Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Woodbury, MN

For the past 22 years I have helped traumatized, depressed or anxious clients feel safe, heard, understood and empowered. Trauma can make people feel hopeless, numb, empty and like they have lost themselves. They often resort to coping that helps them avoid or escape their emotional pain but doesn’t help them to heal or effectively manage their symptoms but they don’t know any other way. There is another way. In my gentle, compassionate, non-judgmental approach I help clients feel unconditional acceptance, support, understanding & safety.

My specialty is with people experiencing a chronic illness or health condition. I also enjoy helping individuals with anxiety and stress, boundaries and communication with family, and significant life stressors. I also work with couples on communication, conflict and life transitions, such as parenthood or with a medical diagnosis in the family.

Life can be hard and throw numerous obstacles in our way. Individuals I work with tend to experience stress and other symptoms that are getting in the way of their ultimate happiness and other important goals. I help others by building a strong foundation in the relationship between the therapist and the client. I tailor treatment with the client's goals in mind. To do this, I use evidence-based treatments as well as a blend of evidence-informed practices.

Spring/Summer 2024: Accepting Clients to Waitlist — Do you struggle with anxiety, trauma, or are having difficulty in your interpersonal relationships? Has your sense of self been rocked by the recent years of hardship and strife? I want to help you carry the load of existing and healing with supportive tools and empathy. I work closely with folks that are actively interested in understanding themselves and the others in their lives. All I ask is that you come to therapy with a drive to improve and are ready to take a holistic look at your life!

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor for the State of Minnesota with over 10 years of experience. I believe each individual deserves to have a positive therapy experience; a place where you can be seen and heard without judgement. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore the difficulties that are creating barriers in your growth and movement forward. I do not believe in bandaids, but in finding the core of where the psychological injury first occurred so lasting healing can happen. You are worthy of love and belonging in this world and I would love to help get you there.

Welcome! I have experience working with children, adolescents and adults. I strive to develop a safe and trusting relationship as I believe it's the foundation of successful psychotherapy. I take a holistic approach to working with my clients in the therapy room. I practice from a strengths-based framework and believe that one cannot be treated in isolation, but rather within the family and environmental systems they engage with every day. I believe in the importance of meeting you exactly where you are at, and providing an empathic, non-judgmental space for you to process through your experiences.

Spring 2024 - Accepting new clients. I provide an empathetic and encouraging environment to those struggling with mental health issues and the challenges that come with everyday life. I believe that therapy is a partnership, in which we join together to help you establish and work towards your goals of healing. I utilize an eclectic approach to therapy incorporating elements from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy and Strengths Based Therapy.

Accepting residents of MN. Do you often feel misunderstood, scared, stuck, unheard, or like you don't matter? Sometimes life experiences have us feeling like we are constantly struggling or fighting to survive. Maybe you feel like it's difficult to connect with others or even find it difficult to love yourself. This can leave you feeling lonely and unsure of the future, possibly even unsure if you can trust anyone to understand your struggles. I have interest in helping those who struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, depression, eating disorders, grief, and psychological trauma.

Much of my work is centered around gender – from issues surrounding identity exploration, to social/medical transition, to gender dysphoria, to gender-identity-related interpersonal challenges. Some of my favorite work is in helping to bridge the communication gaps between teens and their families after a teen has come out as trans/gender nonconforming! I also have experience with depression, anxiety, substance use, military families, sexuality and sexual health, emetophobia (phobia of vomit), phase-of-life challenges, uncertainty/anxiety about the future, kink/BDSM, and partner conflict/miscommunication.

Hello & welcome. Seeking therapy is a decision of courage and I’m so glad you are exploring this option. I provide therapy to residents of Minnesota, in person & via Telehealth. I love working with a variety of clients, including those struggling to adjust to major life changes, have experienced grief and loss, or are struggling with substance use issues and considering positive steps to improve their health and well-being. Therapy can be hard work, but when a client is motivated for change, I find it very inspiring and a privilege to work collaboratively with these individuals to reach the goals they have identified for themselves.

I work collaboratively with individuals, couples, & families to help them cultivate a deeper self-awareness, discover new ways of expression, transform dysfunctional patterns, have more satisfying relationships and ensue a more meaningful life. Research has shown having purpose and meaning in life increases overall wellbeing and life satisfaction, improves mental and physical health, enhances resiliency and self-esteem, and decreases the chances of depression.

On parental leave until September 2024. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental atmosphere for clients to explore their relationships, values, strengths, and changes they would like to make. I strongly believe that everyone is capable of persevering through life's challenges and making positive change, if given the proper tools and resources. I emphasize building upon underlying resilience I believe every person has, through education, skills, and evidence-based approaches. I am a direct communicator but have a casual approach, emphasize compassion, and appreciate humor in sessions.

Sometimes in life we can feel like we have no control over what is happening, the paths our relationships are taking, or what the future might have in store for us. We can get to a place where we are stuck in a continuous cycle of negative thinking, gloomy feelings, and ineffective behaviors. I provide therapy to individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions, relationship changes/separation, substance use issues, stress management, academic challenges, sports/performance concerns, chronic illness, sexuality/gender identity issues, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum, and life balance.

There is a person behind that problem who desires to experience a more meaningful, satisfactory, and purposeful life despite past or current life experiences and challenges. I believe this goal can be achieved through a safe and non-judgmental space where I will listen to understand, acknowledge your strengths and experiences, support, empower, and collaborate with you during your recovery journey. It is my great and humble desire to provide my clients from diverse backgrounds with evidence-based interventions and assessments that reflect their interests, values, culture, and needs.

I work with adults seeking support in areas of anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem and relationship concerns. In our work together, my goal is to create an environment where you feel safe being you. I’m there to support you through the highs and lows and bumps along the way. Together, we’ll identify and navigate through the challenges in your life. I will help you learn new skills, gain insights into your thoughts and experiences, and guide you on a path towards achieving your goals.

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.

Do you struggle with anxiety or depression, navigating life transitions, or feeling like you have lost your sense of self? Are you struggling to feel present in day-to-day life, show up in your relationships, or as a parent? Perhaps you feel overwhelmed, stuck, and that you are barely just getting through each day. Life can be incredibly challenging at times, and it is normal to feel overwhelmed. Now more than ever, people feel overwhelmed and uncertain as they navigate raising kids, demanding jobs, understanding themselves, and balancing the competing demands of life. Know that a meaningful and connected life is possible!

When my clients takes the first step towards healing, they are often unsure about what they want, what they will talk about, or how they will ever get there. Taking that first step to get help is commendable. As a Mayo Clinic trained clinician, I am here to support them on their journey to a happier, healthier life. Those who see me most often are adults with mood disorders, anxiety, OCD, or stress. I also specialize in teens struggling with Anxiety, OCD, and Depression and men who are navigating areas of stress in their roles, relationships, and/or career. Together, we build a foundation for lasting emotional growth and well-being.

An individual often seeks counseling to find new ways to grow, overcome barriers, and be successful in their journey to live the life that they want to live. I believe that my clients are amazing people with the ability to make these changes, but sometimes we all could use some help along the way. It is my goal to offer support in all of these areas to help the people that I work with get wherever they want to go on this journey, be an ally to individuals of all groups and worldviews, and be a guide that can empower them to take the next steps.