Janessa Peterson

Janessa Peterson, MSW, APSW

Professional Background

Janessa Peterson is a Advanced Practice Social Worker (APSW).

Janessa graduated from UW Madison with her Masters of Social Work (MSW). Janessa has experience working with a variety of clients with different backgrounds including youth, adolescents, young adults, adults and families. She will be working with clients ages 14 and up.

Janessa takes pride in having a strengths-based approach when coming alongside her clients and empowering them as they work to achieve their treatment goals. She also strives to maintain a holistic mindset when working with her clients, considering their environmental needs, personal goals, and cultural and spiritual values.

Janessa worked as a community based Mental Health Social Worker and, before that, with adolescents in a psychiatric setting. She has also worked previously in a ministry setting.

Additional Training

Janessa has also completed our specialized training to integrate one's own faith or spirituality into the therapy process for those that want that. For more information, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Areas of Focus

Janessa's therapeutic approaches may include: Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution Focused Therapy in working with:

  • Stress and Anxiety Disorders
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Couples Issues
  • Grief and Loss
  • Self-Esteem
  • Life Transitions
  • Emotion Regulation

Janessa works with Adolescents (Ages 14+) and Adults (Ages 18+), and Senior Adults (Ages 60+) including individuals and couples.

Outside of Work

Janessa enjoys spending her time with family, friends, or a good book. She loves ice cream, coffee, being outdoors, fishing, and serving in a ministry context.