Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Lincoln, NE

I’m a licensed professional counselor with more than 30 years of experience working with adults and individuals facing complex mental-health and behavioral challenges. My background includes community mental health, schools, correctional mental health, substance-use treatment, and work with veterans and underserved populations.

My counseling style is straightforward, conversational, practical, and nonjudgmental. I believe therapy works best when we can have an honest conversation about what is happening in your life and then work together on realistic changes that fit your situation.

I have a particular interest in gambling addiction and behavioral addictions, including helping people understand the patterns behind compulsive behaviors and develop strategies for managing urges, triggers, thoughts, and relapse risk. I also work with anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and other behavioral and mental-health issues.

I draw from CBT, ACT, Motivational Interviewing, solution-focused therapy, mindfulness, and relapse-prevention strategies, adapting the approach to the individual rather than relying on one method for everyone.

You don't need to know exactly what you need from therapy before starting. We can begin by identifying what's going on, what you would like to change, and what practical steps can help you move forward.

My goal is to provide a safe, respectful environment where you can be yourself, talk openly, and make meaningful progress.

I am a compassionate and dedicated Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over two decades of experience across a wide range of therapeutic settings, including family, adolescent, individual, group, adult, outpatient, residential, and day programs. I help clients enhance their quality of life by using evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Many of the clients I work with come to me feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or weighed down by experiences they’ve carried for far too long. They may struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship patterns rooted in early attachment wounds, or the lingering impact of trauma. Others are navigating life transitions, loss, or changes in identity that leave them uncertain about their next steps. At the core, most are seeking relief, clarity, and a stronger sense of themselves. They want to feel more regulated, more confident, and more capable of moving through daily life without being held back by old patterns or emotional pain.

Denise Waterfield is a dual-certified nurse practitioner specializing in adult gerontology acute care and psychiatry and mental health. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Nebraska Medical Center, conducts symptom management research, and serves as an assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Nursing.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

As a lifelong Missouri resident and educator, I am very familiar with the specifics that come with living in this area.