Behavioral Health Clinic

  While I have been in the mental health field for over 15 years, I am always brought back to a statement that one of my instructors made. “You don’t know what you don’t know you don’t know.” It may help to read it out loud to get the full impact. After taking countless hours of classes, workshops, and training, I keep this in mind each time I approach a new situation. This was especially important when someone I was working with adamantly stated how important the foundation of attachment is on people’s emotions, thoughts, and reactions. Even more striking was their insight into how their own early experiences have influenced them throughout their life. This led me on a personal and professional journey to review the concept of attachment, and also how to attend to attachment wounds that people have experienced. To say that it is a complicated concept, is minimizing things. As you read the following information, consider your early relationships with caregivers, extended family mem...

  Anger is an emotion that often gets a bad rap. The way we express and acknowledge our anger can impact our  relationships , our environments, and our decision making, leading anger to be labelled as a bad or even dangerous emotion. However, anger often sends us the message “something is wrong here.” Anger is a natural emotional response that acts as an alert that our boundaries have been crossed, something needs to change, or our values are out of alignment. Anger that is unmanaged or excessive can result in decisions and expressions of anger that hurt us and those around us. Because anger is such a catalyst for action and change, finding ways to recognize, understand, and channel anger allows us to use it effectively. Recognize Anger Recognize triggers:  notice situations, people, or events that consistently provoke anger Notice how your body reacts when angry:  increased heart rate, muscle tension, feeling flushed, and other physical responses help us recognize a...

  The term “empty nest divorce” refers to a phenomenon where couples decide to divorce after their children have grown up and left home, leaving the parents with an “empty nest.” This life stage often occurs in the years following the departure of children for college, work, or other independent living situations. While not a universal trend, there are several reasons why some couples may experience an increased risk of divorce during this phase: Reevaluation of Relationship: With children out of the house, couples may find themselves reassessing their relationship without the distractions and focus on parenting. This can lead to a reevaluation of compatibility and shared goals. Divergent Interests and Goals: Couples who have focused primarily on parenting may find that they have developed different interests, goals, or priorities. The shift in dynamics can reveal underlying differences that were less apparent during the child-rearing years. Rediscovery of Self: Parents may use the...

  Introduction  Nurturing a Fulfilling Life for Children with Autism. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a neurological condition that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. As awareness about autism has grown, so has our understanding of the incredible diversity within the autism spectrum. Many parents and caregivers of children with autism often wonder about their child’s future and whether they can lead a “normal” life. In this article, we will explore the concept of a “normal” life, celebrate neurodiversity, and discuss how children with autism can lead fulfilling and meaningful lives.  Redefining “Normal”  The term “normal” can be subjective and misleading when discussing the lives of children with autism. Autism is a spectrum, and each child’s experience is unique, ranging from mild to severe symptoms. Instead of seeking a predetermined notion of normalcy, it is essential to embrace neurodiversity and recognize that every individual...

  Relationships can provide a connection that includes comfort and enjoyment in our lives. However there are many factors that can affect our relationships, some within our control and some that aren’t. Recession proofing your relationship is a term used to help keep relationships healthy, even when there is a decline in the economy or in life in general. Tip 1: Expand your definition of wealth- Often we think about wealth as money and finances only, but it’s important to talk to your partner about what wealth means in your relationship beyond money. Think about wealth and security including activities you like to do together, spending time with pets in your family, friends who build you both up, or new adventures that provide opportunities you can do together. If we are conscious of what is important to us in our partnership, we are able to prioritize the sense of security to get through any difficult time. Tip 2: Consider new roles- Flexibility in a relationship is a helpful qual...

  January has earned the unfortunate nickname “Divorce Month” in recent times, as U.S. family law firms consistently see a 25-30% increase in divorce filings. There are a few reasons why divorce rates might be higher in January. One reason is that the holidays can be a stressful time for couples, and if they have been struggling in their relationship, the added stress of the holidays can be the final straw. Additionally, some people may want to wait until the start of the new year to start fresh and make a change in their lives. Finally, the end of the year can be a busy time with holidays, parties, and other commitments, so people may not have the time or energy to address relationship issues until the start of the new year. There are many different reasons why couples get divorced, and what causes a divorce can vary from one couple to the next. However, there are some common issues that can contribute to a couple’s decision to get divorced. Some of the most common reasons for div...

  Relationships can provide a connection that includes comfort and enjoyment in our lives. However there are many factors that can affect our relationships, some within our control and some that aren’t. Recession proofing your relationship is a term used to help keep relationships healthy, even when there is a decline in the economy or in life in general. Tip 1: Expand your definition of wealth- Often we think about wealth as money and finances only, but it’s important to talk to your partner about what wealth means in your relationship beyond money. Think about wealth and security including activities you like to do together, spending time with pets in your family, friends who build you both up, or new adventures that provide opportunities you can do together. If we are conscious of what is important to us in our partnership, we are able to prioritize the sense of security to get through any difficult time. Tip 2: Consider new roles- Flexibility in a relationship is a helpful qual...

  In the past, relationships were often formed through friends and family. People would go on dates with someone they were set up with or met through their social circle. However, in recent years, online dating has become increasingly popular, changing the way people meet and date. Online dating can be a great way to meet new people. You can expand your social network and meet people from all over the world. However, the impact of online dating on relationships is not all positive. Here’s how online dating is changing relationships , for better and for worse. The Good: Online Dating Makes it Easier to Meet New People In the past, meeting someone new was much more complicated. You might meet someone at work, through friends, or at a bar. However, with online dating, you can connect with people from all over the world. There are many dating apps and websites that make it easy to find a match. All you need to do is create a profile and start swiping. You’ll be surprised how many peopl...

  These last two years have been challenging for many, no matter what your beliefs are about the state of the world. I have been noticing more recently that people have been struggling to maintain their connections with co-workers, friends, family, with people in general. With the  holidays   very near, I want to share information on how to encourage connection and closeness in your relationships with others so that you may get the connection you’re looking for over the holidays. Go into your holiday conversation with connection in mind.  The holidays are a time of sharing uninterrupted time with loved ones, connecting conversation, good food, and other holiday traditions. Only use your electronics to connect with others. Keep the political talk feeling productive, or don’t use this time to talk about it at all. It’s ok to “set down” topics that are emotionally charged until you are ready to pick them back up again. Your physical and emotional wellness comes first. S...

  Group therapy can be an equally effective and powerful form of treatment. Our interactive “skills group” therapy sessions provide our patients with helpful strategies and tools that they can use in their everyday lives. These group sessions offer a mini classroom format with a more interactive approach, personalized for each individual member’s needs. Our “process groups” are more unstructured and focus on discussion and interaction among the individuals within the group. Additionally, Behavioral Clinic offers single-session appointments and short-term group classes for other “everyday” challenges. Patients will feel safe, comfortable, and at home during either one of these group sessions. Each group member will take with them important lessons and life skills they can use for the rest of their lives in order to manage their mental illness. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety and fear, weight and self-esteem, depression, or any other issues, individuals, couples and families c...

The Behavioral Health Clinic provides counseling for couples who are concerned with their relationship functioning in the state of Wisconsin. We have counselors   who can help you navigate many  relationship stressors  including differences in parenting, difficult personality and value clashes, repairing trust in the wake of infidelity, and unsatisfying or mismatched sexual relationships. We also  work with individuals  w ho are struggling with making decisions about his, her, of their relationship. Our counselors use evidence based couples interventions such as Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, Behavioral Sex Therapy, and Gottman-informed techniques to promote the health and well-being of relationships and the individuals in them. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please  contact us .

  Sex education has long been hot-button issues in the U.S., and people with disabilities face particular challenges in the area of sexual health and education. Many people without disabilities see disabled people, particularly those with mental or developmental disabilities, as “childlike” or innocent, and believe there is no need to provide sex education for them. This attitude places people with autism at a distinct disadvantage. Despite popular perceptions that people with autism unilaterally function at the level of children, functioning varies widely from person to person, and most are curious about interpersonal relationships and how to navigate romances, whether or not they are personally pursuing those relationships. Additionally, many people who are diagnosed as autistic when they are teens or adults have already embarked on romantic relationships, and may already be partnered or married when they receive a diagnosis. However, the ability to “mask” or pass as neurotypical...

Dr. Meggers-Wright is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. She completed her Ph.D. at the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri; her clinical internship at South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, Texas; and her doctoral residency at the Saint Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. Dr. Meggers-Wright works with individuals, couples, and families to help them take advantage of their strengths and opportunities to lead a well-lived life. Her clients find her to be warm and caring, with a tendency to bring in humor. Her clients also find her to be goal-focused in that she works together with her clients to create achievable goals and actively take steps to reach them. Dr. Meggers-Wright is also one out of four owners that direct the Behavioral Health Clinic of Wausau. Dr. Meggers-Wright is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatments that are supported by science as being effective in producing measurable change. Evidence-based treatments are ty...

Erinn McCabe, LPC, SAS, is a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Substance Abuse Specialty. She received her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Erinn’s expertise includes providing individual, family, and couples therapy to address a wide variety of issues including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, LGBT struggles, parenting concerns, abuse and other trauma history, grief and loss, substance abuse, and other mental health concerns. Erinn provides play therapy for children ages 3 years and up and is trained in Theraplay-based methods to promote healthy attachment in children and adults. She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to help individuals that struggle with adjustment concerns and trauma. Erinn’s philosophy is grounded in interpersonal and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, as well as mindfulness. Erinn is an open-minded individual who provides empathy and guidance to her clients...

The Behavioral Health Clinic provides counseling for couples who are concerned with their relationship functioning in the state of Wisconsin. We have counselors who can help you navigate many relationship stressors including differences in parenting, difficult personality and value clashes, repairing trust in the wake of infidelity, and unsatisfying or mismatched sexual relationships. We also work with individuals who are struggling with making decisions about his, her, of their relationship. Our counselors use evidence based couples interventions such as Emotionally-Focused Couples Therapy, Integrative Behavioral Couples Therapy, Behavioral Sex Therapy, and Gottman-informed techniques to promote the health and well-being of relationships and the individuals in them. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please  contact us .

Emily Peterson, MS, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She completed her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication. She then received her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Winona State University. Ms. Peterson takes a humanistic and holistic approach with an emphasis in empathy and authenticity in the therapeutic environment. Her clinical experience is primarily with individuals and groups working on a wide spectrum of issues including Anxiety, depression, adjustment, personality disorders, mindfulness, and relationship issues. Ms. Peterson takes an affirmative approach with LGBTQ+ folks who struggle with issues related to gender and sexuality; she finds this work especially fulfilling. Ms. Peterson believes in maintaining a safe and collaborative environment where both the client and counselor can be their authentic selves. She aims to provide evidence-based treatments that are effective in cre...