Family therapy and counseling in Minnesota

Whether you're navigating a difficult season or seeking long-term support, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, insight, and unwavering care.

As a mother of five, I understand the complexities of life, relationships, and emotional resilience. I became a therapist to help others feel less alone and to guide those struggling with mental illness toward hope and healing. I’m passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and helping people reclaim their voice, strength, and sense of self. With over 20 years of experience in the mental health field, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, teens, and adults across a wide range of challenges — including anxiety, trauma, and depression.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Minnesota and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Montana, with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

I am a Professional Mental Health Therapist/ Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) providing telehealth services throughout Minnesota and in-person therapy in Brainerd. I work with adolescents ages 10+ and adults experiencing anxiety, trauma, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship concerns, and self-esteem challenges. My approach integrates EMDR, Brainspotting, somatic therapy, and evidence-based practices to support healing and lasting change.

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision, and I believe you deserve someone who will meet you with compassion, curiosity, and respect. My goal is to create a space where you feel safe to be yourself—without judgment—and where we can work together to better understand the challenges you're facing and the strengths you already possess.

I hold a master's degree in Addictions and Rehabilitation Counseling and am a license professional clinical counselor in the Minnesota. Before becoming a therapist, I earned my medical degree in Mexico, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the connection between emotional and physical well-being.

You’ve spent so much of your life holding space for others—showing up, pushing through, doing what’s expected. But where do you go when you need space to exhale? My practice is a sanctuary for high-achieving, heart-centered individuals who are tired of performing strength and ready to cultivate something deeper: true balance, ease, and self-trust.

As a therapist, I hold space for the complexities of your experience, offering both warmth and directness to guide you toward sustainable healing. I believe that transformation happens when we integrate mind, body, and spirit—where deep insight meets intentional action. Together, we’ll explore the patterns keeping you stuck and build a foundation for a life that feels just as good as it looks on paper.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a Master’s degree in Counseling from Adler Graduate School, and I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years. 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. One of the things clients often tell me is that I am authentic, down-to-earth, and easy to connect with. I believe therapy works best when there is a strong, trusting relationship and when clients feel safe enough to be fully themselves.

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.

Hello, I’m Dr. Stella Essien, Welcome!

As a dual board-certified Nurse Practitioner (FNP & PMHNP), I have a passion for compassionate, equitable, and accessible mental health care practice that brings evidence-based, person-centered services to individuals and families across Minnesota.

Whether you're navigating anxiety, or addiction recovery, depression, or stress, I am here to support your path forward with warmth, professionalism, and purpose.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I specialize in working with teens and adults who are navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. I am passionate about helping clients recognize their strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop a stronger sense of identity.

As a lifelong Missouri resident and educator, I am very familiar with the specifics that come with living in this area.

A former client called me "endlessly chill." I am known to wear more sweatshirts than more "professional" attire. I don't want to give off any energy that I am better than anyone who sits across from me. I am known to swear in sessions (but I do filter this per client).

I am a warm, compassionate, nonjudgmental clinician who cares about those who show up for therapy. I am inquisitive, curious and direct in challenging thoughts and behavior that get in the way of living a happy, fulfilling life. I encourage individuals, couples and families to lean into/draw strength from their spiritual and/or religious beliefs. I enjoy and encourage utilizing the gift of humor to enrich one’s life.

I enjoy working with college students. I am also an AAMFT Approved Supervisor for college students seeking supervision. (I would not be able to provide therapy and AAMFT Supervision to a client - as that would be a "dual" relationship).

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.