Compassionate therapy for psychosis or altered states.
In-person support for experiences often called psychosis in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and virtual support available statewide throughout Wisconsin.
Three Elements, Vassily Kandinsky
Everyone experiences shifts in reality—instances when perceptions shift, leaving you feeling lost or disconnected.
For some, these changes can become overwhelming. But with the right support, navigating these intense experiences can lead to greater clarity, stronger relationships, and a more grounded sense of self.
Experiences often called psychosis can be isolating and confusing. A common part of this can be hearing voices that are cruel, confusing, or distracting, amplifying feelings of guilt, fear, or self-blame. These voices can make it hard to focus and leave you unsure if what you’re hearing is real. Along with this, you might feel intense fear, paranoia, or terror. You may feel like you're being watched or followed, or that something terrible is about to happen.
At times, extreme states can also make you feel like you know things others don’t—like people or events are connected in a way that others can’t see. It can be scary to even say out loud. This can deepen your sense of isolation, especially when it feels like no one else understands. Explaining your experience can feel overwhelming, making the gap between you and others feel even bigger.
During all this, you may long for a time without immense fear or confusion, but it can feel out of reach. The emotional toll can make you wonder if you’ll ever feel better. But remember, this is not a fixed state—it can change. With time, care, and support, relief is possible. Many people have found ways to feel better and reconnect. Support is available, and I’d like to help you find it, whether it’s with me or through another path.
You just want things to make sense.
Compassionate counseling for altered states and psychosis offers a space to unpack and navigate overwhelming thoughts and feelings. With my support, you’ll create a path forward that works for you, helping the fog to lift. Many clients report that after starting therapy, life becomes more manageable, and they feel stronger, more relaxed, and more engaged with the people and things they love.
Eleanor Longden, discussing her voice hearing
“If you don't have people who will accommodate your experiences, support you, and help you make sense of what's happening, then you're probably much more likely to struggle.”
Yellow Water, Angel Rodriguez-Rey
Our work together might focus on…
Helen Frankenthaler, 50 Works on PaperIdentifying how these experiences impact your life
Exploring how these experiences came to happen in your life and what they mean to you
Exploring how voices relate to your thoughts and feelings about yourself and others
Exploring past experiences to add context to current fears or unusual beliefs
Building on your personal wisdom and intuition
Developing practical coping strategies so that you don’t miss out on what’s important to you
Making sense of past experiences and integrating them into your current self-concept
Connecting you with others who have had similar experiences
Everyone deserves a space where they are met with understanding and compassion, where their experiences are respected, valued, and approached with care and curiosity.
Texture 95, Ellen van Deelen
Together, we can work toward…
Helen Frankenthaler, 50 Works on PaperBuilding confidence in navigating extreme fears (or paranoia), worrisome thoughts, or hearing voices
Creating stronger, more fulfilling relationships
Finding meaning in your unique experiences
Developing trust in your inner wisdom
Establishing daily practices that support your stability
Compassionate Support for Navigating Voices, Fear, and Beliefs
If you’re finding it difficult to cope with hearing voices, feeling scared, or navigating beliefs that seem out of sync with those around you, know that you’re not alone. At my practice in Milwaukee, I offer a space where you can explore these experiences without judgment. I specialize in working with young adults who are navigating these unique challenges and feeling overwhelmed by their thoughts and fears. Together, we can work towards turning what you might see as a weakness into a source of strength and resilience.
My approach combines compassionate, non-pathologizing techniques with practical, everyday support. Using a mix of talk and body-based techniques, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp) and the Maastricht Interview, I’ll help you explore and make sense of your experiences in a way that feels right for you. We’ll focus on your personal wisdom and build on your strengths, helping you find greater peace and meaning in what you’re going through. Whether you choose virtual sessions or prefer to meet in-person in the Milwaukee area, I’m here to offer tailored support that fits your needs.
My goal is to help you lead a fuller, more meaningful life where you feel connected, curious, and understood. Together, we’ll work on embracing self-compassion, building trust in yourself, and creating stronger, more fulfilling relationships. By tracking progress and discussing feedback at each session, we’ll ensure that your therapy is both supportive and effective in achieving your personal goals.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards feeling better and finding your way, reach out today for a free consultation. Let’s work together to create a path forward that feels right for you. Contact me to explore how we can turn your challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.
Meet Colleen
On Language: Understanding and Approaching Mental Health Terms
Language profoundly influences our understanding of mental health. Although I prefer not to use clinical terms like schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or psychosis while talking with clients, I do use them on my website or other situations where someone who has received one of these labels can find me and access counseling or non-clinical resources that I share. Many people have only heard clinical language to describe these kinds of experiences. In therapy sessions, I use the language clients prefer (whether clinical, non-clinical, or both), and if they don’t have a preference, I’ll use a variety of language that seems to describe their experience, so they can have exposure to discussing their experiences in different ways and hopefully feel less pigeonholed into one language or explanation of their experience.
Non-clinical language, such as "hearing voices," "altered states," and "unusual beliefs," offers a more nuanced and personal perspective. These terms often better reflect an individual's lived experience and can foster greater empathy and understanding. Clinical labels like "schizophrenia" have been criticized for being a catch-all for various non-consensus reality experiences, such as hearing voices or experiencing paranoia. While some of these experiences may overlap, many do not. Although many clinicians prefer non-stigmatizing language, they often use diagnostic categories to meet insurance companies' definitions of "medical necessity." This is one reason why I do not accept insurance. While clinical labels can help facilitate access to care, they do not capture the complexity of individual experiences and can create confusion. In therapy, the focus is on addressing each person's specific distressing experiences, using language that resonates with their reality to provide compassionate, personalized support.