Does worrying get in the way of day-to-day life?
Are seemingly small tasks overwhelming?
Do changes feel too much to handle?
Is food a source of comfort for you?
Maybe you feel that it is easier just to deal with everything by avoiding, procrastinating, overeating, or drinking alcohol. These behaviors often lead to feeling guilty, ashamed, or discouraged. To cope with those feelings, you might avoid the situation, eat, or drink… and the cycle begins again. You feel stuck and struggle to see how to break this pattern.
My name is Monica, and as a team we can address these concerns, and more. You CAN learn new ways of tackling problems, improve your emotional wellbeing, and feel more confident with your decisions throughout your day. When your actions align with your values, life feels more satisfying.
Anxiety, emotional eating, and stress therapist in Minnesota and Wisconsin
I strongly believe that trust in the therapeutic relationship is essential to effective therapy. You will likely open up more with a therapist you connect with and trust. I strive to be that therapist for you. I want to help you learn to feel better and find your value and confidence. I feel honored when clients trust me and share their story, and do not take it lightly.
Clients tell me I am empathetic, calming, non-judgmental, real, and a bit funny. ;) There is a likely possibility one of my dogs or cat will join our video session.
SERVICES
Collaboration
We will work as a team to overcome obstacles and develop self-compassion. While you are the expert on yourself, I use a variety of interventions and tools to help you achieve your goals. I like to collaborate with you and want to know if something is helpful or not helpful. Everyone has different preferences and I tailor my treatment to what YOU need.
What to Expect
The first session or two will involve obtaining an overall picture of what brings you to therapy, what you hope to learn and improve, and what might be getting in your way. From there, we will develop a treatment plan. That plan will include your goals as well as the treatment modalities and interventions we will use to achieve those goals.
I will help you develop new skills and tools that you can use in your daily life. That will likely involve developing coping skills, challenging thought patterns, managing difficult emotions, and navigating relationships.
While I am here to listen and support you, I will challenge you to make some changes and practice your new skills outside of our sessions, because I believe improving mental health is something that we should focus on for more than 50 minutes once per week.
Therapy Approaches
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Coaching
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Compassion Focused
Coping Skills
Culturally Sensitive
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Emotionally Focused
Family Systems
Goal Setting
Interpersonal
Mindfulness-Based (MBCT)
Motivational Interviewing
Positive Psychology
Relational
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Strength-Based
Logistics
Availability
I am virtual only, which allows you comfort to see me from your home or on your break at work. In-person sessions will be offered later this year.
I currently offer sessions virtually via video throughout the week, as well as evenings - contact me to discuss!
I offer a free 15 minute consultation to see if we will be a good fit. This is a time for you to learn what therapy might look like with me and answer any questions you might have.
MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, St Mary’s University of Minnesota, 2008
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, MN, 2011
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, WI, 2016
MBA in Healthcare Management, University of Hartford, 2021