Who We Are

With over 25 years of experience…

Christie has been working in field of social welfare for over 25 years.  She was in private practice in the central Wisconsin area for 15 of those years.  Moving to Madison in 2015, she worked as the School Mental Health Consultant for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction before, once again, opening up her own private practice, Bemis Psychotherapy and Consulting LLC.   

Christie is a graduate of UW-Madison with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and in Behavioral Science and Law.  She is a graduate of UW-Milwaukee with a Master's Degree in Social Welfare. 

Christie also owns and operates Hot Pink YOUniversity.  Working with hundreds of women through coaching, retreats, travel and events to make transformational change and live life more fully.

Christie has worked in many areas of social welfare, including:  child protection, juvenile justice, in-home family therapy, school social worker, treatment foster care worker and school based mental health.  This gives her a multi-perspective view point when working with clients and a respect for the systems that might be a resource for clients.  As well as the stress and intricacies that might be associated with each of the systems. 

On a personal note, Christie lives in Madison, Wisconsin and enjoys kayaking, reading, campfires, boating and hiking. She loves to travel and meet new people and have new experiences in cultures not her own. Raised in a blended family and having first hand experience raising her own children in a blended family, Christie has sensitivity to issues that might arise in these circumstances in terms of communication and unique mental wellness issues.

Hi, I’m Rianna (she/her). I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a lifelong Madisonian, an animal lover, and a nature enthusiast. Since 2017, I have been helping adults move beyond just managing symptoms so they can build a life rooted in deep self-trust and genuine connection.

My path as a therapist is guided by a profound curiosity about human adaptation—how our brilliant nervous systems learn to protect us, and how those same survival strategies can sometimes leave us feeling disconnected, anxious, or overwhelmed by self-criticism later in life. I don’t believe that there is something “wrong” with you; I believe you have adapted to survive your life experiences. Together, we will look at the meaning and beliefs that emerged from your past, honoring the parts of you that got you here while gently creating space for who you want to become.

I specialize in insight-oriented, relational therapy for adults who are ready for deep growth. My approach goes beyond standard talk therapy. Instead of just analyzing your thoughts, we work with the wisdom of your entire nervous system.

While I am deeply rooted in structured modalities like EMDR and DBT, I believe true healing happens when we connect with the messages of our bodies. In our work together, we will weave these approaches, and also include:  

• Polyvagal Theory: To understand your nervous system's survival responses (fight, flight, freeze) and map your way back to safety and connection.

• Parts Work (IFS-Informed): To explore the different, often conflicting voices inside you (like the inner critic or the chronic people-pleaser) with compassion rather than judgment.

• Somatic & Attachment Processing: To untangle old relationship patterns and heal the beliefs that emerged from difficult early life experiences.

When I’m not in the therapist chair, you can usually find me recharging in nature or spending time with my wonderful pets. I am committed to providing an inclusive, affirming space for clients of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.