Family therapy and counseling in Saint Paul, MN

I am a passionate lifelong learner who brings a warm, adaptable personality to every session. Our work is deeply rooted in your personal growth, with a shared goal of long-term health and healing.

I've long been drawn to the dance between the psychological and the spiritual. As I journeyed my own early path of discovery, it lead me to studies in psychology, classic literature, and theology in undergraduate, and then later Buddhist psychotherapy and meditation, and depth psychology in graduate school. I received my graduate degree from Naropa University's Transpersonal Counseling Psychology program in 2003, and am licensed in WI (LPC) and MN (LPCC). I am a practitioner of shamatha-vipassyana meditation, and have a well-established background of working for various therapy group practices in MN and WI.

Education

2003, Naropa University, MA in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology.

1998, College of St. Benedict, BA in Psychology; 1997 study abroad in Beibei, China.

As a lifelong student of East and West methodologies, I blend Person-Centered, CBT, Gestalt, depth psychology, somatic, and Buddhist psychology views. I also take a trauma-informed, IFS-informed, EFT-informed approach. I spent many years exploring Christian mysticism and theology before finding my own path and practice in Tibetan Buddhism for the past 20+ years, and I welcome heartfelt conversations about any psycho-spiritual path.

I have been a counselor by calling most of my life but finished my official training and master’s program in 2015 from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. People often ask me why I do this work. The honest answer is, I truly believe counseling works! I have seen the darkness, and watched it turn to light. Providing a spark of hope for others is indeed a gift. There is hope for anyone and everyone, if you are willing to do the work. As believers, we also know that we are not alone in our healing. We have the great counselor in all our sessions to help lead the way. One that will never leave you or forsake you, in or out of session.

I am a Professional Mental Health Therapist/ Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing telehealth services throughout Minnesota and in-person therapy in Brainerd. I work with adolescents ages 10+ and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and self-esteem challenges. My approach integrates EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and evidence-based practices to support healing and lasting change.

I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in Minnesota with a PhD in Psychology, 7 years of experience working as a therapist, and 22 years of experience working as a coach. I have accumulated a wide range of experience working with a diverse clientele. Some of the many issues I have worked with people on are depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction, trauma, parenting problems, relationship issues, ADHD, sexual abuse, pornography addiction, and anger management.

I am an experienced EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Consultant specializing in trauma (physical safety, attachment, medical/dental), compulsions (drug/alcohol, sugar/food, nail biting), pain management, fear of driving/flying, procrastination, anger issues, and avoidant behavior.

I am a military veteran with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, with a specialized focus over the past decade on men’s mental health, including court-ordered assessments and mandated treatment services. My clinical approach is grounded primarily in evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), which I utilize to support clients in developing emotional regulation, coping skills, and sustainable behavioral change. In my current role, I conduct comprehensive mental health screenings, coordinate and oversee integrated care services, and provide direct clinical support within a substance use inpatient treatment setting. Additionally, I dedicate part of my practice to serving a rural Tribal Native American community through a mental health clinic, where I provide culturally responsive and community-informed care.

I also strongly advocate for men navigating systems where they are often disproportionately penalized or misunderstood, working to ensure their mental health needs are appropriately recognized and addressed within legal, correctional, and treatment environments. My professional focus includes supporting fair, trauma-informed approaches that balance accountability with rehabilitation. I have specialized experience working with individuals diagnosed with psychotic disorders and mood disorders, providing psychoeducation to clients and their families—particularly during the early stages of diagnosis—and delivering life skills training to promote stability, independence, and long-term success in community living.