placeholder photo

Therapeutic Focus & Treatment Modalities

I enjoy working with primary school aged (5-12) children and their caregivers (parents/ guardians). I use a varied treatment approach to include CBT, DBT, Play Therapy practices.
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Addiction
  • Adjustment Disorders
  • Adoption/ Foster Care
  • Anxiety
  • Autism Spectrum (ASD)/ Neurodiverse Children
  • Avoidance Behaviors
  • Behavioral Issues
  • Child Abuse/ Neglect 
  • Depression
  • Developmental/ Physical connections and impacts of trauma
  • Divorce/ Family separation
  • Oppositional Defiance (ODD)
  • Parenting
  • PDA profile of Autism
  • PTSD
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
  • Self-Esteem
  • Somatic Work
  • Suicidal Ideation
  • Trauma

Heather Wende, MSW, APSW

Advanced Practice Social Worker
Pychotherapist – Children
Mental Health Professional

All people are worthy and capable of making sustained changes. Feeling heard and seen is essential to the human experience. People will do well if they can. Recovery is possible. These are the core beliefs that have guided me throughout my career and which I continue to hold in my practice.

I am excited to be transitioning into private practice therapy, after decades working with children and families in various public social work settings. I have direct experience working with youth justice, children’s mental health, child protective services, child development, child abuse and neglect, juvenile sex offenders, sexual abuse, child victims of other crime, adoption, foster care, court systems, behavioral health, all facets of mental health, and more. These experiences bring authenticity, compassion, understanding, and a varied lens to my role as a therapist. 

I enjoy working with children of all ages. I am fascinated by the body/brain connection; how it influences overall mental health, as well as how trauma impacts a child’s developing brain. I enjoy using innovative approaches which explore play, nutrition, and exercise’s role in mental health recovery and treatment. I am passionate about helping kids learn more about their emotions, needs, wants, differences and struggles, while also helping them to learn coping and management strategies, that they can carry with them throughout their life. 

I not only enjoy working with children, but also their caregivers. Helping parents/ guardians to navigate the stress and uncertainty that comes along with supporting a child experiencing struggles with mental health and/or addiction. I am excited to partner with you and/or your child on the journey to healing.

Think Heather will be a good fit for you or your child? 

Call or email today to schedule a free 10-minute consultation.

*Heather can accept the following forms of payment: Private Pay (sliding scale for those that qualify), Quartz Insurance (all plans), My Choice WI

 

Education & Licensure

  • BS from University of Wisconsin – Madison  
  • MS in Social Work from University of Tennessee – Knoxville

Outside of Work

When not at work, I like to snuggle with my dogs, read, flower garden, kayak, go boating, travel and spend time with my two adult children, family, and friends.

Certifications

  • Certified Life Coach
  • Trained Parent Peer Specialist

    Services I Offer

    • Ages 5-12; Parents/caregivers/guardians
    • Individual Skill Development and Enhancement 
    • Psychoeducation
    • Therapy Groups
    • Psychotherapy

    Contact Us

    For general inquiries and information, send us a message.  We will reply to your inquiry within 48 business hours. 

    M-F 8a-4:30p

    (608) 286-1132

    (608) 440-2954 fax