Elmbrook Family Counseling Center

	Howard J. Haven, Ph.D. Clinic Director Clinical Psychologist Dr. Haven specializes in marital psychotherapy, stress and anger management, and treatment of the full range of anxiety and depression problems. He is especially interested in assisting individuals and couples dealing with health concerns and illness. He is also experienced treating hands off or non-aggressive sexual disorders (e.g. pornography addiction, cross-dressing). "Good therapy involves a delicate balance of several factors. The first and most important, obviously, is an understanding empathetic relationship. The people involved must click, feel comfortable with each other. There also must be respect for what people want and need and the ability to listen carefully until this becomes clear. Finally, there should be a healthy respect for the scientific evidence which shows which approaches are best for particular problems. People seeking help have a right to expect expert suggestion and guidance, not just a sympathetic ear."
	Geri Kohl, M.Ed., LCSW, LPC Administrative Director Psychotherapist and Certified Grief Counselor Individual and couple therapy. My special interests are helping people with depression, anxiety, grief, postpartum depression, and addictive disorders. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to help people discover or regain their personal strengths so they can achieve their goals and ultimately feel better."
	John Nesseth, MS, LMFT Psychotherapist Adult, child and adolescent assessment and psychotherapy. Primary interest in working with families with depression, anxiety, marital stress and divorce adjustment. “At times we find ourselves in the midst of stress and we need to explore an avenue of strength: to discover a positive road to pursue. I see my role as a guide to assist you to explore the challenges, insights and growth needed to develop a clear path to move forward.”
	Lora DeFranco, MS, LPC Psychotherapist Child and adolescent and adult assessment, individual and family psychotherapy. Special interest in depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, grief/loss, life adjustments, stress and anger management, ADHD, effective discipline and parent support. “If I can provide guidance, support, and education of healthy skills, I believe individuals can better identify their strengths and capacities to be on the road to helping themselves.”
	Betsy Erickson, MS, LPC, NCC Psychotherapist Special interest in providing individual adults, couples, parents and teens with tools to improve communication and manage emotional and behavioral problems. Betsy is a cognitive behavioral specialist with training in EMDR for the treatment of trauma. “If your life seems overcome with experiences of trauma, the death of a loved one, a major life change, or family problems, a supportive counseling process can help you move toward healing. I enjoy being part of a process that helps others discover their own strengths and capabilities to bring about change in their lives.”
	Paul L. Bartsch, MS, LPC, CSAC Psychotherapist plbartsch1959@aol.com Adult, child and adolescent assessment and psychotherapy. Special interest in depression, anxiety disorders, grief issues, marital communications, gambling addictions and alcohol and other drug abuse. Extensive experience treating children for attention deficit disorder, social anxiety, anger and conflict issues. "Life is full of trials and tribulations especially in these trying times. I have a clear understanding how current events may be affecting your life from an inter/intra personal perspective. I look forward to assisting you with short and long term goals as you move forward with life's challenges."
	Liza Baritt, MA, LPC Psychotherapist Experience working with adolescents and women. Advanced training in perinatal mood disorders, mindfulness, and teaching skills for managing difficult emotions. Interested in assisting those going through life transitions, coping with grief and loss, and children or individuals dealing with divorce. "Mental health is more than just the absence of mental illness. Learning to focus the mind while accepting and working with the reality of emotions opens you up to your full potential. I strive to provide a compassionate and curious space for you to safely explore what is holding you back and actively practice skills to help you flourish. New experiences and the therapeutic relationship are the key to positive change and personal growth."
	Brian Smothers, LPC, PsyD Clinical Psychologist Dr. Smothers works with adults and adolescents in individual, couples and family therapy. Dr. Smothers also provides consultation to other mental health professionals, and psychological assessment for ADHD, learning disorders, and diagnostic/personality testing. He works with various mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and chronic anger. His areas of clinical interests include: men's issues, issues affecting the clergy and health professionals, aggression, and recovery from trauma and traumatic loss. He has worked in community mental health and university settings. "Psychotherapy can help people feel an increased sense of personal freedom. A freedom to be honest with oneself and others, and a freedom from the bonds of persistent worries and recurring patterns of behavior that leave you feeling empty and frustrated. Psychotherapy can help to unlock one's potential to pursue their authentic aspirations and dreams. Through on-going dialogue, mutual curiosity, listening and speaking of the past and present, my clients and I broaden our understanding of their pain and limitations in life. I look forward to engaging in this meaningful journey with you."