Hello! My name is Petrovnia McIntosh. I am a a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in the state of Wisconsin and a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist for Individuals (CCTS-I). I received my Masters in Social Work (MSW) at the University of Wisconsin- Madison- School of Social Work.
I specialize in working with adults who have had long-term trauma in childhood. In my practice, I believe that all behaviors are fulfilling a purpose. My approach is based on psychodynamic theory, which means I look for patterns of thoughts and behaviors that have been influenced by the things we learned in childhood.
Sometimes the behaviors result in consequences that may be negative or hurtful. During our sessions, I will help you explore those behaviors that you developed in order to adapted and survive the environment you grew up in. I strongly believe that this process needs to be non-judgmental. These behaviors, especially those we see as negative, played an important role of getting through difficult times. We will process what need the behavior was filling. Then we can begin to explore alternative behaviors to try and create a plan of action to try new behaviors. We will then process how those new actions helped or hinder you on your journey.
In my practice, I focus on populations with multiple intersectionality- especially People of Color (POC), people in the LGBT*Q community (including those who are planning on gender affirming transitioning and/or surgery) and those who are diagnosed with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
My focus includes learning about the different forms of oppression, how systemic oppression impacts your life, internalized oppression and historical /generational trauma. All these come into play in your present day life whether we are aware of it or not. During therapy we will explore this and how it impacts you today.
I look forward to working with you and helping you reach your goals!
Additional areas of focus: Relationship issues, Parenting issues, Self esteem, Compassion fatigue, Abandonment, Attachment issues, BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture, Communication problems, Dissociation, Domestic violence, Drug and alcohol addiction, Family of origin issues, Gender dysphoria, Guilt and shame, Hearing impaired, HIV / AIDS, Multicultural concerns, Personality disorders, Polyamory / non-monogamous relationships, Post-traumatic stress, Prejudice and discrimination, Self-harm, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Women's issues
Clinical approaches: Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
WI LCSW 8137-123
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Petrovnia McIntosh. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
She never assumes, always asks for clarification and doesn’t let me just push things aside and avoid them. She helps me to tackle them in a supportive and respectful manner.
Written on Aug 22, 2023 after therapy with Petrovnia for 1 year and 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, grief, sleeping disorders, self esteem, bipolar disorder, and adhd
I love working with Petrovnia! She is so kind and helpful. She has great insight.
Written on Jan 26, 2022 after therapy with Petrovnia for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, family conflicts, eating disorders, sleeping disorders, and self esteem
I’ve been working with Petrovnia for over ten months now on issues and concerns varying from family trauma to anxiety. Her compassionate and caring approach helped me see myself with more forgiving eyes. I feel I’ve made huge progress on my topics and I’ve become more aware of my successes as well as my typical reaction patterns.
Written on Oct 31, 2021 after therapy with Petrovnia for 9 months on issues concerning lgbt, relationship issues, family conflicts, and intimacy-related issues
Petrovnia is the best there is, she has helped me a lot. Words cannot describe enough my gratitude towards her.
Thank you Petrovnia!!
Written on Oct 20, 2021 after therapy with Petrovnia for 9 months on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, sleeping disorders, self esteem, anger management, and coaching
Petrovnia has been absolutely wonderful and a complete delight. She listens wholeheartedly, radiating care and love, is always patient and affirming and is extremely acute in picking up the nuances that hint at struggles. I've learnt so much from her, in how the brain works, our physiological responses and also strategies to cope when things get overwhelming. I am immensely grateful. I will not be this far along in my healing journey if not for Petrovnia and have had the best therapy experience. Thank you!
Written on Oct 14, 2021 after therapy with Petrovnia for 2 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, grief, self esteem, coping with life changes, and compassion fatigue
Petrovnia is amazing, I've learned so much about myself and my relationships thanks to her. She has recommended great books that have helped me further my healing. I feel heard and validated every session I have with her.
Written on Aug 10, 2021 after therapy with Petrovnia for 3 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, intimacy-related issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, and coaching