Paige FossLPC

I have my undergraduate degree as an elementary teacher. While taking my education courses I spoke with some school counselors and felt that what they did more aligned with who I am. I finished out my degree as a teacher and immediately went on to graduate school to become a counselor. Speaking with one counselor in the department at Mount Mary inspired me to go into mental health rather than school counseling, because I did not feel the school setting was the most practical place for counseling.

I need to know about your past. I cannot effectively treat anyone that won't give me enough information. It is because I care and want to help that I ask questions about your past. I cannot make you answer me, but I will still ask. It is getting vulnerable like this that creates real relationships, which are the foundation of good counseling/therapy.

I have a lot of personal experience with counseling and it is these experiences that have shaped the way I provide counseling. I have learned over time that treatment needs to be very flexible and individualized to each and every client to meet their needs.

• Wisconsin, Licensed Professional Counselor, 8350-125

I began my work by interning at a non-profit seeing clients free of charge. I worked at that clinic in Waukesha for a full year. During that time I saw adult clients with any mental health issues and most struggling financially. I continued my work by moving into substance use counseling in Waukesha with more adults, again, most struggling financially. At that time I saw individual clients and began running therapy groups daily. I did family therapy sessions and couples' therapy sessions with my clients experiencing substance use disorders as well. I am also certified in Prepare/Enrich, which is a couples' counseling program.