Tiernee Schatz, ATR-BC, LPC, NCC, CCTP

Tiernee Schatz, trauma therapist, counselor, art therapist at Blue Pines Counseling, Cedarburg, WI

Hi, I’m Tiernee—and I’m really glad you found your way here.
I believe we all have a deep need to be seen, heard, and feel like we belong. This belief is at the heart of my work as an art therapist and counselor. Whether I’m working with individuals or couples, I offer a space that’s honest, creative, and grounded in compassion where your full self is welcome through the messy moments, honest truths, laughs, tears, and all.

My style is relational and real. I show up authentically, and I invite you to do the same. Therapy with me isn’t about perfection; it’s about being present, exploring what’s underneath the surface, and growing through the process. A core part of our work will be developing self-awareness and self-knowledge, because meaningful change starts with truly understanding yourself. When you begin to know and trust who you are, everything shifts—from how you relate to others to the choices you make each day.

If you’re looking for a therapist who will be real with you, cheer you on, and hold space for both the hard and the hopeful, I’d love to connect.

“I am not what happened to me. I am what I choose to become.”

Carl Jung


My experience

As an art therapist, I believe in the healing power of creativity. Art-making can be a powerful tool for expression, building insight, and even problem-solving–especially when it's hard to find the right words. You don’t need to be “an artist” to benefit, and we’ll explore together whether art therapy supports your goals. Alongside creativity, I bring extensive experience supporting people through trauma and the many ways it manifests itself. I strive to create a safe, compassionate environment, holding space with both gentleness and strength. I meet you where you are—with honesty, and a grounded, authentic presence.


My approach

In our work together, I draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to best support your unique needs. We may also explore lifestyle factors that influence well-being, always at a pace that feels right for you. My role is to support and guide you with curiosity, collaboration, and clinical insight, helping you build a stronger internal foundation for lasting change.

Psychoeducation is an important tool I use to help you better understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. By learning more about how the mind works, you can gain insight into your challenges and develop strategies to navigate them with confidence.

  • To achieve this, I may use techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and basic Mindfulness skills.

Psychodynamic Therapy helps uncover unconscious patterns from the past that may be influencing your present, or you may already know exactly the pattern you are in. By exploring these patterns, we can gain insight into how they may be keeping you stuck, affecting your relationships, decisions, and overall well-being, helping you transform your life.

  • As a part of this approach, when appropriate, I utilize techniques from Internal Family Systems (Parts Work or IFS), and EMDR in addition to Traditional Talk Therapy.

Art Therapy has many applications and I often combine it with other approaches. It can also be a powerful way to process trauma, especially when words aren’t enough or feel overwhelming. By engaging the brain in a nonverbal, sensory way, art supports emotional processing, reduces overwhelm, and creates space for healing, insight, and a stronger connection to yourself

Together, we’ll find the right combination of approaches to guide you on your path toward healing and personal growth.


How long will the therapeutic process take?

The length of therapy depends on your unique goals and how much work you’re ready to do. For more focused concerns, many clients find that 3-6 months is a good starting point. If you’re seeking deeper, transformative personal growth, the process may take 9-12 months on average. However, every journey is unique, and we’ll work together to set a pace that feels right for you.

My approach is always collaborative. Your voice and goals guide the process and I’m here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re just beginning or facing a tough part of the journey, feel free to reach out for a consultation and we’ll explore together what works best for you.


credentials and education

Art Therapy and Counseling Master of Science, Mount Mary University

Wisconsin Licensed Professional Counselor

Board Certified Art Therapist

Nationally Certified Counselor

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

At Blue Pines Counseling we are aware of and sensitive to the inextricable impact Belonging has on mental health.

We acknowledge marginalization in all its forms as detrimental to the individual, as well as the collective well-being, and actively engage in advocacy for our clients.