Why take a walk?

​Research shows that exercise can be as effective as medication for depression, anxiety and a wide range of other mental health issues.  Just 30 minutes of physical activity (walking, rolling, biking, dancing...) can lead to the release of endorphins in your body which can boost your mood, reduce stress and improve sleep.  These endorphins can also help you to feel more relaxed, making it easier to talk about what's on your mind.
This relaxed atmosphere and approach are a significant part of my practice...whether we go for a walk or stay in the office.

​Inspiration for
'Walk With Me Counseling':

      It was one day, as I was sitting with a client in a small, windowless room in the ER that it hit me -  this wasn't a great environment in which to expect someone to open up and talk.  Sitting in a small room with someone staring at you, and the pressure is on to ....SHARE. Well, I might not feel much like talking either.  When I began thinking of times in the past when I've been able to really open up and talk... it dawned on me - We needed to get outside and go for a stroll! 
     Now of course... it's Minnesota, so the opportunity to get outside will sometimes be limited, but when possible, we can definitely head to the great outdoors.  And on those frigidly cold days...the skyways are a great place for a walk!
     *** And I do have an office and hanging out there is always an option!  I'm quite happy to sit and talk while we enjoy the light streaming through the big windows of my office.  Perhaps you just aren't feeling the walking vibe that day, or it may be that you prefer the more typical setting of an office.  Walk or office... it will always be your choice.

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​About me:

​    I've been working in the field of mental health for over 20 years. Much of my work  has been in healthcare and has covered a full spectrum of areas.  I've worked with new parents struggling with an unexpected diagnosis or loss, patients and families grappling with end of life issues, and people of all ages who have encountered significant change in their lives. I've provided diagnostic assessments and brief therapy for clients in intensive mental health treatment programs and facilitated support groups for people dealing with a wide range of issues.
     I've spent a majority of my time providing crisis counseling and mental health assessments in hospital emergency rooms around the metro and surrounding areas. I enjoy this setting, and continue to do this part time.  However, prior to opening my private practice, I often found myself wishing I could get to know my clients further and work with them on their journey, rather than meeting them in times of crisis only. This is what led me several years ago, to begin seeing clients in a private practice setting. 
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​Education/licensure: I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1991 from St Olaf College and returned in 1994 to earn my Bachelor of Social Work degree. Completion of my Masters Degree in Social Work took place in the spring of 2000 at The University of Minnesota.  I received my graduate level of licensure in 2000 and have been licensed as an Independent Clinical Social Worker by the MN Board of Social Work since 2006.
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Personal:  I'm married, have 2 adult stepsons and an 18 year old son with special needs.  I love the outdoors and try to be outside as often as possible during our short summers!  Music plays a big role in our family.  My stepsons are singer-songwriters and perform in several bands and my son plays the guitar and has begun to write a few songs as well. My husband is also a singer, songwriter, and plays both guitar and base.  He and I are in a couple of bands in which I sing back up and (attempt to play ;) keyboard. 

--    ​​    --    Walk With Me Counseling, LLC --     --
        528 Hennepin Ave
     Minneapolis, MN 55403