About

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 going for a walk during therapy isn't for everyone and during some parts of therapy, or if you're interested in EMDR (see below), it may be preferable to remain in the office. It will always be your choice at each visit, as to whether we go for a walk or stay in the office.
And though most people prefer to stay inside on a rainy day or during the cold winter months, I am willing to get outside whenever you choose! I have umbrellas and keep snowpants (just don't tease me too much after I put them on) and boots at the ready.

** And unfortunately the current situation with Covid-19 leaves neither the office nor walking as options. I am seeing all clients via phone or video chat, but look forward to the day when I will be able to remove this paragraph, and get back to seeing people in person! --

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.

Hospital emergency rooms around the metro and surrounding areas are where I've spent a majority of my time, providing crisis counseling and mental health assessments. 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 eventually led me to private practice.

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.

I'm trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing or 'EMDR'. This is a form of therapy that can help people heal from trauma or other distressing life experiences. I often end up exploring this option with clients, as most of us have experienced distressing life experiences, which often can be the source of dysfunctional habits, reactive behaviors and ongoing struggles.

https://www.emdria.org/page/what_is_emdr_therapy

If you are interested in this, please let me know!

Personal: I'm married, have 2 adult stepsons and a 19 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 songs as well. My husband is also a singer, songwriter, and plays both guitar and base. When I was younger, it never would have occurred to me that I might be in a band someday, but sure enough, he and I were in a cover band a few years ago and more recently are in a band in which we perform mostly originals. We both sing, he plays lead guitar, and I mess around on the keys.

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