Best Self Counseling Center

10/27/2025

Living in a world with so much overwhelming information both on the news and social media, knowing how to navigate this is crucial to our mental health and relationships with other people. See this short blog written by our counselor, Laurie Rathke, for more information and tips!

While we cannot eliminate exposure to every painful story, we can choose how much we allow into our lives and how we respond to it. By prioritizing self-care, fostering resilience, and remaining grounded in sources of hope and meaning, we equip ourselves to acknowledge life’s hardships while still...

10/13/2025

Are you or someone you love considering mental health counseling, but not sure how to get started? Or maybe you've reached out somewhere to inquire about scheduling, only to learn it will be a 2-3 month wait.

Here at Best Self, an individual can find their "right fit" counselor by reading each counselor's bio page (www.bestselfcc.com) or can call to schedule a free 15-minute call with any of the providers before making a choice. We also have an on-site prescriber, as well as a trauma-informed yoga instructor-be sure to check them out, as well!

The decision to start counseling can be on the heels of a crisis, or in the gathering of courage. It may be needed because of a breaking point with something or someone, or because emotions are heavier as the holidays are approaching. Whatever the reason, know that you matter, are not alone, and scheduling you within the week will be a priority.

Highlighted this week is our counselor, Laurie Rathke, who is a trained EMDR (trauma) therapist with extensive experience and understandings about how complex and traumatic events impact the person-both emotionally, mentally and physically. Her warm and nurturing approach, combined with her sense of humor and approachability, ensure that you will feel safe and supported as you begin your healing journey.

Laurie works with adults of all ages, as well as couples and families. If you'd like more information or want to schedule an appointment (as soon as this week!), call our office manager, Carrie, at (262) 235-4385 (ext. 7) or schedule right on our website, as well.

10/13/2025

Happy Monday from Best Self Counseling Center! 😊

While cloudy now, the morning brought a beautiful sunrise...have a great week, everyone!

09/19/2025

At Best Self Counseling Center, we often hear clients share how premenstrual changes affect their mental health, relationships, and daily lives. While PMS is common, PMDD is less widely understood—and yet it can deeply impact those who live with it. By raising awareness about PMS versus PMDD, we hope to provide clarity, reduce stigma, and remind our community that support is available. Take a peek at this a blog written by our APNP, Alyssa Sekadlo.

Most people are familiar with PMS — the irritability, bloating, or low energy that creeps in before a period. But if your symptoms feel more like an emotional collapse than a mild annoyance, you may be experiencing PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) — a condition that often goes undiagnosed ...

09/03/2025

Our trauma-informed yoga instructor, Kate, shares an inside view into her journey with yoga. Whether you've tried yoga a little, a lot, or never at all, this short read explains the beauty of this practice for true healing, peace and centeredness!

Choosing rest lets us restore, rebuild energy, and return to life fully present. And it can also help us in recognizing when we may need more support.

08/14/2025

Our mental health center was one of the sponsors for this event last year. It was SO incredibly moving, brought us to tears, and we have decided to sponsor again this year. We are looking forward to attending this second annual event on 9/25. Tickets are free and open to public!

Join us for The LOVE>hate Project’s 2nd Annual Performing Arts Benefit, an inspiring evening of resilience and empowerment, where victim survivors use dance, [...]

08/13/2025

Tomorrow night (Thursday, August 14) Best Self Counseling is offering a great opportunity, and seats are still available.

In three hours (4-7pm) you will gain understandings and skills to carry with you throughout your life. Snacks and beverages will be available. You are welcome to bring your significant other (or sibling, friend, parent, adult child, etc), because this class will help everyone feel more effective and secure moving forward.

Location: 127 N. Franklin St suite 205 Port Washington, WI
$68/individual $90/with another person. For questions or to secure your seat(s) email Sara at: sara@bestselfcc.com

08/04/2025

For those who take mental health medications or are considering it, take a peek at the short blog, our psychiatric nurse practitioner, Alyssa Sekadlo, wrote for our monthly blog! 

Pharmacogenetic panels assess multiple genes involved in how the body metabolizes certain medications, especially those used in psychiatric care. These tests provide insight into whether someone may metabolize a drug too quickly, too slowly, or within the expected range

08/04/2025

THURSDAY, AUGUST 14 (4-7PM), SEATS ARE STILL AVAILABLE ***SATURDAY SESSION IS FULL***
Adult 1-Day Class Opportunity at Best Self Counseling Center...
Best Version Project
A Dynamic Growth Session (Adults 18+) Includes:
• Strategies to Increase Mental/Physical/Spiritual Well-Being
• How to Secure & Maintain Healthy Relationships
• How to Be More Effective & Boundaried with Unhealthy People
• Effective Parenting Strategies (for both young and adult kids)
• Tips and Understandings to Restore Life Balance
• And More!
📍 Location:
127 N. Franklin St Suite 205
Port Washington, WI
Facilitated by:
Sara Zingsheim
(Co-owner and Mental Health Counselor)
💲 Cost: Individual/$68 Couple/$90