Miryam Bernard-Donals, APSW

Therapy for Children, Teens & Adults Exploring Childhood Wounds

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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 also love to support adults with depression, anxiety, those exploring childhood wounds and trauma, and individuals navigating disabilities. 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
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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

Adults exploring childhood wounds

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.

For my adult clients, I believe in holding space and allowing you to experience genuine care, paired with skills and techniques to help you move from awareness, like“I know what’s going on but I don’t know how to fix it,” to deep self-trust and skills to put into action. My approach is shaped by nearly a decade working with adults with disabilities. I will meet you exactly where you’re at and focus on your strengths, and how we can bring your unique strengths into a deeper sense of trust.

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.