Family Therapy in 55419

Life is full of ups and downs and I am here to create a warm, supportive, non-judgmental space for clients and to work together to create positive, sustainable strategies for navigating and managing life’s challenges. My treatment approach is rooted in a strengths based perspective and a desire to work with clients towards their goals. I seek to build upon clients’ strengths while helping individuals identify options and problem solve.

I have practiced for 36 years in Minnesota, seeing children, adults, couples and families. My practice currently is primarily with adults and couples (and teens) who are seeking a therapist who is collaborative, offers guidance and new perspectives, and believes the client is ultimately in charge of change. I value awareness, mindfulness and the process of living out a personal story that is based on strengths and hopefulness. Above all, I believe that if people feel respected and cared for they are capable of growth and moving through even the most difficult times.

Whether clients are looking for support and encouragement to maximize strengths or need assistance in dealing with a wide variety of psychological issues, effective therapy begins with the formation of a relationship. I place an emphasis on meeting patients where they are, which includes taking into account environmental factors, culture, ethnicity, and family/interpersonal history. Then, collaborating together to understand goals, assets, and challenges in order to create a plan to solve problems and increase understanding. By integrating various theoretical approaches and utilizing current research from psychology and neuroscience, my goal is to provide effective individualized treatment.

I've been a psychotherapist for over 40 years. What I have found is the most powerfull tool is the relationships I develop with my clients which are often deeply meaningful, based on understanding the depth of the person, often extending to the inclusion of spiritual experience. I am a fully trained marriage and family therapist, and I have graduated from the Minnesota Psychoanalytic Institute as a certified Psychoanalyst. The American Psychoanalytic Institute has awarded me the status of a Training and Supervising Analyst, the highest level of certification awarded. I want to help people find their own sense of truth.

There are moments when life can feel nonstop and overwhelming. Whether it’s relationships, work, parenting, life transitions – it can all feel too demanding. Finding someone who can walk alongside you in those moments when you need it, matters. I want to be a support in people's lives that look at those moments of overwhelm and give you the tools of how to find a different approach in them. To provide a space that allows you to show up and not be judged for what you are bringing, but for you to be met with empathy and compassion. To feel a sense of hope that you hold the gifts within you to take that next step forward.

Are you not feeling quite right, and maybe not even sure why? Is it hard to be around others (partners, family, friends) and perhaps even be alone with yourself? Being misunderstood is exhausting. Working collaboratively with you, I would like to understand your personal experience and problems so that we can work toward a life that is more meaningful and less distressing.

I provide support in finding your voice, getting yourself rooted in your own authenticity and learning how to hold on to yourself in relationships. Not having a strong sense of who you are can make you feel small but as Brené Brown says, "do not shrink, do not puff up, stand your sacred ground." Together we will explore your own strength though practices of self-discovery and personal empowerment. Whether you're in a relationship or single and looking, we'll work together so you can feel secure as your own person. Healthy and happy relationships depend on a healthy and happy you!

You're not crazy! Relationships are hard and they require hard work. They can also be extremely rewarding and worth all the work. Therapy is quite similar. Do you need help to bring the spark back into your marriage? Heal your relationship after an affair? Work through painful or traumatic memories? Help coping with life cycle transitions? Develop better communication? As your therapist I will support you in achieving these goals by encouraging and respectfully challenging you in order to create the change you are seeking through therapy.

I am honored to work with individuals, couples and families who experience conflict and disconnection. With couples and families this may look like: infidelity, lack of intimacy, sexual concerns, parenting challenges, broken trust, lack of communication, difficult transitions and not feeling validated. You will have a safe place to share your reality, while being held accountable. Let's get you seen and heard by one another!

You are in the right place if you are seeking to show up more authentically in your life, sort through conflict, or improve your relationships! I will work with you to deepen your understanding of challenges you may be experiencing, learn new skills for dealing with difficulties, and ultimately find a path forward creating change and finding acceptance when needed. I am honored to work with many folks through experiences with: identity exploration, conflict, divorce, life changes, trauma, anxiety, depression, and difficult family dynamics. I see teens, parents, couples, families, and LGBTQ+ identified folks.

For those struggling with anxiety, sleep issues, motivation, low self-esteem, relationship issues, PTSD, focus, parenting, workplace stress, bullying, codependency, and general stress, Therapeutic Life Coaching goes to the root of the issue - for real change. Experience feeling heard, supported and prepare yourself to move forward in your life with a healthier body, mind and spirit.

I currently have openings on Tuesdays/Thursdays virtually, or Wednesday evenings in-person. I am committed to the health of all adult relationships whether that be romantic or platonic, friends or family. I’m here to support folks at the crossroads of their lives such as starting or ending relationships, shifting from young to middle adulthood, exciting new endeavors, or grieving the loss of something important.

Figuring out life is not easy, especially if you're trying to do it alone. Feeling heard, understood, and cared for with someone who is authentic & compassionate can be so helpful for your health, happiness, & wellbeing. When I meet with a new client, whether as an individual, or as a couple or family, I support each person so they do not feel alone while sorting out the hard stuff that can get in the way from finding peace. I'm compassionate, understanding, and intuitive & will meet you where you are to ensure a relationship where you feel connected, safe, & empowered. Starting to create a better you is not easy. I'm here to help.

For more than 30 years I have counseled men, women, and teens addressing a crisis, a tragedy, something troubling they are struggling with now or from the past. My work with you will focus on developing your own skills to address current and past issues. Your work with me will be empowering and deliberate and will enable you to have a more fulfilling future. Our work together will include, but not necessarily be limited to consideration and assessments of how particular issues are affecting you and/or those you care about. You may bring a partner, friend, or family member to our sessions.

Sometimes you may find yourself experiencing conflicting emotions or in complex relationships. Therapy helps you find clarity and return to emotional wellness. I include family members in session when helpful and I explore with you ways to achieve enriching emotional and interpersonal experiences. I'm originally from Mexico and moved to MN in 1997, which allows me to provide therapy fluently in Spanish and/or English along with a personal understanding of Latino culture, American culture and multicultural relationships.

***Not taking new clients at this time.*** Therapy can provide the resources, skills, and support to make positive transformations in your life. I'm sensitive to each individual's needs, goals, and comfort with the therapeutic process. My philosophy around change includes looking at past relational and emotional experiences, developing skills to manage difficult emotions in the present, and gaining insight into what might be creating barriers to a satisfying life. I offer this guidance in the context of a safe therapeutic relationship. I incorporate self-exploration and coping skill development to help reach your desired goals.

Witnessing people create meaningful changes in their lives has been my greatest privilege, as a therapist. Strong, loving relationships, healthy family bonds, vocational success, healing from wounds of trauma, and reconnecting to a joyful participation in life are some of the experiences I have been able to share with clients. I hold a Doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy and bring my background in creative arts, trauma work, and rich life experience to help clients get past the barriers of anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Sick and tired of being sick and tired? Feeling like your life and relationships are stuck? I want you to know change is possible. Through our work together, we will discover the reasons you continue to struggle, and map out a path to personal recovery. My desire is to help you, your partner, and your family, grow closer, and experience the love, and intimacy that is available to you. The secret to happiness is inside of you, just waiting to be acknowledged. Let me help you embrace emotional freedom by giving you the tools for success in love and life!

I am originally from Peru but I have lived in MN since 2004. Spanish is my native language. I also speak English fluently. I identify as a cis, straight, immigrant, Latina or Latinx woman & social worker. My work focuses on offering empathy, support, promoting insight, and working collaboratively to achieve goals. I strive to understand people's experiences within their own unique context and take into account larger community and social issues, and how they impact our experience.