Licensed to practice in Minnesota and accepts 13 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Women's Issues and 10 more.
New to Grow
I always work from a strength based approach. You are the author of you own life and we will work together to write the next chapter. I have been in this business of helping people find their path and heal for over 40 years. If you are looking for a mature therapist who understands your needs and concerns we will work together easily. My degree is in Clinical Social Work but my credentials are a life process of experiencing many challenges and losses and striving to learn and grow from all of them, everyday, all the time. I have a wicked sense of humor and a strong sense of the irony and quirkiness of life. I take my clients very seriously, but I don't take myself too seriously and laughing can sometimes be the best medicine.
First sessions are always challenging. Both of us are anxious about what this means, this therapy thing, this joining of two souls. My goals is always to deeply understand your perspective, your experience and your life. I will not only listen intentionally but will ask questions to make sure I fully understand you and what you are looking for regarding this process. You set your goals and we partner to achieve those goals. Don't be worried if you determine that we are not a good match, that chemistry only happens when we start connecting, reading a bio is not enough to make that important decision. Once we have established a relationship I can offer a variety of open times to better fit your schedule. I am retired so have multiple options for days and times.
I hope that I stand out as someone who makes people feel like they are important, have something to say and that I have something to learn. The goal is not to impress you when we meet but to impress on you that you are the important focus of the time we spend together. I hope you leave every session with some wisdom and direction. I often ask at the end of each session, "Did we talk about what was important to you today?, Do you feel like you have some direction for the week ahead?, " People often have the answers within themselves, they need some help bringing those forward and acting on a new way to see themselves and behave accordingly.
Middle age or older women who are struggling with transitions in their life or are stuck feeling lost about what to do regarding their next steps. Also I have experience with issues of body image and weight and the self-esteem issues that happen in regards to what that means for women. Going thru the various stages of menapuase, empty next, retirement, grandparenting -- every stage has gifts and loss. Older folks can often feel alone and often feel that therapy is not for them, I understand and I think you are worth taking the chance to see if you can learn and grow with someone who understands you stage of life.
Other specialties
I identify as
Strength-Based
All people have strengths and talents that they have developed to survive and cope. Helping identify strengths begins the process of shoring up people for any journey of change or growth.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Sometimes we all need to check our thinking. We may have inherited or picked up some error filled ideas that need to be reexamined, with new eyes and new evidence.
Attachment-based
Looking at the types of formative relationsnips and how you were engaged is a valuable resource for llearning what your mind looks for and accepts in present and future relationships. We all have expectations in our relationships --- how we determine what is normal and acceptable might change with a better understanding of how our past relationships shaped us.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
As part of a culturally diverse family I have experienced the issues of not being the "normal" family by current standards. Being part of multiple cultures has enriched my life in so many ways, and created a sensitivity about how that plays out in the world.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
ALl of my therapy starts where the client is at and is focused on what that person knows, understands and believes. Clients drive and direct the process.