Individual

Anna Schupp, PsyD, LP

Too often we allow our fear, guilt or disbelief to stop us from living our best story. We stay stuck in relationships, jobs or other situations that no longer serve us, zap our energy and leave us feeling unfulfilled. We put other people’s needs ahead of our own and are left feeling confused about or disconnected from our purpose and passion in life. Deep down, many of us can’t shake that feeling that there is more for us if we can only muster up the courage to change.

My work is to help you find a life that is more meaningful, a life that is more aligned with who you are and what you want. The majority of clients I work with are competent, well-functioning individuals who are struggling in some way or our feeling dissatisfied, unhappy or stuck. Whether its regarding an experience, your everyday life, your relationship, fears about the future, or something more devastating or extraordinary, change is possible. I encourage you to make a commitment to yourself and your future.

As a therapist I use an integrated approach to therapy and draw primarily from cognitive behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and interpersonal theories. I work with adults and older adolescents along with individual therapy

Education:

Doctoral Degree from Minnesota School of Psychology

Experience:

10+ years of experience in private practice, community mental health and forensic settings

Specialties:

• Therapy and assessment
• Relationship issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Divorce
• Infidelity
• Life’s transitions

Sara B. Schilplin, PsyD, LP

Dr. Sara Schilplin is a Licensed Psychologist who provides individual therapy and testing for adolescent and adults. Dr. Schilplin enjoys treating clients with a variety of clinical issues and specializes in treatments for adults with mood and anxiety disorders, including depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Bipolar Disorder, as well as individuals with difficulties related to life transitions, family of origin issues, relationships, LGBTQ issues, and emotion regulation. She has extensive experience conducting psychological evaluations to test for ADHD, general mental health functioning, cognitive/memory functioning, anger problems, forensic issues, and pre-surgical pain or bariatric evaluations.

In practice, Dr. Schilplin utilizes an integrated approach to therapy, drawing primarily from Cognitive-Behavioral and Object Relations theories. She takes a collaborative approach to treatment, combining her clinical expertise with the goals of the client. Dr. Schilplin believes in fitting her therapy approach to the specific needs of the individual and recognizes that different clients have different needs. In the first couple of sessions, Dr. Schilplin will work to develop some clinical impressions of you to determine the best approach for treatment. She believes that having a comprehensive understanding of an individual’s earlier relationships and life events are key to understanding a client’s current struggles, as well as the client’s perception of their struggles.

Education:

Dr. Schilplin received her doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver.

Experience:

She has 14+ years of experience and has worked in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health, a University counseling center, and a forensic mental health treatment facility. Dr. Schilplin is the founder and owner of Black Hills Psychology, which expanded from a solo practice to a comprehensive group practice in 2014.

Dr. Schilplin is also an elected member of the South Dakota State Board of Psychological Examiners.

Specialties:

• Mood and anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Bipolar disorder
• Life transitions
• Family of origin issues
• Relationships
• LGBTQ issues

• Emotion regulation
• Testing for adults
• Psychological evaluations
• ADHD
• General mental health functioning
• Cognitive/memory functioning
• Anger problems
• Forensic issues
• Pre-surgical pain or bariatric evaluations

Lori Ann Wagner, LPCC, CCMHC, NCC

I offer my clients an innate respect and compassion for their unique story. My mission is to activate an individual’s inner courage to overcome their fear so they can enjoy healthier, more productive lives and relationships. My style is creative and intuitive, combined with common sense and practical judgment. I focus on the whole person in the context of the present and past, helping clients to discover life choices – those that keep them stuck and those that can help them move forward. I find great joy in helping my clients obtain that understanding.

As a therapist I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy and Mindfulness approaches along with Adlerian Psychotherapy. I offer Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) services for children and teens. I also offer Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy and employ alternative therapy techniques (e.g. arts/crafts, play therapy) to tailor treatment to the unique needs of my clients.

Education:

Master’s Degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy with concentrations in Professional Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy

Experience:

Multiple years of experience in clinical settings

Specialties:

• Individual (adult adolescent, child) and family therapy
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Trauma/PTSD
• Behavior problems
• Coping skills
• Stress
• Relationships

• Family conflict
• Parenting
• Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) - evidence-based behavioral therapy for families with children ages 2-6
• Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) - evidence-based trauma therapy for children and adolescents ages 3-18

Mara Pease, PsyD, LP

My clinical and personal experiences have taught me that life is not always easy or predictable. However, I believe that all human beings have the capacity to survive and thrive amidst mental and physical adversity. At the same time, I also deeply appreciate that the journey in doing so can take an incredible amount of struggle, humility and vulnerability. For most, therapy and introspection involves hard work. I believe my clients demonstrate a sense of courage just by walking in the door. I communicate this understanding early on, which sets the tone for the therapeutic alliance as a relationship that is based in mutual respect and authenticity. I also strive to express a stance in which I honor all ways of being with acceptance and non-judgment. My clients are the experts on their own lives. I welcome the unique viewpoints and cultural norms that each individual brings to the therapeutic environment and attempt to remain mindful of differences in thought, behavior, context, and expression of symptomology.

I view my role as a therapist in three equal parts: a “Coach”- continuously attempting to inspire individuals to utilize their innate strengths, a “Co–Investigator”- working collaboratively to test hypotheses, set goals, direct treatment, and monitor progress, and a “Teacher”- providing education on a myriad of mental health topics from brain processes to coping skills.

For me, an integration of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques provide a flexible framework from which to work with varying needs. It also represents attention to evidence-based practice and encapsulates the essential therapeutic components that I believe translate into meaningful change. I also have advanced training in Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), which I utilize whenever appropriate.

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota
• Master’s Degree from Saint Mary’s University
• Doctorate Degree from the University of St. Thomas

Experience:

10+ years of experience in hospital, private practice, neuropsychology, and community mental health settings

Specialties:

• Health/Medical Concerns (e.g., Cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme’s Disease, Digestive Disorders, Heart Disease, Severe Food Allergies, Chronic Skin Conditions)
• Grief/Bereavement and End of Life Issues
• Caregiver Support
• Chronic Pain
• Couples
• Anxiety Disorders (e.g., GAD, OCD and phobias)
• Depression
• Stress Reduction, Mindfulness, and Relaxation Training
• Sleep Concerns

Traci Hackmann, MA, LP

I believe people do the best they can with what they know at the time. Given the opportunity to do better, they will. The therapeutic relationship can provide that sense of safety and trust for growth and healing.

My therapeutic approach blends my background and interest in developmental psychology and social psychology. I incorporate evidence based techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Client or Person Centered Therapy. My extensive work with young clients has allowed me to do attachment work, trauma-informed treatment and aspects of play therapy. The specific therapeutic process is determined by the unique, individual needs of each client.

Education:

Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from St Mary’s University

Experience:

25+ years of experience in community mental health settings including residential, children’s intensive mental health day treatment, juvenile corrections, in-home and outpatient clinics. I have provided diagnostic assessments, individual therapy, family therapy, skills training and group psychotherapy for children, adolescents, and their families.

Specialties:

• Behavior problems
• Anger management
• Emotional regulation
• Attachment work
• Cognitive Behavioral
• Systems perspective
• Trauma-informed
• Holistic
• Anxiety issues
• Life transitions

Erika Ladwig, MEd, LPCC

I believe in creating a safe and welcoming environment where clients feel open to exploring emotions, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors in order to empower them to live a rich and meaningful life. I appreciate the complexity and the messiness of our journeys, and I believe each individual’s unique story offers the foundation for growth and transformation. I think that every individual is moving toward self-actualization and part of our work together is aligning our authentic self, our best self, with the life we are currently living.

Our therapeutic relationship begins with compassionate listening, which lays the groundwork for human connection and allows meaningful change to occur. Empathy in the therapeutic relationship allows us the opportunity to develop self-awareness, self-confidence, and healthy coping skills to emerge stronger and healthier in the face of life’s ups and downs.

I work with clients, primarily older adolescents and adults, who are struggling with major life transitions, depression, and anxiety, as well as clients who are simply feeling stuck or find themself in need of a place to explore new ways to approach life’s challenges in relationships, school, career, and family life. I use an integrative approach to counseling, pulling from several theoretical models including Cognitive Behavioral, Humanistic, and Existentialist to help clients find a path to change that feels right for each individual.

I trust in the inherent good of all human beings and am committed to provide unconditional positive regard for every client. As a former writing teacher, I’ve always been drawn to stories, and my love of complex characters led me to a career in counseling, where I can explore the subtleties and nuances of the human condition with each of my clients. It brings me great satisfaction to empower people to write their own life story.

Education:

• Master of Education and Counseling, University of Minnesota, Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology Program
• Bachelor of Arts in Literature, Gustavus Adolphus College

Experience:

10+ years of counseling experience in secondary schools and private practice

Specialties:

• Therapy and assessment
• Relationship issues
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Life's transitions
• Parenting/Step-parenting
• School/College

Alec Vicenzi, PsyD, LP

Whether you are contemplating therapy for the first time or are resuming after taking some time away, therapy can be an anxiety-provoking experience. There is no other relationship in which we are asked to openly discuss some of the most painful aspects of our lives to a stranger. With that said, therapy can be a deeply healing process and I endeavor to create a safe and trusting environment in which clients feel supported to explore the various issues which bring them to my office. I am a highly relational therapist who actively collaborates with clients on developing therapeutic goals, creating meaning in their lives, and alleviating social-emotional distress.

My therapeutic approach is most strongly grounded in psychodynamic and existential principles. Psychodynamic therapy emphasizes the impact of interpersonal relationships, especially those from childhood, on our social and emotional lives. Existential therapy focuses on issues we all grapple with by virtue of being human, such as creating meaning or dealing with major life transitions. In addition, I am trained in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment for addressing trauma, and utilize components of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) when necessary.

Education:

• Doctoral Degree (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, 2020
• Bachelor’s Degree (BA) in Psychology, The University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2014

Experience:

I have provided individual and group therapy in various settings, including a community mental health center, an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) program, an inpatient hospital, and a correctional institution. I also provided comprehensive psychological testing to children, adolescents, and adults at an inpatient hospital and community mental health center.

Specialties:

• Adolescent and adult individual therapy
• Group therapy
• Psychodynamic therapy
• Existential therapy
• EMDR
• Grief and loss
• Death-related anxiety
• Life transitions
• Identity issues and concerns
• Trauma
• Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
• Personality disorders

Kristin Wiggs, PhD, LP

People often desire to return to their old self, a time when life felt more stable and manageable, and compare themselves to the person they used to be. It is important to pause from being on autopilot to evaluate the relationships and events that led to you feeling stuck and not like yourself, rather than continuing on fast-forward or rewinding to relive the past. I will work with you to begin living a life that is present-focused, meaningful, and consistent with the person you want to be. Prior to joining Sonder, I worked in rehabilitation at a large medical center for five years. I specialize in assisting with transitions after traumatic life events and navigating health-related challenges. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to create a life that is consistent with your values and goals.

As a psychologist, I use a client-centered approach to meet patients at their level of readiness to make change while incorporating evidence-based practices of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical-behavioral therapy (DBT), and mindfulness skills. These skills look at identifying distressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and creating distance from these experiences that prevent you from living your best life. I work collaboratively with you to identify and meet goals to improve your mood and quality of life.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale
• Postdoctoral fellowship in Rehabilitation Psychology at Hennepin Healthcare
• Predoctoral internship in Adult Psychology at Hennepin Healthcare

Experience:

Clinical experience working in hospitals, specialty care clinics, community mental health, university counseling centers, intensive outpatient programs, and primary care behavioral health.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adjustment concerns
• Trauma
• Health and medical concerns
• Stroke
• Chronic pain
• Huntington’s disease
• Traumatic brain injury
• Healthcare burnout
• COVID stressors
• Stress management and relaxation strategies
• Mindfulness
• Sleep difficulties

Gene Nisja, MA, LMFT

If anxiety and depression are holding you back from reaching your full potential, you are not alone. I understand how that happens to people and ways to move you to a better place. I have counseled others for more than 25 years in a variety of settings and can use what I have learned to help you replace nonproductive behaviors and propel you into reaching your full potential. If you are in a position of leading others, I am in a unique position to provide support to help you maximize your leadership role. I am on the leadership team in a hospital setting and I recently passed an exit exam after a six-month self-directed course in Lean Process Theories. I can assist you in understanding how to remove waste and assist your business in operating more efficiently. I can leverage my experience as a therapist and a leader. I use cognitive behavioral techniques to treat anxiety and depression. I approach therapy with humility and gratitude as a foundation of my approach.

Education:

• Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology (2001), St. Mary's University of Minnesota
• Masters Certificate Marriage and Family Therapy (2003), St. Mary's University of Minnesota

Experience:

28 years

Specialties:

• Individual therapy
• Family and Group therapy
• Adolescents and Adults
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Specific Phobia
• School Avoidance
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Scott Guldseth, PhD, LP

Hi. There is no perfect day to start therapy. There is only the day you are ready. When stressors in our lives become overwhelming or confusing they challenge our ability to maintain the balance for which we strive. Just as each person’s struggle is patented to them, whether in their social, personal, recreation or business life, so too I strive to make my connection with them.

I have worked with people suffering from depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, sexual issues, personality disorders, and many more. I embrace building rapport with my clients in a way that allows us to engage in a collaboration of unique, innovative and effective techniques to overcome the challenges, problems and/or difficulties they are facing.

While I have grounded myself in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), I use all my clinical experiences, resources and flexibility to meet my clients where they are in their journey. I take pride in listening to my clients and trying to provide them thoughtful tools they can use long after our sessions are complete. This might include mindfulness work, existential questions, focus and performance exercises, and often includes movie quotes and clips, books and readings, and laughter.

Education:

Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of North Dakota

Experience:

18+ years of outpatient clinical and forensic psychology using individual, family and group modalities. 10+ years of clinical supervision of other providers for licensure.

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Obsessive-Compulsive Issues
• Sexual Addictions
• Relationship Issues
• Increasing Behavioral Performance

Alejandra Aschittino-Rodriguez, LADC, Post-Master's Fellow

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:

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

Experience:

I had the opportunity to work 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 an intensive training regarding working with Minnesota’s minorities in palliative care and collaborated with The Hubs Center for lifelong learning, and the More Center to create an education course on Job loss and grief as the Covid-19 pandemic elevated the unemployment rates across the state and nation. The later efforts awarded me the President's Student Leadership and Service Award upon graduation from my program at the University of Minnesota.

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

Steven Baker, MSW, LICSW

I'm here to support you, working to broaden perspectives and highlight strengths as a means of making positive and lasting change. I use a reflective, solution-focused lens in therapy to explore challenges and support you in working toward your goals. I believe gaining insight into the connections among your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and environments is a great tool for making change, and I'm excited to be along for the ride with you!

Education:

Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, North Dakota State University

Experience:

Over the last several years, I've worked in community mental health settings providing psychotherapy and skills support to people across the Minneapolis-St Paul metro. I've enjoyed working with people of all ages as they take steps toward their goals in and outside of the therapy room. I also spent time working with Be the Match - National Marrow Donor Program, where I provided counseling and support services to caregivers of people completing bone marrow transplants.

Specialties:

• Adolescent and adult individual therapy
• PTSD
• Self-care, self-awareness, self-acceptance
• Trauma
• Personality disorders
• Mood disorders (anxiety, depression)
• Life stressors
• Family problems
• Emotion regulation
• Caregiving

Jennie Duchschere, PhD, LP

Dr. Jennie Duchschere provides therapeutic and assessment services ranging from ages 6-65, and has specialized in working with children, adolescents, and young adults. Additionally, she has extensive experience working with those involved in the juvenile justice system. She has provided evidence-based treatment for a variety of clinical issues, particularly trauma (with advanced training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), behavioral problems, and mood and anxiety disorders. She conducts general psychodiagnostic and forensic evaluations.

In therapy, Dr. Duchschere draws from a foundation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. However, she believes that treatment should be individualized based on the client’s strengths, values, and context. When working with children, Dr. Duchschere believes it is important to integrate caregivers into the process and will work with the family to determine the best way to do so.

Education:

Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, University of Arizona

M.A. in Clinical Psychology, University of Arizona

B.S. in Psychology, Loyola University Chicago

Experience:

Dr. Duchschere has several years of experience working in a variety of settings, including community mental health, private practice, inpatient hospitals, and forensic facilities.

Specialties:

• Kids and Adolescents (6+)
• Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)
• Forensic Issues
• Mood Disorders
• Behavior Problems

Elaine B. Hoversten, PsyD, LP

You matter. Your story matters.

Being human means that your story likely includes suffering and struggles.

You may have suffered hardships, losses, tragedies, or trauma. You may be frustrated by conflicts with loved ones or struggles at work; you may suffer from anxiety, depressed mood, loneliness, feeling stuck, or over-thinking. With over 26 years of clinical psychology practice, I may be able to help you. I provide individual psychotherapy for adults utilizing those years of experience and drawing from training in Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, neuropsychology and other theoretical orientations and techniques. Attentive to the mind-body-spirit connection, I also draw from Eastern and Judeo-Christian spiritual teachings, scriptures and traditions. I strive to provide a warm, welcoming and affirming presence for all individuals, from all backgrounds and religious traditions and to provide ethical and culturally competent care.

Therapy, like life, is not easy. It takes courage and vulnerability to even start the process. So, I congratulate you for caring enough about yourself to look to Sonder Wellness & Behavioral Health for help. Let us help you live your best story.

Education:

Doctorate of Psychology from Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana 1994

Internship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship with the VA Medical Center in Knoxville, Iowa

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa 1988

Experience:

26+ years of clinical psychology practice

Specialties:

• Grief, loss, trauma
• Death, dying, mortality, existential struggles
• Relationship struggles
• Loneliness, poor self esteem, feeling stuck
• Life transitions
• Parenting
• Anxiety, emotion management, decreased frustration tolerance and irritability or anger
• Depression
• Occupational or vocational Issues

Rachel O’Connor, MS, Post-Master's Fellow

I have firsthand experience with how nerve-wracking it can be to begin therapy, whether it is for the first time or with a new therapist. I prioritize creating a safe and welcoming environment for clients. I believe that the depth of healing that is possible through therapy makes it a risk worth taking, but the approach and temperament of the therapist is undeniably important. That is why I strive to provide each client with the individualized support they need to make the changes they want to make in their life. With the proper support and resources, I believe that every client can seek the healing they desire.

I provide individual therapy for adolescents and adults who are experiencing the following: anxiety, depression, life stressors and transitions, grief and loss, trauma, and identity concerns. My approach to therapy is a combination of Person-Centered therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT). Person-Centered therapy views each client as a unique individual with the universal need of being accepted without judgement. This is a relational and therapeutic relationship-focused approach. REBT focuses on the interaction of a client’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how any of those factors can cause distress. As a therapist, I strive to provide clients with unconditional support as they process various thoughts, behaviors, and emotions.

Education:

MS in Mental Health Counseling (2021) - Minnesota State University, Mankato

BA in Psychology (2018) - Taylor University, Indiana

Experience:

I have provided individual psychotherapy and in-home behavioral therapy at a community mental health center. I worked with clients ranging from 10-71 years old who had various mental health diagnoses. My time working at the community mental health center was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, so I have experience working with some of the unique mental health challenges the pandemic has created. I have experience providing both in-person and online therapy. Additionally, I have a background of research related to both the psychology and social work fields, including time researching at the University of Oxford in England.

Specialties:

• Adolescent and Adult Individual Therapy
• Person-Centered Therapy
• Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy (REBT)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Adjustment and Life Transitions
• Life Stressors
• Adolescent and Young Adult Identity Issues
• Identity Concerns
• Grief and Loss
• Trauma

Tamer I. Fawzy, PhD, LP

I believe that people's concerns exist within the context of their overall life--not in an isolated vacuum of symptoms. I strive to follow an evidenced-based approach in conducting both therapy and assessments. My approach to therapy rests on the premise that personal values and goals are the best long-term drivers of our behaviors. I believe that feeling better is not always the same as getting better; that making meaningful, long-standing changes in one's life often requires some sacrifice in discomfort. Working with clients, through their own efforts and persistence, I strive to help them bring about real changes that affect the whole of their lives. In this regard, I view 'symptoms' or 'problematic behaviors' as one piece of information that exists in the context of one's history, relationships, values, and ambitions.

Education:

Ph.D., University of Wyoming
M.A., University of Maine
B.A., University of St. Thomas

Licenses:

LP, MN & WI
LPCC, MN

Experience: Specialties:

I have two branches of my personal practice—assessment & treatment. For assessment: I specialize in the assessment of ADHD/ADD/Learning Disorders, Autism-Spectrum, and Differential Diagnosis (e.g., OCD vs GAD). For therapy, I specialize in the delivery of evidence-based therapies for a variety of presenting concerns. My primary expertise is in the treatment of anxiety and trauma, writ large. I have specific expertise in the treatment of OCD and post-partum OCD. I have extensive experience in the delivery of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and exposure-based treatments of anxiety disorders and trauma. For mood disorders, my approach tends to rely on behavioral activation and cognitive restructuring. In addition to my experience treating mood/anxiety disorders in children and adults, I have two additional sub-specialties. I have a specialty in the treatment of pediatric and adolescent self-regulation disorders (e.g., ADHD/ ODD [Oppositional Defiant Disorder]).

Sara Ruiz, MS, Post-Master's Fellow

The space created in therapy means something different to each of us. Sometimes we are looking for healing or safety. Other times, we may be looking to be present with ourselves. As you reflect on what the space you want to create, you may consider what kind of therapist may be compatible with that vision. Here is more about me.

I am a Master’s level clinician, pre-licensure, with training in marriage and family therapy. With individuals, intimate partners and families, my goal is to hold the many stories and systems that impact internal and external relationships. My style is collaborative, rather than prescribed or directive. I work to provide the balance of offering practical strategies alongside opportunity for self-understanding.

Education:

BS of Psychology, Edgewood College (2015)
MS of Marriage and Family Therapy, Edgewood College (2019)

Experience:

I have over five years of experience in a variety of mental health settings. My experience extends across the lifespan, including individual therapy services for teenagers and beyond, intimate partners, and families with children of all ages. I have extended experience working with families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. I have attended additional trainings in the areas of couples, trauma, and supporting youth/families as they dialogue topics related to the gender spectrum.

Specialties:

• Adjustment and Life Transition
• Family Dynamics
• Couples and Other Intimate Partner Relationships
• Trauma
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Individual Therapy

Ramona Hemphill-Kent, MSW, LICSW

In my years as a therapist, I’ve learned one of the hardest and most difficult parts of the process, is getting the courage to finally reach out and ask for help. When you do, my job is to celebrate with you for making such an important choice to put yourself first, and then empower you to keep going.

I’m a huge believer that every client who walks into my office, is the absolute expert in their own lives. I’ll teach you what I know, and you’ll teach me what you know. I’m not there to provide all the answers, but I am there to walk with you while we figure it out together.

In my experience, I quickly learned that most individuals that step into a therapy room, have some sort of trauma that has impacted their life and has made it difficult to function the way they want to. Whether it be childhood trauma, a single incident that changed your life or perspective, or complex trauma that has continued throughout your life; it doesn’t have to prevent you from living your best story. I knew I wanted to be able to help those who have experienced trauma, because trauma impacts every single aspect of our lives; all the way down to our physical health.

I am most fond of Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and have found that it’s my absolute passion to be able to provide this type of therapy to those who need it. Throughout working with me, you’ll learn how trauma impacts your brain, which in turn helps you better understand your body, and ultimately, you’ll feel empowered to be able to calm and ground your mind and your body together. I’ll combine EMDR with other modalities that focus on self-esteem, attachment, empowerment, self-regulation and cognitive coping, to help you develop an eclectic set of skills that serve you in all domains of your life.

Education:

Master’s of Social Work from Augsburg College
Bachelor’s of Social Work from the College of St. Scholastica

Experience:

10+ years of experience in domestic/sexual violence and community mental health

Specialties:

• Trauma/PTSD
• Domestic/Sexual Violence
• Women’s Issues
• Stress Reduction, Mindfulness and Relaxation Training
• Anxiety/Depression
• General mental health functioning
• Self-Esteem/Self-Empowerment/Self-Care
• Relationship Issues
• Children’s Mental Health/Behavioral Issues
• Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) - evidence based trauma therapy for children and adolescents age 3-18
• Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) - evidence based trauma therapy for adolescents and adults

Margaret Czernia, MS, Post-Master's Fellow

It is my belief that therapy is not only a place to enact change and growth but a place where you can express yourself without fear of judgement; where you can explore who you are, what strengths you possess, and what values you hold. No matter what has led you to therapy, I will promote a safe space where you will be heard, respected, and supported. We each have our own story and I strive to hear what that story is for you and how it has shaped you. Change can take time and can feel scary, but we are all capable of it when given the right space and understanding.

As a therapist, I use client-centered and evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for them to understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Every individual is unique and thus has unique goals when it comes to therapy. It is my goal to assist you in finding what these are and in empowering you to work towards them and live a life you find meaningful.

While working with adolescents, it is sometimes beneficial to their treatment goals to include caregivers in the process. I will uphold the trust and autonomy of my adolescent clients when meeting with caregivers by providing transparency on anything discussed with caregivers.

Education:

Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Marquette University with specialization in Child and Adolescent Therapy

Experience:

Multiple years of experience in clinical settings, including residential and outpatient treatment settings

Specialties:

• Individual (Adolescent and Young Adult)
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Addictions and Dual Diagnosis
• Behavioral Problems in Childhood and Adolescence
• Emotion Regulation and Coping Skills
• Identity Exploration and Self-acceptance
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Biopsychosocial Approach
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

MaryBeth Ehlert, MSW, Post-Master's Fellow

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