Profile / United States
Wendy Goffena, LCSW
Montana
LCSW - Anxiety and Trauma focus
See online therapy options- CBT strategies
- DBT skills
- EMDR for trauma
About Wendy
Wendy Goffena is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with nine years of clinical experience and a long history in mental health services. She practices in Montana and helps people managing stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship and family concerns, grief, parenting challenges, sleep difficulties, career transitions, and compassion fatigue.
She has worked in community mental health, medical social work, inpatient residential treatment for youth, correctional settings, child protective services, and outpatient day treatment programs. That range means she has experience with people facing complex needs, chronic illness, severe mental health concerns, and court-related matters. Her background also includes work with veterans and adults across a wide age span.
In sessions she emphasizes a client-centered approach that treats the person as the expert on their life. She works collaboratively to set goals and identify practical steps clients can try between sessions. She uses strengths-based techniques and motivational interviewing to support change.
Wendy draws on several evidence-based methods. She uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to map links among thoughts, feelings, and actions. She incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy skills for mood regulation and distress tolerance. She also uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and EMDR for trauma processing when appropriate.
Outside of clinical work she spends time outdoors hiking, fishing, camping, and gardening, and she pursues art and local history interests. She earned a master’s degree in social work in 2015 and holds LCSW credentials in Wyoming and Montana.
How CBT, ACT, and DBT translate to online sessions
CBT focuses on identifying unhelpful thought patterns and testing new responses. Online CBT sessions often involve setting concrete homework, tracking thoughts and behaviors, and practicing small experiments between meetings to see what works for daily problems like anxiety, sleep, or low mood.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) uses acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action to increase flexibility. In remote sessions this can mean short mindfulness practices, clarifying what matters most, and planning doable steps toward those values. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) provides skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Online DBT-style work typically teaches specific techniques and rehearses them in session so clients can use the skills when strong emotions arise.
Finding the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work together with the client to decide which methods fit their goals and preferences. That collaborative decision may combine elements from different approaches over time.
The exact session formats are not specified in the biography, so confirm current options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy schedule, shorten travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins or longer skill-practice sessions depending on what a person needs. Licensed professionals can adapt the pace and homework to everyday life so therapy tasks are practical and achievable.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
9+ years
Listed in
Montana, Wyoming
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does she commonly address?
She works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, anger, relationship and family issues, grief, parenting, sleep problems, career concerns, and compassion fatigue.
How would she describe her therapeutic style?
She uses a client-centered style and works collaboratively to set goals. Sessions focus on practical steps and skill building drawn from several approaches.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She holds nine years of clinical experience and a total of 24 years working in mental health settings.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and practices in Montana. She also holds an LCSW credential in Wyoming.
Which languages are available for sessions?
Sessions are offered in English.
Does she work with clients outside the United States?
She is not accepting international clients at this time.
How are sessions arranged and paid for?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Start by selecting the See online therapy options button, complete the short matching questionnaire, and then schedule a first session.
Details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. A license can be checked with the state board.
Online talk therapy is not emergency care. If you are not safe, use the crisis numbers.