Creative Counseling Group LLC

Open Monday-Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm

(Please call us at (715) 718-5606 for more information, or to set up an appointment)

 

Jeffrey Blake Ballou, PhD, CPS

As a retired therapist, counselor, and psychologist who has worked in a variety of settings—helping others improve their relationships with individuals and their environment is my passion.  Past employment included the Recovery Center, Lutheran Social Services of Superior, The Institute for Psychological and Sexual Health, The Federal Bureau of Prisons, Cowan Psychiatric Services, and private practice.  Currently, I am a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) and consultant at the Creative Counseling Group. I offer a “lived experience” based on Eastern and Western approaches to mental health support, hypnosis, and Tai Chi.  Populations served to include adults, adolescents, and those who may be dealing with difficult issues in need of help and hope.

 

Alexa Connolly, MSE, LPC, NCC

I am a licensed professional counselor and national board-certified counselor who has been working in this field for eleven years and counting. I began my career working with survivors of domestic abuse, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. I then spent time working in intensive day treatment, as well as in local schools and a small community health care clinic. I have completed extensive training in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical-behavioral therapy, play therapy, sand tray therapy, yoga calm strategies, expressive arts techniques, and feminist therapy, and am also a certified grief educator. I love providing group therapy and offer both grief groups and mental health support groups on a weekly basis. My primary therapeutic technique of choice is feminist therapy, and I use that for the framework of my sessions with clients. I am LGBTQ friendly and work as an activist and advocate within my community. When I am not working, I am busy raising my daughter and son, as well as camping, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, cross country skiing, reading, crocheting, playing violin and French horn, doing Tai Chi, video gaming, and learning to speak Danish. I also have two rescue dogs that I adore.

 

Sara Geoghegan, MSW, LPC-IT

I am a Licensed Social Worker and psychotherapist. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Vermont in Community and International Development and received my Master’s degree from Colorado State University in Social Work with a certificate in Advanced Clinical Behavioral Health. I was drawn toward social work and therapy after working with youth in a variety of treatment settings, including wilderness therapy and residential treatment. I have extensive experience facilitating youth groups and working with families. My practice integrates cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness, strengths-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy while utilizing a biopsychosocial, person-centered approach. Outside of the office, you can find me enjoying my passion for nature, ceramics, holistic health, yoga, and thru-hiking.

 

Sarah Leininger, MSE, LMFT

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist; I received my undergraduate degree in Criminology and Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Duluth (2006) and my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family therapy from the University of Wisconsin, Superior (2013). I previously worked at Woodland Hills in Duluth, Minnesota, and Lutheran Social Services in Superior, Wisconsin. I also have experience as a birth doula and La Leche League Leader. I am committed to a holistic approach and incorporate mindfulness into my practice. Specialties include adolescents, individual, couple, and family therapy sessions using behavioral and experiential techniques. My personal passions include trail running, road biking, yoga, whole food nutrition, attachment parenting, and dreaming big.

 

Donald C. Mattson, PhD, LPC, ATR, RPT

I am an art therapist and play therapist, along with being a licensed counselor. I combine the expressive arts with behavioral psychology when working with children, and an eclectic approach when helping parents and adults. I am also an active researcher in the mental health field with multiple first-author publications in the expressive arts. My current research areas include the effects of technology on development, technology-assisted therapy, and the gamification of mental health. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, and it is my mission to provide the most effective and innovative services to both you and your child.

 

John Paul, PhD, LPC

Good therapy can transform your life and bring you to a higher level of functioning. You and your loved ones will appreciate the change therapy can bring. I help individuals, couples, and families in therapy. I work with children and adults. Common issues that people bring to me are depression, anxiety, childhood trauma (physical, sexual, emotional), PTSD, suicidal thoughts, broken relationships, loss, and grief. I specialize in working with male and female sexual abuse victims and have published research in that area. I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counselor Education and Supervision and have been a licensed counselor for 12 years. We all want more peace and true joy in our lives. Let’s walk that journey together.

 

Rachel Rehbein, MS, LPC, LPCC

Rachel is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has extensive training in multiple models of therapy. Her mission is to serve those who are suffering, using a firm foundation of psychological knowledge, love, empathy, and a belief that all humans are capable of growth and self-actualization. Rachel received an undergraduate degree in psychology from Greenville University and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from Eastern Illinois University. Rachel’s family moved from Illinois to Duluth, MN, in 2013, and are now proud to call the Northland home. She has worked in a variety of treatment environments throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric hospitalization and outpatient care. Most recently, Rachel worked at Northwood Children’s Services in both residential treatment and intensive day treatment programs. Rachel has a heart for working with children and specialized early on in her career in the treatment of childhood mental health disorders. She is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is a groundbreaking treatment for childhood trauma and is trained use of hypnosis with children. Her passion and compassion also extend to her other roles in life, including mother, wife, activist, friend, and ally to many.

 

Jennifer Ruona MSE, LPC

Now more than ever it is important to connect with others and have a trusted person to express the concerns weighing on you. My practice is focused on helping people feel understood and supported as they cope with stress, anxiety, depression, and the strain of these uncertain times. I believe a strong client-therapist relationship can create a secure foundation for you to confront life’s challenges, whether working on yourself, improving relationships with others, overcoming roadblocks, or contemplating the next steps. I primarily work with adolescents and adults, providing affirmative counseling to all. It can be daunting to take that first step to start therapy, but if you’re looking for a therapist who is accepting, calm, and empathetic, we might be a great fit. 


Phone: (715) 718-5606 Fax: (715) 718-5607 email: info@CCGcounseling.com

Address: 3215 Tower Avenue, Suite 108, Superior, WI 54880