Miryam Bernard-Donals, APSW
Therapy for Children, Teens & Individuals with Disabilities
Meet Miryam
Hi, I'm Miryam. I support children, adolescents, and teens, along with their families, primarily through play therapy and other developmentally appropriate approaches. I offer a warm and consistent space where they can process big feelings in ways that feel authentic and natural to them. I bring patience, attentiveness, and genuine curiosity to our work together, shaped by years working with children and adults across many different settings.
Who I work with:
Children and Teens working through anxiety, trauma, or difficult transitions
Neurodivergent children, teens, and families looking for affirming, strengths-based care
Parents and caregivers wanting a collaborative partner in their child's care
Individuals with disabilities of all ages who want to live full and meaningful lives
My Approach & Style
I believe young people each have their own way of communicating — through play, through words, through music, movement, sometimes all four— and my job is to meet them where they are and learn their language. For younger children, that often looks like play therapy; for older kids and teens, our work might lean more into direct conversation alongside creative or expressive tools. I draw on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, alongside somatic and trauma-informed approaches, adapting my style to whatever's needed in the moment. I value working closely with parents and guardians throughout the process, because I believe progress is strongest when the adults around a child or teen are part of the journey too.
My approach is also shaped by nearly a decade spent as a case manager for adults with disabilities, work that taught me to meet people exactly where they are, focus on a person's unique strengths, and stay flexible in how I connect with each person I work with.
About Miryam
Miryam Bernard-Donals, APSW, is an Advanced Practice Social Worker at Modern Thrive Counseling in Waunakee, WI, practicing under the supervision of licensed clinician, Sarah Strauss.
She eared her MSW from the University of Wisconsin in 2026.
Session Details
Sessions offered: In person and online
Location: Modern Thrive Counseling, Waunakee
Session length: 53 minutes
Fees: $180 individual
Insurance: In network with Quartz, Dean Health Plan, and The Alliance. Superbill available for out-of-network.
Free consultation: Yes - All consultations are 10 minutes over video with our Founder, Amy Harvat
Accepting new clients: Yes
Ready to Get Started?
If you are looking for a safe place for your child and family to learn new ways to communicate, reach out for a free consultation.