Therapists in Saint Louis Park, MN

People say you are a good person with a perfect life, yet you don't feel like it. People say it will work out, yet nothing changes. Some people even say you should wait it out, pray it off, or let it be, yet your heart is not letting you forget about it. In the end, you feel alone. You may feel afraid or ashamed to even talk about it with people close to you. You wonder if others will truly understand you and your situation. You struggle to open up because you do not want to be judged. And I get it.

I am a licensed clinical psychologist with experience treating depression, anxiety, relationship problems, reactions to trauma/life stressors, and social/behavioral difficulties. I enjoy working with individuals and families who are committed to improving their life situations. I believe it is necessary to provide clients with a safe and accepting environment. Each client's personal situation is unique and should be respected. I attempt to gain an accurate understanding of my client's views and life experiences.

We have multiple talented clinicians. Our approach to therapy is informed primarily by psychodynamic principles. The emphasis is on creating a safe, supportive environment in which to explore and develop insights into underlying feelings and thoughts. Together we will uncover deeply held assumptions that, although may have been useful at one time, today reinforce ways of coping in the world that are no longer effective or relevant.

My clients are successful, functioning, and used to holding things together on their own. They are looking for a place where they can breathe and have permission to not be figured out. My clients want to dig deep into the “whys” underneath their thoughts or behaviors. We’ll work to give you tools to address the exacerbation of your symptoms, but will also explore the “root system” underneath your concerns to understand how we got to where you are. I love creating space for folks to make new connections, to let go of past now-unhelpful narratives, and move forward with greater knowledge, trust, and reliance on themselves.

Therapy is a sacred, safe and healing space for one to engage in self-exploration and acceptance without judgment, criticism or guilt. I am passionate about working with individuals, couples and families and believe that having authentic and meaningful relationships are core to becoming & staying healthy individuals. I have 10 years of experience working with people struggling with disordered eating, anxiety, depression, trauma & all the different issues people face from age 12 and up. My goal is to help people find and use their voice, face their fears, and be honest with themselves.

*** NOT ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS AT THIS TIME*** My role as a therapist is to help clients develop the coping strategies to cope effectively with challenges they are facing, and explore feelings, beliefs, thoughts, and events in a supportive way. I treat women and men experiencing depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, life and career transitions, relationship issues, perinatal mood disorders, infertility, menopause, co-dependency, and more.

My father was an alcoholic who drank to coverup anxiety and depression and eventually died from it. His life and subsequent death has had a significant impact on me. I couldn't save him but I realized from an early age that I wanted to help others with their problems. Perhaps you have a difficult situation or feel stuck or discouraged. Together we will work to build a supportive and safe relationship; identify and clarify issues; help you tell your unique story; and develop strategies for action so that you can make positive changes and move forward in your life.

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.

Are you using unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with your anxiety and/or depression? Increasingly, the pressures of life, complicated relationships, traumatic events which are or feel beyond our control are leading us to problematic emotional states. Frequently, negative emotions such as shame, anger or hatred, or envy and jealousy, link to negative self-talk, dictating our feelings, thoughts and actions. I find it is usually helpful to apply a holistic approach, working with the mind/body connection which counsels attention to the present moment rather than dwelling in the past or obsessing about the future.

If you are noticing increased sadness, loneliness, anxiety, or challenges this may be the time for additional therapeutic support. Mental health is a struggle that we all deal with in our own way, sometimes we need guidance and encouragement. I believe a therapist's role is to support individuals in their efforts to cope and adapt on their own. Through the journey of therapy, I want to be someone who can point out patterns that may be hindering you from reaching your fullest potential.

I believe that the best therapy is radically empathetic and real, that all people hold the innate capacity for healing, and that there is courage, strength, and healing when we are able to express and release our emotional pain. With more than a decade of experience providing psychotherapy to individuals from all walks of life, I assist individuals arrive at their own truth and walk towards living a more authentic life: one that that is more in line with who they are, what they believe, value, and want for themselves.

I see the best in others, and want to help you see this in yourself too! When we can wholeheartedly accept ourselves, and honestly and compassionately explore what's working and what's not, and what we truly value in life, then we can create meaningful change. Whether paralyzed by anxiety, sadness, past experiences, or beliefs that you aren't good enough, or are feeling unfulfilled, stuck, or overwhelmed by life stress, I can help. Together, we can work towards feeling more confident, capable, at ease, and connected.Colorado clients with UHC, Oxford, & Oscar insurance schedule here:https://headway.co/providers/abby-peterfeso

Life hands us all kinds of challenges and stress. I will provide a safe place for you to share your experiences and seek support for the many things life throws at you. I am very straight forward and honest in my approach with people, however have a gentle and compassionate energy. Whether you are in a relationship or not, I will help you learn to identify and say what your needs are, learn to listen and respond generously to others, set limits and stand up for yourself.

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.