Therapists in Minnesota
Shawna M. Benson
Psychologist, PsyD, LP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Blaine, MN 55434
I conduct Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations and psychotherapy pre and post surgery as needed. I also help people with Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluations prior to international adoption. Additionally, within a team assessment methodology approach, I provide psychological testing and evaluation along with my pre-licensed doctoral candidate colleagues under my supervision. We assess ADHD, Personality, Cognitive and Memory, Behavior, Trauma, Functional Assessments, and other evaluations (ages 8+ for testing).
I conduct Pre-Bariatric Surgery Psychological Evaluations and psychotherapy pre and post surgery as needed. I also help people with Pre-Adoption Psychological Evaluations prior to international adoption. Additionally, within a team assessment methodology approach, I provide psychological testing and evaluation along with my pre-licensed doctoral candidate colleagues under my supervision. We assess ADHD, Personality, Cognitive and Memory, Behavior, Trauma, Functional Assessments, and other evaluations (ages 8+ for testing).
Brandon Jensen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT, PACC
Verified Verified
Sartell, MN 56377
I have experience working with issues such as: Pre-Marital counseling, Couples Counseling, parenting skills training, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, ADHD, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pre and Post Adoption, Mood Disorder(s), and Grief and Loss.
I am committed to the restoration and improvement of familial relationships, and committed to generational change in families. I feel very strongly about working with individuals and families whatever their current situation may be, and working with them to establish positive changes that will positively affect generations to come in their families.
I have experience working with issues such as: Pre-Marital counseling, Couples Counseling, parenting skills training, Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), Depression, Anxiety, Anger Management, ADHD, PTSD, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Pre and Post Adoption, Mood Disorder(s), and Grief and Loss.
I am committed to the restoration and improvement of familial relationships, and committed to generational change in families. I feel very strongly about working with individuals and families whatever their current situation may be, and working with them to establish positive changes that will positively affect generations to come in their families.
Kelly Heagle
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, RPT
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55105
I am honored to offer space to process and reflect and help clients connect to themselves and others in a deeper way. I believe we each have our own inner widsom and therapy is a place to discover that wisdom. Clients describe me as down to earth, creative, compassionate, funny, direct, warm and intuitive. I specialize in grief and loss, education, healthcare and mental health professionals, secondary and primary trauma and clients who have connection with adoption or foster care. I work from strength based and trauma informed models and draw from IFS, Attachment, Narrative and Somatic/Experiential/Sandtray modalities.
I am honored to offer space to process and reflect and help clients connect to themselves and others in a deeper way. I believe we each have our own inner widsom and therapy is a place to discover that wisdom. Clients describe me as down to earth, creative, compassionate, funny, direct, warm and intuitive. I specialize in grief and loss, education, healthcare and mental health professionals, secondary and primary trauma and clients who have connection with adoption or foster care. I work from strength based and trauma informed models and draw from IFS, Attachment, Narrative and Somatic/Experiential/Sandtray modalities.
Sally Ankerfelt
Pastoral Counselor, MDiv
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55407
Do you or your family feel tired, stuck in chaos and ready to throw in the towel? Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle. As a parent of three, all adopted transracially, I have faced both the joy and struggle of parenting. When working with you, I will bring my personal and professional experience using a sensitive, non-judgmental approach as I help you find renewed hope and joy for yourself and your family.
Do you or your family feel tired, stuck in chaos and ready to throw in the towel? Adoptive families may face unique challenges that require a supportive professional who has personal and professional knowledge of attachment adaptations, trauma responses, anxiety, grief, and the adoption circle. As a parent of three, all adopted transracially, I have faced both the joy and struggle of parenting. When working with you, I will bring my personal and professional experience using a sensitive, non-judgmental approach as I help you find renewed hope and joy for yourself and your family.
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Saint Paul, MN 55105
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Namu Integrative Therapy Services, LLC is a private practice dedicated to working with individuals around healing traumas and oppression through a holistic and decolonized lens. Our providers have experience working with BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities, marginalization, adoption (domestic, transnational, and transracial), foster care, complex and developmental trauma, grief, self-esteem, identity, spirituality, depression, anxiety, attachment, racial trauma and oppression, and somatic work.
Jessica Olson (Licensened In Mn And Wi)
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Little Canada, MN 55117 (Online Only)
Areas that I specialize in include: working with all types of families; adoptive, foster, and kinship, adult/youth adoptees (adoption competent therapist), transracial parenting, communication/conflict, life transitions, childhood trauma, child development, as well as self-esteem depression, anxiety, PTSD and experiences of trauma.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand. I like to provide validation, exploration, and support. First timers to therapy and those taking the leap to try out therapy again seem to appreciate my style. Whether you are rediscovering yourself, going through a stressful time, wanting to process trauma, etc., I'll be here alongside you. I consider the family system, childhood/caregiver attachment, parenting styles, generational trauma, systemic racism, larger society, etc. and all these impacts.
Areas that I specialize in include: working with all types of families; adoptive, foster, and kinship, adult/youth adoptees (adoption competent therapist), transracial parenting, communication/conflict, life transitions, childhood trauma, child development, as well as self-esteem depression, anxiety, PTSD and experiences of trauma.
My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand. I like to provide validation, exploration, and support. First timers to therapy and those taking the leap to try out therapy again seem to appreciate my style. Whether you are rediscovering yourself, going through a stressful time, wanting to process trauma, etc., I'll be here alongside you. I consider the family system, childhood/caregiver attachment, parenting styles, generational trauma, systemic racism, larger society, etc. and all these impacts.
Balfour Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55410
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
Hi! I’m an inter-section theorist. I’m a mixed race person. I come from a social justice lens and work from a diversity, race, cultural and also non-binary foundation. I work with all ages, individuals, families and couples. I treat anxiety & depression, behavior/defiance issues, offer parenting support, holistic health, nutrition planning, eating disorders, chemical dependency, intelligence/gifted/sensitivity issues, and personality disorders. I have experience in attachment/adoption and autism in women. I have an efficient, compassionate approach and sense of humor. I’m passionate and interested in your story.
Cameron Lee Small
Counselor, MS, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minneapolis, MN 55431
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
Please visit therapyredeemed.wordpress.com/about/ for more info & resources! Have you ever wondered about your adoption story? Has there ever been doubt, fear, anger, pain or confusion when it comes up? What’s it been like for you to process your personal experience of birth family, loss, grief, race, identity, or even those seemingly benign curiosities about your narrative that come up from time to time? For parents, of course you want to help your children as they embark on that path. This can often feel uncertain or overwhelming, with so many subtle nuances that feel way too complicated to handle without appropriate support.
Kyla Reinholdson
Pre-Licensed Professional, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Roseville, MN 55113 (Online Only)
I have experience serving the BIPOC communities, Adoption/Foster Care communities, Elder communities, Mentally/Physically challenged communities, and ELL/ESL and Immigrant communities.
Do you feel unseen? Unheard? Overwhelmed? Hopeless? Anxious? Perhaps tired? Do you feel you’re not where you want to be or maybe you don’t recognize yourself anymore? Do you feel like something needs to change but you don't know where to start? Life is a journey of many highs and lows, it gets heavy, cloudy, exhausting and confusing. I want to help you improve the quality of your life by helping you examine yourself, your relationships, skills and strengths.
I have experience serving the BIPOC communities, Adoption/Foster Care communities, Elder communities, Mentally/Physically challenged communities, and ELL/ESL and Immigrant communities.
Do you feel unseen? Unheard? Overwhelmed? Hopeless? Anxious? Perhaps tired? Do you feel you’re not where you want to be or maybe you don’t recognize yourself anymore? Do you feel like something needs to change but you don't know where to start? Life is a journey of many highs and lows, it gets heavy, cloudy, exhausting and confusing. I want to help you improve the quality of your life by helping you examine yourself, your relationships, skills and strengths.
John Gunvalson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Minnetonka, MN 55345
How many therapists did your parents have you see as a kid? Has anybody in your life commented on your "adoption issues"? How many times a day do you ask yourself where and how do I fit in? Maybe the mindset you used to help yourself survive childhood is now hindering your growth in adulthood. Why aren't there more therapists who are adoptees? These are some of many questions and issues I hope that we can work on together. I aspire, because I am an adoptee, to have you spend less time explaining what adoption was, and more time working on current issues.
How many therapists did your parents have you see as a kid? Has anybody in your life commented on your "adoption issues"? How many times a day do you ask yourself where and how do I fit in? Maybe the mindset you used to help yourself survive childhood is now hindering your growth in adulthood. Why aren't there more therapists who are adoptees? These are some of many questions and issues I hope that we can work on together. I aspire, because I am an adoptee, to have you spend less time explaining what adoption was, and more time working on current issues.
Mike A Arieta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW, PACC
Verified Verified
Apple Valley, MN 55124
I have obtained the Permanency and Adoption Certificate through the University of Minnesota and have knowledge in Trauma Informed Care and Adoption issues.
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
I have obtained the Permanency and Adoption Certificate through the University of Minnesota and have knowledge in Trauma Informed Care and Adoption issues.
My partner Kristin Lindgren and I started New Path Counseling LLC to provide clinical social work services and educational assistance. I provide the clinical social work services focusing on work with adults, young adults, teens and others. I provide services based on a trauma informed approach and focus on adjustment disorder, depression, shame and guilt along with life transitions. I also provide Employee Assistance Program Services, Life Coaching and career counseling. You can also connect with me at: https://www.betterhelp.com/michael-arieta/
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Natalie A Larson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Blaine, MN 55449
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
I have a multitude of information on adoption related issues, as well as knowledge of working with children who have been in and out of the foster care system dealing with trauma, abuse, and neglect histories.
My professional experiences have taught me that my passion is working with children and families. I have a wealth of knowledge in infant and child mental health. Also, I work with children who have trauma histories and the families that care for them. I have experience assisting with adoption issues, family work, anxiety, depression, PTSD, coping with life change, and child and adolescent mental health issues. Working collaboratively with parents is also an essential part of my therapy practice.
Benjamin (Ben) Seim
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MBA, MA, LAMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55126
We are all on a journey and mine has included 20+ years in corporate America, divorce, re-marriage, infertility, adoption, family issues, etc. I love helping couples win at marriage and walking with them in the hard work to improve their relationship satisfaction. I have been helping couples since 2013 with a variety of challenges including infidelity, addiction, intimacy issues, etc. I also help individuals with relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, etc.
We are all on a journey and mine has included 20+ years in corporate America, divorce, re-marriage, infertility, adoption, family issues, etc. I love helping couples win at marriage and walking with them in the hard work to improve their relationship satisfaction. I have been helping couples since 2013 with a variety of challenges including infidelity, addiction, intimacy issues, etc. I also help individuals with relationship challenges, anxiety, depression, etc.
Mary Hendrickson
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55119
I currently have openings for Thursdays and Fridays. I have 13 years of experience working with children and families, especially young children. I've worked with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, behavior issues, ADHD (mostly in children), attachment issues, adoption, parenting issues, and trauma. I also enjoy working with adults of all ages.
I currently have openings for Thursdays and Fridays. I have 13 years of experience working with children and families, especially young children. I've worked with diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, behavior issues, ADHD (mostly in children), attachment issues, adoption, parenting issues, and trauma. I also enjoy working with adults of all ages.
Masa Sato
Marriage & Family Therapist, EdD, LMFT, LPCC, LADC
Verified Verified
Rochester, MN 55906
Via individual/family therapy, I work with children/adolescents/adults with MH, addiction, trauma, abuse, attachment, parenting, family/relationship issues, foster care, child protection, adoption, divorce, blended families, family reunification, & emotional/behavioral dysregulation.
I've worked with individuals & families via CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)/trauma focused therapy, family systems therapy, & play therapy for a variety of issues such as MH & addiction since 1998. I adjust/integrate therapeutic modalities holistically based on needs. I am respectful, laid back and humorous during tough work. I'm supportive & I encourage/challenge you to grow. It is difficult to change while health & wellness may require changes. I may use “tough love” while I am understanding and collaborative. Recovery/health requires action, growth, maturity, & accountability.
Via individual/family therapy, I work with children/adolescents/adults with MH, addiction, trauma, abuse, attachment, parenting, family/relationship issues, foster care, child protection, adoption, divorce, blended families, family reunification, & emotional/behavioral dysregulation.
I've worked with individuals & families via CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing)/trauma focused therapy, family systems therapy, & play therapy for a variety of issues such as MH & addiction since 1998. I adjust/integrate therapeutic modalities holistically based on needs. I am respectful, laid back and humorous during tough work. I'm supportive & I encourage/challenge you to grow. It is difficult to change while health & wellness may require changes. I may use “tough love” while I am understanding and collaborative. Recovery/health requires action, growth, maturity, & accountability.
Lisa LeMay
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
I have personal experience with adoption, anxiety, depression, and working through spiritual crisis.
What I offer is genuine concern, empathy, kindness, and the kind of listening that lets you know you've really been heard and understood. I can help you identify what is causing your pain and will offer practical suggestions and specific tools you can try right away to try to improve your situation. Together we can look at your difficulty, find a way through, and make meaning out of your experience, which will lead you to a more grounded sense of self, healthier relationships, and a more satisfying life.
I have personal experience with adoption, anxiety, depression, and working through spiritual crisis.
What I offer is genuine concern, empathy, kindness, and the kind of listening that lets you know you've really been heard and understood. I can help you identify what is causing your pain and will offer practical suggestions and specific tools you can try right away to try to improve your situation. Together we can look at your difficulty, find a way through, and make meaning out of your experience, which will lead you to a more grounded sense of self, healthier relationships, and a more satisfying life.
Carol L Hornbeck
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Waitlist for new clients
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
I work with couples, individuals, families and children online, via teletherapy, as well as in person. I support my clients across the life span to heal from losses and improve their relationships. I have extensive experience with LGBTQ issues, child development, adoption, sexual abuse, parenting challenges, divorce, suicide, and life transitions. My specialized training includes play therapy, couples therapy, and experience in infant and pregnancy loss, complicated or unplanned pregnancies, and infant/toddler mental health.
Aspen Counseling
Psychologist, MA, LP
Verified Verified
Osseo, MN 55369 (Online Only)
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
Send me an email to schedule a free virtual consultation. I work with people who are dealing with anxiety, depression, family issues, parenting and behavioral problems, work stress, trauma and abuse issues, autism spectrum disorders, family therapy, adoption issues, infertility, and self esteem issues.
Tanesha Saxon
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Woodbury, MN 55125 (Online Only)
TaNesha's extensive experience comes from working with individuals in crisis, cumulative trauma, foster care, foster/adoptive parents, blended families, issues with dysregulation, dual diagnosis (SPMI’s), attachment, parenting, and adoption issues.
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
TaNesha's extensive experience comes from working with individuals in crisis, cumulative trauma, foster care, foster/adoptive parents, blended families, issues with dysregulation, dual diagnosis (SPMI’s), attachment, parenting, and adoption issues.
TaNesha has been providing therapeutic services for the Twin Cities area for children, adolescents and families for the last sixteen years. She has worked specifically with disenfranchised minority communities and has taken extensive multicultural training to support her work. As an African American female, TaNesha serves as both knowledgeable and an in-demand resource in that specific population. Using a holistic approach to therapy with a framework centered on reality(choice) based therapy, TaNesha looks at all aspects of a person’s life in order to help them identify areas of change.
Katie Haberkorn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified Verified
Baxter, MN 56425
With extensive experience working with patients, I have developed a deep passion for supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the unique complexities of foster care/adoption.
With extensive experience working with patients, I have developed a deep passion for supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the unique complexities of foster care/adoption.
See more therapy options for Minnesota
Adoption Therapists
Does my adopted child need therapy?
Not every adopted child needs therapy. However, many can benefit from seeing an adoption-informed therapist, especially if they were victims of abuse or neglect, appear withdrawn or disconnected, have behavioral or developmental issues (which may or may not be related to their adoption), are struggling with feelings of grief or loss surrounding their birth parents, or find it difficult to establish an identity, a challenge that often becomes most apparent during adolescence.
When should adoptive parents seek therapy?
Prospective parents can benefit from therapy even before an adoption—for example, to voice worries and fears; to reconcile infertility struggles, if relevant; or simply to prepare themselves for parenthood. After the adoption, parents who are struggling to bond with their child; are unsure how to talk about adoption or related issues, such as race; or whose child is dealing with developmental, behavioral, or psychiatric concerns can address these and other issues with the help of an adoption-competent therapist.
Is family therapy appropriate for adoptive families?
Family therapy can be invaluable for strengthening the bond between adoptive parents and children, helping the latter feel more secure in their place in the family. Family therapy can also help adoptive families navigate complex communication issues—for example, parents who feel uncomfortable discussing race with their child, who in turn feels invalidated by their silence, or a child who has questions about his birth parents but avoids asking them out of fear of hurting his adoptive parents’ feelings.
What therapy is not appropriate for adoption issues?
A discredited therapy known as “attachment therapy” (sometimes called “holding therapy” or “rebirthing therapy”) should not be used to treat adopted and foster children, though it was largely designed for this population. Attachment therapy involves restraining, coercing, and punishing the child in order for them to “release” negative emotions and attach to their new caregivers—techniques that are abusive and dangerous and have even proven fatal in some cases.