Katherine (Kate) Bauerly, MA LMFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Kate holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of St. Thomas. She has over 10 years experience providing clinical services to couples, individuals and children. A majority of her professional experience has been working with couples struggling with infertility, infidelity, trauma, the transition to parenthood, adoption, perinatal and postnatal concerns, lack of desire & passion, difficulty communicating, sexual abuse and other stressors. Kate also works with children and adolescents struggling with self esteem issues, school stress, anxiety, depression, relationships, family issues, social media concerns, ADHD and body image issues. Kate is trained in EMDR, as well as a certified DBT therapist. Kate works primarily within the therapeutic approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family systems, motivational interviewing and attachment theories. Kate believes that healing and personal growth happen when people feel validated, understood and seen, and are also challenged in their patterns of thinking.
Mitchell Kujak MFT Masters Intern
about mitchell
Mitchell Kujak, Masters Intern Supervisor: Catherine Tamayo, MS LPCC Mitchell is currently completing his master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the University of Wisconsin – Stout and holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and family science from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. He has experience working in a variety of mental health settings and particularly enjoys working with individuals who struggle with anxiety, including OCD and panic, symptoms from traumatic experiences, developmental trauma, depression, relational issues, communication difficulties, emotion regulation, and gender & sexuality concerns & issues specific to LGBTQIA+ individuals. Mitchell enjoys supporting adults and adolescents as individuals as well as in relational contexts. He takes a strengths-based and client-centered therapeutic approach and draws from a variety of theories and therapeutic techniques including the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems Theory, and Mindfulness.
Pauline Svare MA LMFT
about pauline
Pauline Svare, MA LMFT Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Pauline holds a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from Argosy University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and human services from Upper Iowa University. She has over ten years working in the social services field. Her experience includes providing therapy to teenagers in a school-based setting and skill-based therapeutic services to adults. She has experience working with families, individuals, and co-facilitating therapy groups. Pauline’s areas of interest include working with people who struggle with anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, traumatic experiences, new life transitions, and families. Her goal is to walk along with clients to their own solutions by developing a warm, trusting, and caring relationship with clients. Pauline uses a variety of theories and techniques; with an emphasis on a client-centered approach.
Julie Christianson MSW LICSW
about julie
Julie Christianson, MSW LICSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Julie holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from the School of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas and the College of St. Catherine. She has over 10 years experience providing clinical and developmental services, and is also a Circle of Security Registered Parent Educator. A majority of her professional experience has been providing therapy and consultative services to young children and their families dealing with difficulties such as anxiety, attachment, depression, trauma, selective mutism, ADHD, sensory integration issues, and self regulation, both emotional and behavioral. Julie has worked in a variety of settings, including a non-profit outpatient office, school systems, a shelter, and a day treatment center, providing both direct clinical services as well as consultation to other professionals. Throughout her work, she has found importance in building trusting relationships, and creating an atmosphere where clients feel engaged and comfortable. She believes developing an understanding of a client’s unique needs and circumstances is essential, and collaborating to find solutions often brings the most positive and longest lasting results. Therapeutic frameworks which influence her work include attachment, developmental, and psychodynamic theories. She believes in the dignity of the human person, and strives to help others create balance and feel at peace in their lives.
Tara LeBaron MA LPCC
about tara
Tara LeBaron, MA LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Tara holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s University. Tara’s clinical interests include working with adolescents and adults that are currently struggling with mental health symptoms. She specializes in working with individuals who struggle with depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, self-esteem, personality disorders, interpersonal effectiveness, non-judgmentalness towards self and others, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, OCD, Phobia, stress management, PTSD and Complex Trauma. Tara is EMDR trained and is working towards certification. She also has extensive training in complex trauma and dissociation. She finds it a privilege to work with individuals and walk along side them while they work through their trauma. Tara is also trained in DBT. She enjoys being able to teach skills to others and watch them utilize them and build a life worth living. Tara uses multiple approaches with clients to help meet them where they are. She finds that each theory has it’s benefits and enjoys being able to work with individuals to help find solutions to their struggles as well as teach healthy coping skills so they are able to build their best life.
Catherine Tamayo MS LPCC
about catherine
Catherine Tamayo, MS LPCC Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Board Approved LPCC Supervisor Intern & Pre-licensed Clinical Supervisor Catherine holds a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. She also acquired Prolonged Exposure Certification for the evidenced-based treatment of PTSD from the University of Pennsylvania appointed by Dr. Edna Foa and supervised under Dr. Tracey Lichner. She enjoys working with children, adolescents, and adults. She particularly enjoys working with individuals struggling with symptoms of trauma, PTSD, depression, relational issues, emotion regulation, adjustment difficulties, self-esteem, interpersonal effectiveness and anxiety disorders including OCD and panic. Other treatment approaches used may include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. Her approach to therapy is strength-based and collaborative. Although knowledge and experience is important, she believes one of the key aspects of successful work in therapy comes from the strength of the client/therapist relationship. “I may be a navigator but you’re the driver”. She values an open and honest therapeutic relationship and works hard to provide an environment that feels safe, free of judgement, collaborative.
Sheila Kosek MSW LICSW LADC LSSW
about sheila
Sheila Lynn Kosek MSW LICSW LADC LSSW Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor Licensed School Social Worker Board Approved Clinical Social Work Supervisor Sheila holds a master's degree in clinical social work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine, a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Metropolitan State University, and an associate of arts degree in chemical dependency counseling from Minneapolis Community College. She has over 40 years of experience providing mental health and addiction related counseling to all age groups in outpatient mental health and treatment settings, hospitals, rehabilitation programs, and K-12 special education programs. Sheila is extensively trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, an integrative psychotherapy approach that has been researched and proven effective for the treatment of trauma. She is also trained in The Comprehensive Resource Model, a wholistic approach to addressing and integrating trauma. Additionally, Sheila is trained in Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, a mind/body/sensory approach to healing, and has advanced training in Mind/Body Medicine theory, techniques, group facilitation, and has completed Phase 1 training in the technique of Brainspotting. Sheila believes it is a courageous decision to pursue personal growth. She provides a safe, confidential and caring environment where clients are respected and supported without judgment. She enjoys working collaboratively with clients from a strength-based approach to address their life challenges and goals. She encourages clients to discover their unique inner guidance. Sheila works from a client-centered, holistic/integrative framework, utilizing mind/body techniques, brain science research, developmental/attachment approaches and mindfulness skills. These may include integrating breath techniques, guided imagery, movement, emotional self-regulation skills, family of origin exploration, and focused awareness/relaxation/stress reduction skills. These approaches to the healing process offer understanding and compassion for oneself as a prelude to lasting change. Sheila believes clients are experts in their lives and strives to honor each clients evolving needs, goals, and timing throughout the therapy process. Sheila welcomes the opportunity to work with pre-teens/teens, adults, families, and elder/seniors. Clinical specialties include: depression, anxiety (including panic), trauma and post traumatic stress disorder, relationship and family of origin issues, addiction and co-dependency recovery issues, life transitions, workplace challenges, and stress management. She has a special interest in working with dual diagnosis (mental health/addictions/co-dependency) and with clients choosing to enhance recovery lifestyles or struggling with recovery. She specializes in working with clients pursuing a meditative/yoga/spiritual path who are experiencing emotional challenges. She is a Minnesota Board approved clinical social work supervisor and provides clinical supervision to graduate and post graduate social workers. She endeavors to assist clients to realize their inner wisdom and to live it fully. Sheila has practiced meditation,yoga, and mindfulness for 30 years and believes nature is a great healer. “There is something inside you that will always tell you the truth” ~Swami Rama
Sherry O'Malley MA LP
about Sherry
Sherry O'Malley, MA LP Licensed Psychologist Sherry holds a master's degree in counseling and psychological Services from St. Mary's University and a bachelor's degree in social work from St. Cloud State University. She has over 23 years of experience in the counseling field, working with individuals, couples and families on a wide variety of issues. Her areas of interest and expertise include working with people who experience anxiety, depression, shame issues, family of origin issues, physical and sexual abuse, domestic abuse, parenting issues, PTSD, work issues, communication difficulties, grief and loss, and adoption issues. She also works with people who are dealing with autism spectrum issues and chemical dependency issues. Sherry seeks to develop a trusting, caring relationship with her clients, to facilitate their sense of well being and reach their goals in therapy. She draws from many theoretical frameworks to help clients address areas of concern, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, EMDR, and Psychodynamic Theory. She tailors the therapy experience to meet each client's unique needs.
Maria Trenda MSW LGSW
about maria
Maria Trenda, MSW LGSW Licensed Graduate Social Worker Supervisor: Catherine Tamayo, MS LPCC Maria holds a master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine University and a bachelors degree from the College of St. Benedict/St. Johns University. She holds a certification in the evidenced based treatment for PTSD called Prolonged Exposure Therapy under the supervision and guidance of Tracey Lichner and appointed by Dr. Edna Foa from the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety under the University of Pennsylvania. Maria has been working in the mental health field for over 5 years and specializes in working with adults struggling with PTSD/trauma, mood disorders, anxiety disorders & panic, eating disorders, grief & loss, relational difficulties, and other adjustment related concerns. She uses a variety of theories and techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing to achieve a client-centered, strengths-based, and collaborative therapeutic approach. Maria hopes to offer a safe and supportive environment to explore and work through the challenges that life brings.