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 toward their goals. Our Eau Claire therapists help people bring more joy, laughter, and love into their lives. It is our mission to provide counseling that will help people live their lives to the fullest by supporting them through difficult times. We also teach skills that will allow individuals to make changes and progress toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

In addition to in-person appointments, Collaborative Counseling also offers online therapy via Zoom. Telehealth has been proven to be just as effective as in-person therapy while offering the added convenience of meeting from the location that suits you best. Due to high demand for our services, those open to online therapy may find it easier to secure appointments.

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.

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Areas of Specialty

Anxiety

Depression

LGBTQIA+

Behavioral Issues

Specialized in ages 7+


Offering Telehealth & In office

Allyson (Ally) Brazier

MSW, APSW
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Allyson (Ally) Brazier MSW, APSW

She/Her/Hers Advanced Practice Social Worker
Education

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.

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Education

Certified through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs

Clinical Approach

Hello! I’m Mickey, your friendly therapy dog. I’m here to offer comfort, companionship, and a wagging tail whenever you need it. Whether you’re feeling a little down or just need a quiet moment of connection, I’m all ears and paws, ready to listen and be by your side. I love ear scratches, gentle pets, and snuggling up by your side (if wanted of course!). No worries, I’m a pro at making people feel relaxed and happy. If you need a little extra warmth or a moment of calm, I’ve got you covered! Mickey currently works with Ally and is certified through The Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

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Areas 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 ®
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Melissa Haas MSW, LCSW, IMH-E ®

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Infant Mental Health Specialist
Education

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.

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Areas of Specialty

Complex Trauma

Emotional Regulation

Psychosis

Brainspotting

Personality Disorders

Specialized in ages 18+


Offering Telehealth & in office


Lisa Wilson

MSW, LCSW
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Lisa Wilson MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

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.

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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 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.

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Areas of Specialty

Depression

Anxiety

Trauma

Transitions

Specialized in ages 16-60


Offering Telehealth & in office

Nicole Gardner

MS, LPC
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Nicole Gardner MS, LPC

Licensed Professional Counselor
Education

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.

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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 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.

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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 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.

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KarissaM.jpg
Areas of Specialty

Anxiety

Depression

Trauma

LGBTQ

Specialized in ages 18+


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 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.

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Areas of Specialty

Individual Therapy

Anxiety and Depression

Life Transitions

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Specialized in ages 18-60


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 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!

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Areas of Specialty

Individual/Teen/Family Counseling

EMDR Therapy

Trauma

Anxiety & Depression

Specialized in ages 11+


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 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!

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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 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.

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Areas 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, 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 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.

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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 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.

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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 8+


Offering Telehealth & in office

McKala McWilliams-Nehring

LCSW (WI) LICSW (MN), CCTP
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McKala McWilliams-Nehring LCSW (WI) LICSW (MN), CCTP

She/Her/Hers Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Education

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 is a dedicated therapist passionate about supporting individuals and families in reaching their fullest potential. Central to her practice is building strong, trusting relationships with her clients, fostering an environment where they feel accepted, understood, and empowered to harness their unique resilience, especially during challenging times.

She has extensive training in trauma-informed care, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and holds certifications as a Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) and in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C).

Her practice is inclusive, welcoming individuals across the lifespan (ages 3 and up). McKala utilizes an eclectic, client-centered approach, addressing issues such as anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, grief/loss, and aging. She believes in an adaptive, personalized method that respects the unique needs of each client.

She is skilled in using play therapy techniques to engage children in a way that resonates with them, and works collaboratively with parents to create tailored treatment plans that promote healing. She also specializes in supporting individuals during the perinatal and postpartum periods, offering compassionate care that addresses a range of issues, from adjustment and life transitions to mood and anxiety disorders.

McKala loves living in the Chippewa Valley and greatly values quality time with family and friends. She enjoys traveling, figure skating, reading, listening to podcasts, and snuggling her dog. McKala wants clients to know, "You are not alone...Healing is possible."

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