Therapists serving clients in Ellsworth, MN

I am a person-centered therapist who believes in the potential in each individual. I have worked with individuals from highly varied backgrounds and work to see the potential for growth in each person. I have experience teaching, training, and providing therapy for individuals of all ages. I help largely through helping people find their motivation, self-worth, and potential in order to solve issues ranging from past traumas to current dilemmas. Through my career to this point I have been trained in Motivational Interviewing, Mediation, Thinking for Change, and Clinical Hypnosis. In session I also use techniques ranging from CBT, Adlerian psychology, and more. My experience has often involved individuals struggling with severe mental illness, substance use/alcohol use disorders, trauma, PTSD, and domestic violence. I have also done work with individuals working on parenting skills for typically developing children as well as those with developmental/intellectual delays. I am married and we have two sons.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist. My pronouns are she/her. I am trained in somatic psychotherapy, and I believe that people are not good or bad even when they have some troubling or even harmful behavior. I believe that there is no wrong way to be a person in the world and view all behaviors and choices as a reflection and collection of what has built up inside of or is part of the person making the choice. As a therapist this is reflected in my ability to establish relationships with my clients from a place of curiosity and non-judgment. My therapeutic foundation rests largely on existentialism and feminist theory. The existential foundation includes the belief that we are responsible for ourselves in the world and that we are happier when we are able to find and create meaning in our lives. The feminist theory that is a part of my work means is that when I am working with a client, that we explore the power dynamics in relationships not only from how it feels but also in the context of a larger socio-cultural lens and social location such as context and awareness of privilege. My approach to therapy stems from an underlying belief that all people are worthy and that throughout our lives we internalize reactions from others in the world that make us question our value. Because of that, people often start to think that there is something "wrong" with the way that they think and feel. My approach includes the belief that all feelings and thoughts have a purpose and are not "wrong." This includes anxiety and depression. I am a great fit for individuals hoping to find out what the thoughts and feelings inside are trying to say. Healing starts with accepting who we are, not convincing ourselves that there is something wrong with who we are. I view therapy as a collaboration between therapist and client and expect my clients to bring their own questions to the work we do together. I am typically not a great fit, for someone expecting to be told what to do. I will not do that.

Hello! My name is Josephine Nwoke, LICSW. My current practice location is in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, I have lived in Minnesota for 26 years. I have practiced as psychotherapist for 28 plus years, and have worked with diverse age groups, which include teenagers, adults and older adults. I have also worked with children and families. I have experience in working with diverse areas of mental health including emotional and other related stress disturbances including chemical health issues. My experience include working with teenagers who have experienced foster care placements including adoption; children and teenagers who have experienced different types of trauma in their lives. Treatment modalities used varies as each individual has their own needs; examples include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Focused Therapy, DBT, Mindfulness, etc.; implementing person centered approach. My goal is to design and implement a treatment plan that will fit the person and allow for successful symptom and problem resolution as well as personal growth. Services offered include: Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, Foster care/Adoption, loss and grief, anger management, stress reduction, relationship issues, anger management, chemical use counseling, ADHD and PTSD. Licensures/Certifications/Titles: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) Education: Master of Social Work, University of Minnesota Bachelors of Science in Social Work, Iowa State University Associate of Arts Degree - Human Services I am looking forward to working with you. Josephine Nwoke, MSW, LICSW/CCTP

Life can be challenging for all of us and I believe it takes courage to be vulnerable. I understand opening up to a person can feel overwhelming. I strongly believe that if you don’t feel a connection with your therapist, it won’t be useful. I strive to build a supportive and collaborative relationship with my clients and provide an empathic, nonjudgmental, safe environment. I am truly honored when people trust me with their story and I believe that partnering allows us a space to heal and grow. Many times life challenges can leave us feeling defeated, but I work towards helping client’s embrace and build on their strengths by offering space that allows for continued self-discovery and realization. We can work together to help you identify and set achievable goals through embracing your strengths and offering you tools. I am currently practicing in the state of Minnesota, as a licensed clinical social worker. I have over 10 years of experience working with clients with diverse backgrounds. I use approaches which include, person-centered, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) narrative therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused, trauma informed and mindfulness. But most importantly I ensure that I meet my clients where they are and that my clients feels valued. I tailor our sessions to meet your needs and goals.

My passion is to help people. I have two bachelors degrees, one in Human Development and Family Science (North Dakota State University) and a Bachelor of Social Work degree (Minot State University). I received further therapeutic and clinical training completing a Master of Clinical Social Work degree from St. Thomas-St Kate’s Universities (St. Paul, MN). I have knowledge and experience with adults using various therapeutic approaches, including motivational interviewing, solutions-focused, CBT, expressive arts, trauma-informed, narrative, attachment-based, and the Interpersonal Process Model. I believe that continuing education and learning from every day experiences from those I work with are major factors in becoming a successful mental health professional. My past work experiences have included in-home caregiving for those with serious and persistent mental illness, psychiatric hospitalization levels of care, in-home and outpatient therapy, and day treatment. These opportunities have given me a wide range of experiences and skills to work with a variety of individuals seeking to better themselves and their mental health.

"Let's practice going to therapy with the intention of wellness, not just when you're in crisis. Therapy is a space to learn more about yourself, your relationships, and how your life experiences impact you. You can go to therapy without having a major life problem and with the intention of growth, remaining productive, and just to talk to a neutral party." -Nedra Tawwab Hello! I'm Sophie! I am licensed therapist in Minnesota with 8+ years of post-licensure experience. I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am honored to hold space with you on your journey of becoming. I am guided by The Principles of Community/Cultural Health Practices (Adopted by the Health and Wellness Committee of the Board of Directors Of the Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center December 9, 1996). "Center practitioners, e.g. instructors, facilitators, teachers, advisors and therapists, will: 1. Embrace a variety of safe, effective options in assessment and instruction, including: a) education for lifestyle changes and self-care; b) cultural and complementary practices; and c) conventional health care services; d) an enhanced sense of community and the philosophy of community in the approach to assessment and instruction. 2. Assist persons in searching for the underlying causes of disease in the cultural and community context. 3. Create a foundation of confidence in self-healing as the context for discussions of disease and health problems. Recognize that a person’s own innate healing capacities are the most powerful means for sustaining and improving health. 4. Help people to take responsibility for their health and get the information they need to be well. A tremendous amount of healing takes place when people take responsibility for their own healing and the healing of their community and when the community takes responsibility for the healing of its members. 5. Engage persons in self-assessment and personal goal attainment that is connected to family, kinship, and community and culture. 6. Teach and guide those persons living with a disease as whole persons and all persons as members of a community. 7. Present, when possible, lifestyle changes and renewed decision-making within a cultural context as preferable to clinical options. 8. Emphasize prevention over treatment and teach that prevention must involve the whole community. 9. View illness as affecting a person within the context of a whole community, not as an isolated event. 10. Teach that the ideal healing relationship considers the spiritual, physical, historical, creative and cultural evolution of the problem and the maturity of the person and the practitioner. © 1996 Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center 11. Understand that the quality of the existing relationship between the person and the practitioner is a major determinant of healing outcomes. 12. Recognize that practitioners significantly influence healing persons by the example they set. 13. Understand that quality of life, life cycles, illness, pain and the dying process can be learning and healing opportunities for persons, families and practitioners. 14. Teach each person to learn how their tradition presents the healing power of love, hope, creativity, sharing, trust, affirmation, humor and enthusiasm and how that tradition teaches how to work with hostility, shame, greed, depression and prolonged fear, anger and grief in the healing process. 15. Strive to adopt an attitude of cultural dignity for persons, themselves and other practitioners. Community connections and cultural dignity are powerful medicines. 16. Understand that optimal health is much more than the absence of sickness. It is the conscious pursuit of a community’s highest qualities of the spiritual, mental, emotional, physical, environmental and social aspects of the human experience. 17. Give assistance to persons in tracing and renewing a sense of connectedness to tradition and community in order to establish a large number of people in each community who can facilitate cross-cultural interface as well as assess and establish the standards for community health improvement. 18. Recognize and teach that a person’s wellness, the wellness of the community, and the wellness of the planet are all interconnected. 19. Support people to recognize and accept the wisdom within themselves and their elders and to tap into the life-affirming ceremonies, rituals, practices, disciplines and philosophies from their cultural tradition. Help them to understand their actions and how they view themselves affect and are affected by the community. 20. Honor each person’s and each tradition’s private space in the spirit of respecting sacred space and vulnerability. Recognize that safety is key to the healing process. Honor the place where a person is and the pace at which they choose to move from that place. 21. Teach that the necessary health resources are accessible to all members of the community when the ancient wisdom, the symbols and new knowledge from each culture are visible and when the skills and knowledge of all members of the community are shared." © 1996 Powderhorn Phillips Cultural Wellness Center

I am licensed in Minnesota with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, depression, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

I am licensed in Minnesota with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, sleeping disorders, career difficulties, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Perhaps you are in the midst of a difficult life circumstance. You may be reading this while you are overwhelmed, lonely, addicted, or perhaps you have survived a traumatic experience. I want to congratulate you for taking this step toward healing; You deserve freedom and hope! My name is Becky and I have 10+ years clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families. I am a client centered therapist who specializes in co-occurring disorders including depression, anxiety, trauma and addictions. I strive to create a safe place for deep, restorative healing. I am trained in Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I also practice biblical integration for those who are seeking a Christian faith approach. Beyond all of this, I want you to know that I am comfortable sitting with you in the broken places of your life, and I would be honored to walk alongside you as we piece life back together. God bless you on your journey of wholeness. I hope to meet with you soon.

I am licensed in Minnesota with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.