rooted in the work of Dr. omar minwalla
Deceptive Sexuality Trauma Treatment (DSTT)
Therapy. Reimagined.
A boutique, trauma-informed therapy collective
Welcome
Welcome to our inclusive, Wisconsin-based therapy collective, located in the heart of the Fox Valley.
Many people who find their way here have lived through experiences that reshaped their lives—not only painful relational injury, but often therapeutic care that fundamentally missed the mark, either by overlooking Abuse/Victim/Trauma (AVT) dynamics or by pathologizing understandable responses to harm.
At The Restorative, this is understood.
We recognize the harm caused by addiction, deception, and betrayal—harm that reorganizes self, relationship, and family.
The Restorative is a deeply attuned, full-service clinic providing care for Deceptive Sexuality Trauma (DST) across the individual, the injured relationship, and the family system.
Here, we all heal within a single, integrated model—The Minwalla Model—so everyone shares the same language, learns the same concepts, moves with intention, and builds healing that holds.
You’re welcome to take your time here.
The Minwalla Model
A trauma-informed framework for working with deception, betrayal, and relational harm. Grounded in clarity, safety, and ethical excellence.
a clinician's promise
Dignity
At the heart of this practice is a commitment to dignity in all things—
dignity in the quality of care offered,
dignity in how stories are held,
dignity in how harm is named,
and dignity in the pace and progression of healing.
Here, every person is regarded as uncompromisingly worthy—worthy of truth, honor, clarity, justice, autonomy, and the highest level of ethical care.
Why "Boutique?"
Being 'boutique' means we intentionally work with a very limited number of clients at any given time.
This allows us to work slowly, carefully, and with integrity—making certain that healing is held with continuity, attention, and the depth that complex trauma deserves.
This isn't a high-volume therapy clinic. In fact, we're the opposite.
We intentionally hold a small number of seats so care can remain personal, consistent, clinically excellent, and genuinely relational.
Boutique in this sense does not mean aesthetic or exclusive—it means ethical, attuned, and clinically responsible.
About The Restorative
Our Specialty
Deceptive Sexuality Trauma (DST), Sex and Pornography Addiction, Problematic Sexual Behavior, Compulsive Entitled Sexuality (CES), Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder (CSBD), Infidelity, Integrity Abuse Disorder (IAD), Betrayal Trauma, Complex Trauma, Attachment Injury, Relational Harm, Interpersonal Abuse Recovery, Relationship Recovery (where appropriate), and Family System Healing.
lyssa Schmidt—founder & Clinical director
A Word from Lyssa
I’d like to begin by acknowledging that reading a clinician’s welcome page often comes after a great deal has already happened. People usually arrive here carrying despair, fatigue, questions, uncertainty, or quiet hope—sometimes all at once. However you arrived, you are welcome here.
This space isn’t here to rush you or ask anything of you. It’s simply an invitation to pause and consider what kind of support might feel right—at your own pace. You don’t need to have language for your experience yet, and you don’t need to know what comes next. You’re allowed to take this one step at a time.
My name is Lyssa, and I’m genuinely glad you’re here. I approach this work with steadiness and care, holding people with deep respect for both what they’ve endured and what they’re still figuring out. I believe healing happens best when it’s paced, relational, and deeply attuned.
The Restorative will be opening its doors this spring. For now, this page is simply here—a quiet place to orient, to see if the tone and values resonate, and to know that something thoughtful is taking shape.
Beginnings deserve care. It’s an honor to offer a space where they can unfold safely.
Professional Background
I am a mental health therapist in the advanced completion phase of my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a doctoral student pursuing a PhD in Clinical Sexology through the International Institute of Clinical Sexology.
I hold advanced training in Deceptive Sexuality Trauma frameworks and focus my work on relational ethics, trauma, and the ways unmet needs shape intimate relationships.
I practice in alignment with Wisconsin state law, supported by ongoing guidance and consultation, and within the scope of my licensure pathway, training, and guided clinical practice.
I’m honored you’re here.
inclusion and belonging
You are Welcome Here
The Restorative provides affirming, respectful, and trauma-informed care for people across sexual orientation, gender identity, race, ethnicity, religious or spiritual background, ability, and relationship structure. We stand for equality—not tolerance—and are committed to care that honors the full humanity, dignity, and autonomy of every client.