Hi! Thanks for taking a few minutes to learn a little about me. Not every counselor is the right fit and it is important to me that you have an idea of what you can expect should you decide to work with me. I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in the state of Minnesota. I earned my Master of Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2004. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Family Studies with a minor in Psychology in 2001 from Texas Tech University. I have spent the last 10 years working as a school social worker at an online high school while growing my small private practice in the community.
Throughout my own journey to motherhood, I became very interested in all the emotional changes that happen to the mom-to-be and the couple as they prepare for and welcome their child into the world. There are so many emotions that come along with the transition to motherhood that is can feel like a constant roller-coaster. It's hard to know what to expect especially if it is the first baby. Also, I have learned that having a child and parenting brings up a lot of "stuff" from your own childhood that many don't even realize they had.
I have advanced training and specialize in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders also known more commonly as pregnancy/postpartum depression and anxiety. Even though my focus has shifted towards maternal mental health, I still enjoy and have extensive experience working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, perfectionism, attachment, personal growth, parenting, adult ADHD, grief/loss, and trauma.
My counseling style is warm, compassionate, genuine, down to earth, and I like to use humor. I combine many of the evidenced-based treatments and therapy modalities into my approach. I will pull out the best and most effective tools and skills from the different therapy styles and interventions that best fits you. My goal is to meet you where you are and figure out together where you are going by listening to you, supporting you, and empowering you with the skills you need so that you can feel confident to face what the future holds.
In terms of availability, I check and respond to messages within 24 hours, Monday-Friday. I offer live chat, phone sessions, and video chat several days a week, mostly between the hours of 10am and 6pm and are the posted hours that you see. If you would like to work together using live chat, video chat or phone sessions but you are not available during my scheduled hours, please ask as I am often able to accommodate clients schedules with advanced notice.
I look forward to working with you!
Additional areas of focus: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Bipolar disorder
MN LICSW 17212
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Angie (Angela) Rackstraw. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Angie is good. Sometimes I stump her with possible answers for my situation but she is able to admit she's not sure. That helps. She doesn't do a dance to look good.
Written on Aug 05, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 3 months
Angie is empathetic and kind--she always made sure to address everything I shared with her, whether now or later. She was able to put me at my ease, make me feel heard, and address my concerns with sound advice and information.
Written on May 22, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 2 weeks on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, coping with life changes, compassion fatigue, and adhd
I really enjoy working with Angie! She knows how to keep things light and humorous when needed, but also knows how to focus in on what needs attention. She is a great listener and always has a great perspective. The best part is that she provides real tools and techniques that I can use every day! I look forward to my calls with Angie because I always feel confident and lighter after we chat.
Written on Mar 28, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety
I appreciate that Angie is willing to tell me things I don't want to hear, but is honest with me. In a very reasonable way, she challenges me to see beyond my own interpretation of a situation. I have shared the learnings with friends who have similar hang ups!
Written on Mar 20, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 2 weeks on issues concerning relationship issues, intimacy-related issues, and self esteem
Angie is so friendly and brings so much comfort to her patients. She has an open heart and provides lots of validation while listening. She is very conversational and easy to talk to. She is very funny which makes the sessions easier and has helped me smile on the gloomy days. Angie seems to be very responsive to messages and seems flexible in her appointment times which has helped me as a college student. She worked well with my anxiety and control issues and even offered some exercises to help moving forward. All in all, Angie is great and I would strongly recommend her.
Written on Mar 13, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 1 week on issues concerning depression, stress, anxiety, lgbt, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, and self esteem
Angie is a great listener with lots of calm, sound advice. She’s respectful and knowledgeable. I liked her personality and didn’t ever feel like she was passing judgement. Her tools and resources helped me continue the work we discussed in the sessions after they were over. I appreciate her help.
Written on Feb 12, 2019 after therapy with Angie (Angela) for 1 month on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, self esteem, career difficulties, and coping with life changes