Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Rochester, MN

For the past eighteen years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting individuals, children, and families across both clinical and K–12 educational settings. My professional journey has included roles as a Professional School Counselor, 504 Coordinator/Learning Specialist, and Clinical Therapist, giving me a unique understanding of how emotional, cognitive, and learning needs intersect.

Over time, my view of mental health has expanded. I’ve always been interested in nutrition, movement, sleep, and lifestyle as contributors to emotional wellness. But everything shifted when I began integrating mindfulness, contemplative practices, and a deeper exploration of hormone health—both personally and professionally. Understanding how hormones influence mood, stress, and cognition opened an entirely new dimension of care.

I now approach therapy through a whole-person lens that honors the connection between mind, body, hormones, and environment.

Hello, I’m Therese. I work with adults who may be feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or exhausted by patterns that no longer feel manageable.

I support individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, chronic illness, and concerns related to eating disorders or disordered eating patterns.

I also have lots of experience helping people to live tobacco and/or nicotine free!

My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental.

I strive to create a calm, safe space where you can speak openly and feel understood.

If you are looking for someone who listens deeply, values connection, and takes a thoughtful, whole-person approach, I would be honored to support you.

I am a holder of a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota and a highly results-oriented multicultural therapist with over 10 years of experience. The value I bring to therapy is building a strong therapeutic relationship with my client. I have the skills, knowledge, and ability that are required as a therapist to gather comprehensive information during an assessment, which my client and I will utilize collaboratively to develop a supportive treatment plan and coping skills for the client to implement when their mental health symptoms exacerbate. I have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and a good Knowledge of cultural differences.

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.

My work is deeply rooted in empathy, lived understanding, and respect for each person’s unique healing process.

I am a survivor of domestic violence, and I understand firsthand the complex emotional impact of trauma, including fear, loss of control, self-doubt, and the long path toward safety and healing. I also experienced the loss of a parent during childhood, which gives me a deep appreciation for how grief, attachment wounds, and early loss can affect emotional development and adult relationships.

These experiences do not define my clients’ journeys, nor do I assume their experiences mirror my own. Instead, they allow me to sit with pain without minimizing it, rushing it, or trying to “fix” it. I understand how important it is to feel believed, respected, and heard.

Clients should also know that I value transparency, trust, and collaboration. Therapy with me is a space where your voice matters, your boundaries are honored, and your strengths are recognized. I am committed to providing trauma-informed care that is compassionate, steady, and grounded in both clinical skill and genuine human connection.

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Master's degree in Social Work. I have specialized training in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health, Permanency and Adoption, and have dedicated my career to supporting children, families, and caregivers through life's challenges.

Over the past two decades, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child protection, foster care and adoption services, early intervention programs, family home visiting, and community mental health. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the complex systems that impact children and families, as well as the resilience and strengths they bring to the healing process.

My areas of expertise include early childhood mental health, parenting support, foster care and adoption-related concerns, attachment and relationship challenges, trauma, family transitions, and helping caregivers navigate developmental and behavioral concerns. I am passionate about partnering with families to build on their strengths, strengthen relationships, and create meaningful, lasting change.