Michelle Murray, Clinical Director, MSW, LCSW, SUD, ICS, EMDR Consultant-in-Training, SEP-IT, CYT 200

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, Somatic Experiencing and Yoga. 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.

Koda Ko, Therapy Dog-IT

Hey there, I’m Koda Ko, the three-year-old therapy dog who is in-training at Forward Counseling. Found abandoned at just 1.5 months old with 19 other pups, I was lucky when a rescue group from Madison saved me. After a short time in foster care, I found my forever home with my mom Michelle. Life’s been pawsome ever since! My mom says I’m a good boy and can really help people. I’ve embraced my role at Forward Counseling with wagging tails and open paws, spreading love and comfort. My presence truly makes a difference, greeting patients with a wagging tail and a smile. Despite my rocky start, I’ve become a smart, intuitive, and lively companion. As you can see from my picture, I take time to relax between appointments and I’m not just about work. I bring fun to the team with my playful antics and in my spare time I like to be in nature and cohabitate with my outdoor friends. As Forward Counseling’s beloved therapy dog, I’m here to make a difference, because love and resilience always prevails! Just remember to be patient with me while I learn the ropes!

Michael Walmer, MS, LPC, SUD, EMDR Trained

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 Trained

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 Trained

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 Trained, IFS Level 1

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) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). 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 Trained

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 Trained, SEP-IT, IFS Level 1

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. She is also trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) 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.

Bethany Woychik, MSW, LCSW, EMDR Trained, IFS Level 2, Brainspotting Phase I&II

bwoychik@forward-counseling.com

Bethany (she/her/hers) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). 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 Level 2 trained in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) through the IFS institute, Phase 1 & 2 trained in Brainspotting, and Level 1 & 2 trained in EMDR. Bethany also offers Preparation and Integration for Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). 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 honored 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 and empowering 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 “Nova” Zeldin, MA, LMFT, EMDR Trained

ezeldin@forward-counseling.com

Emma “Nova” Zeldin (they/them), MA, LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in neurodivergent affirming care and providing a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals.  Nova 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, Nova 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). Nova 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. Nova 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, Nova 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 Nova please review FCC’s webpage for more information.

Mishell Varecka, MS, LPC

mvarecka@forward-counseling.com

Mishell Varecka (she/her) is a Licensed Professional Counselor who provides individual services across the lifespan, from children and adolescents of any age to adults. She attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn her Master of Science in Counseling degree and was part of the 2025 cohort of the Infant, Early Childhood, and Family Mental Health Capstone Certificate Program. Mishell identifies as multiracial and from a low income background, and these identities deeply inform her approach to therapy. She is passionate about supporting other multiracial individuals and those who may feel they do not fit into the boxes of expectations and assumptions placed upon them. She has spent her counseling career working in spaces that have centered and affirmed marginalized identities, and she strives to create a space where every client’s unique experiences and perspectives are seen and valued. She prioritizes transparency in the therapy room and centers the therapeutic relationship as therapy cannot occur without trust. Attending therapy is a courageous act as therapy reflects our lives and experiences back to us. As the person supporting you in this reflection, Mishell offers honesty, understanding, directness, and compassion. Her areas of interest include work with identity exploration, anxiety, autism, parenting concerns, college student experiences, the perinatal population, processing childhood experiences, and with any client looking for a deeper understanding of themselves. Mishell welcomes clients from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances, and encourages those who feel a resonance with her approach to reach out and explore whether you might be a good fit together. “We will find the key to our liberation only when we accept that what we once did to survive is now destroying us.” – Laura van Dernoot Lipsky 

Bri Buhr, MS, LPC

bbuhr@forward-counseling.com

Bri Buhr (any or no pronouns) enjoys singing and swimming for fun during free time. Some of Bri’s identities include being queer, nonbinary/gender fabulous, and White. As a therapist, Bri uses person-centered and creative approaches. This means Bri will follow your lead, work to understand the challenges you are experiencing, and join you in finding new and more flexible ways to navigate situations. Bri provides therapy for clients experiencing anxiety, gender transitions, neurodivergence, challenges in relationships, bullying, and systemic oppression. Bri believes that well-being can be cultivated inside oneself, in the therapeutic relationship, and within community. Oppression creates barriers and is oftentimes part of what causes distress. Bri collaborates with clients to externalize harmful messages, come up with creative coping strategies, and practice navigating and/or disrupting harmful systems in ways that center your well-being.

Alex Berg, MS, LMFT, EMDR Trained

aberg@forward-counseling.com

Alex (she/hers) is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist 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, trained in EMDR, 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!

Lena Parish, MS, MFT-IT

lparish@forward-counseling.com

Lena (she/they) is a Marriage and Family Therapist-in-Training with a background in human development and holds a core belief that we are always growing, emotionally, relationally, and in our capacity for connection. She holds an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College and a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from UW–Madison. Lena has supported individuals, couples, families, and children across various life stages, bringing warmth and curiosity to each. They value the richness of working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, neurodivergent identities, LGBTQIA+, and intersecting lived experiences, including those navigating trauma and identity exploration. Lena believes healing happens in relationships, with those closest to us and with our relationship to ourselves. She helps clients uncover the patterns that shape them, guiding them toward more clarity, peace, and connection. Lena holds space for transformation that honors both your history and your future. She believes therapy is a space to remember who we are and imagine what’s possible together. Lena is currently completing Gottman Level 1 training and is expanding their expertise in ADHD, trauma-informed care, somatic approaches, and Internal Family Systems (IFS). They are drawn to Forward Counseling’s holistic approach and are excited to continue growing alongside

Stephanie Daugherty, MSW, APSW

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.

Jonathan Drewsen, MS, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, NCC, IFS Level 1

jdrewsen@forward-counseling.com

Jonathan Drewsen, MS, LPC-IT, SAC-IT, NCC, is a mental health counselor who believes each person has the innate wisdom for self-healing, growth, and transformation. Jonathan uses an Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach to aid his clients in connecting with themselves more deeply, healing past wounds, and claiming more Self-leadership. His main interest is in working with men and male-identifying clients to live into a form of masculinity that feels authentic and true, while wrestling with life and relationship challenges they face, whether that’s as an adult child, a parent, a spouse, a co-worker, or a friend. Jonathan’s hope is to walk with his clients on a journey of self discovery and understanding, where they are able to live more authentically. Jonathan is currently accepting new clients of all gender expressions ages 18+.

Outside of his role as a counselor, Jonathan enjoys tending to his garden, hiking, camping, and needlepointing. He is the proud dad of one human and one dog.

Alej Perez-Kohl, MS, LMFT, EMDR Trained

aperezkohl@forward-counseling.com

Alej Perez-Kohl (they/them) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides affirming
care for LGBTQIA2S+ and multiracial/multicultural individuals. Alej graduated from Edgewood
University with an MS in marriage and family therapy. Alej previously worked in community
mental health for several years, centering marginalized clients and building a practice founded
on cultural humility and accessibility. Alej’s trauma-informed, client-centered approach integrates
Narrative Therapy, Collaborative Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, as well as
somatic and mindfulness practices. Alej values a decolonized, intersectional, justice and
liberation-centered therapy practice that is both gentle and direct. Alej meets you where you’re
at to collaborate on identifying the best path forward: To understand your story, how it’s told, and
how it may shift. Alej believes that a better understanding of ourselves leads to better
experiences in community with others. Alej works with individuals ages 16+. Alej provides care for clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, acute and chronic stress, systemic oppression, grief, loss, relational distress/conflict, and neurodivergence. They have a special
focus in identity exploration and integration for those experiencing friction in their intersecting identities. Alej additionally provides letter of readiness for transgender and gender expansive clients. You can expect Alej’s space to be neurodivergent, poly/CNM/ENM, and kink affirming.

Jamie Jacobson, MS, MFT-IT, MFA

jjacobson@forward-counseling.com

Jamie is a Marriage and Family Therapist in training working with children, adolescents, and adults (ages 7 and up), specifically specializing in depression, anxiety, and safety concerns. Jamie graduated with an MS in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College, and an MFA from the University of Wisconsin – Madison with an occupational background in art and education. Jamie believes in a collaborative, trauma informed, strengths-based approach to therapy founded in systemic practices and ideologies. Specific modalities include Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – all working together to encourage emotional and mental skill building. Jamie also utilizes art and writing exercises in treatment to encourage self-expression, self-esteem building, and assist with processing difficult emotions/experiences. Jamie is committed to meeting every individual where they are, while also taking into account wider economic, sociopolitical, and cultural contexts.

Rachel Overholt, MS, LMFT

roverholt@forward-counseling.com

Rachel (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who provides compassionate care for adults navigating life’s many challenges. Rachel received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood University. Rachel has over 12 years of experience working in community mental health in various roles, including outpatient, in-home, and community settings. Rachel sees clients age 17 years and older. As a relational and systemic therapist, Rachel believes that clients are the experts of their lives. Rachel works to foster an authentic, collaborative relationship with each of her clients based on their unique needs. Clients can expect Rachel to be supportive, curious, and to work from a place of radical genuineness. As a trauma-informed therapist, she values building trust with her clients and meets clients where they are in their journey. Rachel specializes in working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and neurodivergence, as well as clients seeking to have a deeper understanding of identity, sexuality, gender, spirituality, and faith. She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, mindfulness, somatic approaches, and Emotion-Focused therapies to support clients. In her therapy practice, Rachel’s core beliefs are rooted in feminism and cultural humility. Clients can expect Rachel to be affirming of their identities, cultures, and origins, making space to unabashedly explore their experience of the world and how they might find harmony in it.

Nancy Gomez, MS, LMFT, EMDR Trained

ngomez@forward-counseling.com

Nancy is a bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who believes healing begins with connection. She earned her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Edgewood College and her Bachelor’s in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Nancy has worked across advocacy and clinical settings, supporting children, families, immigrants, and individuals navigating trauma. She is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP), and incorporates Gottman Method tools in her work with couples. Her therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, relational, and client-centered, creating a warm and supportive space for clients to explore their stories and build healthier patterns. Nancy is passionate about increasing access to bilingual and culturally responsive care, particularly for Latine communities. She works with clients of all ages, addressing concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and identity development. Nancy’s goal is to help clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with tools to move toward healing and meaningful change.

Jose Lopez, MSW, LCSW

jlopez@forward-counseling.com

Jose Lopez (he/him/his) is a bilingual (English and Spanish) speaking Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience working with college students, adults living with HIV, individuals in custody, those with chronic health needs, the LGBTQ+ community, and people who are undocumented. Jose commits to creating an inclusive, culturally aware environment where everyone around him feels safe and respected. He believes that people do the best they can with the tools they have been given and that they are more resilient than they think. People are shaped by their environment and experiences, which can influence how they see themselves, relate to others, and cope. Therefore, Jose hopes to empower individuals and assist them in leaning into their strengths by using motivational interviewing techniques, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. In his personal life, Jose enjoys watching reality TV and horror movies, playing video games, and spending time with family and friends.

Lee Graham, MSW, APSW

lgraham@forward-counseling.com

Lee Graham (he/him) is a certified advanced practice social worker (APSW). Lee strongly believes that every individual deserves a therapist who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and culturally aware. He works to create a collaborative and supportive environment for clients, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or age. Using a holistic, strengths-based approach, Lee collaborates with clients to work through their mood disorders, trauma and stress, anxiety, substance use concerns, and other challenges affecting daily life and well-being. He is currently deepening his skills in a variety of therapeutic modalities, including acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and motivational interviewing. Lee completed his foundational practicum at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin in Madison. There, he developed a research study proposal examining gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) and its effects on mental health, deepening his commitment to inclusive, evidence-informed care. Before moving to Wisconsin and entering the field of social work, Lee built a successful career in corporate marketing and communications in New York City. He brings this rich background and a fresh perspective to his work with clients, focusing on empathy, adaptability, and connection. Whether supporting someone through a life transition or helping navigate obstacles to happiness and fulfillment, Lee partners with his clients in a therapeutic alliance that honors their strengths and works toward lasting growth.