Troy Bruns , LPC

Troy Bruns is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with two decades of clinical experience who focuses on supporting people through emotional and behavioral challenges. He holds a master's degree in counseling from the University of Iowa and is credentialed in Wisconsin as an LPC and as a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC). His work addresses a broad set of concerns related to mental health, adjustment, substance use, and relationship difficulties, and he brings both clinical and teaching experience to his practice.

Over the course of his 20-year career he has maintained a private practice for 12 years and has also worked in emergency settings conducting primary suicidal assessments in hospital emergency rooms. He has substantial experience in substance use disorder treatment across hospitals and clinics, inpatient and outpatient programs, and both non-profit and for-profit agencies. His background also includes employee assistance counseling and work with clients who have correctional system involvement, and he serves as an instructor for substance-use disorder counselor students at CVTC.

Understanding what each person is experiencing is central to his approach, and he emphasizes building a strong working alliance. He prioritizes client empowerment and uses collaborative problem solving to help people identify practical steps toward their goals. Troy works in a straightforward, respectful manner that supports people in staying true to themselves while managing life’s challenges.

Evidence-Based Approaches and Online Care

Troy uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques tailored to the concerns people bring to therapy. He draws on structured, skills-focused strategies to address stress, anxiety, and mood-related difficulties - helping clients learn coping tools and practical ways to manage symptoms and improve daily functioning. He also applies evidence-informed approaches for substance-use related concerns that focus on motivation, relapse prevention, and building recovery-focused routines. In addition, Troy integrates trauma-informed practices when working with those affected by trauma and abuse, attending to safety, pacing, and gradual processing of distressing experiences.

Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the work itself. Troy approaches treatment collaboratively - exploring a client's needs, goals, and preferences and then selecting or adapting techniques together so the plan fits the person's life and values. This partnership helps ensure the approach remains relevant and responsive as progress unfolds.

Online therapy options - including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - make it easier to connect with a licensed professional despite schedule or location constraints. These formats offer flexibility for people who need appointments outside typical hours, prefer remote access, or want ongoing support between sessions. Troy frames online care to maximize accessibility while focusing on practical, evidence-informed strategies that support real-world change.