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!

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.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over two decades of clinical experience. My work has focused on helping people understand themselves more deeply, strengthen relationships, heal from difficult experiences, and create meaningful change in their lives.

I believe lasting change happens when we move beyond simply understanding a problem intellectually and begin experiencing ourselves differently. Together, we explore patterns, emotional and bod responses, beliefs, and relationship dynamics that may have developed as adaptations earlier in life but are no longer serving you.

Clients often describe me as warm, direct, engaged, and insightful. I tend to be an active therapist who asks questions, offers observations, and helps connect patterns that may be difficult to see from the inside. While therapy can be challenging, I believe it should also feel collaborative, practical, and grounded in hope.

Starting therapy can feel like a big step. I congratulate you on starting your journey, and I’m here to make sure that it is meaningful to you.

Lora believes that healing and growth happen through connection, curiosity, and self-discovery. Her approach to therapy is centered on empowering, supporting, and guiding individuals as they navigate life's unique challenges.

Healing begins when you feel truly seen, heard, and understood. For over 20 years, I've helped children, teens, adults, and families overcome anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, and life transitions. As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Senior Clinical Supervisor, and first-generation Hmong American, I provide compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors your story and empowers lasting change. Together, we'll build on your strengths, restore hope, and create a path toward healing, resilience, and healthier relationships.

Anxiety Depression Trauma & PTSD Grief & Loss Parenting Support Family & Relationship Challenges Children's Behavioral Concerns Cultural Identity & Acculturation Intergenerational Family Conflict Stress & Burnout Life Transitions Self-Esteem Women's Issues Christian Counseling (upon request)

Life can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting, or life transitions, I offer a compassionate, culturally responsive space where you can feel heard, supported, and empowered. When you're ready, I'd be honored to walk alongside you.

I provide therapy for children, teens, adults, families, and groups, and I strive to create a space where clients feel genuinely seen, respected, and supported.

My clinical work focuses heavily on anxiety, depression, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, self-esteem concerns, and life transitions. I also work with individuals navigating grief, substance use concerns, emotional dysregulation, relationship difficulties, and trauma-related symptoms. I use a collaborative, client-centered approach and tailor treatment to each individual’s needs, goals, and strengths.