- Guilt and shame work
- ACT and CBT methods
- Trauma informed approach
About Terri
Terri Wilkens is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) licensed in Wisconsin with 30 years of professional experience. She works with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem concerns. Terri also focuses on guilt and shame alongside related areas such as family of origin issues, forgiveness, and caregiver stress.
She uses straightforward conversation to help people name what they are feeling and figure out what comes next. Sessions tend to focus on practical steps and understanding emotional patterns rather than labels. Terri draws on methods like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Emotionally-Focused Therapy to guide those conversations.
Her approach is client-centered and collaborative. She listens for how past experiences and current pressures keep someone stuck, and then works with them to try different ways of responding. That can include trying new thoughts, adjusting behaviors, and practicing emotional skills during and between sessions.
People who come because of relationship strain, grief, or trauma often spend time looking at communication, boundaries, and what forgiveness or repair might mean for them personally. For those dealing with guilt and shame, sessions aim to separate harsh self-judgment from facts and to build more balanced self-understanding.
Terri practices in Wisconsin and conducts sessions in English. Before booking, readers should confirm current session formats and logistics so they know how to meet with her.
How her therapeutic approaches translate to online work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing painful thoughts and feelings without letting them dictate actions, then choosing values-based steps forward. It is useful for anxiety, guilt, and getting unstuck from repetitive self-criticism.Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact and teaches practical strategies to change unhelpful patterns. It often helps with anxiety, panic, mood concerns, and problem-focused work.
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) helps people name and process strong emotions and improve how they communicate those feelings in relationships. It can be helpful when grief, shame, or relational strain is a primary concern.
Finding the right approach is part of the work. Terri will listen to a person's goals and preferences and suggest which methods to try first. That choice is revisited as progress is made so the plan can change if needed.
Confirm current session formats before booking so you know how sessions are offered. Online options can make it easier to fit sessions into a busy schedule, reduce travel time, and allow shorter check-ins when needed. Ask about the types of online sessions available and any practical details before scheduling.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
Wisconsin
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of issues does she help with?
She works with stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, trauma and abuse, grief, and self-esteem concerns. Additional focuses include guilt and shame, family of origin issues, and caregiver stress.
How does she approach feelings of guilt or shame?
She helps people separate harsh self-judgment from what actually happened and explores practical ways to respond differently. Work often includes examining thoughts, behaviors, and steps toward self-forgiveness if that is a goal.
What is her therapeutic style like?
Her style is client-centered and collaborative, emphasizing clear conversation and practical steps. She uses evidence-informed methods to guide sessions rather than focusing on labels.
How long has she been practicing?
She has 30 years of professional experience as a social worker and clinician. That experience informs her work with a wide range of emotional and relational concerns.
Where is she licensed and what are her credentials?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW, licensed in Wisconsin. Sessions are offered in English and conducted from Wisconsin.
Can people outside the United States work with her?
International clients are not currently accepted. Sessions are offered in English to people within her licensure jurisdiction.
How are sessions arranged and what about cost?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time. Prospective clients should review pricing details before scheduling.
What are the first steps to begin working together?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session. That process connects you to the initial appointment scheduling.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, use the crisis numbers.