pace. In addition to long-term therapeutic services, Emma offers assessments and letter writing for gender-affirming surgeries for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive individuals. For additional information on obtaining an assessment and working with Emma please review FCC’s webpage for more information.

Alex Berg, MFT-IT

aberg@forward-counseling.com

Alex (she/hers) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in training who conceptualizes client issues on a systemic level, meaning that she considers every facet of a client’s life. This includes anything from family history and relationships to socioeconomic status, as they are all impactful for clients as they navigate what life throws at them. Using a systemic lens allows Alex to treat individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan. Alex works with a wide variety of concerns including (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma, infidelity, polyamory, divorce, and co-parenting within families. While Alex welcomes anyone into session with her, she has a strong interest in treating perinatal clients who may be experiencing anxiety during pregnancy, postpartum depression, birth trauma, or infertility. Alex also enjoys working with couples needing support with premarital counseling, polyamory, and/or ongoing gridlocked conflict. Alex believes her role as a therapist is to create a safe, client-led space where she can facilitate change and growth in areas that serve her clients. Through her use of humor and direct communication style, Alex pushes her clients to reach their therapy goals. If you feel ready to step outside your comfort zone and work toward cultivating growth in a safe environment, Alex would love to hear from you!

Stephanie Daugherty, MSW, CISW

sdaugherty@forward-counseling.com

Stephanie Daugherty (she/her/hers) is a Certified Independent Social Worker and Psychotherapist in training with a decade of experience in healthcare, mental health and community-based practice. Stephanie appreciates that for clients, safety is the first step to healing. She provides psychotherapy to adults from an intersectional lens with awareness of multi-layered systems of oppression. Stephanie serves clients with concerns of relationship and interpersonal difficulty, self esteem and identity, life transitions and adjustment, and navigating the loss of loved ones. She provides psychotherapy for mood disorders, trauma and stressor-related disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and grief. Stephanie is passionate about bringing nature and grounding to office practice, and incorporating holistic and integrative approaches to treatment. She is fond of bringing arts and creative self-expression to psychosocial interventions. She has received training in Mindfulness and Self-Compassion, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. She is dedicated to supporting clients in their return to wholeness. Stephanie is proud of her lesbian identity and is committed to uplifting the LGBTQ+ community. When she is not working, Stephanie enjoys being in the woods, playing tennis, reading poetry, and spending time with family and friends.

Cassie Rackow, Administrative Intake Coordinator

info@forward-counseling.com

Cassie (she/her/hers) serves as our dedicated office administrative intake coordinator here at Forward, bringing with her an original background in marketing. She is actively pursuing further education in mental health counseling, showcasing her commitment to continuous personal and professional development. Since her formative years, Cassie has consistently demonstrated a remarkable level of empathy, a quality that has significantly shaped her perspective on the critical importance of establishing a safe space for open dialogue and emotional expression. Her unwavering belief is that everyone should have access to a nurturing environment where they can explore, discuss, and cultivate their feelings. In addition to her professional endeavors, Cassie channels her creativity into the realm of painting. Beyond this, she finds relaxation in immersing herself in the world of films and regularly attends stand-up comedy shows. Approachable and always prepared to extend a helping hand, Cassie values the impact of a friendly greeting and actively seeks to foster meaningful connections within our professional community. If you see her around the office, don’t be shy, say hello! 

Koda Murray, Therapy Dog- IT