Hi, I’m Olivia Tomfohrde, Ph.D LMFT.

Maybe you’re looking for a change. Maybe you’re wondering if anyone can help. Or maybe you’re ready to tackle that thing you’ve been avoiding. Whatever it is, I’m here to support you.

I’m an experienced licensed marriage and family therapist who works with all types of client but I specialize in working with clients who are dealing with anxiety, stress, life transitions, trauma and parenting. My clients are often working to address patterns of intergenerational trauma in their family of origin in order to find the comfort, happiness and peace for themselves and their families.

I know how hard it can be to find the right therapist. I place great value on the therapeutic relationship. Research has shown us that one of the top predictors of successful therapy is the therapist and client relationship. I am warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, and honest. In order to help my clients feel supported I focus on finding their strengths, being present with them, incorporating humor, and building trust. I know how hard it is to reach out for help, I’ve been there, but I also know the feelings of relief and freedom that can come from receiving help and addressing the challenges you face. It may be challenging to share your story, but I’ll walk through it with you.

I have a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Stout. Following my master’s degree I spent several years in clinical practice before starting my doctoral program in Family Social Studies. My clinical work and research have influenced each other. My primary focus of study is the intergenerational transmission of trauma and how it is experienced by parents and impacts their parenting.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter, and dog. I am an aspiring gardener, knitter, and needle pointer, a lover of all crafts, and you can often find me in the kitchen or reading a book. I love being outdoors, traveling, hiking, or checking out events around town. As a native Wisconsinite, I am also a lover of all things cheese.

My Therapy Approach

As a trauma focused therapist, I know how important it is to feel heard, to feel safe, and to feel supported. Therapeutic support encompasses not only the therapeutic relationship, but the skill and training of the therapist. I have invested in years of education and training to develop the necessary skills to support clients. I consider myself to be a life long learner and I am always challenging myself to continue to learn new ways and techniques to support my clients. I practice therapy modalities and techniques that have been proven to be effective in supporting clients toward progress and healing.