Female Therapists in Virginia, MN
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems. As a member of the neurodivergent community myself, I understand the unique challenges many face and adopt a non-pathologizing approach. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal growth.
My specializations include working with neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, as well as addressing family trauma and navigating complex family systems. As a member of the neurodivergent community myself, I understand the unique challenges many face and adopt a non-pathologizing approach. My goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop coping strategies, and work toward personal growth.
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I work with individuals aged 13 and older who struggle with symptoms related to unresolved trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and OCD. I create a safe and compassionate space where individuals can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. My goal is to empower clients to tap into their inner resilience and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and couples on their journey towards healing and self-discovery. I work with individuals aged 13 and older who struggle with symptoms related to unresolved trauma, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and OCD. I create a safe and compassionate space where individuals can explore their innermost thoughts and emotions. My goal is to empower clients to tap into their inner resilience and cultivate a sense of wholeness.
Providing individual (adults) and couples therapy and diagnostic assessments. Experienced in outpatient, inpatient, residential, in-school, and in-home therapy settings. Experienced in co-facilitating MI/CD groups (mental illness/chemical dependency) and rehabilitation (previous work in CTSS, ARMHS, and ACT). 25 years experience working in human services; 20 years experience working in mental health.
Providing individual (adults) and couples therapy and diagnostic assessments. Experienced in outpatient, inpatient, residential, in-school, and in-home therapy settings. Experienced in co-facilitating MI/CD groups (mental illness/chemical dependency) and rehabilitation (previous work in CTSS, ARMHS, and ACT). 25 years experience working in human services; 20 years experience working in mental health.
Many of the individuals I work with struggle with managing daily life stressors. This may be due to experiencing a traumatic childhood, recovering from a recent traumatic event, or having trouble juggling the demands placed on them. Many people find themselves stuck or “going through the motions” and are looking for validation that they are not alone as well as help with finding hope and a purpose in their lives.
Many of the individuals I work with struggle with managing daily life stressors. This may be due to experiencing a traumatic childhood, recovering from a recent traumatic event, or having trouble juggling the demands placed on them. Many people find themselves stuck or “going through the motions” and are looking for validation that they are not alone as well as help with finding hope and a purpose in their lives.
Because I’ve worked in both medical and school environments, I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life challenges stack up—whether that’s health issues, family stress, or emotional burnout. I've walked along side clients to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and find a way forward that feels realistic and sustainable.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we focus on what matters most to you—building insight, strengthening coping tools, and creating change that fits your life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on helping you feel more resourced and steadier.
Because I’ve worked in both medical and school environments, I understand how overwhelming it can feel when life challenges stack up—whether that’s health issues, family stress, or emotional burnout. I've walked along side clients to slow things down, make sense of what’s happening, and find a way forward that feels realistic and sustainable.
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Together, we focus on what matters most to you—building insight, strengthening coping tools, and creating change that fits your life. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and focused on helping you feel more resourced and steadier.
I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify positive and negative patterns in your life, discover your strengths, learn new coping skills, and feel empowered to overcome hardships. Setting goals is important for achieving new milestones, helping identify what is important in your life, and creating an overall sense of direction for your future. I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery to reach your goals.
I am deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify positive and negative patterns in your life, discover your strengths, learn new coping skills, and feel empowered to overcome hardships. Setting goals is important for achieving new milestones, helping identify what is important in your life, and creating an overall sense of direction for your future. I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery to reach your goals.
You feel like it's all on your shoulders and you're constantly failing. You're used to making things happen, but inside you feel lonely, anxious, and like a shell of a person. You grew up in a family where there was some love but asking for help is still so hard... you feel like a burden. Even now, with all you've done, you people-please, overthink every decision, and feel like you're never enough. You desperately want peace and energy... to feel whole, confident, and full of vitality again. If you're ready to go deeper than talk therapy and make real changes to how you live, sleep, eat, and connect, I'm here to help.
You feel like it's all on your shoulders and you're constantly failing. You're used to making things happen, but inside you feel lonely, anxious, and like a shell of a person. You grew up in a family where there was some love but asking for help is still so hard... you feel like a burden. Even now, with all you've done, you people-please, overthink every decision, and feel like you're never enough. You desperately want peace and energy... to feel whole, confident, and full of vitality again. If you're ready to go deeper than talk therapy and make real changes to how you live, sleep, eat, and connect, I'm here to help.
In my practice, I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify the positive and negative patterns in your life, to discover your own strengths, learn new coping skills and feel empowered to overcome hardships.
In my practice, I strive to provide a warm, safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for self-discovery. Therapy is a way to identify the positive and negative patterns in your life, to discover your own strengths, learn new coping skills and feel empowered to overcome hardships.
Clients come to me seeking more than talk therapy—they’re looking for a safe, grounded space to be truly seen and supported. With 25+ years of social work experience, I bring clinical expertise and a compassionate, collaborative approach. I specialize in trauma, interpersonal conflict, anxiety and depression, and caregiver support, using somatic practices and polyvagal theory to promote lasting change. In my North Shore setting, clients find space to rest, reflect, and reconnect—gaining insight, releasing old patterns, and building a more peaceful, empowered life.
Clients come to me seeking more than talk therapy—they’re looking for a safe, grounded space to be truly seen and supported. With 25+ years of social work experience, I bring clinical expertise and a compassionate, collaborative approach. I specialize in trauma, interpersonal conflict, anxiety and depression, and caregiver support, using somatic practices and polyvagal theory to promote lasting change. In my North Shore setting, clients find space to rest, reflect, and reconnect—gaining insight, releasing old patterns, and building a more peaceful, empowered life.
More Therapists Nearby
Fear and uncertainty? Obsessions? Compulsions? It's time to change your thoughts and start living again. I am a firm believer that you have a choice as to what you put your mental energy into each day. I am here to help reestablish that agency you already have. It is my hope that we can build a foundation of trust to begin to get to the root of any emotional turmoil you may be feeling that is keeping you stuck in your fears. Through therapy it is my belief that you can weather the struggles of life and grow stronger.
Fear and uncertainty? Obsessions? Compulsions? It's time to change your thoughts and start living again. I am a firm believer that you have a choice as to what you put your mental energy into each day. I am here to help reestablish that agency you already have. It is my hope that we can build a foundation of trust to begin to get to the root of any emotional turmoil you may be feeling that is keeping you stuck in your fears. Through therapy it is my belief that you can weather the struggles of life and grow stronger.
Kind Mind reserves the right to be exceptionally kind regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, past actions, political outlook, sexual orientation, social status, class, appearance, language, or occupation. Kind Mind Center believes in the innate ability of all people to reach their fullest potential as a creative, compassionate, and conscious being. Kind Mind Center provides dedicated and professional integrative health, mental health & substance abuse therapeutic services with a person-centered professional approach, serving all people, from all walks of life, with compassion, dignity & respect.
Kind Mind reserves the right to be exceptionally kind regardless of gender, age, race, religion, ethnicity, past actions, political outlook, sexual orientation, social status, class, appearance, language, or occupation. Kind Mind Center believes in the innate ability of all people to reach their fullest potential as a creative, compassionate, and conscious being. Kind Mind Center provides dedicated and professional integrative health, mental health & substance abuse therapeutic services with a person-centered professional approach, serving all people, from all walks of life, with compassion, dignity & respect.
Welcome. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. My work focuses on helping you build practical tools for emotional regulation, deeper self-awareness, and healthier relationships.
Together, we’ll explore patterns with curiosity and clarity, strengthening your capacity for resilience, compassion, and meaningful change. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Welcome. I offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can slow down, reflect, and reconnect with yourself. My work focuses on helping you build practical tools for emotional regulation, deeper self-awareness, and healthier relationships.
Together, we’ll explore patterns with curiosity and clarity, strengthening your capacity for resilience, compassion, and meaningful change. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship challenges.
Primary Therapy approaches: IFS, ERP, and EMDR. I also provide consultation for OCD therapy providers. Do you feel anxious, stressed, perfectionistic, self critical, bothered by repetitive anxious thoughts or stuck in past painful memories and hurts? Do you want to learn how to experience more peace, calm, and clarity on the inside so you can live more authentically, confidently, and compassionately? When working together in therapy we will explore your personal goals as well as aim towards you having a better relationship with yourself to live a more harmonious and peaceful life.
Primary Therapy approaches: IFS, ERP, and EMDR. I also provide consultation for OCD therapy providers. Do you feel anxious, stressed, perfectionistic, self critical, bothered by repetitive anxious thoughts or stuck in past painful memories and hurts? Do you want to learn how to experience more peace, calm, and clarity on the inside so you can live more authentically, confidently, and compassionately? When working together in therapy we will explore your personal goals as well as aim towards you having a better relationship with yourself to live a more harmonious and peaceful life.
Leah Pillsbury
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
Life throws a lot our way and sometimes it can be hard to know how to handle it all. Most of us were never taught the tools to manage emotional and mental challenges, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Let me help you uncover what’s keeping you from living your best life! I have a unique ability to relate to my clients on a personal level. I view therapy as a collaborative process that can lead to growth. My style includes authenticity, humor, warmth, and provides a safe space for my clients to feel welcomed, heard and validated. I am a safe place to land each week. Let me help carry the weight!
There are many transitions in life. Sometimes we need help navigating those transitions. My favorite quote is , "Where there is a Will there is a Way." Taking the first step with attending therapy just takes Will to find your Way. I profoundly believe in forming a strong therapeutic relationship and hope to utilize various theoretical skills to meet the unique needs of each client and their family. I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families from all stages in life.
There are many transitions in life. Sometimes we need help navigating those transitions. My favorite quote is , "Where there is a Will there is a Way." Taking the first step with attending therapy just takes Will to find your Way. I profoundly believe in forming a strong therapeutic relationship and hope to utilize various theoretical skills to meet the unique needs of each client and their family. I enjoy working with children, adults, couples and families from all stages in life.
You know something needs to change-but insight alone isn’t cutting it. Let’s get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck and retrain the brain to heal. Life can be challenging, and we all need some help navigating the tough parts at times. I’m glad you’re here. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges. My approach is brain-based and person-centered—focused on helping you understand the root causes of what’s keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll work as a team to build insight, shift patterns, and move toward healing and personal growth.
You know something needs to change-but insight alone isn’t cutting it. Let’s get to the root of what’s keeping you stuck and retrain the brain to heal. Life can be challenging, and we all need some help navigating the tough parts at times. I’m glad you’re here. I work with people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, personality disorders, relationship issues, and behavioral challenges. My approach is brain-based and person-centered—focused on helping you understand the root causes of what’s keeping you stuck. Together, we’ll work as a team to build insight, shift patterns, and move toward healing and personal growth.
As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
As a Master of Social Work from Aurora University, I completed a clinical and forensic concentration, which equipped me to provide a range of therapeutic services to individuals, families, and communities. I am committed to advancing social justice and advocacy on behalf of and beside my clients and community as a dedicated and compassionate professional.
Online Therapists
We all go through times when life feels a bit too heavy to handle on our own and that’s okay. Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, to help us sort through what’s going on, and to figure out what we need to feel a little more grounded. That’s where I come in.
I work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD. I truly believe you know yourself best. My job is to help you explore what’s working, what’s not, and what might help you feel more like yourself again.
I also enjoy working with new and expecting parents navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and all the changes that come with this chapter of life.
We all go through times when life feels a bit too heavy to handle on our own and that’s okay. Sometimes we need someone to walk with us, to help us sort through what’s going on, and to figure out what we need to feel a little more grounded. That’s where I come in.
I work with people dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and OCD. I truly believe you know yourself best. My job is to help you explore what’s working, what’s not, and what might help you feel more like yourself again.
I also enjoy working with new and expecting parents navigating pregnancy, postpartum, and all the changes that come with this chapter of life.
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.
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.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for helping and supporting others, which is why I love being a therapist. When you walk into my office, you bring your own unique history, needs, and challenges. I take the time to truly understand who you are, what you're seeking, and what will be most beneficial in our work together. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space, using practices such as a strengths-based approach, psychodynamic theory, person-centered therapy, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. This ensures you feel heard, understood, and empowered as you work toward your goals. My goal is to meet you where you're at.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a passion for helping and supporting others, which is why I love being a therapist. When you walk into my office, you bring your own unique history, needs, and challenges. I take the time to truly understand who you are, what you're seeking, and what will be most beneficial in our work together. I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space, using practices such as a strengths-based approach, psychodynamic theory, person-centered therapy, CBT, ACT, and mindfulness. This ensures you feel heard, understood, and empowered as you work toward your goals. My goal is to meet you where you're at.
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FAQ - Therapist Gender
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or because they feel more comfortable with a therapist of their own gender due to shared life experiences or perspectives. Considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender may matter or improve their therapeutic experience. The most important consideration is that a client is able to build a trusting relationship with their therapist.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist. For women, this could be because they believe that they will be able to better connect with a woman, and that a female therapist will be able to relate to their specific challenges and personal issues. It may be particularly beneficial for women to see a female therapist, for example, for gender-specific issues, such as sexism in the workplace, relationship issues, and gender roles. The most important factor in therapy is the client-therapist connection, and a therapist's gender as well as many other factors may play an important role in this.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.