Therapists in Dakota County, MN

I hold a PhD in clinical psychology from Washington State University, and I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the University of Minnesota Student Counseling Center. My main focus is to build a collaborative and safe relationship with my clients, where we can openly explore their feelings and challenges. I specialize in helping people dealing with anxiety, depression, life changes, trauma, and questions about their identity, and I customize my approach to suit each client's unique needs.

My ideal client are those who are in need of a supportive ear to help them overcome structural and interpersonal barriers to fulfillment, success, and meaning in their lives. My values center around decolonization, anti-racism, and social justice. As a queer and non-binary person myself, I understand the need for validating, judgement-free, and shame-free spaces in which we can feel liberated to be our full authentic selves, an environment I strive to build in therapy. You are the expert in your life, so you get to decide what your goals will be and how you reach them, and I’m here to help guide you on your journey towards healing.

I specialize in supporting postpartum moms, parents, and individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. The invisible load of motherhood can be overwhelming and you don't have to do this alone.

Life can be a lot and talking with someone can help. Sometimes it’s a matter of having an unbiased ear to listen, someone assuring you that you have value, or someone to help get your thoughts in order. We all have different experiences and needs, and finding a therapist can be helpful. I am passionate about mental health and working to make tackling our own mental health issues approachable. I have a compassionate and realistic approach to mental health and view it as a necessary part of anyone’s life. I believe therapy is most effective by providing a non-judgmental space for people to be heard, appreciated, and validated.

Emotions makes our lives matter. They convert our lives into a series of events that become our living breathing human experience. As a therapist I meet my clients where they are at. We will work together to celebrate the positive experiences in your life and identify strategies for moving through the difficult ones. I collaborate with individuals, partners, and parents to create a wholistic plan of care. You are the center of this whole process and the expert on you. We will create your best life and achieve your goals.

Prolonged periods of stress and anxiety often rob us of our vitality making life less colorful and vibrant, which leads to symptoms of depression. I work alongside clients to bring light into the many ways in which old habits of doing can so easily entangle and imprison us. I utilize an integrative approach to help clients break the cycle of those worries, ruminations, and overthinking that often lead us to feeling powerless and stuck. As part of the therapeutic process, clients will move from living life on “auto pilot” to renewing and recovering a deeper awareness of self, purpose, and intimate relationships.

I currently have openings for individuals and couples impacted by trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, bipolar and schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and/or substance use. I prioritize intakes for members of the LGBTQIA+ community who are seeking a safe space to process trauma and explore identity. Trauma, anxiety, and the pressure of meeting societal expectations can impact every area of our lives. Left unaddressed, these impacts may leave us feeling exhausted, shameful, and hopeless. In our work together, you can expect a safe, nonjudgmental space to unpack, address, and develop skills to better manage these stressors.

You are the pilot in your life journey and deserve to be and feel respected and supported; which I pride myself on in my practice. I individualize all of my work and tailor it to your needs. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, phobias, ARFID, OCD, Emetophoia, and panic disorders. I am trained in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), which is the leading treatment for anxiety, panic, OCD, and other disorders that benefit from ERP therapy. I also have training in executive functioning and adult ADHD treatment.

Are you feeling stuck and/or overwhelmed? The challenge is learning how to deal with the present circumstances and, at the same time, continue to move forward in your life. We all encounter what I call, emotional pain. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, or relationship issues that are causing you to worry and suffer, I can help. As we work together, we will focus on developing the kind of psychological flexibility that will help you deal with mental health and other issues that you may be experiencing that are causing you pain and suffering.

You will have your concerns and needs readily understood and acknowledged throughout our important time together professionally. You may feel at a loss in your search for help and will find a kind, passionate, and respectful therapist here. Often "blind spots" stem from a long pattern of fear/avoidance of your authentic feelings, thoughts, and needs to grow fully into the person of whom you are intended. Together we will co-create a lifestyle and clear perspective more free from burdens.

We are a multi-disciplinary team offering medication management, individual therapy, couples and family counseling, and group therapy to provide you with comprehensive care for treatment of many mental health issues. Our groups and individual therapy have proven to change destructive behaviors, improve ability to manage mood, and enhance stress management skills. Our goal is to be of support by helping individuals develop and strengthen skills that promote well-being and success in daily living. We look forward to working with you.

Amanda Ripley-Kayala is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Amanda is trained in EMDR and has completed UW-Stout’s Sex Therapy Certificate Program. Amanda is a highly skilled, trauma-informed, holistic, client centered therapist whose goal is to create a trusting and compassionate therapeutic atmosphere which encourages self-exploration, self-awareness, empowerment and and movement to achieve goals in therapy and life.

I am a passionate Clinical Social Worker with over 30 years of experience. I have a special interest in working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD, intellectual disabilities, life transition, grief and loss, and women's issues.

Welcome! Are you or your child facing struggles that leave you feeling anxious, hopeless, or alone? Perhaps you're unsure of the next steps, but know you need to feel better. Everyone deserves support for navigating life's challenges, and I recognize your courage in being here today. Together, we can explore your needs and goals, find meaning, and discover new paths. With empathy and positivity, I promote dignity while providing you with knowledge and resources that will build on your strengths and improve your overall well-being.

Each person holds their own unique set of values and beliefs. I am not hear to judge or dictate your behavior, rather, I strive to acknowledged and honor your experiences; accepting who you are, where you are at this current moment, and where you would like to go. Through collaboration, encouragement, and active participation in therapeutic process, you can become the agent of change in your life. As a supportive therapist, I am here to help you cultivate a better personal understanding of your life and make choices that will benefit your personal growth and overall well-being.

Emma is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who primarily sees clients who are law enforcement professionals, first responders, veterans and their families. As the wife of a police officer and veteran, clients can expect to be able to work with someone who understands the culture, lifestyle, pressures, and stressors that come with such high-stress, high-stakes careers. Emma also specializes in treating anxiety, and stress management. Emma is trained in the use of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a highly effective eye-movement therapy created for the treatment of trauma.

Are you feeling stuck? Overwhelmed? Perhaps in the grips of anxiety, depression, a troubled relationship, grief, or other issues that threaten your ability to feel your best? As a skilled integrative therapist, I first focus on getting to know you and listening carefully for the desired changes. You and I will then create a way of working together that is designed to help you get back to feeling well. As we are all individuals, I will propose a plan that honors your unique style and issues and at the same time, offer treatments that are effective, ethical, and gentle.

I am immensely passionate about holding space for people to process through their own unique journey. I strive to create a nonjudgmental and comfortable space where people feel seen and heard. My goal is to understand people's experience from their perspective. I believe that the relationship between the therapist and client is an essential tool for growth. I work with a wide range of individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, trauma, grief/loss, and navigating through life transitions. I have a background working as a hospice social worker where I provided counseling to those at the end of life and their loved ones

Overall I am here to help people that are in need. Whether that is life transitions, mental, emotional, or behavioral health concerns. My ideal client is someone that is motivated to be in therapy, has a decent level of insights into the areas that they would like to seek improvement in life.