Family therapy and counseling in Saint Paul, MN

I like to meet my clients “where they’re at”, meaning I’ll start wherever you need to. It is sacred to me that I provide a therapeutic setting where it is safe for you to be vulnerable and real- with no judgement or criticism. Within this safe space, we'll work together to find some clarity with your struggles or brokeness. "Courage is not having the strength to go on, it is going on when you don't have the strength". -Eleanor Roosevelt

You don't have to do this alone. Start your healing journey now. Unless you try to do things differently, nothing will change.

Education: Saint Marys University

Degree/Diploma: Master of Arts

Year Graduated: 2008

Year I Began Practice: 2007

Bachelors’ Degree: University of Northwestern

Graduated “With Distinction” in 2005

Bachelors of Arts

I believe that peace on earth starts with peace in the home. I'm able to help adults, couples, and families find this peace by using healthy communication techniques, recognize their emotions and heal from past pain. This helps clients foster deeper connections in their relationships and within themselves. I work with couples needing support with communication, conflict resolution and gaining trust. I help parents establish loving limits with their children to help them learn while also maintaining connection. I can help clients cope with anxiety, depression, trauma, and postpartum.

Hello! I’m Gwen Scherr, a marriage and family therapist who supports couples, families, and individuals across the lifespan who may be tired of just coping through life and are ready to move toward deeper healing and growth. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship issues, family issues, identity concerns, and the stress that can come from feeling disconnected from yourself or the people you love. Many of the people I work with want more than symptom relief — they want to feel more grounded, understood, and able to thrive in their relationships and daily lives. My goal is to offer a supportive space where you can slow down, feel seen, and begin moving toward a fuller, more authentic life!

I am a licensed psychologist with a decade of experience in treating children, couples, families, and adults. I hold a Doctorate (Psy.D) from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology from The Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy, and a Master’s degree in Addiction Studies from The Hazelden Betty Ford School of Addiction Studies.

My clinical journey has been shaped by diverse and enriching experiences.

If you're navigating work-life balance, stressors, and likely facing the ongoing challenges compounded by the pandemic, I am here to come alongside you as you seek healing, health and wellness. I have a special interest in serving adult-aged clients in the BIPOC community. Whether you are in college, graduate school, or a working professional, I'm taking new clients in Plymouth/Golden Valley area (NOT in Uptown) as well as telehealth at this time. Maybe you are finding yourself at a crossroads, facing a major (or minor) life change. Therapy with me will be holistic, person-centered, integrating your story as you slow down, seek clarity and pursue a conscious, welcomed change.

Taking that initial step into therapy can be daunting. Sharing your story is a vulnerable position no doubt, and I am proud of you for even making the decision to seek help. Because I know how much courage this takes, I absolutely promise to honor you and walk alongside of you as you work towards your goals in counseling. In addition to helping individuals with anxiety and depression, I am certified in dialectical behavior therapy and practice accelerated resolution therapy. I also incorporate christian counseling, sand-tray therapy, mindfulness based-therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and incorporate narrative therapy techniques.

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.

Grief doesn't follow anyone else's timeline, and neither does healing. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors across a wide range of life experiences, with particular depth in grief, maternal mental health, anxiety, and the emotional weight of chronic or physical health challenges. As a certified Grief Support Specialist, I bring focused training to one of the most isolating things a person can go through, and I approach every person with genuine curiosity about their whole life, not just their symptoms.

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.

Many people come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, stress management concerns, relationship issues, or the emotional weight of trauma and major life changes. You may be noticing overthinking, low motivation, self-doubt, communication problems, conflict in important relationships, or patterns that keep repeating no matter how hard you try to change them. I work with individuals, couples, and families who want more clarity, healthier relationships, and practical tools for moving forward.

My approach is relational, compassionate, and tailored to the person in front of me. I draw from evidence-based and attachment-focused therapies to help clients better understand themselves, strengthen emotional awareness, and create more meaningful change. Whether you are working through anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, family conflict, or the effects of past experiences on your present life, therapy can be a place to slow down, make sense of what is happening, and begin building something healthier..

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.