Christine is a Gottman Relationship Approved Member!
CHRISTINE A. ELLIS, M.A., M.S., LPC
Christine Ellis is founder, clinical director and practicing licensed professional counselor specializing in individual, couple and family therapy. Christine is an EMDR trained, trauma-sensitive, interactive, solution-focused counselor. Her therapeutic approach is goal-oriented, provides practical feedback to effectively address personal, family, co-parenting/divorce, couples, parent-child relationships, and workplace mental health and wellness. She integrates complementary methodologies: family systems, lifespan development and techniques such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), National Wellness Institute's dimensions of wellness to offer a highly personalized approach informed by neuroscience research. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build and assert their strengths and attain personal growth outcomes.
EXPERIENCE
With over twenty years experience working in day treatment, child welfare, intensive-in home family therapy, university, grassroots community building, academic advising, public relations and counseling, Ellis is a graduate of both the University of Wisconsin-Madison where she earned her Master of Science degree in Human Development & Family Studies and completed research with Dr. Kerry Bolger on parenting goals and psychological well-being in family systems. Ellis subsequently earned a Master of Arts in Counseling from Lakeland College.
CLIENTS
Ms. Ellis works with a broad spectrum of clients including but not limited to: individual and families experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress/trauma, child and family behavior challenges, child maltreatment, individuals and families seeking resilience (e.g.: pre/post divorce and co-parenting), couples experiencing romantic relationship challenges. Ellis and staff work with companies invested in workplace wellness initiatives. In 2019, Ellis has partnered with Dr. Yasmin's Women's Health and Intimacy Clinic. Ellis also consults and contracts with schools, churches, municipalities, law enforcement, court systems and Guardian at Litums.
EMDR
Ellis is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Scientific research has established EMDR as a highly effective, best-practice standard for treating and alleviating suffering related to post traumatic stress. However, clinicians also have reported success using EMDR in treatment of the following conditions: panic attacks, complicated grief, dissociative disorders, disturbing memories, phobias, pain disorders, performance anxiety, stress reduction, addiction, sexual function, sexual/psychological/physical abuse; body dysmorphic and anxiety disorders.
Work with Children
Ellis spent a season of life traveling Namibia and South Africa serving multicultural populations impacted by HIV/AIDS, civil unrest, addiction and socioeconomic barriers to psychological, emotional and spiritual health. Today, Ellis and staff are invested in serving and prioritizing child and youth mental health by offering interactive play therapy, hosting a dedicated play therapy space for children and caregivers. Ellis has experience completing Parent Capacity Evaluations for court systems in both Virginia and Wisconsin. She has presented at state conferences and to general audiences speaking on the topics of family relationships, child well-being, resilience-building to address mental health needs for educators and schools, how to prioritize child and family well-being in communities.
HEALTH COACHING
Ellis received C.O.P.E. Certification through Villanova University/Take Shape for Life's Health Coaching curricula and is a certified Health Coach. Ms. Ellis currently sees clients seeking to create behavior change related to nutrition, health and well-being. Ms. Ellis' passion for health and wellness is an asset to clients with goals related to health and wellness. See:www.optavia.com/christineellis
GIVING BACK & COMMUNITY
In her previous role as Associate Director of Community Impact, she facilitated the United Way Housing and Homelessness Coalition, opening the Warming Center and drafting a written housing and homelessness plan along with strategic partners. Christine has also utilized her expertise to project manage and lead a team to create a web-based platform, www.raisegreatkids.org, where parents, families, child care providers and family professionals can access best practice resources regarding what it means to raise great kids in Marathon County.
Christine is committed to positive community leadership and change work in the areas of children and families, wellness, ethical leadership, social justice and equity.
Education
Otterbein University, Westerville, Ohio: Bachelor of Arts, Psychology
University of Wisconsin-Madison: Master of Science, Human Development and Family Studies
Lakeland College, Sheboygan, Wisconsin: Master of Arts, Counseling
License, Certifications & Awards
- State of Wisconsin License #5522-125: Professional Counseling
- State of Virginia License: Professional Counseling
- State of Wisconsin Certified Medicaid Psychotherapist
- COPE Certified Health Coach, (Villanova University), Take Shape for Life
Additional Training
- Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing, EMDRIA, Virginia Beach, Virginia, September/November, 2015
- Amen University Brain Health Coaching Certification
- Substance Abuse and Addictive Disorders: Lakeland College graduate course: Fall, 2015
- C.O.P.E. Health Coach Certification, Villanova University, June/July, 2015
- Trauma Informed Care Training, May, 2015
- DSM-V Training, May, 2014
Professional Activities and Memberships
- American Counseling Association
- National Welliness Institute
- EMDRIA.org
- Wisconsin Council on Family Relations
- Optavia Certified Health Coach Leadership Development