Accepting New Clients

Steven Fricke, LPC

(Sees ages 5+, couples and families)

Steven is a trauma-informed therapist based in Appleton, providing both in-person and online therapy for adults, teens, and children throughout Wisconsin. His clinical work focuses on complex PTSD (CPTSD), developmental trauma, neurodivergence, emotional regulation difficulties, and relationship distress.

Many of Steven’s clients have participated in therapy before but continue to experience nervous system dysregulation, attachment wounds, emotional overwhelm, or recurring relationship patterns. His approach is integrative, neurobiologically informed, and tailored to each client’s developmental history, lived experiences, and personal goals.

Trauma & Complex PTSD Therapy

Steven specializes in the treatment of complex PTSD and developmental trauma through evidence-based and brain-based approaches designed to support nervous system regulation and long-term healing. His work may include:

  • Brainspotting for deep brain-based trauma processing

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and restructure trauma-related beliefs and thought patterns

  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness

  • Trauma-informed care grounded in attachment theory and nervous system regulation

Neurodivergent-Affirming Therapy

Steven works extensively with autistic and ADHD adults, teens, and children. Therapy is adapted to support sensory needs, executive functioning differences, burnout recovery, emotional regulation, and attachment patterns without pathologizing neurodivergent traits.

For neurodivergent clients, CBT and DBT strategies are modified to be practical, concrete, collaborative, and regulation-focused.

Gottman Method Couples Therapy

Steven provides structured, research-based couples therapy using the Gottman Method to help partners improve communication, repair trust, and rebuild emotional connection. Common areas of focus include:

  • Communication difficulties

  • Conflict cycles and recurring arguments

  • Trust repair and infidelity recovery

  • Emotional disconnection and attachment injuries

  • Premarital and relationship strengthening work

Mental Health Concerns & Challenges Treated

  • ADHD

  • Anger Management

  • Antisocial Personality

  • Anxiety

  • Autism

  • Behavioral Issues

  • Bipolar Disorder

  • Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

  • Codependency

  • Depression

  • Divorce and Relationship Stress

  • Domestic Violence

  • Dual Diagnosis

  • Family Conflict

  • Grief and Loss

  • Infidelity

  • LGBTQ+ Affirming Care

  • Marital and Premarital Concerns

  • Neurodivergence

  • Personality Disorders

  • Self-Harming Behaviors

  • Sleep Difficulties and Insomnia

  • Stress and Burnout

  • Trauma and PTSD

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Brainspotting

  • Brain-Based Trauma Processing

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy)

  • Coping Skills Development

  • Nervous System Regulation

  • Trauma-Informed Care

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh

  • Master of Arts in Community Counseling – Lakeland University

Find our more on Psychology Today!

Call to Schedule!