I believe we all have the inner power and intuitive knowledge to change, but our intuition can get blocked when strong emotions or past events overwhelm us. My approach to therapy is holistic. I address the past and present, as well as the mind and body.
Together we will explore the impacts of previous experiences, such as abuse, trauma, and interpersonal relationship difficulties and stressors, in your life. It is possible to move through difficult times with less suffering.
I have a special interest in mindfulness, and mindfulness for trauma that is based in acceptance and commitment therapy, chemical health, women’s issues, and gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender concerns. I also have experience working with people to address depression, anxiety, trauma and PTSD, spirituality, grief and loss, work/career issues, emotion dysregulation and Borderline Personality Disorder.
I have practiced as a clinical social worker and therapist and was trained in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy. I have additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Trauma Therapy, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mindfulness for Trauma and Sobriety.
My professional work at Choices Psychotherapy is primarily in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for interpersonal relationship difficulties and PTSD/trauma. In DBT, and the IOP program, therapists work together on a team, providing consultation and support to one another in order to provide the best services possible.
I consider myself a therapist who is flexible and understanding, with clear boundaries and expectations about how to get the most out of treatment. I work with adults, ages 18+ from any race, culture, religious background, or sexual orientation.
Clinical Therapist (LICSW)
BSW, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
MSW, Augsburg College, Minneapolis, MN
Trained in DBT: DBT & Associates (2010) Individual and DBT Skills Group
DBT Foundational Training (Behavioral Tech, L.L.C., 2012)
DBT Skills Training and Part II DBT Intensive Training (Behavioral Tech, L.L.C & MN DHS, 2013)
Various trainings in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Individual and Group Therapy through Praxis, and MN Trauma Project, Russ Harris 2014-2019
Interdisciplinary Certificate in Trauma Studies; University of Minnesota, School of Social Work Continuing Education Program 2017
Anxiety Disorders
Borderline Personality Disorder
Substance Abuse
Depression
Divorce Recovery
Emotional Dysregulation
Gender Transition
Life Transitions
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Relationship Issues
Senior Issues
Sexual Abuse
Sexual Orientation Issues (Gay/Lesbian)
Sexually Diverse Clients (Kink/BDSM/Polyamory)
Grief Management
Stress Management
Traumatic Loss
Women’s Issues
Adults
Seniors
Minnetonka, MN
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Interpersonal Therapy
Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy
Supportive Psychotherapy
Our clinical team is diverse and in keeping with our vision this allows for choice. We merge personal background and experience, education, creativity, and passion into a professional vision: commitment to diversity in both theory and practice. We make every effort to assign clinicians with respect to a client’s and/or family’s therapeutic and cultural needs.
Think of us as your cheerleaders on the sidelines. You've seen it, the smile, the simple nod of the head. Small gestures that say: we understand, we are listening and we are here for you. That's who we are.