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 and adolescents 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 adolescent and adults
• Psychological evaluations
• ADHD
• General mental health functioning
• Cognitive/memory functioning
• Anger problems
• Forensic issues
• Pre-surgical pain or bariatric evaluations

Ross Barr, PsyD, LP

In working with people, I always look for the strengths that a person carries with them that have often gone overlooked due to the stressful events that have been endured. I view my responsibility as helping people remove the road blocks that prevent them from experiencing a fulfilling life. These road blocks may take the form of thoughts, difficult emotions, the way people act, or difficulties interacting with one's environment and social network. I want to assist people in adapting to these areas with evidence based interventions, so that people I meet with can return to enjoying their lives. My style is empathetic, warm and genuine.

As a therapist I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to understand the impact that certain thoughts have on a person’s emotions and actions. I am also trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, (CBT), Family Systems, Play Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). A key component of my approach is assessment of the client’s social network to understand their connection with others

Education:

Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology, The School of Professional Psychology at Forest Institute, 2015
Master’s Degree, Marriage and Family Therapy

Experience:

Multiple years of experience in community and private practice

Specialties:

• Individual, couples, families, pre-teens, adolescents, children, elders
• Psychological testing for children, adolescents and adults
• LGBTQQ
• Relational issues
• Family problems/conflict
• Divorce
• Parenting
• Family of origin issues
• Men’s issues
• Mood disorders, including anxiety and depression

• Adolescents using self-harm as a coping skill
• Pre-surgical evaluations
• Behavioral issues
• Impulse control disorders
• Coping skills
• ADHD evaluations
• Intelligence testing
• Adult, children and adolescent personality testing
• Helping couples and families navigate the difficulties they naturally experience

Kate Murphy, MA, LPCC, LADC

Therapy is a process that requires a trusting relationship between the therapist and client. My approach nurtures this relationship to create a safe space that facilitates healing. It's an honor to work with and guide those looking for more in life - for healing, emotional growth, perspective, and understanding of self and others. By identifying past and present barriers, I work with clients to achieve therapeutic goals.

As a therapist I address each client as an individual with unique circumstances and strengths and work with clients from all backgrounds. I collaborate with clients to determine goals and direction of therapy and provide psycho-education including coping techniques and DBT skills in conjunction with therapy.

Education:

Master’s of Art, Addiction Counseling, Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies

Experience:

Trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and years of experience in working with co-occurring disorders

Specialties:

• Individual psychotherapy with adults
• Individual psychotherapy with adolescents
• Diagnostic assessments
• EMDR (for recent traumatic events, childhood traumas, specific phobias, and more)

• Trauma
• Addiction
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• Dual Diagnosis
• Personality Disorders

Janna Schriber, MS, LPCC, NCC

I acknowledge the messiness, the humanness, of life inherent to us all; we can't do it all on our own. I collaborate with clients to find tools to navigate through this, and create a more centering and stabilizing way of life, despite the dizziness, disorientation, and disconnect. My approach in therapy recognizes these challenges central to living; I help each client towards a life of meaning, fulfillment, and happiness. My therapeutic style provides a sense of freshness, nonjudgement, and an authentic presence to each session.

As a therapist I take into account the complexity of human beings - always interacting with our environment, with others, and with ourselves. I see each client as whole, and our mental health as a very significant and intricate piece to our overall health and well-being. I use a client-centered, collaborative approach utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Strategies, Narrative Therapy, and Dialectical-Based Therapy (DBT).

Education:

Master’s of Science, Counseling and Human Development, specializing in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, South Dakota State University

Experience:

Multiple years of experience in community centers, private practice, hospice, academic setting, funeral homes

Specialties:

• Pre-teen, adolescents, adults, and elders individual and group therapy
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Grief, complicated grieving/bereavement
• Meaning and fulfillment from life’s challenges, struggles, and loss

• Life stressors and life transitions
• Bipolar Disorder
• Self-doubt, self-worth, self-esteem
• Self-care, self-awareness, self-acceptance
• Lifestyle changes/habits
• Eating Disorders

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

Michaela Bucchianeri, PhD, LP

"Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?" - Mary Oliver

I love this question because I believe it possesses a sort of magical property. In an instant, it shakes loose all the constraints and assumptions about how things must be, and invites you to pause and consider how they might be.

What might your life be like if you weren't consumed with fear, worry, or shame?

What might your life be like if your time and energy were available for the people and interests that truly lit you up?

What might your life be like tomorrow if you took one small (but bold) step today?

Questions like this create a sense of urgency. They stir up emotion. They spark action.

Therapy isn’t so different. If you’re living with anxiety or body image and eating concerns, know this: Those sensitivities and insecurities that keep you feeling stuck? They’re strengths and resilience in disguise. When your energy is finally freed up to use how you wish, there will be no stopping you.

Therapy works best when the latest, tested tools are shared between a client ready for change and a therapist who knows and understands what that feels like.

It’s a bit like walking the Myers-Briggs line between Thinking and Feeling. And you’re not walking alone.

Thoughts + feelings.

Brain + heart.

They don’t always agree. So, if right now both are telling you to take the next step, it might be time to listen.

Education:

• PhD in Clinical Psychology, University of Notre Dame
• Postdoctoral residency in Eating Disorder Treatment, Kaiser Permanente Medical Center
• Postdoctoral fellowships in Eating Disorders Research & Child/Adolescent Primary Care, University of Minnesota

Experience:

Clinical experience in hospital, community mental health, and university counseling settings

Specialties:

• Anxiety
• Body image/weight concerns
• Career changes/discernment
• Emotional eating/binge-eating
• Health behavior change
• Life transitions
• Mindfulness
• Postpartum anxiety/adjustment
• Self-care/stress management
• Work-life harmony

Randall Morris-Ostrom, PsyD, JD, LP

I specialize in the evaluation and evidence-based treatment of emotion disorders, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma. Included in this general category are also the unhealthy strategies people develop to control their distress such as perfectionism, inflexibility, avoidance, over-regulation of emotion, and excessive dependence on others. My style in therapy is non-judgmental, compassionate, and relaxed. Humor plays a large role in how I relate to people, so it is usually incorporated in session.

I consider psychotherapy a type of learning where my role is a combination of teacher, coach, and collaborator. People with anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other issues usually have thoughts, behaviors, and feelings that interfere with their lives and cause significant distress. Once you identify what your goals are, my task is to help you change your thoughts, feelings, and behavior so you can reach your goals and no longer need a therapist.

There are many well-researched psychological interventions that are effective at treating mental health issues. I specialize in those developed within the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) tradition. In addition to standard CBT, I incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive therapy (MBCT) where relevant. I take an individualized approach to therapy and will tailor these and other treatments to fit your needs.

I have a special interest in working with college students, individuals having difficulty with perfectionism, graduate students and academics dealing with writer’s block, and lawyers.

Education:

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas
• Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD) from Hamline University School of Law (Mitchell Hamline School of Law)

Experience:

• Psychotherapy/testing in college/university counseling centers and community mental health clinics
• Clinical supervisor
• Adjunct faculty

Specialties:

Advanced Training: CBT for depression, CBT for anxiety, CBT for insomnia, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure.

Sonal Markanda, PhD, LP, CCTP-II, PGRS-C

Dr. Sonal Markanda strongly believes in a biopsychosocial approach, integrated assessment, attention to cultural and spiritual/religious factors, and working collaboratively with an individual’s established treatment team (primary care physicians, etc.) to provide an optimal counseling experience.

She respects the courage it takes to attend counseling and finds it a privilege to be of service to others.

“There must be those among whom we can sit down and weep and still be counted as warriors.”

― Adrienne Rich

Dr. Markanda loves all animals. She has 3 cats and Rumi, a German Shepherd.

Education:

Dr. Markanda received her Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology. She received both her Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Masters of Education in Counseling Education at Northern State University.

Experience:

Dr. Markanda has many years of clinical experience in the mental health field providing inpatient and outpatient services to adults, adolescents, and children with a broad range of diagnoses. She is skilled in providing therapy via multiple modalities including individual, group, and family counseling.

Dr. Markanda also has experience in public policy/consultation. She is proficient in applying technology within the clinical sector including conducting detailed, high-level statistical data analysis. Previously, working for the Department of Human Services, she was tasked to enforce state and national Medicaid standards and served as the public policy consultant for Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment, and Culturally Specific Grants. She has the demonstrated ability to oversee concurrent projects that are clinical, policy-based, and financial in nature.

Dr. Markanda is board approved to supervise LPC and LPCCs.

Specialties:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorders, Phobias)
• Culturally Sensitive Therapy/Culturally Specific Issues
• Individual/Couples/Family Therapy
• Mood/Affective Disorders (Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar I and II, Schizophrenia)
• Psychological Testing (Personality and Cognitive)
• Spiritual and Life Issues
• Women's Issues
• Attachment Informed Therapy
• Certified Clinical Trauma Professional
• Clinical Supervision
• Pet Loss Grief Recovery

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

Jenna Brownfield, PhD, LP

(she/her/hers)

Experiences change you and sometimes you just don’t feel like yourself anymore. Maybe you’ve experienced your sexual, gender, or racial identities being devalued. Maybe you feel numb and allowing yourself to feel seems overwhelming. Maybe you see your struggles as meaningless things you need to just get over. If you’re carrying a great deal of emotional pain, these experiences can serve as a catalyst to better discover yourself.

I said to the sun
tell me about the Big Bang
The sun said, 'It hurts to become.'
– Andrea Gibson

Your identities and your being are valuable. Together we will heal from painful experiences, see your resilience, and celebrate what makes you uniquely you. In session with me, I might acknowledge times when you smile or become tearful. I may share some of my insights on how I experience you and patterns I see. I care deeply for my clients and will also provide some needed truths to help you better understand yourself. I find this approach helps us build a stronger working relationship where we can be authentic with each other, build trust, and collaborate.

I am a bi/queer, white cis woman and a healing-centered therapist. My therapy specialties focus on sexual orientation and gender identity, cultural identity, and professional transitions (college, career, etc.). I particularly enjoy working with queer and trans individuals, creatives, and Millennials/Gen Z. If you’re seeking a therapist who is trauma-conscious, anti-racist, and specialized in serving bisexual, trans, and non-binary people, let’s connect.

Education:

• PhD in Counseling Psychology, University of Missouri-Kansas City

Experience:

Prior to being at Sonder, I worked in university counseling settings and community mental health. Working with clients with struggles ranging from identity concerns to interpersonal trauma. I also have experience working at a transgender community center and in community organizing for racial justice.

Specialties:

Alec Vicenzi, PsyD, Post-doctoral Fellow

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), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Radically Open DBT (RO-DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) 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
• DBT
• Grief and loss
• Death-related anxiety
• Life transitions
• Identity issues and concerns
• Trauma
• Mood disorders, including depression and anxiety
• Personality disorders
• Psychological testing

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