Compassionate
Clown
Counseling
About Me
✦ Hello! My name is Sturdy.
I'm a LICSW-A and the founder of Compassionate Clownseling — a name born from a simple belief: healing happens when people feel safe enough to be fully, authentically themselves... and maybe even play a little along the way! I'm a mental health therapist who works with clients of all ages, though I have a particular soft spot for kids
ages 4–15.
✦ A Little Backstory...
I was the kind of kid who pushed boundaries — often enough that "go to your room" became something of a running theme in our house. And I spent a lot of time in there, alone. What I didn't realize then was that those quiet, in-trouble hours were actually my very first mindfulness practice. Nobody called it that. I just called it being grounded. I noticed my breath. I rocked back and forth in my favorite chair (what I'd now call stimming). And I watched dust float through sunbeams, simply present with it, nothing else pulling at my attention. I didn't know it then, but I was learning to be present.
That early gift didn't stay with me, though. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, that ability to be present went quiet — buried under years
of suffering I didn't yet have words for. I lost touch with
the very thing that had once steadied me.
It wasn't until 2019, at the Mindfulness Center of Milwaukee,
that something cracked open again. Through meditation and teachers
like Thich Nhat Hanh, the language finally arrived: mindfulness. Learning to breathe through difficulty, to meet myself with compassion — it felt like permission to finally show up as exactly who I am.
The Heart
My first circus in 2022 revealed
what I'd been searching for:
a way to bring joy into healing work.
Clowns showed me that being fully present doesn't have to be serious—it can be playful, silly, even messy. They embrace mistakes, connect authentically, and give themselves complete permission to be human.
This became the heart of Compassionate Clown Counseling: combining mindfulness's clear awareness with the clown's courageous vulnerability. It's an approach where you can explore your depths without losing your sense of play, where healing feels both meaningful and lighthearted.
My Mission
I am here to support you as you navigate change and everyday life with ease.
I offer mindfulness and meditation practices combined with the transformative power of playfulness and laughter—making therapy feel more joyful, lighter, and personal. All from the comfort and safety of your own space.
What this means for you:
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A safe, joyful space to process emotions and build resilience
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Support that feels genuine, accessible, and caring
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For kids: Fun, playful games and activities that help you feel better and understand your feelings
My Vision
Every client deserves to feel genuinely seen.
Healing unfolds at its own pace — a gradual unfolding of learning your inner landscape and uncovering resources that were within you all along.
Pictured on the right is my dear friend and mentor, Anjani, who I met in India on a yoga and meditation retreat.
What we're building together:
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Therapeutic connections rooted in genuine attunement and presence
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An atmosphere where healing is seen as sacred and transformative
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For kids: A safe space where you can play, be yourself, and feel supported every step of the way
What is Compassionate Clown Counseling?
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In person and online therapy
that combines playfulness, mindfulness,and emotional healing
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I bring a unique blend of skills—as a clown, meditation teacher, and mental health professional—creating a genuine, sacred connection where healing feels natural, playful,
and deeply supported
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I take your journey seriously while embracing laughter
and silliness as powerful tools
for transformation
What clients gain from sessions:
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A safe, non-judgmental space for healing
Work through trauma at your own pace in an atmosphere of genuine compassion and acceptance
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Collaborative goal-setting
Partner together to identify what truly matters to you and create meaningful, achievable goals aligned with your values
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Therapy Approaches
I draw from a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, DBT, play therapy, mindfulness-based practices, narrative therapy, and psychodynamic work — tailoring each session to what actually fits you.
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Emotional clarity and inner peace
Experience release, rejuvenation, and a deeper sense of alignment with your authentic self
Who this is For
All ages welcome!
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including anyone seeking a gentle, joyful approach to therapy,
those navigating trauma or difficult life transitions, and people managing ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health challenges.
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Sessions can look different depending on what fits you.
In person, that might mean therapeutic games, mindfulness practices, or time outside — healing doesn't only happen sitting across from each other.
I also offer virtual sessions from the comfort of your home, and for kids and teens (ages 5–18), Hopscotch Play, a two-player online tool built for playful,
interactive sessions.
Fees & Insurance
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I offer both insurance-based and self-pay options,
so you can choose what works best for you.
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Insurance
Through my group practice, Intentional Spaces Psychotherapy, we do our best to help provide affordable therapy with insurance, currently accepting First Choice Health Network, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Premera — though specific coverage will vary based on your individual plan.
To utilize your insurance coverage, please contact me at sturdy@intentionalspaces.com.
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Self-Pay Options
If you prefer to pay out of pocket, or your insurance isn't listed above, I also offer self-pay sessions independently of Intentional Spaces, with a sliding-scale rate of $75–$110 per session.
To discuss payment, reach out to sturdysikora108@gmail.com.
Getting Started
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Step 1: Schedule your first session
Share what brought you here and what you hope to gain.
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Step 2:
Together, we'll create your personalized healing journey
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Free 15-Minute Consultation
Not sure if Compassionate Clown Counseling is the right fit?
Schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation to explore whether this playful, healing approach resonates with you or your child. Let's connect and see if we're a good match!
