Family Therapy in Uptown, Minneapolis, MN

Unseen and Unknown. The pain of not being seen or known can be debilitating and confusing. The experience of being seen within the therapeutic relationship is a central part of change in therapy. I assist people in learning to see themselves in a more grounded way, to learn and practice skills for manifesting core values, and to work out of the traps created by the ruptures and traumas inhibiting the experience of being integrated. I work with developmental/ family of origin issues including trauma (physical, sexual, and emotional), neglect, and chemical use issues. My case load consists of individuals, couples, and families.

You just don’t know what to do. Feeling stuck and struggling to make a decision. No matter what you do it’s never enough. Overwhelmed and frustrated, the fear of doing the wrong thing is paralyzing. Everything is on the line and you need help figuring things out. Exhausted from the worrying, tired of the feelings of sadness, preventing you from thriving. You are ready for relief, you are ready for help.

Working with people overwhelmed by trauma, depressed, anxious, or simply stuck, is a passion of mine. Why? Because I have found in both my own life & professional experience that, paradoxically, these painful areas of our life can offer us opportunity for personal growth and understanding ourselves. To be clear, this is not easy, and takes lots of courage. It's a journey, a practice, which leads to self-compassion & a healthy way to live authentically in the world. In a relationship of trust, I will support & challenge you to find your own inner wisdom, your own answers to wholehearted living.

Are most days a struggle? Heteroflexible Therapy is there to help. Whether you struggle with relationships, addictions, dealing with the loss of a loved one, or past issues of abuse we will work together to meet your personal goals. The practice offers a warm and accepting environment for individuals and couples. Connie Studer, M.A., LMFT, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist , is skilled at recognizing the most effective therapy approach to help you find more satisfaction and joy in life. An open and affirming practice for straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, and transgender individuals.

Through the process of psychotherapy, I work together with my clients to help them: develop a better understanding of their histories, triggers and patterns in order to get unstuck and create new endings to old stories; build coping skills and capacity for resiliency in order to face stressors and fears that are blocking growth; learn to live authentically in order to create a life congruent with what matters to them. I feel passionate about my work. I always hope to help people realize their worth and competency so they can feel empowered to take charge of their lives and live with more purpose and fulfillment.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (Minnesota and Illinois) and hold a certificate in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. I offer clinical services to individuals, couples and families whether by origin or creation. My training and who I am is heavily influenced by the LGBTQ++ community and my practice is open and affirming to any identity or relationship however defined.

People come to therapy for many reasons. In the first few sessions, I want to get to know you--what you are struggling with, your hopes and fears for the future, what seems to be getting in the way, what strengths and assets you bring. Together, we arrive at a plan, identifying your goals, sources of distress, and how best to work toward symptom relief and greater satisfaction with life and relationships. My approach integrates several treatment modalities, including psychoanalytic/psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness-based therapies, life-span developmental approaches, attachment theory, family and couples therapy.

I have been helping adults, couples, and families since 1975. I teach at two universities in their Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy programs. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Licensed Psychologist in the State of Minnesota. I am past President of the Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy . I prefer a collaborative approach in my work with my clients - combing their knowledges with my own toward more preferred outcomes.

Life is difficult. Feeling better is possible. We all have the right and the ability to feel some peace and acceptance about our lives; the things we can control and the things we can not. We may often believe the negative thoughts we have (that we often make up) and act accordingly. You can change your life, your outlook and the way you think and feel about yourself and your relationships. I believe changes and growth occur when an individual is able to challenge their thoughts, examine their perspectives and learn how to be true to themselves.

I've been working with adults and teens for over 45 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.

***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.

Are you struggling with anxiety, depression or relationship issues? Do you notice that past experiences or trauma seem to impact your life now in ways that create blocks or difficulty? Have you experienced recent loss or a stressful life change? Psychotherapy is a powerful resource to help restore direction and balance as well as facilitating self-understanding and emotional healing. Exploring and understanding who you are and how you became who you are is part of achieving the desired change and growth you want. I bring 28 years of experience, training, compassion and commitment to the therapy process, which I view as collaborative and relational.

Are you or a loved one thinking about making a change to your drinking or substance use? I can help. Some of my clients have been in and out of rehab many times and were looking for an alternative-someone with deep expertise who can provide a new way of looking at their problem and identify a pathway out of their suffering. Still other clients came to me because they did not feel that they needed something as intensive as rehab and wanted to work on their substance use while still taking care of their career, family , home and other obligations. I would be honored to be of assistance.

As parents, it can be frustrating to feel like you've done everything in your power to help your child and are unable to come up with a solution. If this sounds like something you're going through, please reach out so that we can work together to find strategies to assist your child as they go through this journey. We can also address parenting strategies and stress management to help support you and your child's overall health. Together we can help your family write a story that's filled with resiliency, strength, forgiveness, and healing.

As a marriage and family therapist I specialize in work with individuals and couples who find themselves wrestling with their own brokenness. I am passionate about building healthy connections with my clients and using that platform of trust to help facilitate self-compassion, shame resilience, and healing. I offer a non-judgmental, strength based perspective, in which I work together in a team approach with my clients to help them achieve their goals. I incorporate faith as much or as little as my clients are comfortable with.

Are you having trouble in your close relationships? Tired of fighting about everything? Do you feel like your family life is completely out of control? My clients - families, couples and individuals alike - tell me that they appreciate my kindness, sense of humor and calm non-judgmental outlook. Our relationships are the foundation of well being and that is where I put my focus as a therapist. It can be tough to untangle things but you CAN rebuild relationship - it IS doable. I believe whole-heartedly that we do best when we are connected to one another in a healthy way.

Every person's experience in therapy is unique. I know that my 20+ years of experience, the ongoing training I consistently pursue and the areas in which I have particular expertise are important factors to the people who come to see me. I create a safe and compassionate environment so individuals and couples can freely express their questions and needs. Beyond those critical pieces, I believe that the success of the therapy will rest on our ability to work together in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust.