Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Minnesota covered by Aetna

Welcome - I am so happy you're here. I graduated with my Masters degree in Clinical Social Work from The College of St. Scholastica in 2019 and have been working in the mental health field for 7 years. Whether you're navigating stress, relationships, or personal growth, my goal is to ensure you feel seen and empowered. My role is to walk alongside you as you discover new perspectives, strengths, and possibilities.

I know starting therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are carrying stress in your relationships, questioning yourself, or feeling stuck in patterns you want to change. My goal is to meet you exactly where you are and build a genuine, trusting relationship where you feel supported, understood, and encouraged to grow at a pace that feels right for you, without pressure, shame, or judgment. You do not have to sort through all of this on your own.

I have worked collectively for 31 years in public safety, crisis work, training and mental/chemical health. During my 16 years in law enforcement (LE) my experiences included being a Sergeant, SWAT Team Leader, Negotiator, Critical Incident Facilitator and Trainer. My experience in LE has led me to my passion in how trauma impacts our first responders. I have used my own experience as a first responder and woman in recovery, to transcend into my current role of a mental health and chemical health therapist working with not only first responders - police, fire, military, dispatchers, front line workers and corrections officers, but also any survivor, individual struggling with LGBT issues, addiction, relational struggles or trauma. I am able to be a conduit of change, sharing the journey with those who face the everyday stressful events, trauma or finding one's true identity. We are never alone. I am here to be a safe place and safe person to share and divide your pain. I am here to honor your experiences, share your success and build your resilience and healing.

As a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes.

My professional journey has been dedicated to helping people work through challenges like depression, anxiety, stress, grief, and self-esteem issues.

I understand that life transitions can be overwhelming, and I'm committed to providing compassionate, personalized support that empowers you to develop resilient coping strategies.

My approach is rooted in creating a warm, collaborative therapeutic environment where you can explore your experiences and strengths.

I believe each person has unique inner resources for healing and growth. Together, we'll work to understand your specific needs, build emotional skills, and help you move towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Drawing from evidence-based practices, I offer a supportive space where you can feel heard, validated, and encouraged as you navigate your personal challenges.

My goal is to walk alongside you, helping you discover your own capacity for transformation and emotional well-being.

I am a clinical licensed therapist with two years of experience with ADHD, Autism, and Trauma. I got my Master’s and social work from Simmons College and Bachelors of Psychology from University of MN Twin Cities. I specialize in working with kids 0-17 but also work closely with families! I am certified in Child Parent Psychotherapy and the Early Start Denver Model for kids with Autism and ADHD.

My day job is providing social work support in a hospital, and I have spent many years helping people navigate complex health and life challenges. Before the hospital, I worked in nursing homes, which gave me extensive experience supporting older adults and their families. I understand the realities of healthcare, substance use, and caregiving, and I strive to be a warm, nonjudgmental presence for everyone I meet. I hope you feel welcomed, heard, and treated with deep compassion.

I have been an expressive person since I was little. I used art for peace, comfort, and joy before I knew art therapy even existed. You can create art to express and understand, no need to be an artist (or "good at it"), to make art for therapy.

I went to school for Studio Arts (B.S.) and returned for my master's degree in Art Therapy, both at Florida State University.

I worked with special populations, a prior CTSS and ARMHS worker (in-home) before working (currently) in a group practice.

I find visual art offers other opportunities to view both the problem and the solution. It allows other perspectives to prompt ways to talk about whatever you are working through.

I have many trainings and use other modalities (CBT, DBT, ACT, AIR Network, ERP) under the art therapy umbrella.

My training in extensively in trauma (Clinically Certified Trauma Professional), ADHD, ASD, Anxiety, Depression, Eating issues, BiPolar, Gender Affirming, Panic, OCD, and Health issues as well as co-morbid conditions.

Sometimes we just end up talking and that's okay too.

I am an experienced EMDRIA Certified Therapist and Consultant specializing in trauma (physical safety, attachment, medical/dental), compulsions (drug/alcohol, sugar/food, nail biting), pain management, fear of driving/flying, procrastination, anger issues, and avoidant behavior.

Hello and welcome to my site. I have been licensed as a social worker since 1995 when I obtained my undergrad degree in social work. Since that time I have been licensed at the independent clinical level after obtaining my MSW degree and have been in practice independently since 2011. I work with a variety of clients with different issues, but I focus on trauma and how traumatic situations and life experiences impact how people see the world.

People come to me in the middle of ordinary weeks. A door slams somewhere in the house and the chest goes tight. The dishes have been in the sink since Sunday. Someone died and everyone stopped asking about it in March. The drinking stopped and the feelings stayed. A marriage that talks about the calendar, the money, the dog, and never the thing underneath. Some people have carried theirs since childhood. Some were handed theirs last month. Children, teenagers, adults, couples, whole families, people in their eighties who were told it was too late for this. If you found one of your own weeks in that list, you are welcome here.

Get to Know Me

Hi, I’m Paula! I’m an LPCC who works with young children and their families, teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, relationships, family dynamics, self-esteem, and major life transitions. I take a relational, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approach, with a focus on understanding the why behind what we’re experiencing—not just managing the symptoms. I also have a special interest in neurodiversity and enjoy working with neurodivergent individuals and families, approaching differences with curiosity, compassion, and a strengths-based perspective. I value honesty, curiosity, and creating a space where you can be yourself without having to have everything figured out. Therapy can be hard work, but I believe we can approach it with compassion, a little humor, and a “okay, this is where we are—now what can we do with it?” kind of energy.