Wisconsin Anxiety and Depression Clinic

05/06/2026

Here's another post of Alana's work with her clients. This week's topic is on SMART goals.
Poorly defined goals are like wishes - we may want them but they aren't likely to come true. SMART is a classic acronym to help people develop more effective goals. Research and experience show that specific, realistic, and time-bound goals are more likely to become something you can actually accomplish.
Whether you're trying to learn a new language, get in shape, or just start a new routine, SMART goals give you the structure to support success instead of relying on willpower alone.
So if you're working on your own goals this month, why not try making them SMART goals. And if you need a hand, we're always here to help.

05/04/2026

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. During this time we expand the conversation about how we care for ourselves and each other. We've made real progress in recent decades at improving the quality of discourse around mental health, even though statistics sometimes make it seem like things are getting worse.
However, statistics can be misleading. Remember that awareness means that more people will recognize their symptoms, and become more likely to seek help. We also have better tools than ever before to help us identify mental health concerns. Increases in diagnosis are not necessarily the same as increased suffering.
So this month, take a moment to check in with yourself. Make sure to prioritize rest, connection, and whatever makes you feel grounded. And if you ever feel like you could use a hand, we're here when you're ready.

05/02/2026

Mind Games: How gaming can be used to improve mental health was a great success at Midwest Gaming Classic this year! I just wanted to shout out our co-panelists Jonathan Connor Self, Keith Whipple, and Ryan Christopher for their thoughtful discussion and expertise! We had great audience participation and covered some really important topics.

After the event we discussed it, and have decided that this conversation is too important for one panel. So we're going to keep the conversation going at future conventions! We're already making plans for Gamehole Con later this year. What other conventions should we consider? Please let us know in the comments, and thanks for coming!

04/26/2026

With Midwest Gaming Classic – I just got recognized as one of their top fans!

04/25/2026

Okay, here's the bio for our final boss of the panel - Jonathan Connor Self! Connor has by far the most experience talking about these topics with the public. You'll read more about all his qualifications later, but let me just say that we're thrilled that he was willing to come and join us for this conversation. I can't wait for you all to meet him!

(Pictured - Connor and his fur baby. Adorable!)

Jonathan Connor Self-Gonzalez (Connor, he/him), known online as The Healer DM, is an award-winning therapist and gaming creative. Connor's work in mental health extends from the therapy office to the public school to having served on the leadership of the Illinois Counseling Association. Connor provides innovative and effective therapeutic strategies combining games therapy (including the use of video and TTRPGs) with Adlerian and Motivational Techniques. Connor has published and consulted on over 40 printed gaming works for companies including Wizards of the Coast, One Tabletop, Mugen Gaming, Evil Genius Games, Renegade Games, and more. Connor is the President of D8 Summit Charities, a 501c3 organization writing microgrants to local causes while speaking about health, wellness, community, and better gaming at high-profile TTRPG events around the United States. You can find Connor’s email and social media through his webpage http://thehealerdm.carrd.com/ or via D8 Summit Charities at http://d8summit.org/

04/24/2026

Here's another bio from one of our panelists at Midwest Gaming Classic. Keith brings a real variety of talents, including extensive improv experience to our panel. If you're as excited as me, please come join the conversation with us at Tabletop Village from 3:00pm - 4:00pm on Saturday! Check out event for additional details.

(Pictured - Keith in Edinburgh. What a legend.)

Keith Whipple is dedicated to improving lives through the creative arts. As a Drama Therapist, a professional improviser, teacher, and coach, and as a facilitator of tabletop & role-playing games, Keith has over 30 years of experience helping individuals and organizations creatively grow, change, and achieve greater success and fulfillment. Keith is a published author in his field, performs regularly at ComedySportz Chicago, and works inpatient, outpatient, and residential sites for Ascension Healthcare. Keith Whipple is a Registered Drama Therapist (RDT) with the North American Drama Therapy Association (NADTA), and received his BFA from DePaul University’s Theatre School, and his MA in Therapeutic and Educational Drama from Lesley University. And if you think Keith looks like a guy who has been playing D&D since the 70's, then good call by you!

04/24/2026

Here's the bio of one of our panelists at our upcoming talk at Midwest Gaming Classic. He's a smart, fun, and funny guy. I can't wait to talk about gaming and mental health with him! If you're coming to the convention make sure to check us out in Tabletop Village from 3:00pm - 4:00pm.

Ryan Hansen, MA, LPC, ATR-BC, is a licensed counselor and board-certified art therapist in Illinois, as well as a PhD candidate in Counseling Education and Supervision. He is the Director of Clinical Training and a professor at Adler University. His work focuses on crisis, anxiety, and depression, with a special interest in integrating video games themes, tabletop role-playing games themes, and miniature painting into therapy to support identity development and personal growth. He has presented on the clinical applications of gaming and creative practice in mental health, and outside of his professional work, he is a lifelong gamer and miniature painter who has competed in international competitions including Golden Demon, Miniature Painting Open, and Squidmar Open. He is especially fond of the Metroid and Dark Souls series, with a soft spot for Banjo-Kazooie.

04/16/2026

NASW- Wisconsin Chapter is preparing to honor Marc Herstand for 33 years of service. Marc has been a steady presence in the NASW for decades - ever since I joined the organization the man has been practically synonymous with the institution in the state of Wisconsin.

Pictured here, Marc guiding me through a hearing where we both testified in the Wisconsin Legislature regarding a newly passed Interstate Social Work Compact. This legislation also serves as a great capstone to a career in service of his colleagues.

Thank you Marc for everything you have done for us over the years, and we wish you the happiest possible retirement.

04/07/2026

We are excited to introduce Alana Scheifen as a counseling intern at the Wisconsin Anxiety & Depression Clinic. Alana is passionate about helping clients feel seen, supported, and empowered throughout their healing process.

Alana brings a positive and compassionate presence to our practice, backed by over four years of experience in the field. She is skilled in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She is dedicated to providing her clients with knowledge and strategies they need to feel empowered in their daily lives.

While she works with a broad range of mental health conditions, Alana has a special interest in treating anxiety, depression, OCD, and ASD. Her ability to connect with clients of all ages creates a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel truly heard. Clients have described her as easy to talk to, and one of the best parts of their week.

Clinicians may be willing to discuss times not visible through the link below contact your clinician to discuss your specific needs, or if you have any questions.

04/01/2026

Recently I caught a great moment from our intern Alana during a session: a simple graphic that she used to explain the difference between willingness and willfulness.

In therapy, willingness means staying open — open to change, open to new experiences, open to working on your wellbeing even when it’s uncomfortable. Willfulness, on the other hand, is that rigid, “I’m not budging” mindset we all slip into sometimes. It’s protective, but it also keeps us stuck.

Most people understand that coming to therapy means acknowledging the need for a change in our lives. Even so, many struggle to overcome the natural inclination to avoid change. It's natural, AND important to challenge. The shift from willfulness to willingness is how we begin to grow.

If you're looking for a good therapist to help you make a change, let us know!

03/27/2026

This past weekend, our founder Andrew had the opportunity to speak at Gary Con on three topics important to our mission: su***de prevention, diversity and inclusion in gaming, and telling LGBTQIA+ stories of joy. Each panel was well attended, and the conversations were thoughtful, energizing, and a reminder of how wonderful this community can be.

Huge thanks to Gary Con for creating space for these discussions, to D8 Summit Charities Incorporated for getting us together and to Tabletop Gaymers for sponsoring the panel. And an extra shout out to my fellow panelists Jonathan Connor Self, John Mosey, Ahmed Suffety, Jessiye Davis, and David Lewis. Thank you all for making the experience an absolute blast!

If these topics resonate with you, we’re currently recruiting players for our next Tabletop Therapy Group beginning June 16. It’s a great way to work on your mental health while enjoying a fun experience.

03/06/2026

Please help us welcome Tehya Wright, LPC‑IT, to the Wisconsin Anxiety & Depression Clinic!

We’re excited to introduce Tehya to our community. She brings a warm, supportive presence and a strong foundation in evidence‑based therapy, and she is now accepting new clients of all ages -- children (aged 6+), teens, and adults.

Tehya works with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, school stress, relationship challenges, and behavioral issues. Clients describe Tehya as kind, patient, and knowledgeable. She's wise beyond her years, but still easily connects well with younger clients.

We’re incredibly lucky to have her on our team, and we’re excited to see the impact she’ll continue to make in the lives of the people she supports.

Tehya is now accepting new clients.
You can learn more about her or request an appointment through our website.

Accepting New Clients!