Existential Therapists in Minnetonka, MN

I believe personal agency is key to finding meaning in distressing scenarios and growing from them. I use both Existential and solution-oriented approaches when engaging with clients and provide individuals, couples, and families with tools for self-awareness and self-empowerment through a mixture of theoretical models tailored to the client’s strengths and needs. I work to help clients establish more adaptive patterns of thinking with humor, empathy, and respect. While I will explore root causes of issues, I emphasize the importance of personal growth and identifying personal strengths.

Are you experiencing a nagging feeling that your life is not aligned with your true self or with where you want it to be heading? Are you feeling lost, stuck, or unhappy? This is the voice of your subconscious. I encourage you to listen to your instinct and trust that you have the power to do something about it. It is absolutely possible for anyone to improve their lives regardless of where they are at now or where they came from. It is recognized that each individual's needs are as unique as they are.

I specialize in working with individuals ages 15 and older experiencing grief and loss, chronic illness and medical issues including cancer, trauma and stress related issues, significant life changes, anxiety, depression, performance anxiety, relationship conflicts, and spiritual and identity concerns. My mission is to help people heal from their emotional wounds and cope with their life challenges, using creative and evidence-based approaches.

Do you find yourself discouraged with the demands of life or with not finding healthy relationships? Do you feel alone with the circumstances in your life? I specialize in working with depression, anxiety, chronic health, chronic pain, grief, abuse, trauma, autism, ADHD, mental illness, marriage issues, and parenting.

Are you interested in how to use the connections between your mind, brain and body to improve your health, enrich your relationships, and increase your overall life? Working with these connections has been the focus of my 30 years of practice as a psychologist. Since every client's presenting concern in some way or another impacts upon their brain, their mind and their body - whether that involves depression, anxiety, pain, sleep, relationship challenges, or digestive concerns - my orientation to therapy is well positioned to help people get better now and to be better positioned to stay healthier in the future.

I define trauma as "anything too much, too fast, too soon, from which you felt like you had no escape." I partner with individuals processing through trauma. As a therapist with a background in intimate partner violence, family systems, and severe mental illness, I understand how each of these can impact a life today, even though the events may have occurred years ago. Trauma informed care is foremost, and my clients receive empathetic, thoughtful, and warm care rooted in self-empowerment.

Grief is ever-present within our lives. Whether it’s an abrupt shift in our daily routine, a noticeable difference within ourselves, or a transition of our career, we experience it. We feel it after a change in our relationship, the loss of a pet, or, a heartbreaking death of a loved one. All change results in loss of some sort, and that which accompanies it, is grief. Grief can leave us feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and scared. We feel exposed and vulnerable. We begin to question ourselves and the world we are in. Whatever your grief, know that I will honor it with attuned presence.

By combining a back-ground in nursing, psychology and social work, my goal is to help individuals achieve a greater sense of physical, emotional and spiritual well being. I provide a safe and supportive environment for individuals and couples who want to explore issues that may be contributing to their feelings of being stuck or dissatisfied with their way of being. I view the therapy process as a joint venture between myself and the client. I believe that every individual has the capacity to answer their own questions by drawing from their own inner wisdom.

Albert Einstein remarked, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. At various times in our life we find ourselves challenged to do just that as we struggle to make it through the day. Using a strengths-based perspective, I will collaborate with you to understand and confront your unique challenges and empower you to find the inner strength and resources to facilitate positive healing change so you can keep moving forward. I firmly believe that while change is inevitable, being paralyzed by change is not and you have the power to construct your own unique pathway to optimal health and wellness.

People say you are a good person with a perfect life, yet you don't feel like it. People say it will work out, yet nothing changes. Some people even say you should wait it out, pray it off, or let it be, yet your heart is not letting you forget about it. In the end, you feel alone. You may feel afraid or ashamed to even talk about it with people close to you. You wonder if others will truly understand you and your situation. You struggle to open up because you do not want to be judged. And I get it.

Dr. Mary Auster Shanesy is a Licensed Psychologist whose professional journey has taken her from an inner-city community mental health clinic, to a brain injury hospital, to working with the serious and persistently mentally ill, to helping incarcerated offenders, and finally to her current work with every day, average, “normal” people just like all of us. Dr. Shanesy has focused her energies on helping individuals who want to free themselves from the suffering created by lies, and is the author of Becoming the Hero of Your Own Life: The Lies That Bind, and the Problem with Happily Ever .

Hello! My name is Andrew and thanks for considering my profile. Reaching out to a therapist can be intimidating, especially when you are feeling stressed or unhappy. The first thing you should know about me is that I am laid-back, informal, and nonjudgmental; I just refuse to be the cold, clinical therapist-type! I will work hard to establish a real connection with you and to create a truly safe and compassionate environment for new insight, growth and healing. I believe the most important part of therapy is the alliance between therapist and client; if we don’t have a strong connection, sessions aren’t as effective.

Psychotherapy is simply a conversation designed to help you understand yourself more completely. Rather than providing answers, it helps you identify what is interfering with your ability to live in a satisfying way. I have helped people sufferring from depression, anxiety, and relationship problems - even when previous attempts at treatment have failed. Meaningful change is possible in an environment of mutual respect and safety, where you can tell your own story at your own pace. I work with both individuals and couples.

Panic? Anxiety? Obsessions/compulsions? It's time to change your thoughts and start living again. It is my hope that we can build a foundation of trust to begin to get to the root of any emotional turmoil you may be feeling. I can be here to help you with any short term or long term problems you may be facing. Life transitions, anxiety, depression, or obsessed thoughts can be managed with the right understanding of your cognitive processes. Through therapy it is my belief that you can weather the struggles of life and grow stronger. If you want to learn more about my practice check out my website: www.cadenzacounselingplc.com

Are you ready to combat stress and anxiety? Do you want to heal difficult personal or professional relationships? Is it time to increase your awareness of emotional triggers and learn to manage anger, grief and depression? Together we can work to discover solutions and facilitate a change process while you achieve results to become more fulfilled, proactive and confident in yourself and your relationships. Our sessions can take place in person at our office, or you can meet with me from the comfort of your home via a confidential and HIPPA compliant virtual platform. The goal is the same: you become the best YOU that you can be!

Some people find themselves feeling stuck with certain thoughts and feelings. Others find themselves repeating behaviors that lead to unproductive and problematic situations in their life. Therapy is a process where these concerns can be discussed and worked through from a nonjudgmental standpoint. My therapeutic approach is to assist you in reaching your personal or relationship goals with more effective ways of being. The adolescents and adults I work with are understood as individuals that have their own unique attitudes, beliefs, and experiences.

I enjoy working with children, adults, individuals, couples and families. I assist in helping others to explore deeper motivations and recognize their own special gifts and talents.

Clients respond very positively to my style as a therapist --- informal, empathetic, challenging, encouraging, educational, and collaborative. Typical individual and couples clients include young adults, mid-age, and elders. My work with clients frequently blends individual and couples therapy. I specialize in using the DISCERNMENT COUNSELING framework with 'mixed agenda' couples and the ideas of John / Julie GOTTMAN when working with couples who are wanting to enhance their relationship and co--parenting quality.

Katie completed her undergraduate degree in Psychology at DePauw University in Indiana and went on to receive her master's degree in counseling and psychological services from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Katie has clinical experience in a variety of settings, and now serves as a co-director of a group practice, Novo Behavioral Health in Wayzata, Minnesota. She is dedicated to providing creative and evidence-based counseling services that help young people gain skills, build resilience and establish healthy functioning.