Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst
Supportive counselor with practical skills
- Credentials
- LPC
- Experience
- 26 years
- Licensed in
- Wisconsin
- Languages
- English
- Format
- Online sessions
About Denise
Dr. Denise Petrelli-Holst is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with 26 years in the helping professions. She draws on a varied career that includes roles in the auto industry, teaching, art therapy, mentoring, and business consulting.
That range gives her a practical perspective on real-life problems and everyday stressors. She keeps her counseling style open and flexible, using approaches that fit each person rather than one fixed method. Sessions focus on simple, workable steps clients can try between meetings.
Background and approach
The goal is to help people feel more in control of decisions and the direction of their lives. Her work addresses issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, bipolar mood issues, trauma and abuse, grief, and relationship and family concerns.
She also supports people dealing with eating and body image issues, chronic illness or pain, aging and geriatric matters, and life transitions like divorce or career change. Denise uses several therapeutic methods including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Attachment-Based Therapy, and Client-Centered Therapy.
She adapts techniques to the person’s goals and situation rather than applying a single model. Based in Wisconsin, she combines practical problem-solving with supportive conversation. Parents and adults reading this can expect straightforward guidance, tools to manage emotions, and help sorting next steps during stressful times.
Therapeutic approaches and online care
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people notice painful thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, then choose actions that match their values. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) looks at patterns of thinking and behavior and teaches practical skills to change unhelpful habits and reduce symptoms. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers emotion regulation and coping skills that are useful when feelings feel overwhelming.Deciding which approach to use is a collaborative process. The therapist will talk with clients about their goals, try methods that fit their situation, and adjust the plan as needed. Clients help shape which tools are used and when to try a different strategy.
Online therapy options include video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging to suit different needs. These formats make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules and to connect from home in Wisconsin. Many people find the flexibility helps them stay consistent with treatment while balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Less about arguing with difficult thoughts, more about loosening their grip and acting on what matters to you anyway. Values and committed action carry the work, which suits conversation at a distance.
Attachment-Based Therapy
Looks at how early bonds shaped what you expect from closeness, and how that plays out now with a partner, a parent, or your own children.
Client-Centered Therapy
The direction comes from you rather than from a set programme. The therapist offers a warm, non-judgemental space to think out loud and work at your own pace. Online, this rests on the relationship rather than on being in the same room.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems can she help with?
How would you describe her therapy style?
What is her background and experience?
What credentials and location are listed?
Which languages are supported for sessions?
What session formats are available?
How are fees and payments handled?
What should I do to begin therapy?
Specialties and expertise
Top specialties
- Stress, Anxiety
- Self esteem
- Career difficulties
Also works with
- ADHD
- Aging and geriatric issues
- Anger management
- Bipolar disorder
- Body image
- Cancer
- Chronic pain, illness, and disability
- Coaching
- Communication problems
- Compassion fatigue
- Control issues
- Coping with life changes
- Coping with natural or human-caused disaster
- Depression
- Divorce and separation
- Eating and food-related issues
- Eating disorders
- Family conflicts
- Forgiveness
- Grief
- Isolation / loneliness
- Life purpose
- Money and financial issues
- Relationship issues
- Self-love
- Trauma and abuse
- Women's issues
- Workplace issues
Therapeutic approaches
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Attachment-Based Therapy
- Client-Centered Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
- Existential Therapy
- Jungian Therapy
- Mindfulness Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing
- Narrative Therapy
- Psychodynamic Therapy
- Solution-Focused Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Therapy
- Experience
- 26 years
- Licensed
- Wisconsin
- Languages
- English
Next step
Talk to Denise
- Takes a few minutes
- Nothing to set up just to look
- Stop at any point