Best Self Counseling Center

12/16/2025

Are you noticing any "winter blues" with the colder weather and darker days? Seasonal affective symptoms can affect many people. If you're looking for tips on how to manage your mood most effectively during this time of the year, take a quick read of this blog written by our trauma-informed yoga instructor, Kate!

Reduced sunlight affects our circadian rhythm, serotonin, and melatonin levels, leading to what we call Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) or the “winter blues.”

12/11/2025

It seems that more and more people these days desire this. Making small adjustments overtime can get you there!

12/06/2025

We are so glad many of you stopped out tonight at Christmas on the Corner and made Rudolph ornaments for your tree, as well as adding to our positivity Christmas tree. Here are some of our favorites! 🎄

12/02/2025

Christmas on the Corner is SUCH a fun event for families every year put on by Downtown Port. Our center will be one of the stops on the map! 127 N. Franklin St. Suite 205 (second floor above the Shoppes of Port). 2-5 PM this Saturday 12/6. (Grab a map at Downtown Port's info booth on the East side of Franklin and Washington St. the day of the event!)

Pop into our center and make a cute and easy Rudolph ornament to take home, and add an affirmation or gratitude to our Christmas tree. We'll also have staff there ready to answer questions about any services we provide.

There are many other wonderful businesses participating as well, horse drawn carriage rides, photos with Santa, tree lighting, parade, fireworks and more! Hope to see you there!

Send a message to learn more

11/26/2025

The holidays are right around the corner! If you're looking for tips on how to manage your body image and relationship with food during this holiday season, take a peek at this short blog written by our counselor, Corrin Van Lanen.

As a holiday revolving around food, there might be a lot of fear around gaining weight. In reality, it is just like any other meal you are having.

11/24/2025

Our mental health center has partnered with the Ozaukee Food Alliance as we are hosting a food drive through the end of December. Feel free to stop by our suites on the second floor of the Franklin Building downtown Port Washington and donate any unexpired and unopened canned or dried goods. We’d love to fill the bin up and give back to our community! 😊

127 N. Franklin St.
info@bestselfcc.com

10/27/2025

Living in a world with so much overwhelming information both on the news and social media, knowing how to navigate this is crucial to our mental health and relationships with other people. See this short blog written by our counselor, Laurie Rathke, for more information and tips!

While we cannot eliminate exposure to every painful story, we can choose how much we allow into our lives and how we respond to it. By prioritizing self-care, fostering resilience, and remaining grounded in sources of hope and meaning, we equip ourselves to acknowledge life’s hardships while still...

10/13/2025

Are you or someone you love considering mental health counseling, but not sure how to get started? Or maybe you've reached out somewhere to inquire about scheduling, only to learn it will be a 2-3 month wait.

Here at Best Self, an individual can find their "right fit" counselor by reading each counselor's bio page (www.bestselfcc.com) or can call to schedule a free 15-minute call with any of the providers before making a choice. We also have an on-site prescriber, as well as a trauma-informed yoga instructor-be sure to check them out, as well!

The decision to start counseling can be on the heels of a crisis, or in the gathering of courage. It may be needed because of a breaking point with something or someone, or because emotions are heavier as the holidays are approaching. Whatever the reason, know that you matter, are not alone, and scheduling you within the week will be a priority.

Highlighted this week is our counselor, Laurie Rathke, who is a trained EMDR (trauma) therapist with extensive experience and understandings about how complex and traumatic events impact the person-both emotionally, mentally and physically. Her warm and nurturing approach, combined with her sense of humor and approachability, ensure that you will feel safe and supported as you begin your healing journey.

Laurie works with adults of all ages, as well as couples and families. If you'd like more information or want to schedule an appointment (as soon as this week!), call our office manager, Carrie, at (262) 235-4385 (ext. 7) or schedule right on our website, as well.

10/13/2025

Happy Monday from Best Self Counseling Center! 😊

While cloudy now, the morning brought a beautiful sunrise...have a great week, everyone!

09/19/2025

At Best Self Counseling Center, we often hear clients share how premenstrual changes affect their mental health, relationships, and daily lives. While PMS is common, PMDD is less widely understood—and yet it can deeply impact those who live with it. By raising awareness about PMS versus PMDD, we hope to provide clarity, reduce stigma, and remind our community that support is available. Take a peek at this a blog written by our APNP, Alyssa Sekadlo.

Most people are familiar with PMS — the irritability, bloating, or low energy that creeps in before a period. But if your symptoms feel more like an emotional collapse than a mild annoyance, you may be experiencing PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) — a condition that often goes undiagnosed ...

09/03/2025

Our trauma-informed yoga instructor, Kate, shares an inside view into her journey with yoga. Whether you've tried yoga a little, a lot, or never at all, this short read explains the beauty of this practice for true healing, peace and centeredness!

Choosing rest lets us restore, rebuild energy, and return to life fully present. And it can also help us in recognizing when we may need more support.

08/14/2025

Our mental health center was one of the sponsors for this event last year. It was SO incredibly moving, brought us to tears, and we have decided to sponsor again this year. We are looking forward to attending this second annual event on 9/25. Tickets are free and open to public!

Join us for The LOVE>hate Project’s 2nd Annual Performing Arts Benefit, an inspiring evening of resilience and empowerment, where victim survivors use dance, [...]