Existing client portal

*Currently accepting new therapy clients*

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VIRTUAL THERAPY SERVICES FOR HIGH-ACHIEVING WOMEN WITH CHILDHOOD OR SEXUAL TRAUMA

ONLINE THERAPY FOR ANXIETY IN WAUKESHA, WISCONSIN

Individual counseling for adult women 18+, based in Waukesha, serving all of Wisconsin through virtual appointments.

  • Calming distress and discomfort in the body, mistrust in relationships, and self-doubt due to painful past experiences of childhood trauma through therapy for adult women.
  • Reframing and rewiring beliefs and thought patterns causing emotional distress
  • Exploring values and strengths that underlie your sense of self
  • Nurturing gradual mindful awareness and lifestyle shifts to reduce guilt/shame and perfectionism to increase confidence
  • Discovering the resilience of the nervous system.

Trauma Therapy in Waukesha to Support the Mind, Body, and Soul

I'm passionate about guiding women to heal from trauma, anxiety and stress so they can succeed at work and home through:

Are you tired of just going through the motions, feeling stressed or anxious, and want more out of life?
Trauma therapy for women helps them heal from the past and lead a confident life through the process of our virtual mental health services. 

Get off autopilot. Don't exist or co-exist.
Choose to live.

IT'S TIME TO LIVE.
TO STAND AND RISE.

Trauma can get stuck in our body - flight, fight, or freeze and affects our physical body. Learn to listen to the body's cues and heal from trauma and anxiety.

EMBODY.

Healty connection is essential for well-being. I teach you emotional intelligence skills so you can watch the relationship with yourself and others thrive.

CONNECTION.

True awareness takes practice and it's hard to do in today's world. Without awareness of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we are limited in what we can change.

AWARENESS

core ELEMENTS Therapy

AWARENESS. CONNECTION. EMBODY. 

Set healthy boundaries at work and in relationships.

Stop people-pleasing and perfectionism so you can remove the "mask" and be yourself with ease

Reduce stress and anxiety with targeted coping skills.

Treatment Benefits

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Feel safe in your body and experience pleasant emotions like joy and happiness

Quiet shame and guilt & increase self-compassion.

Build connection and vulnerability without anxiety in sexual and non-sexual relationships.

Reclaim your life from trauma and anxiety so you live how YOU want to.

Be present in the here and now. Live your life in this moment. It's time to live. To stand and rise."

Decrease the need to do it all in order to feel "good enough"

Trauma & PTSD

Anxiety

Areas of focus

  • Sexual Abuse
  • Childhood Abuse
  • Emotional Abuse
  • Complex Trauma
  • Generalized Anxiety
  • Social Anxiety

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy
  • Exposure and Response Prevention
  • Schema Therapy
  • Mindfulness & Meditation

INVESTMENT

The first session will include a comprehensive assessment to understand your unique experience, determine the frequency of treatment, and identify your goals.

We work together to identify barriers to recovery, including beliefs and behaviors, so you have clear action steps to treat the root of trauma and anxiety. 

$150

(Up to 60 minutes)

- Follow Up Session -

$165

- Intake Session -

*Daytime hours available only.

(Self pay)

Payment methods accepted include credit/debit card, flexible spending accounts (FSA), or health savings accounts (HSA).

REIMBURSEMENT ELIGIBLE

Attend sessions from anywhere in Wisconsin.

In-Person or Online

VARIETY OF PAYMENT METHODS

You may qualify for out-of-network reimbursement. A “superbill” will be provided to submit to your insurance. Contact your insurance prior to services to see if you are eligible.

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Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Wisconsin
License No: 9335-123
Check my credentials HERE.

Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
Pending
(4,000 post-graduate hours completed, pending National exam)

License

Masters in Social Work
2016 UW Milwaukee

Bachelors in Social Work
2013 UW Milwaukee

Education/Training

Treated 1,000+ clients

Worked in inpatient, residential, partial hospitalization (PHP), and outpatient settings, treating a wide range of symptom severity

Experience

Meet lynsey retzlaff, MSW, LCSW

As a licensed therapist and trauma specialist, I provide online trauma and anxiety treatment for women in Waukesha County (and throughout Wisconsin) so they can reclaim their lives.

With over 13 years of experience in the mental health field and 10+ years of clinical experience, I specialize in multiple evidence-based treatment modalities to go beyond what traditional "talk therapy" can provide. I enjoy watching women elevate themselves after they heal past wounds and increase their confidence. 

After assisting in opening the leading trauma recovery residential unit in the U.S., I know that recovery from trauma requires safe environments and specific intervention to treat even the most difficult symptoms.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy
2019-2022 Extensively trained by multiple experts in the field

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
2019 

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THE TIME TO LIVE IS NOW.

Let's do the deep work together.

Common Q's and A's:

i have a question...

What is your cancellation policy?

When you book a session, that time is set aside just for you. I understand that things come up, and there might be a week when you can't make your appointment. If you let me know at least 24 hours in advance, there's no charge. For cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, the full session fee applies. 

Do you accept insurance?

The short answer is no. I am considered an out-of-network provider for many PPO health insurances. I can supply you with a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance for potential reimbursement, and I also accept HSA cards (Health Savings Account). It's a good idea to contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage and reimbursement rates. 

It is worth noting that involving insurance might mean an external party has a say in your treatment duration and type. In many cases, insurance requires a mental health diagnosis for reimbursement, which becomes a part of your medical records. Opting to work without insurance offers more privacy and grants you more control over your mental health treatment decisions.

Do you offer an Initial Consultation?

I do! I offer a free 15-minute Consultation Call to determine if we are a good fit for each other. To start the process, complete the Pre-Screen Form HERE. I will follow up in 24 hours to schedule a consultation call if we are a good fit.

If you connect with my therapy style, awesome! If not, no worries! I can refer you to someone else who can help you achieve your goals. That's all that matters in the end!

How do I pay for sessions?

Credit Card, or HSA/FSA credit card. All clients are required to place a credit card on file for business purposes. This will be explained in your intake paperwork.

Do you do Couples Counseling?

I primarily work with individuals. Knowing yourself and how you show up in relationships (romantic, friendships, family, etc.) helps to improve the quality of your relationships. With that said, there are times where another person can come in for your sessions to help navigate a specific situation or to help them understand how to support you effectively.

If you are looking for Marriage & Family Therapy, I would be happy to refer you to someone who is trained in couples and can help you navigate issues within your relationship.

How long will therapy take?

Every person is unique and has varying degrees of symptom severity. Some people feel better after a few sessions, while others require several months. Treatment length depends on your goals, consistency with treatment recommendations, and history of symptom severity. 

I recommend coming in for sessions weekly for at least the first 1-2 months. This allows us to get goals set and progress made. Some people prefer to do weekly sessions for longer until they see consistent progress and relief. Consistency is key. Going too long between sessions can cause you to feel like you are starting over or not gaining enough traction. 

Will therapy make trauma worse?

Think of it this way. You have avoided painful traumatic memories in order to cope in life. In therapy you start to address the memories you have avoided. Therefore, it feels like you are "getting worse" because you are addressing the trauma. This is temporary and people often find their symptoms start to decrease within after a couple weeks of consistent work. 

I always teach skills needed to cope with distressing memories so you can get through the treatment and find relief.
However, like every mental health service, if symptoms are unable to be managed in outpatient, I will help you find a higher-level of care to address your needs. I got you!