Hello and Welcome! I'm Tim - a 53 year-old, married, father of two, adventurer, explorer, and overall lover of the outdoors and most critters (excluding skunks, woodticks, mosquitos... those kind of things) :-) I have always worked with helping and serving people in one way, shape or form, but I also want you to know that many others have helped me. Back in the 1990's, when I was going through a particularly difficult time, a therapist helped me immensely, and I distinctly remember telling myself: "If I ever go back to college, it will be for some kind of psychology degree - so I can help others the way my therapist helped me... that must be so, so satisfying." Fast forward to my mid-forties, when it became necessary to "re-invent myself" - so I did, with an LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) degree from St. Cloud State in Minnesota. I have practiced for the past 8 years in a multiple office agency serving all ages, and tackling just about any problem anyone could throw at me. The issues that seem to come up "all the time" are typically related to relationship conflict, all the various forms of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, grief/loss, and PTSD/trauma - so these are the areas where I have the most experience. In the same breath, I want to tell you that I have also worked for several years in an inpatient substance abuse treatment center for men, where I feel I have seen and worked with just about everything (nothing surprises me). The point is that no matter what your issue is, you will be met with someone who has a broad level of experience in knowing how to tackle and overcome these issues. Past clients have often told me that I am easy to talk to, and they feel comfortable with me. That's because I really enjoy people, and I'm down to earth. I'm not the type of therapist who is aloof or superior. I honestly feel that you and I are on an "even playing field." You have your strengths and weaknesses, and I have mine. There will never be any judgment, criticism, or condemnation coming from me. I'm just eager to hear the details and the truth about your life, and understand your unique individual story - so that I can help you help yourself get to feeling better as soon as possible. I love humor, and I know when it's appropriate to use, and when it's not, in the therapeutic environment. 54 years is a fair bit of life experience, and I have packed a lot into those years. Clients also tell me that they "can relate to me" easily. That's because, when it's appropriate for an intervention, I tend to be a therapist who self-discloses at times, and that's because I want to normalize what you are going through, let you know that I have experienced this too, and most importantly, that I have found the way to victory and success over this particular obstacle or issue. Many therapists are fearful of self-disclosing; I find that if I am willing to risk it, it causes my clients and I to connect in a deeper way, and therefore, they feel they can trust me. I could tell you all the theories I use and draw from - but the average person seeking therapy aren't necessarily familiar with them anyway (I know I wasn't before my formal training) - so just know that I have lots and lots of training to draw from in my "bag of tricks". If you are so incredibly unique that I have no idea how to help you, I promise that I will admit it, and promptly go to the work of finding someone who can - for I also have several years of experience in assessing men in short term treatment, and plugging them into the appropriate channels and resources - so that they could get the help they needed. You? You're hurting in some way, and you're smart enough to recognize your feelings, admit that you need help, and have reached out. Congratulations - those are important steps, and you are well on way! I L.O.V.E. working with people who are highly motivated to get better. I look forward to coming alongside of you - to offer the guidance it takes to find victory over the pain, and get you as close as we can to operating at your full God-given potential. My best, Tim

Hi there! Way to go on taking a beginning step to achieve one of your many goals in life. My name is Ivy and I have worked with people my entire life. I found that as a child, I was able to meet people and understand where they came from in a way that not many people could. As an adult, I have been able to develop that into a career. There is always a story that begins with "when I was a child", and mine is no different. When I was a child, I was faced with many different problems and situations that I felt that no one in the world could understand. I tried many different things in an effort to get my own life on track without letting anyone else know that I was struggling. As you may or may not know, this is not always the best option. However, what this did was that it lead me down a path of being able to walk in the shoes of other people; to see things as they see things. I have experience working with families who are involved in the child care system, both as foster parents and as clients involved in the system. I have experience with individuals who are questioning where they are in life and where they want to be. I have experience, helping people feel like people again. The way that I chose to work with individuals is that everyone is an individual and everyone lives their lives through a day to day schedule. I believe in checking in and allowing you to tell me what you need and what you want. What do you feel like you need today; what about yesterday. Can we plan for tomorrow? Do you need me to listen or do you need me to respond? Would it be helpful for a brainstorming partner or someone who can take all that emotional weight you have and take it off your back for a while? My work is not based upon a single method of thinking or processing, but rather whatever combination you need. I believe that even if you don't believe in your own ability to help yourself right now, it is there, and together we can make a difference and a change that you can continue to use and implement long after we are no longer working together.

Hi. I'm Michelle Carter, LICSW, MSW, SAP, with DBT and Trauma credential (CTTP) eligibility. My primary interest and concern is you, your goals and current or persistent challenge(s). I believe the therapeutic process is a collaborative one. You may know what you want and need, yet you experience obstacles. Sometimes, we aren't sure of what we truly want or need. Sometimes, we get distracted by the "should do's" or "should be's," that are actually someone else's wants or needs. Somewhere along the journey, we can pick up rocks we carry, unaware that we can set some of these down. We can become free to keep and carry those goals, values and ideas we truly want for ourselves in our lives. This then applies equally to others. I act as a guide to assist you in discovering greater self-awareness, acceptance, and strengths I will support you in a nonjudgmental exploratory journey to define and reach your goals that come from the healthy, confident you-- not from fear or symptomatology. We can explore and determine how best to decrease the symptoms or behaviors that are holding you back from more meaningful, free and joyful experiences. I look forward to working with you. toward greater health and personal freedom. Michelle

I am a licensed professional counselor (LPC) in the states of Wisconsin and Minnesota. My graduate school training was from Winona State University in Winona, MN. I worked in a private practice mental health agency there in Winona for three years, in addition to serving in a residential treatment facility assisting adults in recovery from mental health crises back to independent living. I am currently meeting with out-patient clients in a new counseling agency in La Crosse, Wisconsin. I have worked with people from all walks of life facing difficult and unexpected challenges, causing a variety of mental health issues. I work with a Person-Centered approach and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, along with Strength-Based modalities. I like to identify strengths in people and help them grow. The therapeutic relationship between client and counselor offers a strong foundation to assist clients in recovering balance in life and the freedom to move ahead on a more peaceful journey. I know life can be rough at times, but with help, it can also be better! Some may be desiring a Christian-based therapy, and that is also an option we can incorporate.

I am a Marriage and Family therapist licensed in Minnesota with over 5 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, shame, eating issues, and more. I have training in trauma, attachment, and mindfulness. My counseling style is direct, person centered, interactive, and nonjudgmental. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines a variety of approaches including cognitive-behavioral, ACT, humanistic, psychodynamic, person-centered, and mindfulness interventions. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I see therapy as a collaborative process and will work with you to define and successfully move toward your goals. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you on your journey. I look forward to working with you!

I have an MSW from the University of Minnesota and a LICSW license from the Board of Social Work in Minnesota. My over 30 years of experience include working with 15 to 25 age groups dealing with depression, divorce, adjustment to new settings, anxiety/relationships, and families experiencing divorce. Considering therapy is a difficult step for many. I bring a personable and skillful demeanor to help put clients at ease. I practice Reality Therapy and have been Certified in Choice Theory, also a psychology begun by Dr. Glasser. Reality therapy focuses on an individual suffering from a universal condition rather than a mental health illness. This approach gives the individual a choice in how to proceed.

My counseling approach is eclectic and leans into: Cognitive Re-framing, Positive Psychology, Trauma Informed Care, Mindfulness, Strengths Based, Solution Focused, and Motivational Interviewing. I have worked in every level of mental health care: inpatient, partial, outpatient, community care, crisis residential and co-occurring mental health and substance use recovery programs. I believe unconditional positive regard builds trust and can help us all live our best life with authenticity. Personal growth takes courage, the ability to surrender old beliefs that feed your shame and the grace to learn new things imperfectly. My mission is to spark the goldenness in others by fostering trust and connection to help people generate energy to heal and thrive. In my 30 years of working in mental health, I have learned that, at the root of most people’s pain is isolation. Online counseling platforms like BetterHelp are making counseling accessible with new and resilient ways to connect to one another and get help when you need it most. I am here because I want to help others and having non-judgmental support is vital to create space for grieving, healing and re-building. I look forward to connecting with you and helping you increase your self compassion and resiliency.

Hello! I'm Gracia (Gray-sha) and I have been practicing counseling for the past 3 years. I have worked in a variety of settings doing counseling with people of all different ages and mental health disorders, including, but not limited to: substance addictions, behavioral addictions, couples, children, teens, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. I have helped many clients in healing from traumas, relationship problems, and emotional regulation. Currently I am available on betterhelp for about five hours per week. I am mostly available for sessions on Monday mornings, but at times my schedule will differ. My counseling style is kind and gentle, but also direct. I provide a nonjudgmental and caring space, but am also not afraid to challenge my clients or uncover hard truths in a respectful manor. I see myself as a giver in my roll. I give people the opportunity and tools to help and heal themselves. It is an honor for me to work with people as they go through hard times in their lives, and I take that roll very seriously. I look forward to working with you! :)

Bilingual in Spanish. Licensed in Minnesota and Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with sexual dysfunctions, phobias, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Also, nationwide, I am a Holistic Therapist and practice Alternative Medicine. With knowledge in Metaphysics, Quantum Mechanics and Epigenetics. Certified as an Emotional Freedom Therapist (tapping,) trained in clinical and spiritual hypnosis, and energy psychology among other science-based therapies and techniques.

Hi there! My name is Lauren (she/her) and I specialize in adolescents and adults with anxiety disorders, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and depression, among other life stressors. I have been in the mental health field since 2015 and have been a licensed therapist for 4 years. I have been trained in CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), ERP (exposure and response prevention), and DBT (dialectical behavioral therapy) informed therapy. My approach is holistic and person centered in nature. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and identity affirming care. My job is to support, guide, motivate, teach, coach, and follow you on your mental health journey. Above all else, I want to provide you with warmth, validation, and a safe place to be “not okay”. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Minnesota with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Minnesota with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!