Hey there! I’m Dr. Rachel.
As a therapist, I’m told I’m a bad influence.
You may be wondering why in the world you would want to work with me then…
Because after we’re done, you will be motivated to make the courageous choice, whatever that means for you. That choice, perhaps riskier or more taboo, is likely the choice you want to make when you’re being honest with yourself. But social pressures, traditional views, or financial concerns leave you feeling stuck.
I’m here to tell you that a different way of life is possible.
If you need a “bad influence” who is louder than your voice of doubt, I got you.
Allow me the privilege to help you uncover your strength and claim your voice - regardless of what others may think.
The Lens I Practice Through
I am not your sit-back-and-listen therapist. I ask a lot of questions, I curse, and I use a lot of metaphors and visuals.
I believe that a therapist can only take their clients as far as they have gone themselves, so yes, I have my own therapist. I would feel like a hypocrite if I didn’t.
I’m in this field because I have loved ones who struggle with their mental health.
I specialize in career and relationship concerns because of personal experience. When I say “I get it”, I mean it.
I believe life is too short to be stuck doing something you hate, wasting time in a job that “works for now”, or staying in a “good enough” relationship where you don’t feel very respected.
I think the key to life is balance. Have your apple, but have your brownie. Yes, think positively, but allow yourself to be crabby, too. There is room for all it.
Stress absolutely is a “valid enough” reason for counseling. That sh*t can wreak havoc on your physical health.
The human behind the therapist
I have a very outgoing personality so people think I am an extravert, but I am actually an introvert (thanks caffeine for fooling folks).
If I wasn’t a psychologist, I would own a cat sanctuary. I love animals, but cats have a special place in my heart. They don’t give their love away to just anyone - they make you earn it.
My partner tells me I missed my calling in editing. If there is a typo, I will find it. (*Now watch, you’ll find one on my own website)
The Professional Details
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I am a nerd and I loved school. I went Kindergarten through Ph.D. without stopping. I was granted my B.A. in Psychology from the College of St. Benedict in St. Joseph, MN in 2012. I obtained my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, CO in 2018. That’s 23 years of school in case anyone is counting.
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I am a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota (#LP6502). However, because I hold a Psypact certification (Mobility #11008) I am able to see clients virtually in 38 states.
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The bulk of my training and professional career has been in College Counseling Centers and private practices seeing individuals ranging from ages 6-73. I have worked in clinics with a focus on substance abuse/addiction and crisis management, along with an integrative care model (which was housed in a medical clinic).
In 2020, I opened my own private practice and have been loving it ever since.
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I have a very loose Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) foundation. I do think how/what we think impacts how we feel and what we do. However, I don’t think that can account for everything we face in life as humans. Other theories and modalities I employ in my practice highlight your emotions, strengths, and attachments/relationships. You can read more about my approach on the What to Expect page.
My Mission
I strive to provide high quality mental health support to those struggling with stress, burnout, and relationship challenges. I do this with my values of honesty, integrity, and transparency guiding my work.
Recent Blog Posts
You’ll love working together if you’re…
willing to explore what it might be like to think, feel, or behave in different ways, even if that means you aren’t actually ready to make a change
craving living more confidently and boldly
okay with being asked questions, given feedback, and exploring other perspectives
appreciative of a conversational, no-B.S. approach
interested in celebrating the small wins along the way
open to colorful language, including the occasional swear word
Don’t just take my word for it…
“Dr. Rachel is one of the most professional, down to earth, transparent, and welcoming individuals I’ve worked with. Her approach to guiding adult clients through stress, fear and big life changes (that are sometimes confusing) is one that leaves you feeling as though you can show up (unapologetically) 100% as yourself in her office. She respects where you’re at in your process while also creating platforms for you to grow and achieve your goals. I highly recommend Rachel! Thank you for what you do!”
Ready to do this?
If you’re ready for help getting clarity and making courageous choices, then I’m ready to come alongside you. Simply click the button below to get started with a free consultation.