I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT Certified Sex Therapist specializing in individual, couples and family therapy counseling and maintain a private practice in Forest Lake, MN.
I am a graduate of Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, and currently serve as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among my areas of expertise are working with couples struggling with issues such as affairs (both emotional and physical), communication problems, anger, sexual desire discrepancy or other sexual issues, money and employment issues as well as those that have been diagnosed with cancer or another medical illness and are experiencing distress surrounding the diagnosis.
I will help you with the most important part of living; building meaningful and loving
connections with those who matter most to you. Relationship enhancement is the
foundation of well-being. When we do not have a reliable and stable support system,
we often try to fill the void with addictions or self-defeating coping mechanisms.
With closer connections, life's stressors seem more manageable and the quality of
your life becomes immeasurable. It is my goal to help you feel empowered personally
in order to begin the path to developing healthy connections and positive coping
strategies to face life's challenges.
I am a AASECT (American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists) Certfied Sex Therapist. Sex therapy is a unique and specialized type of professional counseling which focuses on helping people address their concerns about sex. I will help you understand more about your sexual functioning and feelings, and help move you to a better relationship with sex and your sexuality.
No matter how difficult things may feel, I believe there is always hope, possibility and potential.
Call or email me today for a complimentary half hour consultation. I look forward to hearing from you.
I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. I use different therapeutic approaches depending upon the problem you are experiencing. I provide support and practical feedback to help clients (individuals, couples and families) effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complimentary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they’re striving for.
I have been married for thirty five years and have three boys. I am a dog lover, enjoy entertaining with family and friends and an avid reader.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration/Marketing from University of North Dakota and California State University Northridge.
Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
License, Certifications & Awards
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
AASECT Certified Sex Therapist
Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Premarital Therapist through Life Innovations
Additional Training
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists-Summer Institute 2009
American Psychosocial Oncology Society Online Education regarding Psychosocial Aspects of Cancer Care
EMDR-Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing
Emotional Intelligence in Couples Therapy with Brent Atkinson
Sexuality, Intimacy & Aging with Barry McCarthy, PhD
Couple Conflict Resolution with Sexual Problems -Michael Metz PhD
Integrated Approach to Women's Sexuality
Sexual Health Basics: Sexual Anatomy and Sexual Physiology of Arousal and Orgasm
Sexual Health Basics: Discrete Ways to Improve Sexual Function
Addressing Common Sexual Dysfunctions through Non-Pharmacological Method Lifestyle that Promotes Healthy Sexual Functioning
Internal Family Systems Applied to Sex Therapy-with Bruce Hersey LCSW AASECT Conference 2010
Captivity to Ecstacy:Exploring the Nuances of Erotic Connection with Gina OgdenPhD. LMFT and Esther Perel, MA, LMFT AASECT Conference 2010
Mating in Captivity: the Trials and Tribulations of Sexual Desire with Esther Perel , MA, LMFTand Barry McCarthy, PhD. AASECT Conference 2010
A Sexological Paradigm for Sexual Compulsivity with Lawrence Siegel, MA and Richard Siegel, MS AASECT Conference 2010
The Impact and Treatment of Female Sexual Pain on the Couple Relationship with Chris Fariello, PhD. MA, LMFT and Susan kellogg-Spadt PhD. AASECT Conference 2010
Sexology and Sexual Health with Woet Gianotten, MD AASECT Conference 2010
Treating Internet Infidelity with Katherine Hertlein, PhD. AASECT Conference 2010
The Sexual Genogram wiith Maria Helena Juergens, PhD.,CRC,LPC AASECT Conference 2010
Introduction to Clinical Hypnosis-University of Minnesota Medical School June 2011
Professional Activities and Memberships
American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists www.aamft.org
American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists www.AASECT.org
Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapists www.minnesotafamilies.org
Minnesota Cancer Alliance www.mncanceralliance.org