Deanna Clapsaddle LPC-S

In my practice I offer psychotherapy services for children, adolescents, teens and adults who are experiencing anxiety, PTSD, obsessions and compulsions, depression & other mood disorders, problems in relationships with family members and friends, and those who have problems in their school or work environment. I work with couples and families who have communication problems and couples with marital problems. Many clients who I have suspected of having or have diagnosed with OCD, usually have a family member who is most likely OCD as well. At least 5-10% of my clients have experienced problems with OCD and/or related disorders.

I treat individuals who have who have experienced trauma, may have PTSD, experience anxiety, panic attacks, possibly OCD, ASD, and who are often, also depressed. Sometimes, if their anxiety can be addressed using therapies such as CBT/ERP, Mindfulness, EMDR and/or ACT, their depression may be somewhat alleviated with decreased anxiety to a more functional level. If the depression and anxiety are severe, and continue to be a persistent problem with therapeutic intervention(s), I would refer the client to a psychiatrist for medical assessment, while continuing on-going therapy.

I have worked with children and teens with disabilities and mental health concerns for over 20 years. As an LPC in private practice for the past 8 years, I have worked with children, teens, and adults. Many individuals with disabilities experience anxiety, and those with AU spectrum disorders often have OCD. As a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, I have worked with traumatized individuals who have developed PTSD and, sometimes, OCD. I have completed the Cognitive Behavior Therapy Training for OCD through the BTTI and completed the follow-up consultation sessions with the Chief Clinical Officer at Rogers Behavior Health in Wisconsin.

Diversity Statement:

I have had many years of experience working with children and families from multi-racial and multi-cultural communities in public schools. Within these groups, I had much experience working with children and teens with mental health and/or developmental disabilities, who often exist in a culture of their own with their families, who have many needs, and are often underserved. I have worked with children, teens and adults from affluent backgrounds in schools and in my private practice, and what I have learned is that there are no socio-economic boundaries for the severity of mental health problems, substance abuse, and problem relationships.

I have attended many workshops and trainings in cultural diversity in past years and have worked with many diverse populations in communities through a variety of public school systems. In the past few years, I have worked with several adolescent and teen clients who were struggling with sexual identity and sexual preference, and who were scared to tell their parents and friends for fear of disappointment, anger, isolation and abandonment. This has prompted me to seek more training and resources in dealing with LGBTQ teens and their families, as their issues and “at risk” concerns seem to keep evolving.