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Until further notice, all appointments are conducted via video. Contact your location's admin team for more information.

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Minneapolis

Minneapolis

2724 University Ave SE | Suite B
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612.299.1090
minneapolis@acaciacw.com
Monday - Thursday | 8AM-8PM
Friday | 8AM-6PM
Saturday | 9AM-11AM
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Minneapolis Services
Training Program

Acacia Minneapolis offers individual, group, psychiatry, and wellness services. Located within walking, busing, or train riding distance from UMN, entrance is on St. Mary’s Ave, near State Farm. Come into the office to experience a little slice of modern design featuring a plant wall and the occasional cute puppy.

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Our Minneapolis location is accepting appointments via video for all Minnesota residents!
Start video therapy or psychiatry now!

Different Perspective
☆☆☆☆☆
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Acacia Counseling has been wonderful to me the last 2 years! Their front desk staff are always friendly and helpful - no matter my question. They work with my student insurance so I don't have to stress about knowing how much I owe. My therapist, Ross, has been absolutely fantastic! He helps me look at myself from a different perspective and provide insight when I need it, but listens when I need to process things myself. He provides tips and help I can use to decrease my anxiety outside of therapy. He is also able to accommodate my busy grad student life! I have grown so much by going to Acacia Counseling!!
Wonderful Place
☆☆☆☆☆
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Acacia has been a wonderful place for me to go and work on my mental health and personal wellbeing. They offer a wide range of services and you can find people who specialize more in your area of need. The atmosphere is so calm and the employees (and service dog) are very kind and understanding. You can find out exactly how much is covered by insurance and how much you would pay each appointment before you have your first appointment. This place is amazing!
Highly Recommend
☆☆☆☆☆
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I love going to Acacia, the atmosphere is awesome and everyone is so friendly. I love that they’re lgbt+ friendly! I followed my therapist from a previous location and I can say that although it’s a farther drive I would highly recommend this place! Plus they have an therapy/emotional support dog which I think is awesome. I feel very comfortable going here and appreciate the staff <3
Top Notch
☆☆☆☆☆
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I have been going here for awhile and this place is great! All the staff I have met so far from the front desk to the counselors, top notch. Great staff, great atmosphere, therapy dogs!( <3 ) What more can you ask for? I highly recommend Acacia!
BEST Therapist
☆☆☆☆☆
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Very friendly and welcome atmosphere and Camille is hands down the BEST therapist I’ve ever had.
Welcoming and Friendly
☆☆☆☆☆
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I love this place and space! They're always playing great music, it's enjoyable and restful to spend time here, the decor is wonderful, the front desk staff is always welcoming and friendly, and of course the counseling is excellent. Really happy I found my way here, you will be too!
Easy To Navigate
☆☆☆☆☆
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They make it really easy to navigate the confusing world of scheduling appointments and dealing with insurance companies. My favorite thing about Acacia is being able to schedule appointments and such over text. As someone who gets stressed about calling companies, it’s amazing.
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Minneapolis Providers

Acacia providers have experience working with diverse clients in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship issues, attention difficulties, eating/body image concerns, identity exploration, trauma, and substance use issues.

Click on a provider to learn more about who they are and their individual specialties.

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Chelsea Murphy

Director | LPCC
paulblaskemn

Paul Blaske

Training Director | LPCC
camillemn

Camille Carlson

Therapist | LMFT
kellihowmn

Dr. Kelli Howard

Supervisor | PhD
Andrea_Websitemn

Andrea Deuring

Therapist | LPCC
keenanmn

Keenan Smart

Therapist | MA
calvinmn

Calvin Hauer

Not Accepting Clients
liza

Dr. Liza Meredith

Psychologist | PhD
kristinmn

Kristin Ammerman

Therapist | LPCC
alexstangermn

Alex Stanger

Therapist | MA
katepic - Kate Esterline

Dr. Kate Esterline

Psychologist | PhD
headshot - Nicole Cardarella

Nicole Cardarella-Gasper

Therapist | LPCC
kate

Kate Goodman

Therapist | LICSW, LADC
IMG_6318 - Damaris Axelson2

Damaris Axelson

Therapist | LPCC, LADC
P1030204tricia

Tricia Schulte

Therapist | LICSW
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Ann Schroeder

Therapist | LGSW
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Caroline Stark

Therapist | LICSW
Acacia Pic 2 - Katie O'Dowd

Katie O'Dowd

Therapist | MA
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Marcelline Gangl

Therapist | LPCC
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Greg Marsh

Therapist | MA
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Cheryl Dornfeld

Therapist | MA
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Aaron Nordrum

Triage Therapist | LMFT
Jodi Tescher, LICSW

Jodi Tescher

Therapist | LICSW
Pa Tou Vue, LPCC

Pa Tou Vue

Minnesota Therapist | LPCC
Rachelle Lisogurski, Ph.D., L.P.

Dr. Rachelle Lisogurski

Psychologist | PhD
Bryan Ellingson, LICSW

Bryan Ellingson

Therapist | LICSW
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Natalie Wimmer

Therapy Intern
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Ally Christiansen

Therapy Intern
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John Hinks

Therapy Intern

Minneapolis Team

Each Acacia office is supported by a team of amazing staff members who will help you on your mental health journey. From scheduling your first appointment to navigating your questions about billing, insurance, and client rights, the admin team is here to ensure you get the care you need.

Click on a team member to learn more about who they are. Contact our office to discuss options.

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Grace Johnston

Office Manager
addiemsith

Addie Smith

Administrative Specialist
IMG_9756 - Acacia Minneapolis

Emma Dorau

Administrative Specialist

Minneapolis Services

All of our Acacia offices offer individual therapy, psychiatry, couple’s therapy, group therapy, and wellness events. Below are services offered specifically in Minneapolis!

Minneapolis Rates

At the time of session, you can pay with credit card, cash, or paypal although a credit/debit card is required to be on file.

Individual Therapy

Psychiatry

Group

*We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN, HealthPartners, Cigna, Aetna, Medica/United Healthcare/Optum, PreferredOne, and UCare insurances. Pricing of services will vary by plan and will be discussed prior to your first session. 

Please note, you are required to provide us with notice of cancellation at least 24 hours in advance. Failure to do so will result in late cancellation or missed appointment fee charge. Coordinate additional billing inquires with your Office Manager prior to your sessions.

Payments using our online service are for completed or ongoing sessions.
Contact your office front desk if you have additional payments you would like to make.

chelsea murphy
she/her/hers | #LPCC2242

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Sexual Assault/Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Trauma & PTSD, Domestic Violence, Family of Origin Issues, Relationship Issues, Grief & Loss, Shame

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered, Mind-Body Focused, Trauma Informed, Systems Oriented, Feminist

about me

Hey there! I’m Chelsea, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota. I have a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from University of St. Thomas and an undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College. Since getting my MA, I’ve worked in clinic-based mental health services as well as University Counseling Centers providing individual and group therapy on a wide range of topics and issues.

My approach to therapy tends to be on a person-to-person level, rather than having a doctor-patient vibe. I like to keep things pretty informal (you will definitely see me with my shoes off in the office!). I use a lot of humor in sessions and I’ve got a super loud laugh - I’ve definitely been told I need to keep it down sometimes inside and outside work, but I am rarely successful complying with this! I also strongly believe there is no right or wrong way to go through life. Thus, I therefore believe there is no right or wrong way to do therapy. We will figure out together what the best style for you is. Feeling free, increasing confidence and dropping shame so you can step into the brightest version of yourself are my biggest goals for you.

I especially love providing therapy for individuals who are struggling with the impacts of sexual assault, relationship issues, past trauma and shame. I believe that in helping you move through your struggles, you can clear space & no longer be held back from doing exactly what you love in this world.

As a leader, I am committed to promoting equity and inclusion in every area of healthcare, and in life. I strive to be people-first, collaborative, and maintain a non-expert stance in order to create an environment for therapists and clients that is non-judgmental, welcoming, socially conscious, and full of compassion.

Outside of work I love getting takeout, spending time with my partner and son, reading, traveling, teaching myself to knit and play guitar, and watching shows on any and every streaming service.

paul blaske
he/him/his|#LPCC2026

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Stress Management, Academic Concerns, Life Transition, Acculturation, Relationships, Mindfulness, Group Therapy, Emerging Adulthood & Adolescence

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative, Solution Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed

about me

The journey into therapy takes tremendous courage, and I appreciate the opportunity to provide a collaborative pathway towards personal growth for everyone who steps into my office.

My journey into community mental health began after finishing a master’s degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Since then, I have been privileged to help individuals with diverse life stories work through their unique concerns. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy with a foundation in humanistic psychology that provides a non-judgmental space to meet your individualized treatment goals. In a typical session we might focus on untangling maladaptive thought patterns, reauthoring challenging life stories, processing complex emotions, or using mindfulness to quiet a busy brain. Together we will create a path towards overcoming ingrained anxieties, developing self compassion, and affirming yourself as the expert in your life.

Personally, I love living in the Twin Cities and experiencing all four seasons of Minnesota. I find pleasure in exploring the varieties of art, especially music and live performance. On any given Friday night I might find myself at a local concert venue, playing board games with friends, or just relaxing at home with my family and animals. Thanks for taking the time to get to know a little about me!

Camille Carlson
#LMFT3406

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder, Trauma, Women’s Issues, Relationship Concerns, Parent/Child/Family Concerns, Identity Issues and Formation, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Life Transitions, Values Clarification.

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral, Emotions Focused, Feminist, Narrative.

about me

As a therapist I feel honored and privileged to be a part of each individual’s journey toward healing and growth. I take seriously my role in this snapshot of your life and aim to work collaboratively to identify and actualize the goals you’ve set for yourself. It is my belief that the cornerstone of effective therapy is connection. From connection stems trust, understanding, feeling seen and heard, and ultimately growth.

My approach to therapy involves understanding who you are and what you’re looking for. While therapy is often focused on the areas in your life that aren’t going as you’d hoped, I aim to also identify what is going well, what is effective, and where your strengths lie. From these strengths we can build, grow, and change in directions you are more comfortable with. I have frequently found that those who are lost or in the most pain are uncertain about their identity and values. The therapy room can be a space to explore who you are, what you value, what direction you seek to go, and to clarify personal goals. I exercise radical genuineness with my clients and allow them to see me, know me, and connect with me in our work together.

I have experience in working with adults at every life stage, adolescents, and children. I have also worked extensively with couples and families of every formation. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD and run the Skills for Resilience, Regulation, and Relationships group at Acacia.

When I am not in the therapy room I enjoy connecting with nature through hiking, biking, and all Minnesota lakes related activities. I spend my evenings reading, painting, and spending time with friends, family, my husband, and our dog, Clark.

I look forward to getting to know you!

DR. KELLI HOWARD
#LP6270

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Family & Interpersonal Concerns, Addiction & Recovery, Sexual Health & Romantic Relationships, Sexual Assault & Trauma, Career & Academic Counseling, Mood & Emotions, Athletic & Creative Performance, Spirituality, Life Transitions, Group Counseling.

therapeutic orientation

Interpersonal, Humanistic, Family Systems, Trauma-informed.

about me

Welcome! I'm Kelli, a licensed psychologist here at Acacia. Though I enjoy working with people of all ages and cultural backgrounds, I chose Acacia specifically for the opportunity to work with students. Helpings students navigate the growth of college and graduate school- figuring out who they have been, and who they want to be - has been my work for the last fifteen years.

My counseling approach starts with my belief that all people have the dignity and potential to create change and live healthy, meaningful lives. Sometimes stress or mental health concerns interfere, or our typical ways of coping and communicating no longer work. I view counseling as a nonjudgmental space to explore these concerns, to learn about yourself and how you relate to others, and to expand your skills and resources for living a satisfying life. 

In addition to working at Acacia, I teach and conduct research at the University of Minnesota in the areas of higher education, student development, and mental health. I also have specialized training in concerns common for college students, such as sexual assault, substance use, and career and identity exploration. 

Outside of work, I enjoy tennis and college football, dinner parties, weekly Trivia Mafia outings, learning new places and things, and all four seasons of Minnesota. 

My warmest wishes to you,  Kelli

ANDREA DEURING
she/her/hers|#LPCC2836

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety and panic, social anxiety, chronic pain/illness, intersection of medical and mental health concerns, embodied self-awareness, grief, cultural/ethnic issues, depression, existential issues, gender & sexuality issues, international students, LGBTQIA+, life transitions, mood disorders

therapeutic orientation

Embodied self-awareness, Cognitive Processing Therapy, Psychodynamic, Insight-oriented, Cognitive, and Behavioral

about me

Humans are deeply integrated beings, and I’m skeptical that there is a clearly defined separation between mind and body. I see therapy as an opportunity to explore your individual personality, strengths, interests, family history, physical health, and existential orientation to find ways to create changes that are unique and workable for you.

Ideally, our emotions, beliefs, and behaviors should draw us closer to one another and give us a sense of meaning and purpose. When our lives are balanced we feel connected, supported, calm, generous, and safe. Overwhelming emotions, unhelpful beliefs, and hurtful behaviors can leave us isolated, defensive, anxious, angry, and feeling like we are constantly under threat. The good news is that humans are adaptable, changeable, and self-reflective. We have the power to try new things and change for the better. I work with clients to identify causes of distress and then build an awareness of the factors that feed into the problem. As we learn to recognize and name the things that cause distress, we can learn to intervene sooner so that pain does not control our lives. I look forward to working with you!

KEENAN CASHEN-SMART
under supervision

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, Life Transitions, Relationships, Self Esteem, Identity, Stress, Grief, Trauma, Learning Disabilities, Multicultural, Adolescents & Emerging Adults.

therapeutic orientation

Humanistic, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Feminist.

about me

Hey there! Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better and I appreciate you taking these first, courageous steps towards seeking support.

I have a long held passion for community mental health and have worked in human services most of my life. More recently, I graduated with my master’s degree in counseling from the University of Minnesota and have now been working with Acacia for several years, an experience which has deepened my interest in the mental health of college students and the period of young adulthood. My approach to therapy utilizes a person- centered and narrative philosophy, believing in the dignity of all individuals and acknowledging that you are in the process of writing your own story. I also believe in the importance of adapting to the needs of each client and drawing on a range of other therapeutic techniques. My practice draws upon teachings from multicultural, feminist, DBT, mindfulness, and developmental styles. More simply, life can be really hard sometimes and I hope I can help to make it just a little bit easier with support, tools, and maybe a little bit of humor.

I have spent all of my life in Minnesota, although I love to travel. Outside of the office I have an especially strong passion for board games and video games, dogs, hiking, and photography. Anything that takes me to new places or leads to new ways of having fun.

CALVIN HAUER
he/him/his| #LMFT3778

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

LGBTQIA Identity Support, Kink Community, Non-Monogamy, Transgender & Queer Community, Sexual concerns, Addiction Recovery, Masculinity, Depression, Anxiety, Nerds.

therapeutic orientation

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, CBT, Systems Focused, Play Therapy

about me

Hey! I’m Calvin and I am stoked to connect and work together.  Here are some fun details about me and how I practice.  As you may tell from my areas of focus, I am a sex and relationship therapist. What that means, is that I work with people regarding their sexual identity, desire concerns, performance, and functioning. Because of my focus on sexuality, I am competent in areas of kink, queer identity/community, non-monogamy/polyamory, and just about anything that intersects with sexuality (and if I don’t know, I know someone who does) 

Being a masculine-presenting cis man, I have found myself working with masculinity quite a bit. Specifically, I work with a lot of masculine of center people to unlearn and challenge toxic behaviors relating to masculinity. Another area of focus is working with people in early recovery. A large focus of my work is with gay-identified men who are working on challenging methamphetamine and opioid use.

My orientation is largely client-centered and connecting to therapy as a relationship. I believe that only in creating a safe therapeutic relationship, can we even approach healing. Often, I will use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with a smattering of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Internal Family Systems. I am a firm believer in ritual and mindfully creating ritual to fulfill our lives. Generally, I start my sessions with “where would you like to start?” and allow the client to drive, while I point out the scenery. 

In my personal life, I fall back on a number of hobbies that I find centering to my identity and self. I am an avid comic book nerd who will quote comics in session with clients. I also enjoy video games, collecting records, weightlifting, watching pro wrestling, and listening to true crime podcasts.

Dr. Liza Meredith
she/her/hers|#LP6233

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Insomnia, Academic Concerns, Career Concerns, Relationship & Family Concerns, Sexuality, Physical Health,Trauma, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Abuse, Existential & Identity Concerns, Pregnancy & Infertility

therapeutic orientation

Integrative, Humanistic, Person Centered, Feminist, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing

about me

Hello there! My name is Liza, and I'm glad you are considering coming to therapy. It's not easy to invest the time, money, and emotional energy into talking with someone about your concerns, but I am hopeful that you will find it beneficial to do so.

I graduated with a Counseling Psychology PhD degree from the University of Minnesota in 2016, and became a licensed psychologist in 2018. For three years of my graduate training, I worked with undergraduate and graduate students at college counseling centers. I love working with students and understand that undergraduate and graduate school is not an easy time of life. Besides working at Acacia, I teach Psychology courses and do research at the University of Minnesota. If you currently or previously had me as a professor or mentor, please opt for a different counselor.

If you choose to work with me, you can expect that I will be warm, enthusiastic, and genuine. My previous clients have described me as easy to talk to, a good listener, and thoughtful. While I take my work seriously, I also see the value of humor and lightheartedness even in the face of pain and suffering. I have been trained in a variety of evidence based models (e.g., Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), but what I care about most is developing a trusting and strong relationship with you. When we first meet, I will discuss with you what your preferences and expectations are for counseling. I will attempt to tailor my approach based upon your wishes and goals.

Outside of work, I enjoy running, cheering on theGophers, listening to Podcasts and audiobooks, and playing board games. I have a young daughter so I am also learning the ropes of parenting, and managing different life roles. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. And I hope you find a counselor who is an excellent fit for you!

KRISTIN AMMERMAN
#Lpcc2296

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Identity exploration, Life Transitions, Grief and loss, Self esteem, Body image, Eating disorders

therapeutic orientation

Person-centered & strengths-based, trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

about me

"She was never quite ready, but she was brave. And the universe listens to brave." - Rebecca Ray

Starting therapy is brave, and it is an honor to work with individuals who are leaning into challenge, discomfort and transition. My goal is to help individuals work towards their goals, whatever they may be, with compassion and empathy.

My theoretical orientation is primarily person-centered and strengths-based; I want to help you identify what is working for you, and how to build on these qualities even more. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and use this as a tool to help with interpersonal conflict and responding to difficult emotions. I am training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help individuals identify what's working and what isn't through a lens of values and committed action. Additionally, I enjoy working from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy background, to examine how our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are all connected and how we can challenge unwanted behaviors or negative thoughts.

I’m a born and raised Minnesotan and received my masters in counseling psychology at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I have an undergraduate degree in recreational therapy and worked with both children and older adults in that field. Prior to Acacia, I worked as a mental health professional at an inpatient eating disorder clinic.

In my free time, I enjoy biking, hiking, reading, and playing with my dog, Rhubarb. As you could probably tell from the first sentence, I love a good inspirational quote and am always on the lookout for inspiration. You will typically find me with a cup of tea or coffee and plenty of snacks!

Alex Stanger
under supervision

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, cultural/ethnic issues, depression, existential issues, identity issues, life transitions, relationships, self-esteem, stress management, trauma

therapeutic orientation

Integrative, person-centered, existential, Gestalt, strengths- based, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness

about me

Hello! My name is Alex, thank you so much for stopping by. I believe that a true and authentic relationship is at the core of a positive experience in therapy, and I am honored you have taken the time to get to know me a little more.

I was born and raised in the Twin Cities and love everything Minnesota has to offer. I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology at Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. I have recently completed my Master’s in Counseling at the University of St. Thomas. I completed my practicum experience here at Acacia and loved my time here as an Intern.

I believe that all people have a vast potential and capacity for self-understanding, self- directed growth, and self-healing. I believe that clients are experts on their own lives, and I am here as a guide. Each client has a unique experience that I strive to understand and foster positive, constructive, and conscious choices. I believe that through increased awareness, meaning, choice, and responsibility clients experience growth in many ways. I am here to hold space and support you as you work through the hard moments and celebrate your successes with you.

As a lifetime learner, my theoretical orientation is ever-growing. I utilize an integrative approach to therapy incorporating multiple theories into my practice; including Person- centered, Existential, Gestalt, ACT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches. In my free time I enjoy reading, watching baseball (go Twins!), spending time with my friends and family, cooking, and eating.

DR. KATE ESTERLINE
SHE/HER/HERS | #LP6567

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

LGBTQIA+ affirming, Gender Identity, Sexual and Romantic Relationships, Substance Use/Addictive Behaviors, Mood Disorders

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Interpersonal, Feminist, Multicultural

about me

Hello, and thanks for taking the time to see if we would be a good fit! I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy, and finding a therapist you are compatible with is an important part of the process.



In therapy, we will work together to identify the goals you want to focus on. I draw from several different therapy approaches so that we can find an approach and a rhythm that works for you. Developing and maintaining your sense of identity and autonomy are integral elements of therapy, and it is important to me to prioritize these in our work together in a warm, genuine, and collaborative way. I strongly value and enjoy my work with folks from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing my identity as a white, cisgender woman, I am intentional about creating space for trust to grow by honoring and actively incorporating the aspects of your cultural identity, values, and experiences that are important to you in the therapy process.

In addition to working with depression/anxiety, interpersonal relationships, and life transition/identity issues, I specialize in working with concerns around sexual orientation, sexual behavior/relationships, and gender identity, as well as with substance use and addictive behaviors. I also have experience working with students in the STEM fields.

I am originally from southeastern Pennsylvania, and I graduated with my PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Kansas in 2018. I've worked in university counseling centers for the past several years, and I love working with undergraduate and graduate students. In my free time, I enjoy cooking/baking, reading, exercising, playing video games, and hanging out with my cat, Pearl.

Nicole Cardarella
SHE/HER/HERS| #LPCC2537

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Substance use, Anxiety, Child & Adolescent, Coping skills, Depression, Trauma, LGBTQIA+, Life transitions, Self-esteem, Stress, Women's issues

therapeutic orientation

Strengths-based, Person-centered, DBT, Motivational interviewing, Narrative, Play techniques

about me

It is a courageous decision to try therapy and I look forward to joining you on your therapeutic journey. I believe that you have what it takes to grow inside of you already. I’m here to help pull out your strengths and equip you with the tools to foster your growth. I believe the relationship between a person and their therapist is essential and because of that, I am open and enjoy relating to clients. I will honor your knowledge, culture, and experiences as I believe you are the expert on your own life. I will work collaboratively with you in order to provide you with the therapeutic experience you deserve.

I have experience working with many folks of differing backgrounds including young adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples. I chose Acacia for the opportunity to help students during an exciting and overwhelming time in their lives. I am here to help you navigate this time of personal and professional growth.

In my free time, I enjoy being with friends, trying new food, and spending time with my partner and our two cats. I went to graduate school at the University of Minnesota and moved to Iowa for a few years. I am thrilled to be back in the Twin Cities and can’t wait to meet you.

KATHERINE GOODMAN
SHE/HER/HERS| MSW #LICSW27410, #LADC305348

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Attachment, Loss & Grief, Adoption, Divorce, Addiction and/or Substance Use, LGBTQIA+, Trauma (personal, intergenerational, historical), Life Transitions, Self-harm, Self-esteem, Cultural-identity, Gender-identity

therapeutic orientation

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Humor Therapy, Art Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Strength-based, Person-centered, Psychodynamic, Mindfulness, Dialectical (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

about me

The relationship between participant and clinician is a unique experience and not one I take for granted. I believe your story is your story and healing comes through the intention brought into the therapy space by both of us. As a therapist, I am committed to being a source of unconditional positive regard, ask questions, offer observations to identify connections in experiences, explore and challenge negative self-belief, offer tools and skills in the capacity desired, and celebrate the ups and the downs of the process. I believe human growth, change, and healing is most easily found when we allow ourselves the chance to be uncomfortable.

I began my professional path in secondary education and continue to love and value the learning process. I value the opportunities I've had to gain professional experience in these settings; Educational Crisis and Behavioral Support, Adolescent Day Treatment, Supportive Housing and Co-occurring Disorder Programs, Hospital Mental Health and Addiction Units, and serving on the MN Board of Social Work. I hold degrees in Education, Communication Disorders, Clinical Social Work, and Addiction Counseling and can thoroughly understand and support the complexities of being a learner while also navigating many other life-roles concurrently.

As an individual and a clinician, I am committed to prioritizing my own healing, health & wellness and can be frequently found laughing and playing games with friends and family, browsing personal growth books at a local bookstore, taking walks in our beautiful Minneapolis and county parks, trying to stay up-right on my Covid-splurge paddleboard, practicing yoga and rowing, advocating for human and animal rights in as many ways I can control, creating art in as many ways possible, listening to Harry Potter audio-books with my children, baking and trying new recipes, and continuing to keep our local coffee shops in business.

I value your choice as you select a clinician for your therapy experience and am committed to helping you find your best fit whether that is with me or a colleague I can help direct you to. You are the owner of this path for yourself and I am grateful for the opportunity to be an encourager along the way.

DAMARIS AXELSON
SHE/HER/HERS | #LPCC02488

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Addiction, anxiety, coping skills, depression, dual diagnosis, life transitions, relationship issues, stress management, values & identity

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive behavioral, ACT, DBT, Mindfulness-Based, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered, Strengths-based, Trauma-informed

about me

My style as a therapist can best be described as direct yet also empathetic, while also mixing in some humor. I believe that we all learn survival strategies that may have worked for us in the past, but at a certain point we realize that these methods aren’t as effective or may even be working against us. My hope as a therapist is to come alongside you and help them to learn new strategies to reach their goals.

I have worked in behavioral health for the past 6 years, primarily working in treatment programs for people with addiction and mental health concerns, while also being an individual therapist for a small caseload. I really enjoy group work, but also love individual work!

I’m originally from Minnesota but spent five years living overseas when I was a teenager. This experience has had a profound impact on how I see the world and I still love to travel. When not working, I like to go to concerts, do yoga, knit and spend time with my dog Stella.

TRICIA ScHULTE
SHE/HER/HERS | #LICSW29287

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief, Identity, Infidelity, International Students, LGTBQIA+, Life Coaching, Life Transitions, Parenting, Peer Relationships, Race-based Trauma, Stress, Transgender, Trauma and PTSD, Women's Issues

therapeutic orientation

Acceptance and Commitment, Clinical Supervision, Coaching, Couples, Culturally Sensitive, EMDR, Feminist, Interpersonal, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic, Relational, Solution Focused Brief, Somatic Experiencing, Trauma Focused.

about me

At the foundation of my therapeutic approach is the belief that healing happens in relationships with others and ourselves. I view my work through an anti-oppression/ social justice lens, and am committed to increasing my own awareness and resistance to the systems that perpetuate structural inequities in race, gender, and socio-economic status. As a white, cis-gender woman, I am committed to working with clients of many backgrounds and identities in order to cultivate healing both individually and in communities. I believe mental well-being flourishes within a holistic, client-driven approach. Guided by my experience and training, I listen for client values, insights, and solutions that promote self-direction and increase the possibility for healing and change. Some questions I might begin within therapy are: “How well are you sleeping?” “What are the things/ people you value the most?” “If you could change something that would make your life more satisfying or meaningful, what would it be?”

For the past 15 years, I have worked with university-age clients, and other adults, first as a certified Life Coach, and since 2014 as an LICSW therapist in a college counseling center. My educational background began in the fine arts, and then veered into the history and cultural issues surrounding immigration. I have a BA and MA in history, and a Master’s in Social Work. Before I landed in the field of psychotherapy, I taught ESL in China and the U.S., and worked to increase access to reproductive healthcare and HIV/AIDS prevention/ treatment. I grew up in St. Paul, have an outdoor-obsessed husband, two amazing young-adult daughters, and a 100-pound doodle named Reggie, who loves all humans and dogs.

ANN SCHROEDER
SHE/HER/HERS | LGSW (supervised)

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, depression, self-esteem, life transitions and adjustment, grief and loss, relationship issues (family, friends, couples), school issues, stress, parenting, women's issues

therapeutic orientation

Person-centered, Strengths-based, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI), Psychodynamic, Holistic, Culturally-aware, Trauma-informed

about me

One of my favorite quotes is “I would not creep along the coast, but steer out in mid-sea, by guidance of the stars” (Mary Ann Evans). Whatever it is that brings to you therapy, I believe you have an intact sense of your own inner stars, of who you are and what you need to grow, recover, or heal. Whether you’re managing overwhelm and emotions, recovering from a past experience or trauma, charting a course for future change, or all of the above, I’m committed to being responsive to your beliefs and values, and to collaborating with you on a shared approach to therapy. I will follow your lead, offer safe space, provide expanded perspective and skills to help you live your values and craft the life you want, or whatever we decide together. I bring a lot of curiosity and empathy, I love working with words, language, and metaphors, and I believe in a holistic approach that embraces mind, body, and spirit.

Following a twenty-year career as a writer and editor, clinical social work is my own mid-sea voyage and culmination of a lot of life experience. Prior to joining Acacia, I had the privilege of working in a local hospital with a wide range of patients experiencing mental health crisis. I’m St. Paul born and bred and feel incredibly lucky to live in the midst of St. Paul’s lakes, parks, neighborhoods, and the Mississippi. My favorite downtime escapes are reading 19th century British novels and playing traditional Irish music with friends in a local ensemble. I love getting out in Minnesota’s prairies and northwoods, a good bike ride on one of the state trails, and I drop everything and grab binoculars when I spot a wild bird. Best of all is keeping up with my three awesome adult daughters, my high-energy, local history-enthusiast husband, and a lifetime’s worth of cool friends.

CAROLINE STARK
SHE/HER/HERS | #LICSW26684

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression/Anxiety, Life Transitions, Career Counseling, Life Coaching, Attachment Trauma, Racial Trauma, Adoption, and Racial Identify Issues, Relationship Issues, Family Conflict, Loss and Grief, Parenting, Narcissistic Personality, Spirituality and Spiritual Crises, Women's Issues

therapeutic orientation

Psychodynamic, Attachment-Based, Coaching, Culturally Sensitive, Internal Family Systems, Jungian, Narrative, Existential, Emotionally Focused, Play Therapy, Relational, Transpersonal

about me

My approach to therapy can be stated more beautifully by the writer Audre Lorde, who tells us that "we are all in the process of becoming." I believe that therapy can be an integral part of this process.

My job is to partner with you so we can explore your multiple layers, the ways in which they work together or come into conflict, how your past informs your present, and the stories in which you live. While I can't offer you SOLUTIONS or THE ANSWER, I can offer you a space where we can sit in the uncertainty and the questions together; a space where I'm fully present and you feel listened to and seen.

My experiences as a trans-racial adoptee has informed my areas of interest and expertise including: race-based identity issues and trauma, attachment trauma, adoption, life transitions, existential and spiritual crises, and depression/anxiety. I also have a deep passion for first generation college students and clients who are new to therapy.

I grew up in Minnesota and got my B.A in Art and Sociology at Macalester College. After graduating, I moved abroad and have lived in a number of different states before moving back to Minnesota. I value what can be learned from travel, leaving your comfort zone, interacting with others who I may disagree with, and re-evaluating what you think you know on a regular basis. I enjoy deep, meaningful conversations, dark and/or silly humor, beautiful music and art, transcendence, a well-crafted pun, and fluffy animals.

katie o'dowd
she/her/hers | MA, Pre-Licensed

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Relationship Concerns, Family Concerns, Life Transitions, Academic and Career Concerns, Anxiety, Stress Management, Mindfulness, Body Image/Body Acceptance, Self-Compassion, Self-Esteem, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Sex Positive

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered, Psychodynamic, Interpersonal, Feminist, Strengths-Based, Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)

about me

Hello there! My name is Katie. I’m so glad you’re here and considering therapy, a brave first step in itself. I believe that a large part of self-healing happens in relationships with others, and I’m here to build a collaborative partnership with you where together we can create a path towards a more fulfilling life. I look forward to hearing what brings you here.

My primary focus as a therapist is to provide you with a warm, authentic relationship, and nonjudgmental space for self-reflection. Theoretically speaking, my orientation is towards person-centered, psychodynamic, feminist, and interpersonal theories. I find it important to examine and gain insight into the impact that relationships, past events, societal expectations, and other factors have had on us so that we are better able to work through present-day concerns. I believe that you hold the capacity to grow and change in a way that brings you joy and meaning in life, and I would feel honored to support you on that journey.

Everyone comes to therapy with different hopes for and expectations of the experience, and I want to work with you to create an experience that feels right for you. I draw from multiple different approaches to help you see your strengths, build your skills, gain insight into your experiences, support you in the tough moments, celebrate your wins, and hopefully laugh a bit along the way too.

I’m happy to be practicing at Acacia in Minneapolis, having graduated from the University of Minnesota with both my Bachelors in Psychology and Masters in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology. Outside of the office, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, traveling, hiking, cooking, cribbage, and tending to my many house plants.

Marcelline Gangl
she/her/hers| #LPCC2408

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Trauma and PTSD, Domestic Abuse and Violence, Family Conflict, Sexual Abuse, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Coping Skills, Life Transitions, Women's Issues, Self-Esteem

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered, Strength-Based, Trauma Focused, Psychodynamic, Drama Therapy

about me

Beginning therapy is courageous, welcome! Through my background in trauma-focused and person-centered approaches, along with my training in Drama Therapy, I aim to create a space to meet you where you are at. I believe that therapy is a partnership focused on empowering you. Each session can be filled with traditional talk therapy approaches or we can dabble in more expressive theater-based techniques. It is your journey, and I am here to be witness to the strength you hold within you!

After graduating from the Counseling Student and Personnel Psychology program at the University of Minnesota, I found myself working in settings across the lifespan and with people diverse in the identities they held. This included early recovery settings, adolescents, school-based work, and at art camps for youth from various backgrounds, nationalities, and gender identity. Most recently, I worked solely on addressing stress and trauma within an academic setting. I am currently receiving training to become a registered drama therapist, to infuse my practice with a passion of mine, believing that the arts connect us all.

Outside of work, I enjoy any time I get to spend outside, no matter the weather! I fill my spare time with hobbies of travel, baking, painting, and running. Although, nothing beats an amazing cup of coffee. I look forward to meeting you!

GREG MARSH
Pre-Licensed

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Existential and Spiritual Concerns, Religious/ Spiritual Trauma, Depression, Family Issues, Identity Formation, Relationship Challenges, Processing the Past, OCD, Phobia, Social Anxiety, Coping with Illness or Physical Limitations.

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Humanistic/Existential Therapy, Psychodynamic, Family Systems Perspective, Trauma-Informed.

about me

Hello, thanks for stopping by to learn more about me. Mental health symptoms are overwhelming and exhausting to live with. I want you to begin healing and feeling better as quickly as possible, while also giving you the space and time you need to do deep work. I have been described as mellow, focused, and easy to talk to--empathetic, but not patronizing. I like to be a genuine person with my clients. If you have specific issues you want to work on or just need your story to be heard, I would love to meet with you.

At times we will zoom in and look at unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors you want to change. Other times we may zoom out and look at the wider context in which you live. How can we live as healthy whole people in an unhealthy society or family of origin? How is race, gender, sexual identity, or disability informing your experience? I want to listen, learn, and collaborate with you.

Outside of my work as a therapist I enjoy welding, carpentry, and rebuilding my old house. I am nourished by the natural world and love hiking, canoeing, camping, and birding. Most importantly I love spending time with my wife, daughter, friends, and family.

CHERYL DORNFELD
PRE-LICENSED

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Emotion Regulation for Anxiety, Depression, Overwhelm, and Post-Traumatic Growth. Additionally, working with topics of Life Transitions, Emerging Adulthood, Gender fluidity, Grief, and Purpose. Lastly, I specialize in Integrating Top-down processing (Mindfulness, patterns of thought, perspective-taking, beliefs, values), Bottom-up processing (Somatic Experiencing®, Yoga), with Emotion Regulation (both top-down and bottom-up) approaches.

therapeutic orientation

Somatic Psychology, Acceptance and Commitment, Emotion-focused, Positive Psychology (Strengths-based & Self Compassion), and Cognitive Behavioral. Additionally, I am influenced by Tom Rath’s Wellbeing and Brene Brown’s Vulnerability & Creativity research.

about me

In addition to my master’s degree in counseling and psychological services, I have completed a three year training in a autonomic nervous system based approach “Somatic Experiencing” and have received my “Somatic Experiencing Practitioner®” certificate. This body-centered approach is designed for transforming overwhelm, trauma, and dysregulation that can often occur with life transitions. Integrating the wisdom of the body, along with strengthening ‘muscles’ of awareness, perspective-taking, discovering adaptive beliefs and values, I believe can help people create more of the thriving well-being they desire. My style of working with clients is collaborative, partnering with them to empower and support their creating the growth & change important to them.

On the personal side, I enjoy hiking, biking, gardening, finding humor, dinner parties with friends and family, and time spent with my dog, Star, who sometimes joins me on my yoga mat. Similarly, simply being outdoors among trees, water, and natural surroundings recharges my soul as does time spent traveling, and immersing my eyes in views of diverse colors and textures.

Lastly, I liken the process of effective therapy to the master gardening process of composting. Like composting, effective therapy requires skillful guidance of a right-for-you therapist, 'container', and balance of light and dark, movement and stillness. When these ingredients are embraced, they can facilitate your transforming the messy/difficult into nourishing organic matter that fuels the beautiful ‘garden of you’ that matters to you.

AARON NORDrum
he/him/his|#LMFT4059

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Behavioral issues, Career counseling, Depression, Coping skills, Divorce, Dual diagnosis, Crisis intervention, LGTQIA+, Life coaching, Peer relationships, Racial identity, Relationship issues, Self-esteem, Spirituality, Stress, Transgender, Trauma, Triage Services, and PTSD

therapeutic orientation

Acceptance and commitment, Attachment-based, Coaching, Compassion focused, Culturally sensitive, Emotionally focused, Experiential therapy, Family/marital, Family systems, Mindfulness-based, Motivational interviewing, Solution focused brief therapy, Strength based, Structural family therapy

about me

Hi, my name is Aaron Nordrum and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota. I graduated from St. Cloud State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and Community Psychology and a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.

I have a strong belief that our experiences and relationships shape our life view and work to help clients identify areas of improvement and create their own happiness. My clinical philosophy is largely client-centered and aims at collaborating with clients to create a treatment plan that focuses on short and long term goals. I often use a combination of Solution Focused, Systems, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

As a Triage Provider I conduct brief intake appointments to determine the level of care necessary and make appropriate referrals and recommendations. The purpose of these sessions are to assess the appropriateness of Acacia’s services or to refer individuals not appropriate to other treatment facilities and providers. In my down time I love spending time outside with my fiance and our two boys. We have a passion for being on Rainy Lake and often spend our weekends at the beach or out kayaking/paddleboarding. We also have three big dogs that we love taking on adventures. A few other personal hobbies I have are slacklining, boxing, jiu-jitsu, disc golfing, and I love movies.

JODI TESCHER
SHE/HER/HERS | #LICSW11336

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

ASD, Grief, Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Coping skills, School issues, and Chronic illness

therapeutic orientation

CBT, Strength-Based, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused and Play Therapy​

about me

Hello! Welcome to Acacia! I am here to assist you on your wellness journey. You have already taken the first step by finding resources, so congrats to you! Recognizing the importance of mental health, and learning ways to manage our health is an imperative step.

I have many years of experience providing clinical services to diverse individuals with a wide range of concerns. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker I have worked in outpatient clinic settings, private practice, medical settings and schools. Part of my training involved systems theory, which recognizes the intersectionality of all areas of our lives. What affects me in one area, probably spills over into other areas. I have had several years of experience and training working in telehealth. Much of my training has been involving cognitive behavioral therapy, the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behavior. I also have done intensive workshops in play therapy, which can help therapy be more engaging.

My approach is collaborative, working with clients to determine treatment goals, and ways to measure progress to those goals. Finding new ways to process, and cope with experiences when we feel stuck becomes vital to all throughout our life. Life becomes a series of re-sets, and sometimes we all need some assistance to find our way and move forward again. Learning new skills to process and reframe life experiences is vital. Strength and resiliency lay within all of us, but when we feel overwhelmed and defeated it can be difficult to find. Working with a therapist using a strengths- based approach helps us to see a new path forward.

In my free time I enjoy many different interests. I enjoy the different seasons, and appreciate being able to focus on different things related to each season. So depending on, I might be cross country skiing, hiking, gardening, enjoying the arts or watching sports. Reading is my favorite activity for all seasons! Spending time with family and friends each week is something I value.

Pa Tou Vue
SHE/HER/HERS |#LPCC2479

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, Anxiety, Trauma/PTSD, Domestic Violence/Abuse, Sexual Abuse, Relationship Issues, Self-esteem, Racial Identity, Stress Management/Coping, Women's Issues, Parenting
Additional Languages: Hmong

therapeutic orientation

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Culturally Sensitive, EMDR, Attachment Based, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Multicultural, Person-Centered, Solution Focused, Trauma Focused

about me

I feel passionate about supporting my clients in their efforts to affect change in their lives. I strive to create a safe space for my clients to process and work through their struggles, recognize and build on strengths.

As a first generation Hmong American woman, I am conscious of my privileges as well the challenges that are present for those who experience and live with different minority identities. The focus of my work is to accompany my clients in their journey towards healing and empowerment, recognizing that each individual's path is different.

Born and raised in Wisconsin, I completed my undergraduate and graduate degrees at UW-Madison. The focus of my studies included Asian Americans, Women, History and Psychology. I enjoy spending time with my 2 sons, taking walks, hiking, playing ultimate Frisbee and playing board games with friends.

DR. Rachelle L. Lisogurski
SHE/HER/HERS | #LP2596

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Depression, anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, anger management, social phobia, academic problems.
Additional Languages: Spanish

therapeutic orientation

My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approaches, especially Adlerian therapy, which is a brief, psychoeducational approach that is both humanistic and goal-oriented. It emphasizes the individual’s strivings for success, connectedness with others, and contributions to society. It focuses on the patient’s feelings of anxiety and examines that person’s sense of belonging. I am bilingual (English/Spanish), and as a result of my rich multicultural background and experience working with diverse socioeconomic groups, I am able to quickly build rapport and trust with my patients. My passion is to work with college students and help them succeed.

about me

I am a licensed clinical psychologist in the State of Minnesota and hold a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Capella University. I have worked with patients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, couples therapy and relationship issues, family problems, grief and loss, panic disorder and agoraphobia, post-traumatic stress disorder, self-esteem issues, social phobia, women’s issues, work stress, and issues related to college students. When I am not working, I enjoy practicing Spring Forest Qigong, which is based on the simple yet profound understanding that everything in the universe is energy.

BRYAN ELLINGSON
#LICSW26505

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Adolescents, adults, Anxiety, Trauma and PTSD, Self Esteem, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Depression, Developmental Disorders, Emotional Disturbance, Family Conflict, Grief, Life Transitions, Parenting, Relationship Issues, School Issues, Self-Harming, Sexual Abuse, Stress, and Suicidal Ideation

therapeutic orientation

My clinical training is in psychodynamic psychotherapy, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and complex trauma. I value working with diverse clients to improve how you feel about yourself, relate to others, cope with stress, gain insight and more adaptive approaches to mental health challenges to live your authentic life.

about me

As a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, I collaborate with clients from all walks of life. My approach as a therapist is authentic, relational, seeing the heart of a matter, and what is beyond overt language. I believe lasting change is possible through a therapeutic relationship that is safe, collaborative, nonjudgmental, and engenders openness and trust. Our work together also values your uniqueness and specific goals. The client-therapist relationship is a chance to try new ways of thinking and feeling, being heard, understood and knowing yourself in a profound, new way.

I earned my BA degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas, in St. Paul, MN. I completed my MSW at St. Catherine University and the University of St. Thomas, joint School of Social Work program (St. Paul, MN). My passions outside of work include travel (favorites are anywhere with mountains or Manhattan), reading, spending time with my wife and two daughters, a good cup of cold press coffee, and hanging out with our pitbull mix-Buster, and our cat, Tulip.

NATALIE WIMMER
SHE/HER/HERS | Intern

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Depression, Relationship Issues, Identity Development, Foster Care, Life Transitions, Trauma, Premarital

therapeutic orientation

Person-Centered, Humanistic/Existential, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Multicultural, Integrative, Trauma Focused

about me

Hey there! My name is Natalie, and I am currently completing my Master’s in Counseling and Psychological Services at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. I am excited to meet with you and hear your story. I strongly believe in the power of being heard and that is what I aim to do in our sessions together.

My theoretical approach is person-centered as I believe that you are the expert in your life, and I am here to walk with you on your journey. Subsequently, I appreciate the term “fellow traveler” as it represents a unity in the human experience, and it derives from the work of existentialism. I also take a Cognitive Behavioral approach to provide understanding on how our thoughts impact our behaviors and to learn problem-solving skills to change those thoughts. Lastly, I take on a multicultural approach because mental health looks different in different cultures. I strive to be knowledgeable about the ways social equities and oppression can impact individuals of various cultures and to actively work towards creating an anti-racist society.

In my free time, I greatly enjoy spending time with my cat Olive, thrift shopping, painting watercolor with friends, putting together jigsaw puzzles, and reading a good book or listening to podcasts. I am, and will continue to be, a life-long learner and I love to absorb new information in any form that I can. Because of this desire to learn, I am open to hearing different perspectives and challenging my biases

Ally Christiansen
SHE/HER/HERS | INTERN

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Depression, Women’s Issues, Stress Management & Coping, Relationship Issues, Self-Esteem

therapeutic orientation

Emotions Focused, Feminist, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Person-Centered, Mindfulness

about me

Hi there! My name is Ally. Thank you for taking the time to read about me! I am a master’s student at the University of St. Thomas in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology. I believe that building a strong relationship is a key component of having a positive experience in therapy. Getting to know you is something that I look forward to. I hope to create an inclusive, welcoming and nonjudgmental environment for therapy that works the best for you.

I was born and raised in the suburbs of Minneapolis and completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at Minnesota State University, Mankato with a minor is sociology. In my free time I enjoy singing in community choirs with my fiancé, walking my lovely pup, playing video games, and hanging out with my friends and family. I love trying new things and meeting new people, so, with that being said, I can’t wait to meet and work with you!

JOHN HINKS
he/him/his | INTERN THERAPIST

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

Anxiety, Existential and Spiritual Concerns, Career Counseling, Depression, Family Issues, Identity, Relationship Issues, Stress, Processing the Past, Phobia, Social Anxiety, Greif, LGBTQIA+

therapeutic orientation

Areas of Interest: Person-Centered, Existential, Narrative, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy for Depression

about me

Hi, my name is John and I’m excited to work and learn with you on your counseling journey! I’m a student attending the University of St. Thomas, and I am very excited to be here at Acacia completing my Practicum training as part of my Master’s in Counseling Psychology program. A little bit about myself; I’ve spent the last 5 years working in both inpatient and community mental health settings, and have grown a deep appreciation for this exciting process of healing and growth. I have been described as relaxed, understanding, and easy to talk to. Working together, I hope to build our counseling relationship on a foundation of empathy and open exploration of what brings you into the counseling room.

I have a strong faith that each of us have the ability to grow and overcome our struggles. Because growth and "finding ourselves" is a lifelong process, we may not come up with a definitive answer to every question you may have. However, we will strive to create a comfortable space in which you can openly explore the difficult aspects of life with an attentive and non-judgmental ear. We will begin to address your immediate symptoms and concerns by looking at your thinking patterns, your unique strengths, and finding coping skills that work for you. I hope to process these immediate concerns through the lens of the bigger picture issues we all face, such as the meaning and purpose of our lives. By discussing your values, past, and life story in an empowering way, I hope you leave the counseling room one step closer to answering the questions that bring you in.

Outside of the counseling room, I enjoy spending time on Lake Nokomis with my wife and daughter - who is rapidly approaching the terrible twos! I’m passionate about music, and all things guitar. My additional free time might be spent reading a history book, or watching a Star Wars movie. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me a little better, and I look forward to seeing you in the near future!

GRACE JOHNTSON | SHE/HER/HERS

Office Manager

ABOUT ME

Hi! My name is Grace Johnston, and I'm the Office Manager in Minneapolis. I went to school at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, and graduated with a degree in English Literature (I'm definitely a book nerd- ask me for suggestions!). I came to Acacia after finding my passion in the administrative mental health field, and wanting to move back to my home state of Minnesota! Acacia's passion for inclusivity and diversity is what attracted me to the organization, and I'm so happy to work for a company that values the things that truly matter. In my free time, I like to spend time with my husband, Ragdoll kitty named George, embroider, read, and binge watch shows on Netflix, Hulu, and whatever other streaming networks that companies can come up with.

What song would you say best sums you up?

Let 'Em Say by Lizzo and Caroline Smith.

What’s your favorite book?

My favorite book is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. I even have a tattoo on my shoulder that says "ardently" written in Jane Austen's handwriting!

ADDIE SMITH | THEY/THEM/THEIRS

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

ABOUT ME

Hi friends, Addie here! I'm an office administrator here at the Minneapolis office and joined the Acacia team in the fall of 2020. As the MHA lead here also, I love advocating for accessible mental health care and cherish the opportunity to support our clients through their college years! Originally from California, I moved out to the Mini Apple in 2017 after finishing school at UC Santa Cruz and have grown to love this city more with each year.

Outside of my administrative work, I am a dance and theater artist, performer, and artist mentor for younger dancers. In my free time, you'll find me dancing, biking along the river, baking, talking about my feelings, fighting for social justice, or watching a rom com.

What fictional character do you most relate to and why?

I was a big SpongeBob fan growing up, so maybe SpongeBob! We share a deep enthusiasm for the things we love, we're slightly naive, and I love tuning into that childlike sense of wonder and curiosity about the world that is so deeply SpongeBob.

Do you collect anything?

I have an accumulated way more glass jars and bottles than I'll ever need. Does that count?

EMMA DORAU | SHE/HER/HERS

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

ABOUT ME

My name is Emma and I'm an Administrative Assistant here at Acacia Minneapolis! I graduated from the University of Minnesota Spring of 2020 with a degree in Psychology and minor in Public Health. Before Acacia, I worked in a residential group home and in a hospital inpatient mental health setting, but I decided to come to Acacia because of Acacia's core values and passion for giving quality care. I am passionate about mental health, especially in college-age students since it is such a pivotal time of life, so I really love that aspect of Acacia.

In my free time, I like to spend time with friends and my cat, Olive! I love being outdoors and tending to my plants. I also enjoy playing guitar, photography, reading and yoga.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

I see myself with a huge garden growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs! I'd also have a camper van and go on frequent road trips!

Where in the world would you travel to if money wasn’t an issue?

I'd do a complete European trip! Everywhere from the Mediterranean to Scandinavia.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Also known as psychotherapy, talk therapy, or counseling, Acacia individual therapy is a collaborative process between you and your therapist, aiming to understand problems, facilitate change, and improve quality of life.

A staple of every Acacia office, we believe that individual therapy is an incredibly effective process of healing through self-exploration, skills training, and other various forms of change. Ask your therapist how they view the change process. Remember, not every therapist is a good fit and it is important for you to find an Acacia therapist who you feel connects best to your specific needs. If you don't get a good fit, don't fret. You can ask for a change and we will accommodate you!

The therapeutic process can range in length from a few sessions to several years and is appropriate for goals ranging from focused on solving immediate problems to facilitating self-growth and discovery.

Sessions generally last 50 minutes and provide a safe, caring, and confidential space where you can deeply explore the challenges in your lives and, with the help of the therapist, find effective responses and solutions. The process of therapy is largely determined by your individual needs and the nature of each problem but will likely involve exploration of emotions, beliefs, behaviors, internal conflicts, relationships, and both current and past experiences.

Individual therapy can be effective in helping you better understand, manage and express your emotions, learn to deal effectively with stress and anxiety, improve relationships, heal from past traumas, change behaviors that are counterproductive to your goals and values, gain confidence and self-esteem, work through difficult family dynamics, and many other situations. Individual therapy has been shown to be highly effective for many mental health conditions.

Until further notice, all appointments are via video. Contact your office to discuss this further.


All Acacia offices offer video therapy appointments*. Existing clients can discuss with their provider to switch appointments to video as a one-off or ongoing.
*Video service may not be covered by your insurance plan, it's important to know before finalizing your appointment.

VIDEO THERAPY

Video therapy, also known as telehealth or teletherapy, allows you to connect with a therapist without having to travel anywhere.

Similar to services you receive in person, video therapy sessions generally last 50 minutes and provide a safe, caring, and confidential space where you can deeply explore the challenges in your lives and, with the help of the therapist, find effective responses and solutions. The process of therapy is largely determined by your individual needs and the nature of each problem but will likely involve exploration of emotions, beliefs, behaviors, internal conflicts, relationships, and both current and past experiences.

ACACIA REACH

Acacia Reach is our video therapy services that allows everyone access to video services, even when there is no physical Acacia location nearby. Check out the link below to learn more!

Learn More

GROUP THERAPY | MINNEAPOLIS

Skills for Resilience, Regulation, and Relationships

Do you often feel like your emotions are overwhelming? Do you have trouble controlling and regulating your feelings? Do you struggle with tolerating distress? Do you often find it hard to navigate relationships? Based on the model of DBT, this group will teach you the skills of mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. Learn to “walk the middle path” to create a fulfilling life, while sharing your journey with others along the way. This group is led by Camille Carlson and Andrea Deuring.

If you are interested in joining this group, please contact the Acacia Minneapolis front desk to request access to our online screening questionnaire.

MEN'S PROCESSING GROUP

What does it mean to “be a man?” In a society filled with complex and often harmful messages about what masculinity should look like, it can be difficult to make sense of one’s own masculinity. This group will serve as a space for men to explore this topic and to work on developing their own positive masculine identity. Subjects to be discussed will include managing conflict, the healthy expression of emotions, social skills, positive relationships, and coping among others. If you are someone who would like help in one of these areas or if you have been struggling with aspects of your masculinity. This group is led by Calvin Hauer and Keenan Cashen-Smart.