Coming Soon
In-Person & Virtual Counseling & Psychotherapy Services Available
At Forward Journey Therapy, our team is compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered. We provide personalized care for children, teens, adults, and families, using evidence-based approaches in a supportive, culturally aware environment. Whether you’re seeking help for anxiety, trauma, or life transitions, you can expect empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to walking with you every step of the way.
what we HELP WITH
“Mental health… is not a destination, but a process. It’s about how you drive, not where you’re going.” – Noam Shpancer, PhD
ANOTHER VALUE
personalization
Confidentiality
honesty
We believe in healing through connection, honoring each person’s story, and creating a safe space for growth.
We believe mental wellness starts with feeling seen, heard, and supported. Our team is committed to delivering inclusive, strengths-based care using proven therapeutic approaches in a space built on trust, safety, and collaboration.
Your privacy matters. At Forward Journey Therapy, all sessions are confidential and follow HIPAA guidelines to protect your personal information, ensuring a safe and secure space for healing.
We believe therapy should never be one-size-fits-all. Every client is unique, and we personalize our care to honor your individual story, needs, and goals—ensuring you feel seen, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
We believe in real conversations, genuine connection, and creating a welcoming space where mental health care feels approachable, relatable, and empowering.
Raquel Perez, MSW, APSW
Founder | Psychotherapist
I’m Raquel, a licensed psychotherapist and the heart behind Forward Journey Therapy. With years of experience supporting individuals as young as five, I have a special connection with teens and young adults navigating life’s transitions.
My career started in Florida’s school-based mental health system, and later continued in Wisconsin, where I’ve worked closely with children and families in community settings. I draw from a range of therapeutic tools including EMDR, CBT, DBT, IFS, and Motivational Interviewing, always tailoring my approach to meet each client’s unique needs.
Creating a welcoming, culturally-aware space for healing is at the core of my work. When I’m not seeing clients, you’ll find me enjoying time with loved ones, tasting new dishes, or relaxing with a good movie.
Emily works with individuals ages 7 and up, with a strong focus on youth, families, and those involved in the foster care, child welfare, and youth justice systems. She brings a collaborative, strengths-based approach to therapy and is passionate about helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, self-worth, and family dynamics.
Her clinical tools include CBT, DBT (including DBT-A), TF-CBT, Motivational Interviewing, expressive therapies, and family systems work. Emily believes in meeting clients where they are and walking alongside them toward their goals.
Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her cat, family, and friends, soaking up the sun, cheering on Wisconsin sports, and embracing her motto: Coffee, Cats, and Comedy.
SPECIALIZES IN Youth & Families
— Glenn Close
“What mental health needs is more sunlight, more candor, and more unashamed conversation.”
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