Shujianing holds a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. She has worked and trained in different clinical settings, including college mental health, psychiatric inpatient, and intensive outpatient programming. She is pursuing a PhD in Counseling Psychology. Shujianing self-identifies as a queer 1.5-generation Chinese American woman. She is passionate about working with individuals from diverse ethnoracial, immigration, and class backgrounds and with different sexual orientations and gender identities. Shujianing believes the best treatment approach is personalized and emerges through equal collaboration with her clients. She often draws inspiration from relational-cultural and emotion-focused frameworks and uses somatic and cognitive-behavioral techniques. Shujianing offers services in English and Mandarin Chinese and will be joining our Golden Valley office.
Introducing: Jessica Ritchey, MA, LMFT
We are so happy to welcome Jessica to our Team! Jessica is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master's degree from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She has 10+ years of experience working in the mental health field and is excited to continue this work with Birch. She enjoys working with individuals ages 16+ and has a special interest working with couples.
Jessica's areas of specialty include mood-spectrum disorders, trauma, relationship issues, coping with mental illness at home, parenting interventions, as well as grief and loss. Her therapeutic roots are with Gottman Theory and Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) and Brainspotting for trauma treatment, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) for emotion dysregulation challenges, however she tends to be integrative and brings in tools from Internal Family Systems (IFS), as well as mindfulness-based and strengths-based interventions as appropriate with clients.
Outside of the office Jessica enjoys spending time with friends and family, going for walks and hikes with the dog, working on jigsaw puzzles, trying new foods/restaurants, visiting the ocean, and tending to her garden.
Welcoming in January: Student Therapist Jayme Hanson
Growing up Jayme’s parents struggled with mood disorders, depression, and substance abuse. Exposure to their wellness journeys embedded a deep interest in the workings of the human brain and nervous system along with the healing potential of therapy.
Jayme is a connector at her core, she aims to develop deep trust with her clients as they journey through the process of discovery and healing. She is passionate about adults struggling with relationship concerns, anxiety/depression, chronic illness, parenting, work stress, and racial trauma.
Before psychotherapy, Jayme held executive leadership roles within healthcare companies and co-founded a successful medical technology startup that improved treatment access for people living with chronic illnesses. She received her Bachelor's in Psychology from DePaul University and is in the process of obtaining a Master's in Clinical Mental Health from Northwestern University. Upon completion of her clinical rotation and graduation, she will pursue credentials as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPCC).
Welcoming January 15: Student Therapist Kaelyn Dagon
Kaelyn currently is a graduate student at the Saint Mary’s Master’s Counseling and Psychological Services Program. She is working toward becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Kaelyn received her bachelors degree in psychology from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. She is passionate about working with emerging adults, older adolescents, and professionals in education with a focus on life changes, stress, occupation burnout, goal-setting, performance enhancement, anxiety, and depression. She enjoys working with a diverse population of individuals from different backgrounds and cultures and believes in incorporating one's unique experience into their healing journey. She looks forward to building a safe and welcoming environment where clients are able to build skills in order to achieve their goals. Kaelyn incorporate strategies and concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness based and strength based practices, Narrative Therapy, art therapy, and strengths-based approaches.
In her free time, Kaelyn I enjoys working out, listening to music, watching sports, painting and spending time with family and friends.
Welcoming August 21: Ashley Helgeson
Ashley is currently a graduate student in the Clinical Mental Health program at Minnesota State University Moorhead. She is looking forward to graduating in May (2024) and is currently pursuing licensure in clinical counseling (LPCC). Ashley enjoys using person-centered, strength based and positive psychotherapy and is passionate about working with those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, substance use, and co-dependency. She strives to create a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental environment. She looks forward to working with a diverse group of clienteles and is open to work with children, teens, and adults. Ashley looks forward to helping clients gain insight on how life events can affect one’s approach to life and she hopes to support and empower individuals as they take their next steps into that journey.
Outside of work and school, Ashley enjoys spending time with friends and family. She also enjoys crocheting, rollerblading and getting outside as much as she can during the summer months.
Welcoming in September: Andrea Nelson, MA
We are excited to announce that Andrea Nelson, MA will be joining us September 11.
Andrea is graduating with a Master’s degree in Addiction Counseling from Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School, with an emphasis on integrated recovery for co-occurring disorders. She will be working toward dual licensure as an alcohol and drug counselor and independent clinical licensure (LADC and LPCC). Andrea is passionate about helping people gain control of their lives, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals.
Welcoming July 10: Kimberly Debeer, MSW, LICSW
Kimberly is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Masters degree in Social Work from the University of Minnesota. She has been practicing outpatient therapy since 2018. Kimberly has experience in both private practice and community based settings. She serves a wide variety of populations and especially enjoys working with adults who are in transitional phases of life.
Kimberly works with individuals who are struggling with managing life transitions or changes, grief and loss, trauma, maladaptive attachment patterns, chronic illness, anxiety, depression, autism, interpersonal challenges, and self-esteem and self awareness issues. Kimberly utilizes a biopsychosocial approach that draws upon psychoeducation and many different modalities of therapy to develop a therapeutic experience that is designed to meet the goals and needs of each individual. Kimberly uses strategies and concepts from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Repair Modalities, mindfulness based practices, and strengths-based approaches.
Kimberly is committed to supporting clients as they navigate life challenges and overcome barriers to change. She believes that all people have great capacity for change within themselves, and utilizes a strong therapeutic relationship as a foundation to support clients in fostering self directed growth and change. Kimberly helps clients to recognize that human development and learning occurs throughout the lifespan and the impact of past experiences on their current presentation. Through a kind and empathic approach Kimberly strives to cultivate a warm and inviting experience for all clients.
Welcoming in July: Andrew Hubartt, MSW
Andrew (he/him) is a recent graduate with a Master's of Social Work from Indiana University. He is passionate about helping individuals overcome obstacles preventing them from living the lives they envision for themselves and the goals they hope to achieve. He has a background in working with people from diverse backgrounds and with diverse needs. He has experience in helping people experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, negative self-image, grief, substance use, eating disorders, suicidal ideation, veteran's issues, and relationship issues.
Andrew utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and a trauma-informed approach and is familiar with many other perspectives and treatment modalities. Andrew is working toward developing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a part of his practice. Andrew also employs a strengths-based and client-centered perspective that puts the client in the driver's seat, empowered to express their thoughts and emotions in a judgment-free space freely.
Andrew is new to Minnesota and is ready to adopt the Twins and Vikings as his new home teams. He looks forward to exploring this great State, making it his new home, and is particularly excited to explore the local food scene.
Welcoming at Birch Walk-In: Hannah Conaway, MSW, LGSW
Hannah (she/her) is a graduate social worker, currently working toward independent clinical licensure (LICSW). She has worked in community-based settings and private practice, serving a variety of client populations and needs. She has a passion for working with children, teens, adults, and families and is familiar working with a wide range of backgrounds and mental health diagnoses. She has experience helping clients through trauma, life stressors, life transitions, suicidal ideations, eating disorders, substance use, grief, and emotion regulation. Hannah particularly enjoys working with clients who present with ADHD, anxiety, depression, autism, OCD, and behavioral disorders.
Hannah uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Play Therapy, Person-Centered Approach, Trauma-Informed Therapy, and other approaches/interventions. She provides a calm, safe space for clients to be free of judgment, explore their thoughts and emotions.
Hannah obtained her Masters in Social Work from the University of Memphis in Memphis, Tennessee, along with a certificate in Clinical Social Work.
In her free time, she likes to spend time with family, go for a run, watch her favorite shows, listen to music, and explore the city.
Welcoming in April: Carmen Avendano, MA, LMFT
Carmen has fifteen years of experience as a Mental Health Professional, twenty-five years of experience as a cross-cultural trainer and over thirty years of experience as a teacher, including the past ten years as an assistant professor for Counseling Psychology, Health and Human Services, and Marriage & Family Therapy graduate programs at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota.
Carmen is passionate about helping her clients achieve their goals and finding effective ways to deal with life’s challenges. It is her goal to help clients heal, achieve their fullest potential, have mutually supportive relationships and improve their overall well being. Carmen offers client centered care and understands the power of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Welcoming in May: Austin Koester
Austin (He / Him) joins us from Saint Mary’s Master’s in Counseling and Psychological Services Program. He is working on becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Austin received a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from St. John’s University. Currently, Austin works at St. David’s Center for Child and Family Development where he helps to facilitate positive interactions and promote the social development of his clients.
Austin was drawn to the helping profession through his personal experiences and a deep desire to understand emotional processes and healing. He has a passion for emotional healing that improves relationships and the overall quality of daily experiences for each individual and their family.
Austin enjoys working with teens and adults from all walks of life who are experiencing low self-esteem, anxiety, low mood, substance use challenges, and trauma-related symptoms. His goal is to serve others and make a difference as he assists in navigating the life challenges clients may face and aid them in finding wholeness for themselves and in their relationships.
Austin believes that therapy, in part, is taking time to learn “why do I feel the way I feel, and what can I do to change how I feel.” He deems therapy a forward-looking process of what can be done now in order to be more effective in our lives and relationships. His commitment is to have a safe and trusting relationship without judgment and for you to feel heard, understood, and respected. He’s driven by making sure you’re okay, you got what you need, and you are growing into a better version of yourself. He incorporates several approaches to his person-centered counseling, including cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance, commitment therapy, and solution-focused therapy.
In his free time Austin enjoys playing music, reading, running, and spending time with family and friends.
Welcoming in December: Alex Stanger, MA
We are very excited to welcome Alex Stanger! Alex enjoys working with adults, college and graduate students. She believes that a true and authentic relationship is at the core of a positive and helpful experience in therapy. She creates a non-judgmental, safe, warm, relaxed and inviting environment. Alex works from a sex-positive, anti-racist, and LGBTQIA+ affirming lens. She has experience working with clients who present with anxiety, trauma, depression, relationship concerns, self-esteem, identity, life transitions, body image, and other challenges.
Alex believes that all people have a vast potential and capacity for self-understanding, self-directed growth, and self-healing. Each client has a unique experience that she strives to understand and foster positive, constructive, and conscious choices. Alex helps clients understand how past experiences have shaped and impacted their body, brain, and nervous system reactions. She assists clients develop awareness of learned behaviors that are no longer working for them. Alex incorporates a variety of approaches in her work, including ACT, mindfulness, person-centered, nervous system regulation, REBT, and others. Therapy with Alex is relaxed and includes celebrating the wins of life, humor, and a real human connection.
Alex graduated from Montana State University – Bozeman with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Sociology. She went on to graduate from St. Thomas University with a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology. Alex is currently pursuing her LPCC. Outside of the office Alex enjoys spending time with her family, friends, her dog Red, her cat Blue, reading, crocheting, cooking, eating, and playing Nintendo.
Working With your ADHD
Do you often find it difficult to finish something you have started? Is it more difficult for you to “kick into gear” or find the motivation and follow-through that other people seem to conjure up easily? In school, was it more challenging to focus and complete your homework? Do you find yourself lunging into new projects without finishing the ones you had already started? Do you often find yourself restless, bored, and seeking stimulation?
If you have adult ADHD, struggling with these issues may have led you to feel guilt, shame, and frustration over the course of your life. If only something in your mind would “click” so you could finish the job.
Here are the facts:
• ADHD is not just a childhood disorder
• ADHD does not only present as hyperactivity
• Very few people outgrow ADHD completely. For most, symptoms remain in adulthood.
While there is no magic cure, working with rather than against the symptoms of ADHD may help. The ADHD mind seeks novelty, excitement, and creativity. Enlisting these motivators can help you reach your goals. Approaching a problem from a novel perspective or seeking new tools can re-invent tedious processes. The next time you feel confined by routine and rigid procedures, consider out-of-the-box solutions to your projects.
Remember that motivation, energy, and focus are different for everyone. When you face a difficult task, you can start by:
• Accepting your limitations and expanding from there. Too often, we waste mental energy on what we cannot do or haven’t done, leaving little for what we can do now.
• Breaking a daunting goal into small, incremental steps while committing to daily action.
• Setting realistic and attainable goals. Creating a habit of consistently accomplishing small tasks makes loftier goals more realistic.
• Entertaining new and creative approaches that capitalize on your unique strengths.
ADHD is challenging; however, you can become more functional and successful by building on your unique strengths. In time, you can develop new approaches to tackle daily tasks and challenges in ways that work with who you are.
JOINING US IN AUGUST: SONIA COBOS, MS
Sonia (she/her) is passionate about mental health and behavioral science and considers herself privileged to work in this field. Sonia recently completed a Master’s degree in rehabilitation and addiction counseling. Her training was focused on addiction and mental health counseling, including the special needs of individuals living with disability, congenital or acquired.
Sonia takes a holistic and goal-oriented Adlerian approach. Informed by this perspective, Sonia believes that the person’s wholeness or holistic nature is irreducible, therefore considering parts of the personality while ignoring others undermines the understanding of the individual. Sonia likes to apply contextual psychology, family system theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing in her practice.
As an immigrant, Sonia is mindful of cultural influences as well as the trauma and generational trauma experienced by the immigrant and first and second generation Americans. She approaches multiculturalism as an enriching opportunity to expand our humanity and grow consciousness.
Sonia’s clinical training is patient centered and non-directive. Sonia’s research during graduate school was in neuroplasticity and the promotion of neurogenesis as part of the therapeutic approach for individuals with addictions and co-occurring mental illness.
Sonia enjoys working with individuals of all ages and backgrounds, and has special interest in helping those who experience addictions, domestic violence, developmental trauma, PTSD, grief and traumatic grief, and patients with long-term disability.
Announcing Men's Support Group: Swinging from Birches
We are pleased to announce the beginnings of a new support group, which will be facilitated by Birch Counseling provider Brian Rose, MA, LADC. This group is welcoming men who are facing questions about substance use as well as other pertinent life problems. The group will be held on Monday evenings, 5:00 - 6:30pm at our Hopkins location (904 Mainstreet, #200). If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact our front office at (866) 522-2472, ext. 0. They will be happy to schedule a pre-admission meeting with Brian, who will make sure you are a good fit for the group. This men’s group will be limited to a maximum of 8 active members.
Below is Brian Rose’s description of the group:
The pandemic has been tough. It has broken our connection with many sources of support and the routines that anchored us. This group’s purpose is to connect with other men for support to help answer questions about issues that have arisen in our lives, such as questions about substance use, interpersonal relationships, as well as anxiety and depression. While such issues may have predated the pandemic , the isolation of the lock-downs has made these concerns more visible and pressing for many.
Some of the topics discussed in this group will cover substance use, improving communication in our relationships, repairing connections with friends and family, coping with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and the facing lonliness that has increased with isolation. This will be a process group with a strong focus on learning to connect and trust others.
The group will meet Mondays, from 5:00pm to 6:30pm, in person.
Birches
Poem by Robert frost
When I see birches bend to left and right
Across the lines of straighter darker trees,
I like to think some boy's been swinging them.
But swinging doesn't bend them down to stay
As ice-storms do. Often you must have seen them
Loaded with ice a sunny winter morning
After a rain. They click upon themselves
As the breeze rises, and turn many-colored
As the stir cracks and crazes their enamel
Soon the sun's warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust —
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You'd think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
They are dragged to the withered bracken by the load,
And they seem not to break; though once they are bowed
So low for long, they never right themselves:
You may see their trunks arching in the woods
Years afterwards, trailing their leaves on the ground
Like girls on hands and knees that throw their hair
Before them over their heads to dry in the sun.
But I was going to say when Truth broke in
With all her matter-of-fact about the ice-storm
I should prefer to have some boy bend them
As he went out and in to fetch the cows —
Some boy too far from town to learn baseball,
Whose only play was what he found himself,
Summer or winter, and could play alone.
One by one he subdued his father's trees
By riding them down over and over again
Until he took the stiffness out of them,
And not one but hung limp, not one was left
For him to conquer. He learned all there was
To learn about not launching out too soon
And so not carrying the tree away
Clear to the ground. He always kept his poise
To the top branches, climbing carefully
With the same pains you use to fill a cup
Up to the brim, and even above the brim.
Then he flung outward, feet first, with a swish,
Kicking his way down through the air to the ground.
So was I once myself a swinger of birches.
And so I dream of going back to be.
It's when I'm weary of considerations,
And life is too much like a pathless wood
Where your face burns and tickles with the cobwebs
Broken across it, and one eye is weeping
From a twig's having my lashed opened.
I'd like to get away from earth awhile
And then come back to it and begin over.
May no fate willfully misunderstand me
And half grant what I wish and snatch me away
Not to return. Earth's the right place for love:
I don't know where it's likely to go better.
I'd like to go by climbing a birch tree,
And climb black branches up a snow-white trunk
Toward heaven, till the tree could bear no more,
But dipped its top and set me down again.
That would be good both going and coming back.
One could do worse than be a swinger of birches.
Joining us July 1: Laura Linner, MA, LICSW
Laura (she/her) genuinely loves this work and brings authenticity, hope and humor to sessions with individuals and families. She considers it an honor to have the opportunity to walk alongside others in recognizing, accessing, and developing their own resiliency, and in building a rich, full and meaningful life (as they define it!). Laura is mindful of creating a non-judgmental, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA-affirming space for the clients with whom she works. She views therapy as a collaborative process and values feedback from clients.
Laura’s foundational clinical training is in non-directive Rogerian client-centered therapy from her time as a clinical intern then post-graduate psychotherapy fellow in a group practice in Chicago. This humanistic approach continues to serve as the clinical underpinning of her work with clients. That being said, Laura takes an eclectic approach and aligns with concepts of clinical pragmatism – offering and using what therapeutic intervention works - tailored to each individual. Laura sees therapy as an opportunity to pause, reflect, and take an inventory of how our lives are going, identify what’s working and what isn’t, and make effective change in moving closer to the life we hope for ourselves. Laura brings an attitude of openness, curiosity and compassion with clients. She has benefitted greatly from her own therapy over the years and strives to provide a similarly beneficial experience to those with whom she has the honor of working with.
Laura is trained in, integrates, and draws from a number of therapeutic approaches including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, trauma-informed therapy (TF-ACT and TF-CBT), CBT for psychosis (CBT-p), ACT for psychosis, psychodynamic theory, polyvagal theory, motivational interviewing, harm-reduction, and also employs a neuroscientific lens to reinforce concepts of regulation, zones of optimal functioning and neuroplasticity/opportunity for growth and change. Laura is also trained in child-centered play therapy from when she worked with youth impacted by domestic violence.
Laura completed her graduate degree in clinical social work at The University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. For the past four years, Laura has worked for the University of Minnesota Department of Psychiatry as an individual and family therapist specializing in first-episode psychosis and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. She has a passion for working with individuals and families in processing new diagnoses and identifying ways of being that work for all who are impacted in their own unique ways. Prior to this, Laura has experience providing therapy and support to individuals in life transitions, relationship challenges, identity exploration and development, finding a sense of meaning and purpose, working through grief and loss, coping with the impact of domestic violence and trauma, and effectively coping with life stressors. She has also worked both internationally and stateside in violence recovery services and human rights work. Diagnostically, Laura has experience working with individuals who have been diagnosed with anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, disordered eating, substance use disorders, mood disorders, dissociative disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
Laura believes an individual is not their diagnosis, and joins alongside clients to explore meaning of diagnosis in a way that is adaptive and feels authentic to them.
Laura believes life and humans can be messy, confusing, amazing, doubtful, inspired, worried, scared, brave, determined, hopeless, hopeful and many more things all at the same time. Laura is inspired by people’s willingness and ability to move into discomfort, try new ways of being and make change in ways that feel valuable to them, and she is grateful for being able to provide support along the way.
When Laura isn’t working she enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, snuggling her two cats, needlepointing, watching cooking shows, trying to learn to cook herself, playing outside and learning.
Joining us June 1: Taylor Anderson
Taylor (she/they) is a graduate student in the Clinical Counseling program at Crown College. She plans on continuing supervision after graduating to pursue licensure in clinical counseling (LPCC). Her special interests include working with adolescents, young adults, adoptees and their families, and individuals who identify with the LGBTQ2+ community. Personally and professionally, she is especially attuned to social justice issues, and understands that individual hardships are very much intertwined with historical and current sociopolitical issues. Naturally, she integrates this focus with a person-centered approach. She is looking forward to learn about her clients and help them gain insight into their unique life experience, enabling them to arrive at their own conclusions as the experts on their life experience.
Taylor operates from a compassionate and nonjudgmental approach. No matter a client’s reason for seeking therapy, her curiosity and strive to connect with others drives her psychotherapeutic practice. She hopes to work as a team with clients to help actualize in their own strength and build resilience in coping with life’s various challenges.
In her free time, Taylor enjoys cross country skiing, connecting with friends and her community, and trying new food.
Taylor is eager to begin her work as a therapist and work alongside and learn from her clients.
Welcoming in April: Katie O'Dowd, MA
Katie O’Dowd (she/her)
Katie enjoys working with adults, older adolescent populations, and has a particular affinity for clients that are emerging adults (“20-something”s), college students, and graduate students. She strives to create a therapy space that is non-judgemental, culturally responsive, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, LGBTQIA+ affirming, and sex positive. Katie has experience working with clients in addressing relationship challenges, family concerns, life transitions, identity exploration, academic and career concerns, perfectionism, body image/body acceptance, anxiety, depression, trauma, existential concerns, and self-compassion.
Katie believes that everyone comes to therapy with different hopes for and expectations of the experience, and wants to work with her clients to create an experience that feels right for them. Katie uses a person-centered, interpersonal, and psychodynamic approach to therapy, while remaining adaptive to the unique needs of each individual client. She finds it important to examine and gain insight into the impact that relationships, past experiences, societal expectations, and other factors have had on us, so that we are better able to work through present day concerns. She draws from multiple different approaches to help you gain insight into your experiences, see your strengths, build your skills, support you in the tough moments, celebrate your wins, and hopefully laugh a bit along the way too.
Katie graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities with her Bachelors degree in Psychology and Masters degree in Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology. She is currently pursuing licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring Minneapolis, traveling, cooking, hiking, playing cribbage, learning how to crochet, and tending to her many house plants.
Ah, February...
It is easy to fall into a bit of a hole in February. KMOX St. Louis Reporter Kevin Killeen offers an explanation:
Welcoming in December: Amber Phelps
Amber (they/them) is a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) and working toward becoming Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). They are passionate about working with individuals, families, and couples by utilizing harm reduction, trauma-responsive care, and providing culturally affirming therapy to help people embrace recovery from a holistic approach. They are trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to help survivors of trauma manage symptoms and to assist people to discover their hope from within to achieve their recovery goals. Amber uses a collaborative approach to therapy and is experienced with treating and diagnosing PTSD, depression, anxiety, dissociative disorders, substance use disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
They have nearly 10 years of varied experience working with survivors of complex and historical trauma, people experiencing homelessness, substance use treatment, crisis intervention, case management, and community-based harm reduction programs. Amber graduated from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota with a MA in Counseling and Psychological Services and a Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies. In addition to this, Amber has specialization in working with diverse populations as an intersectional, sex-positive, and social justice oriented therapist.
In their free time, Amber enjoys spending time with their family by hiking, thrift shopping, and going to concerts.
