Parenting Therapists in North Oaks, MN

Deciding to begin therapy can be a difficult decision requiring courage and strength. I commend you on taking the first step toward feeling better, self-enlightenment, more satisfying relationships (with ourselves, other adults, or children) and personal growth. Whether you are feeling stuck in life or unsure of the next step, facing conflict or unhappiness within a relationship, experiencing feelings of depression, loneliness, or anxiety, struggling to cope with a past or recent trauma or a painful personal history, therapy can be a rewarding and transformative experience that can help you heal and reclaim control of your life.

Licensed Professional Counselor whose work is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, mindfulness and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Her experiences include in-home family therapy, day training and habilitation for adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral concerns, and art therapy in a psychiatric DBT program.

My specialty areas include parenting, couples, adult individuals and adolescents. I help parents to see the mind behind their child's behaviors and empower them to parent through positive connection while maintaining structure. With couples I focus on fostering greater attunement and communication while also empowering each individual to bring the best part of themselves and advocate for what they desire in the relationship. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depressed mood, low self-esteem, relationships concerns, life transitions, exploring spirituality and family of origin issues. I also see adolescents experiencing the struggles common to that stage of life.

Beginning therapy can be an overwhelming process and finding the right fit with a therapist is key to facilitating change. While I have many “tools in my toolbox” through years of experience and training, I believe the most important piece in the therapeutic relationship is connection and creating a safe space to allow vulnerability to be present. I utilize an attachment and trauma lens in my work, as I believe we learn how to function given the families, relationships and communities in which we grow up.

I help my clients by helping them to understand themselves better. In the process, they are able to find ways to be happier, more effective, and better able to solve their problems. I am comfortable with a number of approaches to therapy. Regardless of the specific approach, I help by providing keys to self-knowledge, warmth, respect, and honesty. I'm able to listen to things that are hard to talk about, tell you things that are hard to hear, and build hope in the process.

Are you feeling a lot of resentment, disappointment, anger, overwhelm, guilt or frustration? If you would like to feel more happiness, compassion, gratitude, joy and see yourself and others more honestly then I would be honored to work with you. I work with teens, adults, parents and couples who are hoping to overcome emotional difficulties and negative self talk patterns. You will enhance your ability to connect with yourself and others. I see individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bereavement, women's issues, self-esteem issues, couples issues, employment stress, family conflict, parenting, relationship issues, trauma.

I specialize in helping clients navigate life transitions and the anxiety and depression that can go with them. I am trained in DBT and use a variety of therapies to assist clients.

Have you tried therapy before just haven't "clicked" with the provider or felt like you don't get anywhere new? Many of my clients describe past experiences the same way. Therapy can be different. I have a gentle yet straight-forward approach that allows us focus on what is not working for you in your life. Whether you are going through a big life transition, relationship difficulties, divorce, parenting issues, or just not happy with life; therapy can help. Together, we ill work to find new ways to cope and adjust to the challenges of life.

I am an outpatient therapist and clinical supervisor with more than 10 years of experience in providing services to children and families. I have specific specialties in early childhood mental health and permanency/adoption concerns. I am trained in Trauma Informed Child Parent Psychotherapy (TI- CPP) for children under 6 and completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency program through the UMN in early 2015. My approach integrates a broad spectrum of modalities based on the child’s development, age, needs, presenting concerns. I believe strongly in the need to integrate family and work to involve caregivers at every step.

I believe in the power of human connection, genuine & authentic relationships. I strive to create a safe & welcoming environment for my clients. I believe that vulnerability is brave & can be a powerful tool within the context of therapeutic growth. I utilize validation, empathic presence, a dash of humor, & honest communication, in rapport/trust building through sessions. The clinical modalities I most commonly employ include narrative therapy, grief informed, cognitive behavioral, person-centered, strengths-based, trauma informed, compassion focused, and strengths-based. I would be honored to walk through your journey with you.

Kaelyn Folstad is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in maternal mental health & wellness, family planning & parenting topics, gender and/or sexuality related issues, & other general mental health challenges. Kaelyn enjoys working with teens, young adults, couples & families utilizing an eclectic combination of interventions to best meet client needs. She is Nationally Certified through Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a pregnancy/perinatal/postpartum mental health provider.

Are you expecting a baby and feeling anxious? Are you a new parent feeling overwhelmed by the huge adjustments? Are you finding it hard to cope with your current situation? Transitioning into parenthood is an enormous adjustment that affects everything around us. Research shows that accessing support early on can help you to explore, process and resolve your concerns, and confidently cope with in your new role so that you can enjoy all the beauty that parenthood has to offer.

The headlines read : These are the worst of times (Styx,1981). At times our situations can be overwhelming and truly feel like the worst of times. Life can be painful and difficult and sometimes feels out of control. I help clients deal with a variety of “worst of times” including marital conflict, medical crisis or chronic illness, parenting issues, a difficult child/teen, anger, depression/anxiety, etc. I will help you to solve these and other issues, and work together to make lasting changes.

I strongly believe in taking a strengths-based, resilience approach, and in looking for the positive. I am an experienced, licensed mental health therapist, and a chemical dependency counselor. I work with individuals, couples, and families regarding a wide range of issues. I take an individualized, collaborative approach tailored to the needs of the client. Issue areas include: adjustment, grief and loss, relationships, parenting, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, Bipolar disorder, trauma and PTSD, addictions, and dual disorders. I believe in taking a Systems approach in working with couples and families. I find the work of Dr. John Gottman to be especially helpful in overcoming "gridlock."

You know by now that the process of transitioning through whatever situation you are dealing with in your life can be very difficult and painful. Partnering with a professional will help you get through the stormy waters, manage the difficulties and the pain, and access the resources you really need to get out of the storm. My areas of expertise are relationships, depression, loss of motivation, anxiety, stress, trauma, sexual abuse and sexual addiction and issues, domestic abuse, and fears of all kinds. I help people release their blockages so they can free themselves and continue to continue to live their lives to the fullest.