About Way of the Willow
Cathy and Dawn Zak realized that our community was in need of a new resource to help you focus on improving your life and exploring your path.
To guide you, Cathy and Dawn created Way of The Willow. Together, they offer more than 50 years of combined counseling experience. Their focus is on providing you with unique and effective ways to find balance in your personal and professional life. Cathy and Dawn are dedicated to helping you lead a more fulfilling and whole life by introducing you to a new perspective.
The Way of the Willow is Experienced
Our goal is to provide you with tools to help you connect with your inner potential and to help you understand your role in life. These tools provide guidance, help you align your head, heart and intuition, assist you in making choices, suggest new possibilities and affirm your unique beauty. Our services focus on personal, professional and spiritual growth.
The Way of the Willow is You
The Way of the Willow can help you rediscover who you are and how to care for yourself, which will guide you to care for others with natural ease.
The Way of the Willow will assist you in living a courageous, authentic life in which you realize your own personal and professional potential. You will learn to trust your inner compass to point you in the direction that is most healing. You will feel safe with yourself as you express what lives inside you. You will learn to love with less expectation and attachment. You will rediscover life and a new perspective.
Catherine C. Gawlik, MS, LPC
Cathy graduated from Marquette University with a BA in Education and French. She graduated with a Masters of Science in Educational Psychology from University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee.
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Dawn Zak, BSW, CSAC
Dawn graduated with a BSW from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She is a Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) and was a certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP) for several years.
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Chris Straw, Psy.D.
Chris is a creative and compassionate, broadly experienced therapist who supports clients' growth toward increased emotional, physical and interpersonal competence and health.
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Amy Schwabe, MS
Amy has a special interest in issues related to post traumatic stress, chronic pain/ health problems, and adolescence.
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Tom Kopka, LCSW
Tom brings over 30 years counseling experience to Way of the Willow. He is a graduate from the Helen Bader School of Social Welfare and is a licensed Clinical Social Worker. He has provided psychotherapy, mindfulness and group experiences.
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Rev. David Gawlik, M. Div., M. Ed
David provides interfaith marriage ceremonies as well as renewal of wedding vows and memorial services.
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Way of the Willow is a certified mental health clinic serving individuals and businesses in Southeast Wisconsin
from our Thiensville offices in Ozaukee County.
We accept most insurance, including self pay.