Who we are...
***Not currently accepting new clients, has wait list***
Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and is EMDR trained. She earned her master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from UW-Whitewater in 2018. Prior to graduate school, Kelly worked as a case manager for over 15 years working with adolescents, substance abuse disorders, and helping older adults age in place. Kelly enjoys working with individuals ages 12 and up, LGBTQIA folks, or anyone with an alternative lifestyle. In addition, she is gender affirming, sex positive, and an ally to the polyamorous community. She uses person centered theory and a variety of approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, solution focused, positive psychology, mindfulness, and EMDR. Kelly’s hope as a therapist is to build relationships and work collaboratively in a judgement-free zone. She believes in encouraging people to be themselves and embrace who they are, and as part of that, Kelly shows up as her authentic self.
Nicole is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She attended UW-Whitewater where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with an emphasis in trauma treatment. She has over five years of experience working with Crisis Intervention and continually aims to provide a calm, safe environment for individuals and families. She specializes in trauma, specifically sexual abuse, and has extensive knowledge as well as experience supporting individuals through Madison’s Rape Crisis Center. She currently meets with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and unresolved trauma. She utilizes mind and body approaches to combat negative thinking patterns and maladaptive behaviors. Additionally, Nicole is trained in EMDR and utilizes this approach to help process trauma.
*Gina's caseload is currently closed*
Gina is a licensed professional counselor who specializes in working with trauma across the lifespan. She has worked clinically with children, adolescents, and young adults. She treats a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, PTSD, school-related pressures, grief, and loss. Gina currently sees clients 16+ through adulthood. Her expertise includes helping clients in processing traumatic experiences in order to facilitate empowered healing.
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Gina has taught counselors-in-training at Northwestern University, the University of Iowa, and the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. She earned her doctorate from the University of Iowa in 2021 and her masters in clinical mental health in 2017. She has been licensed in both Wisconsin and Illinois.
Allyson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated from George Williams College with her Masters in Social Work. Allyson has worked in the behavioral health field for the past 10 years providing care to individuals in residential, intensive outpatient and outpatient settings. Allyson enjoys seeing individuals 14 and older, looking for collaboration throughout life changes, stressors and/or treating unresolved trauma, anxiety, depression and changes in substance use. Allyson is an LGBTQIA+ Ally, gender affirming and sex positive therapist here to encourage and support your goals.
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She views therapy as an individualized process that needs a therapeutic alliance of mutual trust, collaboration and transparency. If there’s an opportunity for a dose of humor throughout the therapeutic process, she fully embraces it! Each session Allyson strives to meet every individual where they are at. Sessions can include but aren’t limited to, a collaboration of cognitive behavioral dialectical behavioral, EMDR, mindfulness and solution focused therapy.
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***Lauren's caseload is currently closed***
Lauren is a Licensed Professional Counselor-In Training who graduated from Mount Mary University with her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2024. Lauren has previous work experience providing direct service to individuals with autism and support to their families as well as at an inpatient psychiatric hospital. Lauren is passionate about collaborating with clients to uncover the complex and unique experiences that influence how they interact with the world and form relationships.
Lauren values individuation in her counseling approach, demonstrating flexibility and understanding to support each client best. Lauren strives to provide a safe and inclusive environment that empowers individuals with tools and support as they heal and improve wellness. She believes in fostering empathetic and trusting therapeutic relationships to facilitate growth.
Lauren has experience working with individuals navigating interpersonal relationships, anxiety, parenting, neurodiversity, depression, disordered eating, and difficulty adjusting through the distinct phases of life. Lauren’s therapeutic style is person-centered and strengths-based. Her approach utilizes techniques from Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy. Lauren works with individuals 14+ and couples.
**Madalyn currently has a waitlist** Madalyn, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Training (LPC-IT), brings a wealth of experience to her practice. She received her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in May 2025. Her previous roles within the public school system and at a residential facility have equipped her with a deep understanding of neurodiverse needs. Madalyn's experience spans anxiety, depression, life transitions, parenting support, navigating interpersonal relationships, and neurodiversity. She is also trained in brain spotting and is on a continuous journey to become a trauma-informed clinician.
Madalyn is passionate about her work, striving to empower each individual by focusing on their strengths and emotions while fostering a relationship. She emphasizes how a client's previous experiences impact their interactions with the world around them. Her person-centered approach, which incorporates attachment theory, emotionally-focused therapy, and psychodynamic theory, is a testament to her belief that everyone needs flexibility, a holistic understanding, empathy, and genuineness to facilitate growth and wellness. Madalyn presents herself authentically and creates a safe and inclusive environment. She is passionate about working with all individuals 5 years and up, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. When working with children, she uses a child-centered play therapy approach for those younger than 10 because she believes that play is a child's language.
**Becky currently has a waitlist** Becky is a licensed professional counselor (LPC-IT) with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health with an emphasis in trauma treatment from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Becky has experience working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults with challenges related to depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationships, parenting, and trauma. Becky is trained in Brainspotting and is engaged in continuous training & research on autistic adults, complex trauma, dissociative tendencies, and attachment.
As a neurodivergent-informed therapist with lived experience and a deep understanding of the diverse ways in which individuals experience the world, Becky offers a safe and affirming space for adults who are exploring questions about autism or navigating neurodivergent identities. Other areas of interest include coping skills for daily stressors, processing childhood experiences, unlearning maladaptive behaviors and beliefs, and self-compassion.
Becky prioritizes the therapeutic relationship to foster a felt sense of safety and a supportive space for people to explore their questions, challenges, and lived experiences. Her therapeutic style is inspired by several approaches that value compassionate exploration and attunement, including Emotion Focused Therapy, parts and inner-child work, Internal Family Systems, and attachment theory. Becky believes that people begin to heal when they feel safe and heard; therefore, inclusive, affirming, and trauma-informed care is central to her work with each individual.
In addition to neuro-affirming and trauma-informed therapy, Becky provides comprehensive autism screening for individuals 18 and older. For more information, visit the Services tab.
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Jason is a Licensed Professional Counselor In Training (LPC-IT) who graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in May 2025. His counseling approach is rooted in person-centered, strength-based values, with an emphasis on creating an authentic, safe, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel empowered to explore, heal, and grow.He specializes in working with emerging adults and teens (ages 12 and up) navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, identity exploration, sex and sexuality concerns, relationships, and performance anxiety.
Jason views clients as the experts in their own lived experiences and believes in walking alongside them as a fellow traveler on their journey toward self-understanding and change.His work integrates elements of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Reality Therapy, and Interpersonal Therapy, tailored to meet each individual’s unique needs. He is LGBTQ+ informed and affirming, and brings a compassionate, growth-minded presence to the therapy room—supporting clients in building resilience, fostering insight, and creating meaningful change in their lives.
*Accepting new clients! Email counseling@empoweredtherapyllc.com to see Julia*
Julia Humphrey is a Licensed Professional Counselor In Training (LPC-IT) with a passion for helping children thrive emotionally, behaviorally, and socially. She specializes in working with children under the age of 12, drawing on her background as an elementary school counselor and behavior interventionist within the public school system. Julia completed her education and training through Liberty University. She has also provided mental health services through county-based programs, including Comprehensive Community Services (CCS) and Children’s Long-Term Support (CLTS), supporting families navigating complex behavioral and developmental needs.
Her clinical interests include anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, and social skills development. Julia primarily utilizes play therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in her work with children, always aiming to create a safe, nurturing environment where young clients can express themselves freely and develop healthy coping strategies. Julia believes that every child has the capacity for growth when given the right tools and environment. She is passionate about collaborating with caregivers, educators, and support systems to promote lasting emotional well-being and resilience in the children she serves.
*Ashley currently has a waitlist*
Ashley is an advanced practice social worker with a Master of Social Work from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where she specialized in clinical mental health. She works with adults (18+) and couples navigating a range of concerns, including trauma, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, relationship and parenting challenges, and other life stressors. Ashley has experience providing gender-affirming care and is a committed LGBTQIA+ ally.
Ashley’s work is deeply rooted in the internal family systems model, which she uses to help clients explore and heal from emotional wounds, understand their inner world, and build greater self-compassion. She also draws from other evidence-based approaches, including acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and polyvagal theory.
Ashley prioritizes listening deeply and helping people feel seen, safe, and supported. She values genuine connection and works collaboratively with clients to support meaningful growth. Her sessions often incorporate mindfulness and body-based practices to help clients feel more grounded and at home within themselves.
*Accepting new clients! Email gthompson@empoweredtherapyllc.com to see Grant*
Grant is a Licensed Professional Counselor In-Training (LPC-IT) who earned his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater in 2025. His therapeutic approach is grounded in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic traditions, emphasizing the transformative power of the therapeutic relationship.
Grant views therapy as a collaborative process where listening with depth and curiosity allows unconscious patterns, defenses, and relational dynamics to emerge. He believes meaningful and lasting change arises when clients can safely explore their inner world, make sense of their past experiences, and recognize how these patterns influence their present relationships—including the therapy relationship itself.
Grant offers a non-directive, reflective space where clients can discover their authentic voice and begin to integrate parts of themselves that may have previously been disowned or avoided. By bringing what is hidden into awareness, he helps clients develop insight, self-acceptance, and the capacity for deeper emotional connection.
He specializes in working with adults (18+) navigating anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, family conflict, and the emotional impact of chronic pain. In sessions, clients may explore early relational experiences, recurring interpersonal patterns, or the here-and-now dynamics of the therapeutic encounter—all guided by the client’s pace and readiness.
Grant’s goal is to foster a therapeutic environment where clients feel deeply heard and understood, allowing for profound and enduring psychological growth.
Sami is an Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW) who graduated from UW-Whitewater with her Masters in Social Work. Sami has worked in the behavioral health field for going on three years providing care to individuals in residential, experiencing suicidal ideation, children, adolescents, and adults. Sami is knowledgeable working with family systems as a unit and individually providing psychoeducation and skill development while meeting clients where they are at. Sami is an ally of the LGBTQIA+ community and is a gender affirming therapist here to encourage and support your goals. She is passionate about collaborating with support systems to promote lasting emotional well-being and resilience in her clients.
Sami views therapy as a collaborative working relationship built on a therapeutic alliance of mutual trust, respect, and transparency. Sessions can include, but are not limited to, a collaboration of cognitive behaviors, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, strengths based therapy.
*Accepting New Clients* Email counseling@empoweredtherapyllc.com to set up an appointment*
Tyler specializes in gender and sexual identity, navigating dating and relationships (i.e., Monogamy, ENM, Polyamorous etc.), trauma, anxiety and depression. Tyler is interested in working with athletes (current or former).
Tyler has been through his own journey of figuring out his identity, and he wants to help you do the same, (2S)LGBTQIA+ or not. Tyler writes letters for gender-affirming care and can help you navigate the systems in place that provide gender-affirming care. Tyler is trained in EMDR and uses EMDR as an adaptive tool to help process past experiences. Tyler works with folks, teens/adolescents ages 16+, and couples.
Tyler provides a safe space to figure it all out as you embrace your authentic self! He enjoys humor in sessions as it can help build connections and process tough emotions. They encourage flexibility, autonomy & collaborative work in sessions. Tyler believes that clients are the experts in their own life experiences and values the importance of empowering clients to make their own decisions that align with their values, beliefs, etc.
*Accepting New Clients in December. Email mckenzie@empoweredtherapyllc.com to set up an appointment*
McKenzie is a Licensed Professional Counselor who graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019.
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McKenzie strives to collaboratively create a safe and calm space that helps clients feel supported and understood throughout the counseling process. McKenzie's approach is client-centered, holistic, and trauma-informed. She practices TF-CBT, EMDR, Person-Centered, and Motivational Interviewing techniques while working with clients.
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McKenzie works with clients 18+. Her specialties include pre-marital counseling (Prepare & Enrich), anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, spirituality concerns, and perinatal concerns. McKenzie is currently only seeing clients virtually.
*Accepting New Clients at the Madison location* Email counseling@empoweredtherapyllc.com to set up an appointment*
As a queer/gay white man with ADHD, it’s my passion to work with those who need a hand. Collaboratively, we will create goals and move through them together. I strive to create an open space where you feel comfortable asking about every step of the process. This is your care; you have a right to know the why behind what we do.
Therapy can give a feeling of uncertainty for many reasons. I aim to create a space for you to share these worries while I assure you that therapy can look however you need it to. We’ll work together to process big emotions, tackle daily troubles, strengthen relationships, increase self-care, and engage in self-exploration. This can be done through discussion, play, art, movement, mindfulness, or any creative solution we come up with together! Everyone can benefit from a time and place to work through areas of life they are concerned about and explore parts of themselves they want to shine a light on.
I want to make sure clients feel comfortable bringing the entirety of themselves to session just like I will. My identities, my use of sarcasm, and my love for coffee/tea are present year-round and I’m excited to learn what’s most important to you while engaging in the work that is therapy.
Want to contact one of our therapists directly? Click on their name under their picture to email them.
Alternatively, call 608-302-6395
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Kelly - kringhand@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Nicole - ngutzman@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Gina - gina@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Allyson - counseling@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Lauren- langford@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Mady - madalyn@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Becky Wilson - bwilson@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Jason - jmvierck@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Julia - counseling@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Ashley- aolson@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Grant- gthompson@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Sami- ssims@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Tyler- tylerm@empoweredtherapyllc.com
McKenzie- mckenzie@empoweredtherapyllc.com
Ian- ibould@empoweredtherapyllc.com
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