Schema Therapy in Minneapolis, MN
I specialize in exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to give adults and teens the relief they need from their symptoms. I am highly interested in helping those struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, panic, and agoraphobia (among others).
Whether you have a deep understanding of your symptoms and clear goals for therapy, or you're seeking mental health support for the first time, I will meet you where you are with compassion, respect, and a personalized approach to support your journey.
I specialize in exposure and response prevention (ERP) and cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT) to give adults and teens the relief they need from their symptoms. I am highly interested in helping those struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, phobias, panic, and agoraphobia (among others).
Whether you have a deep understanding of your symptoms and clear goals for therapy, or you're seeking mental health support for the first time, I will meet you where you are with compassion, respect, and a personalized approach to support your journey.
Elena Louise Shaffer
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
1 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Waitlist for new clients
I’m Elena and I’m here to help you tackle the darkness that’s dimming your light. I’m ready to work together for the change you need to thrive. I didn’t truly understand what lasting change could look like until I experienced the power of a mind–body–spirit approach to healing. In my practice, I am client-centered, radically non-judgmental, and fully authentic.
My style is strongly influenced by Psychodynamic Therapy, which cultivates deeper self-awareness, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which explores the connection between our body and our mental well-being.
I’m Elena and I’m here to help you tackle the darkness that’s dimming your light. I’m ready to work together for the change you need to thrive. I didn’t truly understand what lasting change could look like until I experienced the power of a mind–body–spirit approach to healing. In my practice, I am client-centered, radically non-judgmental, and fully authentic.
My style is strongly influenced by Psychodynamic Therapy, which cultivates deeper self-awareness, and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, which explores the connection between our body and our mental well-being.
I have practiced for 40 years in Minnesota, seeing children, adults, couples and families. My practice currently is primarily with adults and couples (and adult 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.
I have practiced for 40 years in Minnesota, seeing children, adults, couples and families. My practice currently is primarily with adults and couples (and adult 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.
Overwhelmed by relentless self-criticism, burnout, or feeling stuck trying to live up to impossible standards? Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, or relational trauma & feel stuck or disconnected. You want to break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, & exhaustion to build a life that feels true to you - on your terms & at your pace. Therapy can help you untangle from these patterns, heal your inner parts with compassion, & build a life that feels authentic and aligned with what truly matters to you.
Overwhelmed by relentless self-criticism, burnout, or feeling stuck trying to live up to impossible standards? Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, or relational trauma & feel stuck or disconnected. You want to break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, & exhaustion to build a life that feels true to you - on your terms & at your pace. Therapy can help you untangle from these patterns, heal your inner parts with compassion, & build a life that feels authentic and aligned with what truly matters to you.
I am fascinated by the infinite variety of ways people can get themselves in and out of trouble. I work with adults to overcome roadblocks, better understand themselves, and otherwise self-actualize. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, self-esteem, unwanted substance and behavior patterns, lifespan growth, among others. I value empowerment highly in the therapeutic process and work well with motivated clients.
I am fascinated by the infinite variety of ways people can get themselves in and out of trouble. I work with adults to overcome roadblocks, better understand themselves, and otherwise self-actualize. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, anger, trauma, self-esteem, unwanted substance and behavior patterns, lifespan growth, among others. I value empowerment highly in the therapeutic process and work well with motivated clients.
If you’re here, you’ve likely been carrying more than anyone realizes—working harder to keep up, blend in, and appear “fine.” You may seem successful on the outside while feeling exhausted from masking, perfectionism, and repeated burnout. Realizing you may be autistic, ADHD, or both can bring relief, grief, and a new understanding of yourself. These patterns weren’t failures—they were natural responses to a world not built for your brain. I’m a licensed clinical therapist and late-diagnosed AuDHD adult, offering neurodivergent-affirming therapy and psychoeducational courses informed by both clinical training and lived experience.
If you’re here, you’ve likely been carrying more than anyone realizes—working harder to keep up, blend in, and appear “fine.” You may seem successful on the outside while feeling exhausted from masking, perfectionism, and repeated burnout. Realizing you may be autistic, ADHD, or both can bring relief, grief, and a new understanding of yourself. These patterns weren’t failures—they were natural responses to a world not built for your brain. I’m a licensed clinical therapist and late-diagnosed AuDHD adult, offering neurodivergent-affirming therapy and psychoeducational courses informed by both clinical training and lived experience.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and trauma. Racing thoughts, panic attacks, sleepless nights — anxiety and trauma can drain your energy and confidence. Together we will focus on what works: evidence-based tools to shift unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen coping, and rebuild trust in yourself. My goal is that you leave sessions feeling more capable, calm, and connected in your daily life. My first step is to understand you: what you've been carrying, how it affects your relationships, and what feels most urgent to change.
I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and trauma. Racing thoughts, panic attacks, sleepless nights — anxiety and trauma can drain your energy and confidence. Together we will focus on what works: evidence-based tools to shift unhelpful thought patterns, strengthen coping, and rebuild trust in yourself. My goal is that you leave sessions feeling more capable, calm, and connected in your daily life. My first step is to understand you: what you've been carrying, how it affects your relationships, and what feels most urgent to change.
I believe healing is not created through behaviors alone and I take a holistic approach to psychotherapy. Together we will seek and explore themes, defenses, relational patterns, and unconscious beliefs that play a role in forming your world to reconnect with parts of yourself that have felt quieted or protected. My work is centered around you finding your voice, existential wonder, processing, and deepening your understanding of who you are. When in the presence of life’s complexities therapy can look like a depth-oriented approach blending somatic processing with psychodynamics.
I believe healing is not created through behaviors alone and I take a holistic approach to psychotherapy. Together we will seek and explore themes, defenses, relational patterns, and unconscious beliefs that play a role in forming your world to reconnect with parts of yourself that have felt quieted or protected. My work is centered around you finding your voice, existential wonder, processing, and deepening your understanding of who you are. When in the presence of life’s complexities therapy can look like a depth-oriented approach blending somatic processing with psychodynamics.
Susan Kotelman
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, C-IATY
4 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55408
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individuals who carry the invisible weight of early relational trauma, often expressed through anxiousness, low self-worth, body image struggles, codependency, and nervous system dysregulation. These patterns are not flaws—they are adaptations that once kept you safe. Together, we’ll explore how these patterns formed and how they’re showing up in your present life.
Our work will involve identifying and understanding thoughts, behaviors, and strategies that may no longer serve you, exploring personal identity and values, cultivating self-trust, and accepting the limits and humanity of self and others.
I specialize in working with individuals who carry the invisible weight of early relational trauma, often expressed through anxiousness, low self-worth, body image struggles, codependency, and nervous system dysregulation. These patterns are not flaws—they are adaptations that once kept you safe. Together, we’ll explore how these patterns formed and how they’re showing up in your present life.
Our work will involve identifying and understanding thoughts, behaviors, and strategies that may no longer serve you, exploring personal identity and values, cultivating self-trust, and accepting the limits and humanity of self and others.
Now accepting Blue Cross BlueShield and Health Partners. I believe that each person is their own healer and is capable of living life fully. My approach to therapy includes exploring our past experience, present circumstances, and future goals. I strive to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, and collaborative space for my clients. My experience includes anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR, substance use disorder, eating disorder, self esteem, body image, perinatal mental health, and parenting.
Now accepting Blue Cross BlueShield and Health Partners. I believe that each person is their own healer and is capable of living life fully. My approach to therapy includes exploring our past experience, present circumstances, and future goals. I strive to create a non-judgmental, compassionate, and collaborative space for my clients. My experience includes anxiety, depression, trauma, EMDR, substance use disorder, eating disorder, self esteem, body image, perinatal mental health, and parenting.
Lindsey Kwon
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
3 Endorsed
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Waitlist for new clients
I support teens through older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered, blending CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to build coping skills, insight, and resilience. Many clients seek balance, healthier relationships, and deeper self-understanding but feel unsure where to begin. When desired, I integrate faith-based counseling to explore how spirituality and grace can nurture peace, purpose, and lasting emotional growth in both virtual and in-person sessions. I offer flexible scheduling and a welcoming culturally sensitive space for your healing
I support teens through older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and person-centered, blending CBT, DBT, and trauma-informed care to build coping skills, insight, and resilience. Many clients seek balance, healthier relationships, and deeper self-understanding but feel unsure where to begin. When desired, I integrate faith-based counseling to explore how spirituality and grace can nurture peace, purpose, and lasting emotional growth in both virtual and in-person sessions. I offer flexible scheduling and a welcoming culturally sensitive space for your healing
Let's face it, you've been in survival mode for far too long. You're tired of letting intense emotions and past hurts get in the way of moving forward, and you’re ready to take action to build a life worth living. I can help! I'm passionate about working with clients struggling with anxiety, big life changes, emotional intensity, attachment wounds, and relational trauma. I'm a biracial, neurodivergent affirming provider with both lived and professional experience and an LGBTQ+ inclusive therapist. My goal is to help you discover your own power to learn, heal, and grow from adversity in order to find peace, connection, and purpose.
Let's face it, you've been in survival mode for far too long. You're tired of letting intense emotions and past hurts get in the way of moving forward, and you’re ready to take action to build a life worth living. I can help! I'm passionate about working with clients struggling with anxiety, big life changes, emotional intensity, attachment wounds, and relational trauma. I'm a biracial, neurodivergent affirming provider with both lived and professional experience and an LGBTQ+ inclusive therapist. My goal is to help you discover your own power to learn, heal, and grow from adversity in order to find peace, connection, and purpose.
Suffering from stress, sadness, and disappointment? Marriage or Job on the rocks? Subhanallah, We are here for you. Trusted elders in our communities are full of advice. But if you want to experience long lasting relief? You must bring together the principals of Islam AND successful principles for the Western Science. Make a confidential appointment today to learn how Islamic Principals and a licensed mental health professional, will help you heal. Insurance and sliding scale accepted. Free Therapy for Needy Families and Valencia students.
Suffering from stress, sadness, and disappointment? Marriage or Job on the rocks? Subhanallah, We are here for you. Trusted elders in our communities are full of advice. But if you want to experience long lasting relief? You must bring together the principals of Islam AND successful principles for the Western Science. Make a confidential appointment today to learn how Islamic Principals and a licensed mental health professional, will help you heal. Insurance and sliding scale accepted. Free Therapy for Needy Families and Valencia students.
Dr. Jim is a Performance Consultant & Mental Conditioning Coach who provides performance enhancement & counseling to athletes of all ages and levels, teams, organizations, businesses, military & governing bodies. He works in these sectors to improve performance both on & off the field of play, welling-being & mental health while reducing stress and anxiety. He has worked with pro teams and athletes, and he has worked with & trained thousands of athletes, coaches, & parents over the past 24 years. He also works with performing arts, business professionals, military, and law enforcement as an performance coach and consultant.
Dr. Jim is a Performance Consultant & Mental Conditioning Coach who provides performance enhancement & counseling to athletes of all ages and levels, teams, organizations, businesses, military & governing bodies. He works in these sectors to improve performance both on & off the field of play, welling-being & mental health while reducing stress and anxiety. He has worked with pro teams and athletes, and he has worked with & trained thousands of athletes, coaches, & parents over the past 24 years. He also works with performing arts, business professionals, military, and law enforcement as an performance coach and consultant.
Accepting BCBS, Medicare, Carelon, Quest, Cigna, Aetna or private pay clients for evening/weekend virtual appointments for Oklahoma and Minnesota. Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Are your relationships, health and self-esteem suffering? Are are you experiencing grief and loss or anxiety about the future? Through the use of attachment based focused therapy I can help address these issues. Specialized in serving individuals, couples and Veterans, I have extensive experience addressing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger and self-esteem. Contact me to schedule a 15 min consult.
Accepting BCBS, Medicare, Carelon, Quest, Cigna, Aetna or private pay clients for evening/weekend virtual appointments for Oklahoma and Minnesota. Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Are your relationships, health and self-esteem suffering? Are are you experiencing grief and loss or anxiety about the future? Through the use of attachment based focused therapy I can help address these issues. Specialized in serving individuals, couples and Veterans, I have extensive experience addressing depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, anger and self-esteem. Contact me to schedule a 15 min consult.
Overwhelmed by relentless self-criticism, burnout, or feeling stuck trying to live up to impossible standards? Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, or relational trauma & feel stuck or disconnected. You want to break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, & exhaustion to build a life that feels true to you - on your terms & at your pace. Therapy can help you untangle from these patterns, heal your inner parts with compassion, & build a life that feels authentic and aligned with what truly matters to you.
Overwhelmed by relentless self-criticism, burnout, or feeling stuck trying to live up to impossible standards? Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, or relational trauma & feel stuck or disconnected. You want to break free from people-pleasing, perfectionism, & exhaustion to build a life that feels true to you - on your terms & at your pace. Therapy can help you untangle from these patterns, heal your inner parts with compassion, & build a life that feels authentic and aligned with what truly matters to you.
Life can feel overwhelming when you or your family are navigating emotional stress, identity changes, behavioral challenges, trauma, autism, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. I work with children, teens, young adults, and families while creating a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I especially enjoy supporting neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, young parents, and those working through school, family, or emotional challenges.
Life can feel overwhelming when you or your family are navigating emotional stress, identity changes, behavioral challenges, trauma, autism, relationship difficulties, or major life transitions. I work with children, teens, young adults, and families while creating a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered. I especially enjoy supporting neurodivergent individuals, LGBTQ+ clients, young parents, and those working through school, family, or emotional challenges.
You want connection, but relationships leave you feeling anxious, overthinking, or unseen. Maybe you are grieving a breakup or caught in a pattern you don’t know how to break. You desire to feel secure in yourself or in your relationships, to stop chasing closure or clarity, and to reconnect with your intuition, peace, and purpose. You are spiritual or introspective and you are seeking therapy that feels meaningful, not surface-level. You may ready to do the deep work—and just need someone who can guide you along the way and who truly gets it.
You want connection, but relationships leave you feeling anxious, overthinking, or unseen. Maybe you are grieving a breakup or caught in a pattern you don’t know how to break. You desire to feel secure in yourself or in your relationships, to stop chasing closure or clarity, and to reconnect with your intuition, peace, and purpose. You are spiritual or introspective and you are seeking therapy that feels meaningful, not surface-level. You may ready to do the deep work—and just need someone who can guide you along the way and who truly gets it.
My name is Jessica Hoenke, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I take a person-centered approach to assist clients on their healing journey. I enjoy working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds dealing with various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, etc. I tend to view cases from a cognitive-behavioral lens but believe wholly in utilizing an integrative approach based on the needs and goals of each client. I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders. I have helped people struggling with adjustment challenges, poor self-esteem, and relational difficulties.
My name is Jessica Hoenke, and I am a licensed clinical psychologist. I take a person-centered approach to assist clients on their healing journey. I enjoy working with individuals from a variety of backgrounds dealing with various mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, grief and loss, etc. I tend to view cases from a cognitive-behavioral lens but believe wholly in utilizing an integrative approach based on the needs and goals of each client. I have extensive experience treating mood and anxiety disorders. I have helped people struggling with adjustment challenges, poor self-esteem, and relational difficulties.
Most of the people who find their way to me aren't in crisis. They're living something harder to name: a life that looks right from the outside and feels quietly off from the inside. Burnout that a long weekend doesn't touch. A relationship that has grown distant without a clear reason. A transition that has left them uncertain about what comes next. They've often tried to reason their way through it. Some have tried therapy before and didn't feel like they were getting anywhere. Together we slow things down, look honestly at what's driving the experience, and build from there. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
Most of the people who find their way to me aren't in crisis. They're living something harder to name: a life that looks right from the outside and feels quietly off from the inside. Burnout that a long weekend doesn't touch. A relationship that has grown distant without a clear reason. A transition that has left them uncertain about what comes next. They've often tried to reason their way through it. Some have tried therapy before and didn't feel like they were getting anywhere. Together we slow things down, look honestly at what's driving the experience, and build from there. I work with individuals, couples, and families.
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How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.
Is schema therapy evidence-based?
Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.
Is schema therapy a type of CBT?
Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognizing and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.