Before we talk about credentials or approaches, let’s focus on what really matters—you.

At Riverside Counseling, I've found that the clients who experience the most meaningful progress in therapy share a few key qualities. This isn’t about being “perfect” or having it all figured out—it’s about readiness.

The people who benefit most from working with us are those who come in willing to engage in the process. They understand that therapy isn’t a quick fix or a one-session solution. Real change takes intention, consistency, and a willingness to look deeper.

My clients tend to appreciate a direct, honest approach. We won’t avoid the hard stuff or sugarcoat what’s getting in your way. Many individuals who come to us have tried therapy before but didn’t feel like they truly moved forward—and they’re ready for something different.

They’re often at a point where they’re simply done feeling stuck.

They’re motivated to take action, follow through between sessions, and explore patterns—even the ones that aren’t obvious at first. They’re open to understanding how past experiences may still be shaping their current thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Growth here often involves revisiting unresolved experiences—the “old stories” that continue to surface and impact self-worth, safety, and relationships. My clients are willing to go there, because they’re ready for lasting change.

At Riverside Counseling, I strive to provide the kind of care we would confidently recommend to my own friends and family. Sessions are real, human, and grounded—sometimes direct, sometimes lighthearted, always genuine. You don’t have to filter yourself here.

I use evidence-based, trauma-informed approaches, with EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and Brain Spotting as the core modalities. Many clients begin to notice meaningful shifts within a relatively short period—often within several sessions—especially when they are engaged in the process.

My goal is to help you not only reduce symptoms, but to make sense of your experiences, process what’s unresolved, and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.

If you’re looking for a space to simply talk through weekly stressors without going deeper, this may not be the best fit.

But if you’re ready to do the work—if you want real healing from past wounds and are willing to face what’s been holding you back—Riverside Counseling is here for you.

Common symptoms I work with:

• Anxiety & Overthinking
  Reduce anxiety, racing thoughts, and chronic worry with effective coping strategies. 

• Trauma & PTSD
  Heal from trauma and PTSD with safe, trauma-informed therapy and support. 

• Depression & Low Motivation
  Overcome depression, low energy, and lack of motivation to restore emotional balance. 

• Anger & Emotional Regulation
  Manage anger and improve emotional regulation with healthy coping skills. 

• Stress & Burnout
  Relieve stress and burnout while restoring balance to your nervous system. 

• Life Transitions
  Navigate life changes, relationship shifts, and uncertainty with clarity and support. 

• Self-Esteem & Self-Worth
  Improve self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth for stronger emotional well-being. 

• Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health & Substance Use)
  Support for co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders with integrated care. 

• Emotional Pain & Heart Healing
  Heal from grief, loss, guilt, bitterness, betrayal and relationship pain while rebuilding emotional strength and resilience.

Beyond our sessions at Riverside Counseling, I believe in providing my clients with accessible, evidence-based tools for continued growth. Whether you are looking for nervous system regulation techniques, books on EMDR and Brainspotting, or local Minnesota mental health resources, this list of resources is designed to empower your path toward wellness. 

RESOURCES:

Service Providers Note: If your agency would like to be added to this list, please reach out to me. 

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 for immediate support.
   
• Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 crisis support.
   
• National Domestic Violence Hotline – 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
   
• Day One Crisis Line (Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault, MN) – 866‑223‑1111
   
• Minnesota Crime Victim Support Line – 866‑385‑2699
   

• Essentia Health Brainerd – Emergency & Mental Health Services
  807 W Forest St, Brainerd, MN 56401
  📞 218‑828‑8000 – Emergency psychiatric assessment & stabilization
  💻 essentiahealth.org
   
• Central Minnesota Crisis Center (Crow Wing & Surrounding Counties)
  📞 24/7 crisis support: 1‑888‑404‑7272
   

• Mental Health Minnesota – Statewide advocacy, referrals, and support.
  📞 800‑862‑1799
  💻 mentalhealthmn.org
   
• NAMI Minnesota – Education, support groups, helpline, and resources.
  📞 651‑645‑2948
  💻 namimn.org
   
• Minnesota Warmline (Peer Support) – Free, confidential peer support.
  📞 651‑288‑0400 or toll-free 855‑WARMLINE (855‑927‑6546)
  💻 mentalhealthmn.org/peer-support
   
• Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota – Behavioral health, family support, and advocacy.
  💻 lssmn.org

• Crisis Line & Referral Services
• 📞 (218) 828-4515 https://www.crisislineandreferralservice.orgAssociation/Organization
   

• Veteran Resilience Project (MN) – Free EMDR therapy for Veterans, active military, and spouses.
  📞 763‑358‑2275
  💻 veteranresilienceproject.org
   

• SAMHSA National Helpline – 1‑800‑662‑HELP (4357) for referrals and treatment info.
   
• Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous (MN) – Local meetings across the state.
  💻 aa.org | mnnarcoticsanonymous.org
  
   

•  Social Services - Children and Families - Crow Wing County 
• 💻https://www.brainerd.com/business-directory/services/social-services/
   
• Central Minnesota Community Action – County-specific programs in Brainerd area.
  💻 https://www.cmcap.org
• Housing, Energency Assistance & Education

Emergency Assistance | Crow Wing County, MN - Official Website

Resource Connection Services | Bridges of Hope

Brainerd Lakes Salvation Army

Tri-County Community Action Partnership

Financial Support | Morrison County, MN

Tri-County Community Action Partnership

OASIS CENTRAL MINNESOTA - Oasis Central MN

Tri-County Community Action Partnership

Financial Support for Residents of Todd County | Todd County, Minnesota
 

10. Greater Good Magazine is a science-based publication from the Greater Good Science Center at University of California, Berkeley. It focuses on the psychology of well-being, offering research-backed insights on topics such as mindfulness, compassion, resilience, and mental health. The magazine translates current findings in psychology and neuroscience into practical tools that individuals and clinicians can use to support emotional wellness and meaningful connection in everyday life. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/