Therapists in Ramsey County, MN

Life can be difficult sometimes. Just as our struggles and journeys are unique, I believe that there is no “One-Size Fits All” when it comes to therapy. By listening to what is important to you, understanding the barriers that hinder you from reaching your goals, and integrating evidence-based approaches, I believe that you can be empowered to accomplish your goals. It is a humbling and honoring experience to witness clients overcoming challenges and flourishing. I believe in the use of humor, creativity, empathy, and validation to help you access your strengths and maximize your potential.

I have been in private practice since 1991 and have previously worked in medical, rehabilitation, college counseling, and community mental health settings. I know that asking for help is not easy. Trusting someone you don't know with very personal information requires a leap of faith. Understandably, you may want to know what to expect, should you decide to work with me. Initially, I will work to identify the particular issues that you want to address and then collaborate with you to develop goals and strategies. Throughout the process, I will listen carefully, drawing out particular material for discussion and presenting new information to help you see yourself and your choices with a new perspective. I will suggest possible courses of action, recognizing that only you can decide whether to follow any suggestions that come from the counseling process.

We are all doing what we can to be healthy. Are you in need of some more emotional support? I specialize in anxiety, depression, and other mental health diagnoses. I work with clients to help develop closer, and deeper relationships. I treat alcoholism, and their loved ones affected by it. I completed training in trauma informed therapy. I am a Psychotherapist with over 30 years of experience, speak some Spanish, and have expertise in multicultural approaches to therapy. I have experience with treating infertility.

Life and the circumstances that happen to us can be overwhelming and stressful. We may feel frustrated, confused, fearful, and sad. It's hard to know why we feel such big things and find ways to feel better. Being seen and heard can foster courage and hope - two things needed as you walk through difficult seasons. I offer services to all ages, but have a special interest working with young adults and children. I enjoy partnering with parents as they learn how to support their kids and manage their own self-care. I also am passionate about supporting mom's during their pregnancy and postpartum journey.

I provide respectful, collaborative psychotherapy for couples, adults and families. Taking a holistic and mindful approach, I can help with an array of relational and emotional concerns including life transitions; identity issues; grief and loss; sexuality and intimacy; family conflict and parenting; pregnancy and postpartum; depression and anxiety; trauma and abuse; anger and violence; blocked creativity, and spiritual connection.

Sometimes life sucks and we find ourselves stuck. By looking at the big picture, I help clients get unstuck in order to continue moving through life as they find grace amidst the messy storms that make us human. I believe our struggles do not define us and the battles we are fighting have evolved from our lived experiences, biology, and environment. Therapy is about connecting with another’s humanity on a deep, personal level within a safe and boundaried environment in which we are able to explore what is ailing us. I strive to make therapy a safe and comfortable space in which you feel seen, heard, and believed.

I have my Masters in Social work from Augsburg University’s multiculturally focused clinical program, and am dually licensed as a licensed graduate social worker and an (harm reduction focused) alcohol and drug counselor. I have experience with group and individual therapy specific to religious trauma, adverse religious experiences, and faith transitions, and my goal is to support those in the LGBTQIA+ community in navigating the impacts on identity at that intersection. My passion for this work is driven by my identity as a genderqueer human, and both my personal and professional experience in this area.

I have spent my career working with people in their darkest of times, from marital conflict or a still-conflicted relationship with a parent, to surviving the loss of a loved one by murder or suicide. Trauma is something you carry with you for years, maybe for your whole life. I will aid you in developing skills and tools to live with the trauma in your life but not be the trauma. Therapy is change. I can't "fix" you, but I can help you heal yourself. It's a team approach. Together we can make this better. (Evenings available.)

Work with adolescents and their families is where my passion lies. I understand and believe that the system a person is operating in can impact all parts of one's life experience. I believe it is important in therapy to meet you where you are at and explore where you want to go. Creating a path to becoming your most authentic self is one of the most rewarding and challenging acts you can do. I am honored to be a part of your process.

My style is warm, curious, and open-minded. I believe therapy should be a creative space to explore what kind of changes you’d like to see in your life. Therapy is not easy, but I can promise the hard work IS worth it!

*I'm currently not accepting new clients. I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (#21952) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (#303042). I work from a trauma-informed, harm reduction perspective. I am queer identified and use she, her and hers pronouns. I specialize in working with people with a history of trauma or adversity, people with substance use concerns, LGBTQIA + people and people living with or impacted by HIV.

My approach is gentle and eclectic, person-centered and collaborative. You are the expert of yourself and sometimes it's helpful to have someone to listen to understand. I like to provide validation, exploration, and support. First timers to therapy and those taking the leap to try out therapy again seem to appreciate my style. Whether you are rediscovering yourself, going through a stressful time, wanting to process trauma, etc., I'll be here alongside you. I consider the family system, childhood/caregiver attachment, parenting styles, generational trauma, systemic racism, larger society, etc. and all these impacts.

*Openings Available* I provide a place of welcome, free from judgment, so clients are safe to explore deep feelings and desires for change and healing. I help clients clarify their values and remember/discover what they hold most dear in life so they can experience whole-hearted living. I support clients as they build their sense of self worth and learn to use their voice to speak their truth. My clients may be working through the repair of a significant relationship or grieving the loss of one. They may be feeling the weight of depression, anxiety, or be seeking a deeper understanding of themselves. I am here to support this work.

For almost 20 years I have worked in the mental health field as a clinician, supervisor, educator and administrator. My broad experiences have allowed me to develop a high level of expertise, particularly when it comes to working with teens and adults. Often clients come to me because they feel stuck and uncertain about how to move forward in their life as related to meeting their emotional, relational, academic and occupational goals. Clients who see me for testing (Therapeutic Assessments) or psychotherapy, often make quick gains when it comes to building insight and making changes in their life.

I work with adolescents and adults as a collaborative, supportive partner to improve mental health and overall wellbeing. My therapeutic approaches integrate cognitive, behavioral, and insight-focused strategies. This warm and personal style helps clients work through ingrained and unhealthy patterns that keep them stuck in emotional distress and unfulfilling relationships. I have a mindful and holistic perspective, and emphasize integrating mind, body, and spirit in healing. I address many presenting issues in addition to welcoming concerns about physical and mental health. I am trained in clinical hypnosis, and enjoy working creatively to find effective solutions to inspire lasting change.

Suffering. Sooner or later we all experience varying degrees of suffering. The world can be harsh and painful, especially when understanding is hard to find. Sometimes burdens become to great to carry alone. When searching for help you want someone caring to understand your struggle and unique situation. I work with people who are seeking help and treatment with life situations that are causing them distress either mentally, emotionally, physically and/or relationally.

*Not Taking New Clients* Welcome! I'm here to support my clients cope with difficult emotions such as anger, worry, and hopelessness. Often, these challenges greatly impact us, our relationships, as well as other critical aspects of life. I support my clients in this journey and walk alongside them as they discover their strengths and persevere, whether it is overcoming anxiety or healing from lived trauma. My approach is cognitive behavioral, with an emphasis on using compassion, strengths, and behavioral activation in order to help individuals recover, grow, and develop new ways of adapting to life’s many challenges.

Finding a therapist with whom you feel safe and comfortable is essential for a successful outcome. Clients have told me that I am easy to connect with and tend to put people at ease quickly. Creating a warm, respectful and non-judgmental atmosphere is my first priority. I also feel that laughter/humor can be very therapeutic when appropriate!

Because I believe we grow and learn throughout our life, I delight in working with all people. I see therapy as a supportive environment created for the purpose of encouraging one another in times of need, as well as joy. I have specialized experience working with children and families, empowering each during tough transitions such as toddlerhood and adolescence, while collaborating during unexpected and challenging issues like ADHD, anxiety, depression, abuse, trauma and more. I utilize play, narrative, feminist, and mindfulness therapies to encourage hope and develop authentic connections with each person I see.