My name is Nicole Bell and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am the Clinic Director and Founder of Synergos Counseling as well as a Licensed Psychotherapist. I received a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Counseling at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I also received my bachelors degree in Human Development and Family Studies with an emphasis in Child Development from UW-Madison. I work collaboratively with clients to sharpen their awareness of unhelpful living patterns while practicing self-empowering skills to help them to feel stronger and more confident about their direction.
I am frequently involved in the day to day operations at Synergos Counseling often responding to and scheduling initial sessions for clinicians, managing our online presence with social media, working with insurance companies to credential our staff, program development, community advocacy and philanthropy, professional development of staff, public speaking, and much more. I am passionate about community mental health and look forward to philanthropic advancements within our community and surrounding areas. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families for over 15 years. Additionally, I specialize in treating anxiety-related disorders (i.e., OCD, GAD, etc) as well as providing family therapy. I utilize an interpersonal approach to treatment using a variety of therapeutic techniques including Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Person-Centered Approaches, and others. I am also a certified Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapist trained by world renowned clinician and researcher, Edna Foa, PhD. PE is especially helpful in treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Additionally, I am a Level 1 Gottman trained Couples counselor. I am also a proud member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). |
My name is Sarah Adler and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor at Synergos Counseling. I received both my Master’s degree in Counseling and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from UW-Madison. I am passionate about utilizing Interpersonal Process to support clients in developing more adaptive and flexible intrapersonal and interpersonal patterns by using the counseling relationship as the vehicle for change. I have been trained at Synergos Counseling in using interventions such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These modalities have been scientifically proven useful in reducing symptoms associated with anxiety disorders (i.e. OCD, social anxiety, panic disorder, etc) among others. I am also a certified TF-CBT Counselor. I am passionate and excited to offer treatment for those struggling with eating disorders, disordered eating, and/or body image concerns. I have engaged in a plethora of credible training in order to utilize Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size principles with my clients, and work closely with dietitians on staff to provide holistic care.
My work hours are Monday through Thursdays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com . Payors/Payments Accepted: Quartz, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Optum/United Healthcare, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Aetna, Multiplan, PHCS, Health EOS, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health at this time. |
My name is Rachel Fry and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist/Advanced Practice Social Worker. I received both my Bachelor’s degree in Social Work as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work with a focus on mental health from UW-Madison. My approach in working with clients is to bring a compassionate, supportive, and validating voice to sessions where we can work collaboratively to unpack struggles and build on strengths in order to achieve desired goals.
I work with clients ages 17+ addressing a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and other types of adjustments to various life changes. I utilize a person-centered approach paired with strategies from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I utilize Intuitive Eating and Health At Every Size principles with my clients, and work closely with dietitians on staff to provide holistic care as well. I have supported clients in a variety of different mental health settings, such as working as a case manager within a community mental health center, as well as working as a therapist within a residential recovery program. My work hours are Monday through Thursday. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Optum/United Healthcare, Medica, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Olivia Kostreva and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist at Synergos Counseling. I achieved a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin - Whitewater and an undergraduate degree from UW-Madison in East Asian Languages and Literature. It’s my goal as a therapist to facilitate feelings of safety, authenticity, non-judgement and support in our shared space.
I work with individuals ages 16+ experiencing anxiety and depression, as well as other mood, trauma, and adjustment disorders. I have experience working with emerging adults and veterans specifically. Much of my graduate studies revolved around service-related moral injury and the psychological distress resulting from interpersonal harm. I work from both acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and existential therapy. ACT teaches mindfulness-based strategies as a way of moving through times of suffering, and loosening the grip of our pain on our lives. Existential therapy sees many of our struggles through a lens of meaning-making. I am also pursuing training in a type of trauma-treatment called Somatic Experiencing, which centers around the body’s processing of traumatic events. I am engaged in training at Synergos Counseling & Wellness to utilize treatment approaches such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. My work hours are Monday through Thursdays. I work exclusively at our Blount St location. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Medica, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Teresa and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a licensed psychotherapist/Advanced Practice Social Worker at Synergos Counseling. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at University of Wisconsin – Whitewater and my Masters in Social Work at Aurora University. I believe that we all have losses, stressors, or traumatic experiences in our lives that cause us to become disconnected from ourselves. Therapy can provide an opportunity to have the safe space to process these experiences and rediscover ourselves. I value the importance of the therapeutic relationship between the client and therapist as a foundation for healing and self-discovery.
I work with clients ages 10+ experiencing a variety of concerns including but not limited to anxiety disorders, mood disorders, grief and loss, complex trauma, chronic health issues, and difficulty adjusting to and/or coping with life stressors. I use a trauma informed approach as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and a focus on mindful somatic experiencing to help reconnect to the body. I utilize a person centered, strengths-based approach with clients. I do not believe in a one size fits all solution, so I work together with the client to find an individualized treatment plan that feels comfortable for each client. It is my goal to provide a safe space for people of all identities to recover, build on strengths, and reconnect with themselves. Additionally, I am engaged in training at Synergos Counseling & Wellness to utilize treatment approaches such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. My work hours are Monday through Thursday. I work at our Blount St location on Mondays and at the 5250 East Terrace location Tuesday through Thursdays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Medica, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Kim Kramer and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist at Synergos Counseling. I completed my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus in Trauma Informed Care from UW-Milwaukee. I utilize a trauma-informed, multiculturally competent person-centered approach to work collaboratively with clients on their healing journey. I strive to create a warm, trusting, and supportive therapeutic relationship that allows the client to be their authentic self. I believe in utilizing a holistic approach which integrates physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual forms of healing in order for the client to find a deeper understanding of themselves.
I work with clients ages 18+ working through trauma including but not limited to sexual assault, early childhood trauma, complex trauma, interpersonal trauma, and intergenerational trauma. I also have experience working with individuals with depression, anxiety, ADHD, neurodiversity, and mood disorders. I believe in creating a space where clients of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, disabilities, and socioeconomic statuses feel supported, safe, and heard. Additionally, I am engaged in training at Synergos Counseling & Wellness to utilize treatment approaches such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. I work at our 5250 East Terrace location Monday through Tuesdays while Wednesdays and Thursdays at our 301 S Blount Street location. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com . Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Medica, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Sarah Drennan and my preferred pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Synergos Counseling. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work at the University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh and my Master of Social Work with a concentration in mental health at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Additionally, I hold a Capstone Certificate in Infant, Early Childhood and Family Mental Health from UW Madison. As a therapist it is important for me to be relational, compassionate, empathic, and effective. I strive to help my clients feel supported and comfortable in the therapeutic process and create a safe space that allows clients to grow and heal. I am passionate about helping individuals across the lifespan heal from past trauma and reach their goals.
I work with clients ages 5+ experiencing a variety of concerns but not limited to: history of abuse/neglect, adjustment issues, adoption, anxiety, attachment, depression, early childhood, family relationships/conflict, mood disorders, parenting, pregnancy/postpartum, relationship connection, and trauma/PTSD. I have experience working with foster youth and families as well as those who have been adopted. When addressing infant mental health I work to support the developing capacity of a child to experience and express emotions, form close and secure interpersonal relationships, and explore their environment and learn, all within the context of their family, community, and culture. This foundational perspective informs my work with clients across the lifespan. My therapeutic approach is tailored to meet my clients’ needs and draws from mindfulness principles, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I am engaged in training at Synergos Counseling & Wellness to utilize treatment approaches such as Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and Habit Reversal Training (HRT) as well as interoceptive work for panic. I work at our 5250 East Terrace location Monday through Wednesdays and Thursdays at our Blount St location. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments I currently accept: Optum/United Healthcare, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Quartz, Multiplan, Health EOS, PHCS, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Hia Woollard, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist/Advanced Practice Social Worker. I received my master's degree in Clinical Social Work from the School of Social Policy and Practice at the University of Pennsylvania, where my work looked at the intersection of art and grief. I completed my undergraduate degree in Art Education from Ithaca College. I believe that therapy is most effective when there is a solid foundational relationship between the client and the therapist so there can be trust, vulnerability, and compassion to support the healing journey. My holistic therapeutic approach assesses the elements contributing to an individual's health by attending to the connections occurring through the whole body (i.e., physical, mental, social, and spiritual). I use a person-centered model of care that incorporates motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and narrative therapeutic interventions stemming from trauma-informed and grief based lens'.
I work with clients ages 7+ and families experiencing, including but not limited to, trauma, chronic illness, anxiety disorders including but not limited to OCD, grief, living loss, adjustment, mood disorders, and anxiety. I am trained in Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) and crisis interventions for individuals and groups, such as those working in healthcare environments and more. I am also trained through Synergos Counseling & Wellness in utilizing Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training. I am also completing a certification in Traumatic Stress Studies through the Trauma Research Foundation led by Bessel Van der Kolk, MD who is a world-renowned researcher, clinician, author, and teacher in posttraumatic studies. My work hours are Monday through Thursday. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments Accepted: Quartz, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Optum/United Healthcare, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Ellen Eggen and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Board Certified Art Therapist. I received my Master’s Degree in Art Therapy and Counseling from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, WI and my Bachelor’s Degree in Art Therapy from Edgewood College in Madison, WI. I am passionate about the process of change and enjoy working side by side with clients of all ages as they navigate new approaches to engaging and living their story. I take a supportive, client-centered, healing focused approach where I seek to understand each client’s unique strengths, challenges, and goals.
I work with clients ages 5 and older, as well as families experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, behavioral challenges, mood disorders, neurodiversity, LGBTQIA+ concerns, crisis, and trauma. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Trauma Focused-CBT (TF-CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness Strategies. I will also be gaining certification and training this Spring in EMDR. I will be working exclusively at our 5250 East Terrace location Monday through Fridays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com . Payors/Payments Accepted: Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Aetna, Multiplan, Health EOS, PHCS, The Alliance, Optum/United Healthcare, SHIP, UMR, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Quartz, Private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Katy and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist/Advanced Practice Social Worker. I received my Master’s degree in Social Work with a Mental Health Focus from UW-Madison. I also received my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from UW-Madison. I approach my work with clients collaboratively and with compassion, empathy and unconditional positive regard. I believe developing a strong therapeutic relationship is key to making progress in therapy. I tailor our work together to ensure every client has space to feel safe and validated.
I have experience working with children & adolescents ages 7+ as well as adults to address a range of challenges, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, adjusting to impactful life changes, coping with stressors and recovering from trauma. I provide affirming care to clients of all identities and have experience working with clients who are LGBTQIA+. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community centers, and as a crisis counselor. I use a trauma-informed approach and have received training in play therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches. I work with clients to identify and build upon existing strengths and work to uncover how past experiences or underlying beliefs may be impacting and affecting learned patterns and behaviors. I believe clients are experts on their own lives and work to ensure all clients feel heard and supported in their journeys. My experience and education also lends itself to an overall systems lens. I use a feminist approach in my work to, alongside our individual work, identify the ways systems such as capitalism, racism, sexism, heteronormativity and others shape the world we live and impact healing. We will work together to identify these impacts and find ways to cope with struggles, build individual power and work toward improved well-being. I work diligently to create a safe and inclusive environment and am honored to walk with clients on their path toward healing. My work hours are Mondays through Thursdays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com . Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Cigna, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Ashley Olson, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist/Advanced Practice Social Worker at Synergos Counseling. I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I received a Master’s degree in Social Work with a Mental Health focus.
I believe life can be full of challenges, joy, grief, and happiness, and we often need support in navigating all the ups and downs that life has to offer. As a therapist, I see the value in recognizing we are not defined by our problems or diagnoses. Each person has unique identities, values, and strengths which are foundational for healing. I strive to provide clients a nonjudgmental, genuine, and supportive environment where they can explore their struggles and build on their strengths to find meaningful coping strategies. I have worked with people across the lifespan, most recently with veterans experiencing mental health and substance use issues. I have experience helping clients cope with trauma, depression, anxiety disorders including but not limited to OCD, substance use, adjustment issues, and grief and loss, among others. Currently, my focus is on supporting adolescents and adults, ages 16+. I have training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), interoceptive training, couples/relationship counseling, and trauma informed care. In my clinical experience, I have learned there is no “one size fits all” approach to therapy, so I work with clients to create plans and goals uniquely tailored to them. I seek to provide a safe space for people of all identities and will explore how these identities shape the human experience. My work hours are Monday through Wednesdays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com. Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Cigna, Health Partners of MN, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), The Alliance, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Tim Abendroth and my pronouns are he/him/his. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist at Synergos Counseling. I received my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and my Bachelor’s in Clinical Counseling Psychology from Edgewood College. I am also completing training and academic coursework through the University of Michigan’s School of Social Work as a Certified Sex Therapist. My therapeutic style brings a pragmatic approach that holds space for clients during their deepest struggles. It is my belief that psychotherapy can support clients in finding the most effective tools to set themselves free from their struggles. I find great pleasure and enthusiasm in working with clients in cultivating authentic self-acceptance, empowerment, resiliency, and drive to successfully complete their desired therapy goals.
My professional working experience has included working with adolescents, adults, couples, and some families within the outpatient mental health setting. During this work I have assisted clients in addressing anxiety, depression and mood disorders, interpersonal/family/relationship concerns, gender and sexual identity, sexual dysfunction, and trauma related disorders. During my time at Edgewood College, I also competed at the NCAA Division III level in Indoor and Outdoor Track, as well as Cross Country. This experience as a student-athlete gave me experiences into understanding and cultivating leadership skills, creating healthy boundaries within work-life balance, listening to my mind and body, and advocating for ones needs. Bringing the stressors of this life experience to therapy can be supported with a lens of common humanity. Additionally, I have specialized training as a Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapist, as well as training in the PREPARE/ENRICH program as a Certified Facilitator to strengthen my work with couples. In my generalist training I call upon several therapeutic modalities, including but not limited to; Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gottman Method Couples Therapy, and Sex Therapy. I am exclusively a virtual therapist working Mondays through Fridays. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com Payors/Payments Accepted: Quartz, Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Cigna, Health Partners of MN, Optum/United Healthcare, Multiplan, Health EOS, PHCS, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, Out of Network, Private Pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Selina Lor and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a Licensed Psychotherapist at Synergos Counseling. I received my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and Bachelors in Psychology and Communication Arts from UW- Madison. In my approach to therapy, I believe the client is the expert in their life and their experiences. I believe psychotherapy supports processing your experiences toward improved self-awareness and healing. I am focused on building a warm, genuine, and supportive relationship with clients allowing them to feeling safe and trusting. I work to provide a space where clients of all ages, races, ethnicities, gender identities, sexual orientations, and disabilities feel safe and supported in their journey of self discovery.
I work with clients ages 11+. I have experience working with adolescents and adults struggling with mood lability (depression, bipolar), anxiety disorders (GAD, OCD, Panic, SAD), relationship concerns, relationship/couples counseling, and trauma-based experiences such as intergenerational trauma and more. I also enjoy integrating Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). These approaches allow me to work with clients to identify, label, and express their emotions in a healthy manner allowing them to feel empowered while demonstrating increased self compassion. I am a virtual therapist Monday, Tuesdays and Thursdays. I see clients in-person on Wednesdays at our Blount Street offices. To schedule, email ContactUs@synergoscounseling.com Payors/Payments Accepted: Optum/United Healthcare, Quartz, Evernorth (formerly Cigna), Group Health Cooperative (GHC), Cigna, Health Partners of MN, The Alliance, SHIP, UMR, and private pay. Please be aware we do not take Badgercare/Medicaid/Forward Health. |
My name is Lauren Langford. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I am a clinical counseling intern completing my master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Mount Mary University. I graduated with my Bachelor’s in Psychology from UW-Madison. I strive to provide a safe and inclusive environment dedicated to empowering individuals with tools and support as they heal and improve wellness. I believe in creating an empathetic, trusting, and warm therapeutic relationship that allows clients to explore their strengths.
I have experience working with clients of all ages and abilities. I see clients 14+ experiencing a variety of concerns, including but not limited to anxiety, mood disorders (ie., depression, bipolar), trauma, grief and loss, and those experiencing difficulty adjusting through the distinct phases of life. My approach to counseling is trauma-informed, person-centered, and strengths-based. I also received a certification in Psychological First Aid, which involves providing emergent mental health services to those experiencing a crisis (i.e., house fire, natural disaster, etc) which may also require involvement with local law enforcement, fire dept, etc. I will also be training at Synergos to better understand treating those struggling with disordered eating, individuals interested in couples counseling, and utilizing Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) for anxiety and/or ocd. |
My name is Hunter and I am a therapy dog at Synergos Counseling. I am a 7 year old Goldendoodle who loves socializing with the clients and staff at my office. At times, people request to have me in their sessions to snuggle as a therapeutic tool while working alongside my counselor. I enjoy long walks, treats, and peanut butter : ) |