About

ABOUT ME
“If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude.” Maya Angelou
It takes courage and intelligence to take the first step toward change, so congratulations on beginning your journey toward a better version of you! I am Patti Szambelan from the heart of Wisconsin, and I am invested in helping clients master the challenges of change. While change can be uncomfortable and even frightening, it is part of our typical course of life. Change can arrive with the force of a tidal wave or creep along incrementally like a glacier; Change can come in the form of devastating tragedy, difficult choices, broken relationships, or even new opportunities. I enjoy working with clients because I know I can help find the path through the challenge of changes to live healthier and happier lives.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC), I have assisted many men and women with rehabilitation from addiction, depression, mental illness, and trauma. As a child of an alcoholic and the mother of an addict, I have benefited greatly from counseling, self-help books and received assertiveness training. The struggles with my child’s addictions left such an imprint on my life, I felt called to work with others who were dealing with similar issues. After 20 years in an entirely different field, I studied holistic massage therapy, earned my MS at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and worked diligently to become an effective Counselor. The therapeutic approaches that I find most effective are Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, though I am not limited to those approaches, and freely embrace the philosophy “To meet you where you are.” As always, my goal is to be supportive and empathetic with open and honest communication to reach the personal goals of my clients.
I have worked with couples, individuals and families dealing with issues which range from marital struggles to depression and anxiety. I bring a hopeful, compassionate approach while assisting clients to develop positive changes in their lives. I have also witnessed an overwhelming need in the pride community and have been honored to guide individuals through transitions, unique workplace issues, identity development, self-assertiveness training, family conflicts, and sensitively parenting LGBTQ kids.
Overall, my hope is to work WITH you and to support you in determining your best way forward. I work closely with clients to help them create a path which will assist in identifying negative thoughts and emotions, preventing addiction relapse, managing anger, coping with grief and loss, managing chronic pain, overcoming trauma, dealing with PTSD, and resolving relationship difficulties.
SPECIALTIES
•Stress, Anxiety
•LGBTQ
•Addictions
•Self esteem
•Depression
•Codependency
Also experienced in:
Relationship issues, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Anger management, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, Drug and Alcohol Addiction, Life Purpose, Self-Love