Family

Alejandra Aschittino-Rodriguez, MPS, LPCC, LADC

I believe personal agency is key to finding meaning in distressing scenarios and growing from them. I use both Existential and solution-oriented approaches when engaging with clients and strives to provide individuals and families with tools for self-awareness and self-empowerment through a mixture of theoretical models tailored to the client’s strengths and needs. I work to help clients establish more adaptive patterns of thinking with humor, empathy, and respect. While I will explore root causes of issues, I emphasize the importance of personal growth and identifying personal strengths.

I work with adults and teenagers who are experiencing life-phase transitions, substance and alcohol use, and grief and loss. I have experience in working with depression/anxiety, PTSD, and general stress management. I often utilize psychodynamic-Adlerian, existential, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills with a culturally sensitive lens to provide a personalized care based on evidence-based practices.

I will do my very best to ensure you are seen in a holistic manner and with your personal history taken into consideration while we are working together. Your dignity, safety, and self-actualization are always a priority in my work. I currently work with adults, older adolescents in individual or family therapy.

Education:

• MA in Addiction and Mental Health Counseling – University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
• BA is Psychology and Philosophy – Grinnell College, Iowa

Experience:

I worked with individuals and institutions in Ecuador, South Africa, India, and Slovenia for a research project examining the effect culture has on grief as a Watson Fellow after graduating college. Additionally, I have worked with Family Means to create intensive training regarding working with Minnesota’s minorities in palliative care and collaborated with The Hubs Center for Lifelong Learning to create an education course on Job loss and grief as the Covid-19 pandemic elevated the unemployment rates across the state and nation. My latest project is being an undergraduate instructor and mentor to undergraduate students, focusing on how cross-cultural and ethnic diversity must be considered before concluding the validity of psychological concepts or theories.

Specialties:

• Loss of meaning / “Existential anxiety”
• Spiritual and Life Issues
• Culturally Sensitive Therapy/Culturally Specific Issues
• Life’s transitions
• Grief
• Addiction
• Dual Diagnosis
• Depression
• Anxiety

MaryBeth Ehlert, MSW, LICSW

In my therapy work, I use a blend of approaches to meet the unique needs of each person, drawing from theoretical frameworks such as psychodynamic, attachment, and systems theories while utilizing skills and techniques from areas such as mindfulness, dialectical behavior therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy. My ultimate goal in combining these is to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and your motivations while also giving you tangible techniques to manage each difficult moment. I strive to be collaborative and non-judgmental in session, providing a safe therapeutic space to explore old patterns and create new ones.

Education:

Master of Social Work from University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Minnesota

Experience:

I enjoy working with clients with a wide variety of presenting concerns, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, personality disorders, and family/interpersonal conflict. As a former Human Resource professional, I also specialize in helping clients learn to self-advocate and successfully navigate interpersonal or structural stress in their careers.

Specialties:

• Adolescent and Adult Individual Therapy
• Depressive Disorders
• Anxiety Disorders
• Family Conflict
• Mindfulness
• Emotional Regulation
• Trauma
• Eating Disorders

Kelly Gerzsenyi, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

“Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen.” - Brene Brown

I’m so glad you are here, and I’d be honored to be part of your journey. Life has a lot of challenges, and you don’t have to conquer them alone. You can create and live the life you want, and I will work with you to build the steppingstones to make it happen.

As a therapist, I work to create a supportive, non-judgmental, safe space where my clients can achieve the growth and healing, they are longing for. I help my clients not only talk about and gain insight into various issues but do things differently to create the change they want to see.

As a therapist, I incorporate evidence-based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. I emphasize improving overall wellness and health as I believe the different aspects of health (i.e., physical, mental health) are all connected. I also focus on mindfulness, as I believe awareness and presence are the foundation for change.

Education:

Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology from University of Minnesota

Experience:

5+ years of experience in community mental health settings including in-home and outpatient clinics.

Specialties:

• Behavior Problems
• Emotional Regulation
• Attachment Work
• Anger Management
• Cognitive Behavioral
• Systems Perspective
• Trauma-Informed
• Holistic
• Anxiety Issues
• Depression
• Codependency
• Life Transitions
• Mindfulness

​Melissa Kokales, MA, LPCC

The fast-paced world in which we live makes it challenging to find time for ourselves. My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable and safe prioritizing “you.” This is a time for you to share your story and identify and nurture what is most important to you. I will be there to empower and support you in this process. I have extensive training in acceptance and commitment therapy and love integrating mindfulness techniques in session as well as helping you find ways to incorporate them into your day-to-day life. I am honored to walk alongside clients as they encounter both joy and adversity in their lives. I believe these moments offer opportunities for growth and self-discovery.

My approach to therapy draws from acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive- behavioral therapy, relational- cultural therapy, positive psychology, and attachment theory. Each client is unique, and I modify my approach based on your needs and preferences.

Education:

Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services, St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Minnesota

Experience:

I have clinical experience with individuals ages 6-70. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, school/ work stressors, life transitions, people with disabilities, and parents of children with diverse needs. I have 12 years of experience in managerial/ leadership roles, and I am familiar with the stressors that accompany meeting employee and company expectations.

Specialties:

• Values exploration
• Mindfulness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Work/school stressors
• Working with individuals of varying needs and abilities
• Adjustment and life transitions
• Grief
• Family dynamics and relationships

Claire Wilkins, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

Life can often throw us into moments of uncertainty and confusion. My mission is to guide you through these challenging times, empowering you with the tools to navigate life's complexities with grace and resilience. In collaboration with my clients, I integrate mindfulness practices, emotion regulation skills, and other coping resources to provide personalized care for each client's unique needs. I am dedicated to fostering a safe and compassionate environment where you can explore your struggles openly and without fear of judgment.

Whether you're an individual seeking personal growth, a family striving for harmony, or a couple aiming to strengthen your bond, I am here to support and facilitate your journey toward positive change and greater well-being.

Education:

M.A. in Marriage & Family Therapy from University of St. Thomas 

B.S. in Psychology from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Experience:

As a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist I have worked with individuals, ages 18-65, couples, and families to help them navigate challenging times. Drawing from my expertise in relationship dynamics, I tailor my approach to suit client’s unique needs, integrating techniques from evidence-based therapies to create meaningful and lasting change. I hold certifications in Level 1 Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Treating Affairs and Trauma, both through the Gottman Institute.

Specialties:

• Communication & Conflict Resolution
• Couples
• Infidelity
• Premarital
• Major Life Adjustments
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Emotion Regulation
• Confidence & Self-esteem
• Career Difficulties 
• Family Relationships
• Aging Adults
• Men's Issues

Brianna Ball, MSW, Post-Master's Fellow

Hi! My name is Bri. I’m a pre licensed, Master’s level clinician and I know that sometimes struggling with your mental health is exhausting. I use dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and a straightforward approach to work with my clients and teach them skills that they can use to relieve some of that exhaustion. I believe that strong rapport is the most beneficial part of a therapeutic relationship, and I strive to achieve that with all of my clients. I would be honored to be a part of your mental health journey; whether it’s your first time in therapy, or your hundredth time in therapy. 

Education:

MSW from St. Cloud State University

BSW from St. Cloud State University

Experience:

I have a variety of experience; from working with adults who have substance use disorders, to working children who have eating disorders. I have worked in outpatient, PHP, residential, and inpatient settings as both an individual therapist and a group therapist.

Specialties:

• Adolescent's ages 12-17
• Eating Disorders
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Emotion Regulation
• Anxiety
• Depression

Maya Alvarado, MA, Post-Master's Fellow

Are you someone that struggles with feeling understood and connected to others? Does it feel difficult at times to balance your identity with the social pressures and expectations you see online? 

Therapy can help. My name is Maya, and I am a Master’s level clinician who is pursuing a doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology. I am passionate about helping my clients learn how to establish a sense of self that they can feel confident in. 

Starting therapy can be scary and uncomfortable, I’m here to support you wherever you are in your journey. My approach is collaborative; I will work with you to establish goals that meet your needs. The majority of my practice focuses on increasing self-acceptance, building meaningful and supportive relationships, and developing effective communication skills. From there, we can work together to learn more about your needs, your past, and how they both interact to inspire change.    

Education:

Currently pursuing PsyD in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas 

MA in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas  

BA in Psychology from University of Wisconsin-Madison

Experience:

I have a variety of experience working with children of all ages in both private and community mental health settings.

Specialties:

• Adolescents ages 12-17 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Self-esteem 
• Body image 
• Emotional Regulation 
• Identity issues 
• Social skills 
• Family dynamics