Psychodynamic Therapists in Grand Rapids, MN
Many of the people I work with feel like they’ve been holding everything together on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside. They’re carrying the weight of old experiences, navigating relationship stress, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seem too big to manage. They often feel stuck in patterns they can’t name or disconnected from themselves and the people they care about. My approach is warm, steady, and collaborative—focused on helping you understand your patterns and reconnect with yourself.
Many of the people I work with feel like they’ve been holding everything together on the outside while quietly falling apart on the inside. They’re carrying the weight of old experiences, navigating relationship stress, or feeling overwhelmed by emotions that seem too big to manage. They often feel stuck in patterns they can’t name or disconnected from themselves and the people they care about. My approach is warm, steady, and collaborative—focused on helping you understand your patterns and reconnect with yourself.
We have SAME day and NEXT day appts available for you.
Do you frequently ask yourself, "what is wrong with me", or "why am I like this?" Are you struggling right now? Let us help you figure out whats holding you back. Many times, there are underlying issues that are not addressed such as ADHD, OCD, trauma, or other issues. Reach out to us to turn that narrative into "I am who I am" and "I like who I am".
We have SAME day and NEXT day appts available for you.
Do you frequently ask yourself, "what is wrong with me", or "why am I like this?" Are you struggling right now? Let us help you figure out whats holding you back. Many times, there are underlying issues that are not addressed such as ADHD, OCD, trauma, or other issues. Reach out to us to turn that narrative into "I am who I am" and "I like who I am".
Well was created with the purpose of helping individuals, couples, and families grow independently and as a whole. We realize that life has its challenges and can sometimes feel overwhelming and unrelenting, which may leave us feeling hopeless. Other times life may have us feeling stuck and needing someone to walk along side us as we seek understanding.
Well was created with the purpose of helping individuals, couples, and families grow independently and as a whole. We realize that life has its challenges and can sometimes feel overwhelming and unrelenting, which may leave us feeling hopeless. Other times life may have us feeling stuck and needing someone to walk along side us as we seek understanding.
Using a relational, psychodynamic approach, I help you explore how your past experiences and relationships may be shaping your current experience.
My ideal clients are women, young adults, parents, and caregivers who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, especially in relationships. Often, they come to therapy feeling exhausted by repeating the same cycles, unsure how to move forward, or disconnected from themselves and their needs. They may be leaving or healing from difficult relationships, adjusting to life transitions, or trying to better understand why they feel the way they do. In our work together, we will focus on building insight, increasing self-awareness, and gently working through the emotions and patterns that feel hard to shift.
Using a relational, psychodynamic approach, I help you explore how your past experiences and relationships may be shaping your current experience.
My ideal clients are women, young adults, parents, and caregivers who feel stuck in patterns that no longer serve them, especially in relationships. Often, they come to therapy feeling exhausted by repeating the same cycles, unsure how to move forward, or disconnected from themselves and their needs. They may be leaving or healing from difficult relationships, adjusting to life transitions, or trying to better understand why they feel the way they do. In our work together, we will focus on building insight, increasing self-awareness, and gently working through the emotions and patterns that feel hard to shift.
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In the last 27 years I have worked with clients who have sought to make changes in their lives. I have extensive experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and grief and loss. My passion is helping individuals, families and couples find ways which support the desired growth and change they are seeking. I focus on individual, couple or family strengths brought into sessions as a building place for the onset of healing and change to take place. My collaborative and straightforward approach with clients has empowered them to take needed steps to achieve their goals.
In the last 27 years I have worked with clients who have sought to make changes in their lives. I have extensive experience in the areas of depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues and grief and loss. My passion is helping individuals, families and couples find ways which support the desired growth and change they are seeking. I focus on individual, couple or family strengths brought into sessions as a building place for the onset of healing and change to take place. My collaborative and straightforward approach with clients has empowered them to take needed steps to achieve their goals.
Online Therapists
Wishing Well Therapy Services
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Brainerd, MN 56401
Dedicated to women's holistic well-being, I specialize in addressing the unique challenges faced by women aged 15 and up. Through a blend of compassion, understanding, and a touch of humor, I focus on the complexities of life through the female lens. I work to support clients in navigating different life stages, learn strategies to help improve relationships, process trauma, break unhealthy generational patterns, understand our own mental health and how it may change throughout the course of our lifetimes all while gaining healthy coping skills and working to find the true meaning of love for ourselves and others.
Dedicated to women's holistic well-being, I specialize in addressing the unique challenges faced by women aged 15 and up. Through a blend of compassion, understanding, and a touch of humor, I focus on the complexities of life through the female lens. I work to support clients in navigating different life stages, learn strategies to help improve relationships, process trauma, break unhealthy generational patterns, understand our own mental health and how it may change throughout the course of our lifetimes all while gaining healthy coping skills and working to find the true meaning of love for ourselves and others.
Do you find yourself saying 'I want to feel more like myself again' or 'I need to handle my anxiety when it shows up' maybe even 'I have no idea what's going on, but something needs to change'. You find yourself looking inward more often, are feeling motivated for some type of change to happen because you know that you have the desire to improve your current state of well-being?
Do you find yourself saying 'I want to feel more like myself again' or 'I need to handle my anxiety when it shows up' maybe even 'I have no idea what's going on, but something needs to change'. You find yourself looking inward more often, are feeling motivated for some type of change to happen because you know that you have the desire to improve your current state of well-being?
Rita Anderson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC, LADC
Park Rapids, MN 56470
Waitlist for new clients
Do you feel stuck? Are you a therapist, nurse, doctor, educator or other professional struggling to manage stress? At Wellness Matters LLC, we take a practical approach to therapy. We quickly identify key concerns that can be targeted for immediate improvement. We are proficient in coping skill development for health and happiness. We help “pull back the curtain” on unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive interpersonal dynamics. We help highlight choice points for experimenting with new behaviors with the goal of improving functioning and increasing joy.
Do you feel stuck? Are you a therapist, nurse, doctor, educator or other professional struggling to manage stress? At Wellness Matters LLC, we take a practical approach to therapy. We quickly identify key concerns that can be targeted for immediate improvement. We are proficient in coping skill development for health and happiness. We help “pull back the curtain” on unhelpful thinking patterns and maladaptive interpersonal dynamics. We help highlight choice points for experimenting with new behaviors with the goal of improving functioning and increasing joy.
My preference is to work with the adult population. I work well with trauma recovery for both victims and offenders. I am well versed in working with addictions issues. I believe that each individual has the resources they need to cope with the issues of their life and be the person they would like to be, stored within them. At times it is difficult to assess these resources when needed or desired. Come learn how to access your inner resources.
My preference is to work with the adult population. I work well with trauma recovery for both victims and offenders. I am well versed in working with addictions issues. I believe that each individual has the resources they need to cope with the issues of their life and be the person they would like to be, stored within them. At times it is difficult to assess these resources when needed or desired. Come learn how to access your inner resources.
Nicole is a firm believer that trauma and addiction go hand and hand. "It too effects our bodies. A lot of times clients are unaware of that early in their recovery, and they have been using substances to cope for years. I am driven to teach my clients about the mind body connection by the teaching and exploring of somatics, negative thoughts, unconventional coping skills, i.e., such as breathworks, and by exploring safety and its meaning within themselves. Seeing other people's light shine again and finding themselves is the fuel to why I do this healing work."
Nicole is a firm believer that trauma and addiction go hand and hand. "It too effects our bodies. A lot of times clients are unaware of that early in their recovery, and they have been using substances to cope for years. I am driven to teach my clients about the mind body connection by the teaching and exploring of somatics, negative thoughts, unconventional coping skills, i.e., such as breathworks, and by exploring safety and its meaning within themselves. Seeing other people's light shine again and finding themselves is the fuel to why I do this healing work."
Hello!
I’m so glad you’re here. My passion lies in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma. With over a decade of direct experience in healthcare, end-of-life care, and emergency services, I am especially committed to providing compassionate support to first responders—including dispatchers, EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and rescue teams—as well as healthcare professionals, death care professionals, and their families.
Hello!
I’m so glad you’re here. My passion lies in supporting individuals navigating grief and loss, chronic and terminal illness, and trauma. With over a decade of direct experience in healthcare, end-of-life care, and emergency services, I am especially committed to providing compassionate support to first responders—including dispatchers, EMS personnel, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and rescue teams—as well as healthcare professionals, death care professionals, and their families.
Founded in 2011, Catalyst Mental Health was started with the goal of serving clients with mental health issues and concerns that don't fit easily into any single box: clients who either have multiple issues occurring simultaneously or who have complex conditions that don't align well with traditional diagnostic definitions. This includes individuals with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, chemical dependency issues, sexual and gender identity issues, compulsive behavior, autism spectrum disorders, attention or focusing problems, relationship or marital conflict, and much more. Catalyst Mental Health is also proud supporter and ally of the LGBT community.
Founded in 2011, Catalyst Mental Health was started with the goal of serving clients with mental health issues and concerns that don't fit easily into any single box: clients who either have multiple issues occurring simultaneously or who have complex conditions that don't align well with traditional diagnostic definitions. This includes individuals with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, chemical dependency issues, sexual and gender identity issues, compulsive behavior, autism spectrum disorders, attention or focusing problems, relationship or marital conflict, and much more. Catalyst Mental Health is also proud supporter and ally of the LGBT community.
I come here believing this: the relationship we have with ourselves is the center of how we show up in the world and experience all aspects of life. It's quite common that we all could use some repair with this relationship from time to time. I work with young adults and any individuals who are struggling with understanding who they are and where they fit into the world. This may include difficulties with depression, anxiety, interpersonal/family conflicts, trauma, adjustments towards change in life and stress. You can leave therapy better understanding yourself, equipped with internal and external resources, and feel more capable.
I come here believing this: the relationship we have with ourselves is the center of how we show up in the world and experience all aspects of life. It's quite common that we all could use some repair with this relationship from time to time. I work with young adults and any individuals who are struggling with understanding who they are and where they fit into the world. This may include difficulties with depression, anxiety, interpersonal/family conflicts, trauma, adjustments towards change in life and stress. You can leave therapy better understanding yourself, equipped with internal and external resources, and feel more capable.
I am a licensed psychologist who has extensive therapy experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families in a wide variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and school settings. I have provided individual, family and group therapy services to, as well as conducted psychological evaluations on, children, adolescents, adults and families of varying cultures, ethnicities, religions affiliations, sexual orientations, and levels of socioeconomic status. My areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relational problems,and disorders usually diagnosed during childhood. I value each client as a unique individual and tailor my treatment approaches based on individual characteristics.
I am a licensed psychologist who has extensive therapy experience treating children, adolescents, adults and families in a wide variety of settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential, and school settings. I have provided individual, family and group therapy services to, as well as conducted psychological evaluations on, children, adolescents, adults and families of varying cultures, ethnicities, religions affiliations, sexual orientations, and levels of socioeconomic status. My areas of expertise include mood disorders, anxiety disorders, adjustment disorders, relational problems,and disorders usually diagnosed during childhood. I value each client as a unique individual and tailor my treatment approaches based on individual characteristics.
I have advanced-training and expertise across multiple therapeutic treatment modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based approaches.
Hello, I am Gretchen Kafer, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Most of my clients state they start therapy because they are feeling inadequate, having relationship problems, and/or feeling exhausted from hiding how much they’re struggling inside with the complexities of anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, multiple stressors, or feeling dissatisfied with themselves or life circumstances. My job as a therapist is to help you identify and access your internal strength and power to accomplish your goals. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and encouraging space to work through emotions, overcome challenges, and move forward.
I have advanced-training and expertise across multiple therapeutic treatment modalities, including psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and mindfulness-based approaches.
Hello, I am Gretchen Kafer, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Most of my clients state they start therapy because they are feeling inadequate, having relationship problems, and/or feeling exhausted from hiding how much they’re struggling inside with the complexities of anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, multiple stressors, or feeling dissatisfied with themselves or life circumstances. My job as a therapist is to help you identify and access your internal strength and power to accomplish your goals. I provide a supportive, non-judgmental, and encouraging space to work through emotions, overcome challenges, and move forward.
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, domestic abuse, and fears of all kind. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to live their lives to the fullest.
You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, self-esteem, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse, sexual addiction, domestic abuse, and fears of all kind. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to live their lives to the fullest.
I believe each of us already holds the keys to our highest good. I have helped a range of people, men, women, teens, and members of the LGBTQ community, examine their lives from new perspectives and discover new solutions. Getting to the root of the problem is key to transformation (not just managing symptoms).
I believe each of us already holds the keys to our highest good. I have helped a range of people, men, women, teens, and members of the LGBTQ community, examine their lives from new perspectives and discover new solutions. Getting to the root of the problem is key to transformation (not just managing symptoms).
I've been working with adults and teens for over 49 years. My approach is empathic, direct, and thoughtful. Given I have a wide background in my training, I adapt my therapeutic approach to your needs. I find that effective therapy is a collaborative approach where we work together to understand your concerns, their origins and most importantly what can be done to bring about both the internal and behavioral changes that will be beneficial to you. My goal in therapy is to help integrate your shame and vulnerabilities into a healthy identity grounded in self-esteem and pride.
I've been working with adults and teens for over 49 years. My approach is empathic, direct, and thoughtful. Given I have a wide background in my training, I adapt my therapeutic approach to your needs. I find that effective therapy is a collaborative approach where we work together to understand your concerns, their origins and most importantly what can be done to bring about both the internal and behavioral changes that will be beneficial to you. My goal in therapy is to help integrate your shame and vulnerabilities into a healthy identity grounded in self-esteem and pride.
I enjoy working with people and helping them better understand and cope with life challenges in the pursuit of healthy living. I am comfortable treating issues of family relations/conflict, mood disorders, grief and loss, as well as an array of adolescent issues. My strengths are looking at each individual and connecting their stories in the effort to find wholeness.
I enjoy working with people and helping them better understand and cope with life challenges in the pursuit of healthy living. I am comfortable treating issues of family relations/conflict, mood disorders, grief and loss, as well as an array of adolescent issues. My strengths are looking at each individual and connecting their stories in the effort to find wholeness.
Since 1985, St Mary's Grief Support Services has provided a safe place for grieving youth and adults of all ages to heal. Because each individual's response to loss is unique, we offer an umbrella of resources to choose from. Seeking support can make the difference between grieving in isolation and thriving. Our mission is to facilitate healthy grieving and offer specialized therapy and support for those impacted by serious illness, caregiving, or the death of a family member, friend, or pet. Free grief literature is also available on our website.
Since 1985, St Mary's Grief Support Services has provided a safe place for grieving youth and adults of all ages to heal. Because each individual's response to loss is unique, we offer an umbrella of resources to choose from. Seeking support can make the difference between grieving in isolation and thriving. Our mission is to facilitate healthy grieving and offer specialized therapy and support for those impacted by serious illness, caregiving, or the death of a family member, friend, or pet. Free grief literature is also available on our website.
See more therapy options for Grand Rapids
Psychodynamic Therapists
Is psychodynamic therapy evidence-based?
Studies have found psychodynamic therapy to be effective in treating conditions like social anxiety, eating disorders, chronic pain, some personality disorders, and depression; indeed, some studies have found it to be just as effective as CBT or medication. What’s more, several studies have found that the benefits of psychodynamic therapy tend to endure—even grow—long after treatment has ended.
How long does psychodynamic therapy last?
Unlike CBT and other more structured forms of therapy, psychodynamic therapy tends to be open-ended and may not be limited to a set number of sessions. It is common for clients to be in therapy for a year or longer and to see their therapist one to three times a week, though the exact schedule and timeline may vary depending on a client’s challenges and progress. However, brief psychodynamic therapy is available, which tends to be more goal-oriented and typically unfolds over 16 to 30 sessions.
Does psychodynamic therapy work?
Research finds that psychodynamic therapy can help someone manage or reduce symptoms of diagnosable mental health conditions like depression or anxiety. The modality may also offer a range of benefits that are harder to measure but just as valuable—such as increased self-worth or healthier relationships. While no therapy type will work for everyone, research and anecdotal evidence suggest that psychodynamic therapy can be highly effective.
What are the limitations of psychodynamic therapy?
Some meta-analyses have concluded that there is little evidence to suggest that psychodynamic therapy can effectively treat certain mental health conditions such as PTSD, OCD, or psychosis, though it is sometimes used to do so. More broadly, the open-ended, free-association structure of psychodynamic therapy may be frustrating for clients who prefer a more structured, time-limited, or goal-oriented approach.