I am an active AAMFT Clinical Fellow, an AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and an American Psychological Association (APA) Associate member.
I continue to serve as an Associate Dean and Program Director for an MFT graduate program, as a university instructor, and as a guest presenter.
I am a Prepare/Enrich Facilitator and Trainer. I have also completed Level 1 and Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. I incorporate techniques from both approaches in my relational therapy work.
Deb Polacek, LMFT
and Supervisor
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) in the state of Wisconsin. I have been active in the field since 2013 and became an Approved Supervisor with the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) in 2014.
Prior to entering this field, I served for more than 10 years as an independent computer consultant collaborating with national and international companies. Then I focused closer to home and utilized my skills for community building as a small business networking coach while my now grown children were young. While they were in school, I went back to school to become a therapist.
My therapeutic work grew quickly into becoming an Urgent Care Coordinator responsible for screening, assessing, and stabilizing individuals, partners, and families in need of immediate mental health support. Within that position, I developed a passion for effective brief counseling.
These many life experiences working with various communities of people led me to where I am today. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring this added value to your therapy experience.
Primary areas of practice include:
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Relationship concerns
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Adult family issues
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Life transitions (growing a family, launching, & aging)
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Caregiver challenges
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New parenting impact on relationship
Also experienced in:
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Self-esteem and boundaries
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Grief and loss processing
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Trauma-sensitive care
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Stress management
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Communication practices
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Anxiety-related issues
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Depressed mood