Intellectual Disability Therapists in Maplewood, MN

I received my masters in social work from the University of St. Thomas and have spent my career working with youth and adolescent clients. Using an individualized approach, I work with clients with a variety of developmental disabilities and severe and persistent mental illnesses. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, and impulse control disorders.

I specialize in Psychological Testing with children, adolescents and adults to evaluate Cognitive, Adaptive, Behavior and Personality functioning. Requests for these evaluations are typically in response to concerns about daily functioning, inattentiveness, hyperactivity, academic difficulties, behavioral or emotional problems, developmental disabilities, diagnostic clarification for medication therapy and treatment planning or to document a need for support services at home, school or place of employment. These are often requested by therapists, physicians, school counselors, parents, psychiatrists, employers, judges, attorneys, case managers, other community providers as well as self referred. I am experienced in working with culturally diverse populations and language interpreters.

Psychotherapy is a collaborative treatment based on the relationship between you and Dr. Sandra Smith-Hanen. Dr. Sandra will help you to navigate life’s challenges in a supportive environment. It is her goal to help you to verbalize openly in a nonjudgmental atmosphere. Together you will work collaboratively to determine, adapt and develop a new mindset and behavioral actions to help you develop the needs and goals you want.

Ever feel stuck in life due to unforeseen circumstances and are unsure about how to move forward? I imagine that you are struggling with developing healthy lifestyle habits, or positive coping strategies and may be experiencing persistent depression or anxiety. Perhaps your depression and anxiety stem from a major life change, traumatic experiences, conflict in relationships, financial hardships, chronic or terminal illness, or the loss of a loved one. If any of those things are true for you, then I can help you become unstuck and live your most fulfilling life. You deserve to move forward and begin your healing journey.

Dr. Jonathan Hoistad has been involved with Developmental Psychology; Clinical Psychology; Health Psychology; and Neuropsychology. He has worked with children, adolescents, and families in a variety of settings. He is expert in Psychological evaluations for ADHD; Learning problems; and emotional problems. His doctoral research on Dialysis and Transplantation has prepared him to help people with medical problems and different surgical interventions. He is involved with NatalisOutcomes.org which measures emotional functioning over time to support people in their getting effective evidence based services.

Worry and sadness are a normal part of life, at some points, sadness and worry can be hard to manage on your own, during those times, having someone to talk to can be very helpful for most people. I help individuals ages 12 and up that are experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression and feeling stuck in life. I provide Christiam counseling as well as assist couples experiencing difficulties with communication and intimacy. I also assist couples with rebuilding trust after an affair.

With my own personal experiences, and as a sexual violence survivor myself, I am deeply honored to walk alongside clients as they process their traumas, anxiety, depression, and grief. I believe that transparency and trust are imperative in any professional relationship, and I am looking to use those skills in the client base I am hoping to grow. I am interested to work with clients age 14 and older as I begin this professional journey.

As a therapist who believes in the transformative power of therapy, I work alongside clients as they address problems big and small while balancing acceptance and change. I take a non-judgmental stance and strive to remain client-centered. I believe change takes place through our co-created relationship. With experience supporting clients with a wide range of symptoms, labels, and concerns I work to join clients on their journey to identify and achieve their therapeutic goals.

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.

I am passionate about meeting people right where they are emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Many clients who felt anxious about beginning therapy have expressed how quickly they felt comfortable with me. I consider it a great privilege to work with individuals and families during formative years of growth and transition. My goal is to provide a safe environment that is both supportive and challenging.

I believe that every person, no matter their age, deserves to have a space where they are unconditionally accepted. I work with children (ages 2 and up), teens, young adults and families to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for my clients to come as they are and untangle life’s complexities. I hold extensive experience working with Autism, ADHD, adoption and foster care, trauma and attachment challenges. I work to provide a safe, culturally responsive space for individuals and families, am social and racial justice oriented and LGBTQIA+ affirming. Additionally, I hold space for individuals of all abilities and identities.

My approach to therapy has been informed by my work with individuals, couples and families who have experienced varied and unique challenges. Despite these differences, there are common themes and desires: a sense of security and personal growth, resolving conflict, and building love and respect in marriages or other intimate relationships. Parents seek to manage modern pressures, multiple demands, and opportunities for their children. For those parents with scheduled parenting time, they seek a shared vision of their children's best interest - and shared goals in preparing their kids to meet life's obstacles with determination and resilience.

You may feel like you will never find a therapist you connect with, or that no one could understand what you are going through. The pain of struggle and daily life, especially now, can be overwhelming. You may feel alone in this world struggling with daily life tasks. My passion is helping couples who feel completely stuck in their relationship learn how to communicate effectively, as well as individuals seeking therapy who need support to find themselves again. I have competency in all types of relationships, people with physical &/or intellectual disabilities, OCD and anxiety, parenting, sexual orientation, and addiction.