Relational Therapists in Minnehaha County, SD

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life? It can be hard to balance all the responsibilities that come our way. We often carry the weight of familial, relational, occupational, or societal pressures and expectations, leading us to feel as if we have lost ourselves or as if our wants, needs, and experiences do not matter. In therapy I hope create a space that feels safe and inviting, leading to open conversations where clients feel comfortable opening up about their challenges and where they feel stuck, in order to facilitate growth.

I strive to be available for clients that are looking for acceptance, care and therapeutic insight. My goal is to walk with individuals that desire to know more about themselves and can ultimately become their own therapist, to know themselves fully and completely, as anyone can. As any human, you may struggle with interpersonal relationships and/or the inner workings of self. We all have a journey to experience and a story to tell about it. I am here to help navigate the journey, identify the adventure, and tell the story.

Stuck? Alone? Why do I do the things I don't want to do, and don't do the things I want to do? Struggling to trust or feel worthy of love? Failed attempts to connect on repeat and overwhelming you? Tired of fighting with no resolution? Dealing with past relational trauma you can't break free from? I am here to help you better connect with others, and even with your own sense of self, even your spirituality if you desire. Find your authentic self and discover you can love that person, and, you are worth being loved. I am here. Lets journey together.

I am a Qualified Mental Health Professional, Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health, Licensed Addiction Counselor, Approved Clinical Supervisor, Approved Supervisor Status, and National Certified Counselor. I have over 30 years of experience in working with individuals, couples, and families (children, adolescents and adults). I have also provided counseling and education to healthcare professionals, legal professionals, athletes, educational organizations, workplace environments, and community groups.

We got this! Together, we can explore the obstacles you are facing and turn them into opportunities for a happier life and healthier relationships. Sometimes life is just plain difficult, and it seems like no matter which way you turn, you are blocked. It’s frustrating and scary and there seems to be no way out of the box we are in. But it is the choices we make during those very times that open, or create, the windows and doors we need. It is about taking in and making sense of the information our emotions and experiences are providing us and figuring out how to turn those insights into action.

We all need to feel seen and heard, especially in difficult times. Accompanying my clients in their journey in the midst of life's challenges is an honor. I work from a strength-based position, incorporating family systems orientations to help obtain and use the tools necessary to cultivate change and growth. As a marriage and family therapist I love to see families and individuals thrive and live healthy lives. I am passionate about mental health with an integrative perspective that includes mindfulness and spirituality.

I believe the physiological effects of depression, anxiety, stress, trauma, and grief are real, and the path to healing may look different for everybody. In addition to more traditional approaches to counseling, treatment might include yoga and other mindfulness practices that will improve your ability to process difficult experiences, and increase your capacity to cope with a wider range of sensations and experiences in everyday life.

I believe Forrest Gump said it best when he stated "Life is like a box of chocolates"-as life can be sweet and enjoyable; but it can also be bitter and painful. It can definitely send us on emotional roller coaster rides that are not fun. My approach to working with mental health is to meet people where they are and provide individualized care. It's about building and fostering relationships for growth. Similar to the analogy of chocolates, I believe every individual is unique and present with their own life experiences. Thus, there is no one size fits all, & mental health does not fit in a box.

It is a gift to listen and lean in to each of my client’s unique stories as we navigate the difficulties and joys of life. Working with individuals, couples, and families, I seek to offer an accepting, warm, and encouraging space where people learn about, and understand themselves, in light of the world around them. Though I primarily work with teens and families, I do enjoy working with adults and couples as well. I especially enjoy counseling those who have difficulties with depression, anxiety, neurodivergence, Christian/spiritual difficulties, and behavioral issues.

I believe success in therapy is linked to the importance of building a strong therapeutic alliance with clients. I achieve this relationship through a non-judgmental, gentle demeanor, and compassionate approach. My passion is working with people who may feel overlooked, forgotten, or left out. I love working with a variety of clients through the lifespan; with those needing support, help finding life purpose, and strengthening communication and relationships. I am also passionate about serving Autistic individuals, parents who have children with disabilities, adolescents, and navigating and managing positive coping skills.

I provide virtual telehealth therapy services for all ages from 13-100 years. Not here to judge, but to offer support and acceptance. I welcome all types of people to counseling. Come as you are! I will accept any and all issues! I enjoy getting to know you in a genuine way. I will help you to sort through life's challenges weather it is family, personal, faith, relationships, identity, grief, mood, self esteem, confidence, depression, anxiety or anything else.

As a therapist, my journey is deeply rooted in personal transformation. Having navigated my own path of healing from childhood abuse, I understand the profound complexities of overcoming deep wounds and embracing self-love. My mission is to provide a sanctuary where individuals can embark on their healing journey, unveiling buried pains to foster self-compassion and prosperity. My professional background extends beyond therapy, having spent a decade as a lawyer specializing in criminal law. This experience, among others, fueled my passion for guiding children away from negative cycles toward empowerment and positive change.

Evening and Saturday, online or in-person appointments are offered. My hope is to provide a sense of connection in a world where we have become disconnected from each other. I possess a genuine and strong passion for walking with others on their journey towards good mental health and meaningful, happy lives. I have two decades of experience assisting others overcome their challenges and empowering individuals to achieve their goals. I believe in providing a safe, non-judgmental environment in which to explore areas for growth.

My intention is to work collaboratively with you to affirm your strengths, identify your challenges, and find ways to support your growth into the unique human being you are created to be. My areas of specialty training are related to developing greater integrity between who we are and how we live our daily lives. One specialty area is the assessment and care of persons who experience gender dysphoria and incongruence. My other specialty is assessing, treating, and accommodating high functioning Autism, especially in girls and women because, due to estrogen, the symptoms appear very differently than in boys & men.

A life shared is what we all strive for, however relationships can be very challenging at times. When you take two people and bring them together you are also combining different learning styles, communication styles, experiences and how you perceive a situation. The goal is to communicate effectively by being able to share what you think and how you feel.

I offer long term, in depth, therapy for individuals/couples that are looking for lasting relief of symptoms and reconciling the issue(s) once and for all. I look at both conscious and unconscious processes as information about where the problems may originate. Awareness, Insight and Choice are key to this process.

During a first session, clients often comment how easy it is to talk to me. My priority is for you to get something out of our time together that impacts your daily life. This includes, but is not limited to: increased sense of security and self esteem; a more clear vision about your life (past, present, future); decreased symptoms related to anxiety/depression and past trauma; and an awareness of and influence over destructive patterns in your life. And for those seeking relationship counseling: better communication and renewed intimacy with your partner or spouse leading to enhanced satisfaction in family life.

I am currently on maternity leave and will return to the office mid-May. Feel free to reach out during my absence and I will be in touch with you upon my return. I help people who are feeling anxious, stuck, overwhelmed, or plagued by old or new "stuff". I love working with those who are ready for a change in their life, whether that be with their mood, behaviors, thoughts, or relationships. I've had the opportunity to work with and help many who identify as feeling anxious, depressed, struggling with relationships or communication, or those looking to overcome current or past trauma.

I have always viewed my work as a therapist as an honor and privilege to walk alongside individuals, couples and families to address some of their most sensitive and intimate struggles they've experienced in life. I work with clients ranging in age from high school into late adulthood. I have extensive experience working with marital and relationship problems, infidelity, divorce issues, those who might struggle with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, family of origin issues and trauma of abuse. I also have a special heart for those who have endured medical illness. Working as a therapist is my passion.