Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Wisconsin

My name is Kati Niekerk and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), based in Madison, Wisconsin. I view therapy as a collaborative effort between the therapist and the client. My aim is to help clients identify their values and goals, and then create a plan to help them get closer to those values and goals. I use CBT and mindfulness to help clients better understand themselves and their environments, and DBT to build the skills needed to live as the best versions of themselves.

If you're navigating a life transition, or dealing with ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or depression, I'd love to work with you. I'm currently accepting older teens and adults for telehealth appointments, and I bring a wide range of evidence-based tools to our work together.

A little about my background: I served in the US Army before earning my Bachelor's and Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since then, I've worked in psychiatric hospitals, residential care, and outpatient settings. I take my work seriously, but also try to keep things light-hearted when necessary. I'm pretty laid back, and I think that comes through pretty quickly once we start talking. I have also learned to cope and coexist ADHD, have experienced major depressive episodes, and overcome struggles with OCD.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 15 years working in the social work field helping families with life challenges. My professional background is working in child welfare, medical social work, veteran mental health and private practice. I am also certified in Trauma-Informed-Care and as a First Responder Counselor, allowing me to provide specialized support to individuals who have experienced trauma. I strive to create an environment where clients feel heard, respected and understood. While I provide compassion and support, I am also an active therapist who will challenge unhelpful patterns when necessary. I believe growth happens when we balance acceptance with accountability.

Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

I began my career working with children and quickly expanded my expertise to include adults and couples. Throughout my 26 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have seen the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and unexpected life struggles. Watching my clients transition from "surviving" to "thriving" remains the most inspiring part of my work.

I am a Deaf LCSW and Neuropsychotherapist (NPT-C) with nearly 20 years of experience dedicated to high-achieving individuals facing systemic pressure. My clinical work integrates Neuropsychotherapy and Executive Management principles to cultivate cognitive resilience and self-mastery. My foundation includes four advanced degrees, culminating in my doctoral research which focused on systemic complexity and inclusive leadership. I bring extensive experience as a former leader in state government, non-profit, and private sectors. This background allows me to treat vocational stress, anxiety, and burnout with humble competence and real-world relevance. I communicate effectively via voice, video, and American Sign Language (ASL). I am committed to creating affirming, psychologically safe, and accessible spaces for all individuals to thrive.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 10 years of experience serving diverse communities across multiple systems. My previous roles have deepened my understanding of trauma, family systems, and the ways individuals are shaped by their environments. With this foundation, I approach each client through a holistic lens and use evidence‐based practices that honor resilience and support meaningful, sustainable growth.