I will be moving into a new office space in Prairie du Sac in September 2025!
In-person and telehealth sessions available.
About Zoë Whaley, LCSW, DARTT
Pronouns: She/Her
Welcome! I have over 10 years of experience providing therapy for a variety of issues including complex trauma, chronic anxiety, depression, sex/intimacy issues, relationship issues, and more. I work with people of all identities and have years of experience working with clients who identify as LGBTQ+. I have specific expertise and am particularly passionate about working with adults who have been impacted by traumatic and/or distressing life experiences, especially those that occurred within the context of a close relationship (i.e. parents/caregivers or a partner). Such experiences can result in feeling 'stuck': in the past, in relationships that drain us, in cycles of self-doubt, stuck repeating patterns of behavior that feel self-defeating or confusing. Shifting these patterns can feel overwhelming or downright impossible. Although my work with you attends to what happened in the past, we do not stay there. Instead, I help you move towards living your life today as the most functional and healthy version of yourself.
My realness and warmth are two of the characteristics that are most appreciated by my clients. Therapy with me is both practical and deep. I am committed to working collaboratively with you towards healing in a thoughtful, present, and emotionally focused manner.
Outside of the therapy room, I love spending time with my partner and our two young children, gardening, lifting weights, reading, hanging out with friends, cooking and eating good food, and being outdoors.
WI Licensed Clinical Social Worker 9354-123
NPI 1215500152
My Approach
I am a systemically trained therapist. I am passionate about helping people understand the relationship between their early life experiences and current challenges, while also taking into account the wider context of social systems, communities, and societal structures. I pay particular attention to identifying the personal and interpersonal patterns that may prevent you from engaging in life and relationships the way you desire.
My approach to therapy is grounded in an understanding of the mind-body system and the ways that the nervous system works in tandem with the brain. Research shows that increasing our body awareness is key to accessing a sense of safety in our relationships with others, with ourselves, and in the world. We can’t always ‘think’ our way out of unhelpful patterns or of the impact of past disturbing experiences. We must attend to our body. Feeling at home in our body is challenging for many people, yet when we befriend the body we begin to recognize it as an ever-present resource.
Our work together will utilize evidence-based modalities such as EMDR and mind-body interventions to reprocess distressing experiences that are keeping you stuck. Behavioral, somatic, and cognitive approaches will assist you in moving forward. No matter what prompts you to seek out therapy, I know that healing is possible.
Specialized Training
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
I am an EMDR-trained therapist. EMDR is an evidence based trauma treatment that helps people reprocess and heal from single-incident or ongoing traumatic/distressing experiences.
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I have completed training in the Flash Technique (FT) & EMDR, which is a therapeutic intervention used to reduce the disturbance associated with traumatic or other distressing memories.
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I have completed continuing education in EMDR Therapy & Attachment-Focused Trauma Therapy for Adults (AFTT-A).
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I utilize elements of Attachment-Focused EMDR (Laurel Parnell) to better address the specific needs of people who have experienced trauma within the context of a close relationship (relational trauma).
Certification in Developmental and Relational Trauma (DART)
I am a certified DART therapist. I have completed extensive training in addressing issues that arise from childhood and relational trauma. Using the tenets of Pia Mellody's Post-Induction Therapy, I assist clients in identifying how less-than-nurturing experiences during childhood impact emotional development and cause unmanageability in our adult lives.
Pia Mellody identified five core issues that people commonly struggle with: Self-Esteem, Boundaries, Reality, Dependency, and Moderation. I work with clients to help them re-parent themselves around these core issues in order to develop and live more from their wise, Functional Adult Self.
The wise Functional Adult Self is able to: esteem oneself, use healthy boundaries, know and trust oneself, care for oneself by identifying needs and wants and asking for and/or meeting them appropriately, and be moderate in one's approach to life.
When we are able to live more fully from our Functional Adult Self, we are better able to be in healthy relationship with ourselves and others. Many find that depression, anxiety, addictions, and relationship problems are significantly improved through this process.
Completed Level 1 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy
The Gottman Method of Couples Therapy is based on Dr. John Gottman’s research that began in the 1970’s and continues to this day. The research has focused on what makes relationships succeed or fail. From this research, Drs. John and Julie Gottman have created a method of therapy that emphasizes a “nuts-and-bolts” approach to improving clients’ relationships.
This method is designed to help teach specific tools to deepen friendship and intimacy in your relationship. To help you productively manage conflicts, you will be given methods to manage “resolvable problems” and dialogue about “gridlocked” (or perpetual) issues. We will also work together to help you appreciate your relationship’s strengths and to gently navigate through its vulnerabilities.
Why Work With Me?
People who work with me tell me that they feel seen, heard, and valued. Moreover, they feel safe with me. I have a deep belief in every human being’s unique capacity for growth, connection, and healing. I approach my work with compassion and curiosity. I am not afraid to challenge you, but I do so with great respect for your autonomy, and I encourage you to ‘push back’ if something I’ve said doesn’t resonate for you. You are the essential ingredient in our work together and I will always honor that.