The Journal caught up with Courtney Brunner of CB Therapy Group, a new business located inside Ellsworth Chiropractic and Wellness Center, 187 E. Main St.

Join us in learning what Courtney Brunner and her business have to offer. Thank you to Courtney for taking the time to answer our questions!

How long have you been doing therapy:

I have been practicing therapy for the past two years in my primary role in the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin, through_Westfields_Hospital and Clinic in New Richmond, but have been in the field of clinical social work for almost 10 years working primarily in the health care system._

How did you get into the field:

I always knew I wanted to work in a helping profession and it wasn't until my freshman year of college that I really even began to think about the possibility of becoming a clinical social worker one day. I initially_ wanted to go to school for nursing, but soon realized that I get queasy_at the sight of blood! (haha) so I decided to look into other avenues of how I could help people and that led me down this road, which I am so grateful for. I completed my undergraduate coursework at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in 2008 and my Masters Degree through the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2009. I then later landed a job with Regions Hospital where I worked for 5 years on a variety of different floors but primarily on their Oncology & Medical Intensive Care Unit, later transitioning to the Cancer Center of Western Wisconsin as an Oncology Psychotherapist providing mental health services to those newly diagnosed with cancer, complex blood disorders, and also assisting in coordinating community resources such as home care and hospice._ How has the community accepted thenew business and how has the Ellsworth Chamber helped?

I have been astounded by the warm welcome I have received from the community and Ellsworth Chamber. Starting your own business can be challenging and scary, especially now during these unprecedented times but I feel like the community and chamber have supported me all along and truly recognize the need for this service, which has helped build my confidence to_continue to move forward. I have been especially fortunate to share office space with the Ellsworth Chiropractic and Wellness Center offering a holistic approach to treating the mind, body and spirit. This has helped me build relationships with other talented professionals in the community and has also been a wonderful referral source.__

Why did I want to start the business in Ellsworth?

Statistically speaking, 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. experience mental illness in a given year and 1 in 4 people will develop a mental illness in their lifetime- making this extremely common and most often treatable with the right resources in place._ After reviewing the data and research that was done in 2015 through the Healthier Together initiative by key stakeholders within Pierce and St._Croix_Counties, I began to feel the full weight of the mental health disparities within my very own community._ The staggering reality and conclusion is that there are simply not enough professionals in our rural area to meet the demand for mental health services making it taxing for already stressed individuals to drive to neighboring towns for mental health therapy. Sadly, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death for people aged 10-34. (www.NAMI.org)._ After reading more about these staggering statistics and unfortunate reality, I felt a real need and desire to help in any way that I can-no matter how big or how small._ I am going to be offering a virtual support group series called 'Coping During_Covid' beginning in November 2020 for individuals 65 and older. I am located at CB Therapy Group:_ 187 E. Main Street, Ellsworth, WI. 54011. I am currently accepting new_clients and have immediate openings, both in-person and virtual visits available. I can be reached at (715)307-4400 or email [email protected], or_visit me on-line at www.cbtherapygroup.com._