Therapists & Staff
Therapists
Jeffrey Hill
Education
Dr. Hill obtained his doctorate from Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in 2010. He conducted practicum trainings at Argosy Counseling Service, Central Psychological Services, and Guadalupe Alternative Program (GAP, an alternative high school setting in West St. Paul). He then conducted his internship and postdoctoral training at African American Family Services. Since then, Dr. Hill engaged in extensive trainings in the areas of complex trauma assessment and treatment.
Specialized Training
Dr. Hill completed EMDR Level II training, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a powerful and research backed form of therapy for non-complex psychological trauma. Individuals who have experienced abuse, war, violence, bullying, or experience symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and other trauma related disorders may benefit from EMDR treatment. Dr. Hill is a certified clinician for the Adaptive Internal Relational (AIR) Network model of treatment, which has been designed for complex trauma, complex PTSD, and neuro-dissociative symptoms. Dr. Hill also has extensive experience and training for working with African American clients and has been recognized as an effective culturally mindful clinician.
Areas of Clinical Interest
In addition to specialized trauma informed therapy services, over half of Dr. Hill's work is focused on adolescents. He works a lot with men and boys, practicing what he calls "Dude Therapy" in which he uses a male focused approach, helping to make therapy relevant for men (and boys). Dude therapy engages the development of relational competence, learning to recognize and manage male privilege while developing insight, mutuality in relationships, and improved emotional regulation. He also specializes in play therapy services for school aged kids. When working with children and adolescents, Dr. Hill often involves family members in the therapy process. He is trained and practices approaches for working with clients who have chemical dependency issues in addition to other mental health disorders.
Practice Areas
Child, Adolescent, Individual, Couples, Family, Parenting Support, EMDR, AIR Network, Clinical Supervision, CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Chemical Dependency recovery and support, Psychological testing for complex trauma and neuro-dissociative disorders, dissociative disorders, ADHD Assessment.
Personal Statement
I work with general psychological issues and my main focus areas include working with children, teens, adults, and families dealing with depression, anger and psychological trauma. In particular, I work a great deal with men and adolescent boys struggling with anger, addiction, and relationship challenges. I have dedicated my work to helping individuals recover and reach their full potential in a caring and effective manner (evidenced based). I work very hard to be respectful and I’m also quite willing to “call out the pink elephant in the room” in a manner that clients sometimes need. I am known to use humor as a means to regulate high levels of emotionality.
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association, Minnesota Psychological Association
Age Ranges
School Age (6-12), Adolescent (13-19), and Adult (20-65)
Soo Moon
Education/Experience
Soo obtained her Masters degree from Argosy University in 2009. She completed her practicum experience at Relationships, LLC where she provided therapy and conducted parenting assessments. Soo worked at Northeast (formerly Northwest) Youth and Family Services providing day treatment services to adolescents, as well as outpatient services to individuals, couples and families.
Specialized Training
Soo provides clinical services at our Maple Grove clinic. She completed EMDR Level II training, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a powerful and research-backed form of training for psychological trauma. Individuals who have experienced abuse, war, violence, bullying, and more and experience symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and others may benefit from EMDR treatment.
Soo also provides Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to treat trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive/compulsive behaviors. ART is a manualized protocol that includes bilateral eye movements while targeting specific scenes. It is evidenced based and has been shown to provide fast results.
Soo also completed Basic and Advanced level training through University of Minnesota's continuing education for Clinical Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been proven to be an effective method to treat symptoms of trauma such as difficulty with sleep, negative beliefs about self, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, migraine headaches, etc.
Soo has completed level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Gottman Method has been backed by 30 years of research and is an effective method in addressing problems in relationships.
AIR (Adaptive Internal Relational) Network is trauma informed model to work with complex trauma and dissociation. This training was developed by experts in this field at Midwest Center for Trauma and Healing. Soo has completed AIR Network and 20 hours of consultation to be certified in AIR Network. Soo uses this model in working with clients who have experienced complex trauma and present with dissociative symptoms.
Soo has completed training to be state board approved supervisor for LMFT. She provides supervision to post graduates and interns.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Believing that relationships help heal, Soo also enjoys helping clients to improve relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. Trauma informed and how it impacts individuals and families have also been a big focus in Soo's work with clients.
Practice Areas
Soo works with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and family utilizing various methods of treatment.
Personal Statement
I work with children, teens, adults, and families dealing with emotional distress. This might involve symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief/loss. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnosis, and AIR Network. I tailor my interventions to needs of my clients. Most importantly, I believe in developing trusting, transparent, and honest relationship with my clients. The relationship you have with your therapist accounts for 40% what helps you to heal. If I am not the right fit for you, I am happy to help you find someone who will be. I care about my clients and my goal is to help them live their lives with dignity and without suffering. I take a direct but gentle approach in working with my clients.
Professional Affiliations
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Age Ranges
School Age (5-12), Adolescent (13-19), and Adult (20-65)
Vadnais Heights Team
Jessica Groff
Education/Experience
Jessica obtained her Master’s degree from Saint Mary’s University in 2006, in Human Development with a specialization in Art Therapy. She completed her practicum experience at Northeast Youth and Family Services adolescent day treatment program. Upon completion of her practicum, Jessica was hired as a program therapist and art therapist for the facility. She provided art therapy, individual and group psychotherapy, Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) and Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Jessica then worked with individuals and couples at Aslan Institute, in Eagan MN, providing couples’ therapy, mediation, and individual outpatient care. Jessica spent 1.5 years working for the child and adolescent care advocacy team for a major medical provider. Prior to joining the Parker Collins team, Jessica worked with Headway Emotional Health for 2.5 years, providing school-based outpatient individual and family therapy for children ages 5-12, consultation to school staff, and school-wide trainings.
Specialized Training.
Jessica completed family mediation training with Dr. Irving at Hamline University, and was a Supreme Court Certified Neutral Under Rule 114 (Otherwise called a ‘mediator’), for 5 years. Jessica has shifted away from doing legal court mediation for couples, but still applies negotiation practices in her work with couples and families.
Art therapy is a specialization that is able to provide processing of trauma in a way that does not re-traumatize the participant. It can be transformative for both adults and children, as it allows the unconscious parts of our brain, the parts that do not normally have direct expression, to communicate and heal. While art therapy was originally developed to assist physical recovery of skills, it has been found to be highly effective for providing diagnosis and treatment of trauma experiences.
AIR (Adaptive Internal Relational) Network is trauma informed model to work with complex trauma and dissociation. This training was developed by experts in this field at Midwest Center for Trauma and Healing. Jessica has completed AIR Network and uses this model in working with clients who have experienced complex trauma and present with dissociative symptoms. Jessica is in monthly consult group with one of the AIR Network trainers, Dr. Phyllis Solon, and is working towards certification in AIR Network.
Jessica has completed training to be state board approved supervisor for LPCC.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Jessica is passionate about therapies that engage all areas of someone’s life experience and world view, and are nurturing of individual and community strengths. Jessica believes in repairing relationships, increasing non-violent communication, using strategies and practices to repair early attachment disruption for children and families, and increasing awareness of ourselves and others. She is interested in creating genuine connection and using strengths as the basis for growth and conscious evolution.
Practice Areas
Jessica works with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families.
Personal Statement
I believe that every person has their own unique life path, and while life is often challenging, it should also be an enriching experience. It can be very challenging to know where and how we have power in our lives when things are difficult, and so I love helping children, adolescents, parents, caregivers, and friends discover their power. I tend to tailor my intervention strategies to the person or group I am working with, but I always will provide you with consistent, positive support. I always notice and point out my client’s strengths. I use CBT, DBT strategies, art therapy, play therapy, AIR Network, and non-violent communication as the basis for my work with clients.
Professional Affiliations
Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Age Ranges
School Age (6-12), Adolescent (13-19), Adult (20-64)
Aubree Elmquist
Education
Aubree obtained her Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University in 2018. She completed her practicum at Park Avenue Treatment Center where she provided chemical dependency and mental health treatment to adults struggling with substance use. Aubree has also worked with Behavior Therapy Solutions of Minnesota providing in-home individual and family skills to aid families with children diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum. Aubree is on track for licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and is under supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP and Soo Moon, MA LMFT.
Specialized Training
Aubree has also completed her studies at Argosy University and obtained her license in Alcohol and Drug Counseling. During her practicum experience she has developed a unique way to incorporate family systems when working with individuals struggling with substance use.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Aubree enjoys working with all types of clients from young children to adults. When working with young children she works towards creating a safe space for building relationships and exploring issues or problems that they bring to the therapy room. She utilizes play therapy techniques and believes in children expressing themselves through the power of play. She also enjoys working with couples and exploring family upbringing concepts and the influence it has when connecting with others. Aubree believes in creating healthy relationship patterns and increasing awareness of oneself.
Practice Areas
Aubree works with children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families.
Personal Statement
I work towards creating a space for clients where they feel safe to explore current or past issues they are struggling with. I believe in working with the client to foster an environment where both exploration and healing can take place. I practice from an empathetic stance but will also challenge at times to promote growth.
Professional Affiliations
Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Member
Age Ranges:
School Age (6-12), Adolescent (13-17), Adult (18-64)
Reide Bibeau-Peper
Education
Reide obtained her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in Alcohol and Drug Counseling from the University of Wisconsin Stout in 2018. She completed her practicum at Valhalla Place Treatment Center where she provided chemical dependency and mental health treatment to adults struggling with substance use. Reide is on track for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and is under supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP and Soo Moon, MA LMFT.
Specialized Training
Reide has been trained in Eye Movement and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) levels 1 and 2, Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Mindfulness, and Medicated Assisted Treatment.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Reide enjoys working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, legal stress, incarceration, suicide ideation, self-harm, life transitions, and relationship concerns.
Practice Areas
Reide works with adolescents and adults in individual therapy.
Personal Statement
I believe that all people are inherently good and have the ability to reach their needs and goals. I am passionate about working with individuals on an adaptable basis to meet every client where they are most comfortable in an empathetic way. I have a gentle approach that is emphasized on person centered theory. I believe working in a collaborative approach facilitating a space that feels safe to explore past and present concerns.
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association
Age Ranges:
Adolescents and Adults (ages 12+)
Lindsey Merritt
Education/Experience
Lindsey earned her Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Psychological Services through Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and is currently pursuing her Doctor of Psychology degree in Counseling Psychology. She completed her master’s practicum working under Vernin Devine, PhD, LP, doing in-home therapy for clients struggling with hoarding disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorders. She completed her first doctoral practicum at People Incorporated’s Northside Mental Health Clinic working with people with co-occurring disorders. She completed her second doctoral practicum at Parker Collins. She will be completing an advanced practicum at Natalis Counseling and Psychological Solutions working, splitting her time between being a therapist in a high school and working with refugees, immigrants, and people with sexual concerns. Lindsey offers therapy services and psychological assessment under the supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Lindsey enjoys working with people from all walks of life. She particularly enjoys working with individuals who are or healing from trauma and or brain injuries. She has experience working with dissociative disorders, anxiety, depression, trauma, dissociation, co-occurring mental health and substance abuse difficulties, obsessive-compulsive tendencies, and hoarding disorders. She practices from a multiculturally feminist counseling orientation and is an Adaptive Internal Relational Network (AIR Network) therapist who practices from a framework that integrates developmental neurology into the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Practice Areas
AIR Network trained for dissociative disorders; individual therapy; psychological assessment (neuropsychological, cognitive, personality, trauma); feminist therapy; dual diagnosis and chemical dependency recovery.
Personal Statement
I believe that every person has inherent dignity and deserves to be treated with understanding and compassion. My goal is to create a space for people heal and learn about themselves. I strive to provide a holistic psychological approach that treats the whole person and recognizes inner strengths while promoting empowerment.
Professional Affiliations:
PSI CHI International Honor Society in Psychology
Association for Women in Psychology
Minnesota Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
Age Ranges:
Adult (10 and up)
Charles Hohl
Education/Experience
Chuck obtained his Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Art Therapy from Southwestern College in Santa Fe, NM. He completed his practicum and internship through the Southwestern Counseling Center working with children, adults, and couples. Upon completion of his internship, Chuck worked at the Santa Fe Recovery Center, a residential and outpatient program for individuals and families struggling with substance use issues. Chuck was also a primary therapist for the Life Healing Center, a residential facility for individuals recovering from trauma and addiction. For the last two years, Chuck has worked with individuals, families and couples through a small agency, Evolution Services, and private practice in Missoula, MT. Chuck is a candidate for Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) for Minnesota, and will be under the supervision of Dr. Jeffery Hill PsyD, LP.
Specialized Training
Chuck is a registered art therapist and finds that art is the perfect vehicle for exploring ourselves on a deeper level. Even if you don’t consider yourself an artist, the creative process can still yield insights and healing.
Areas of clinical interest
Chuck enjoys working with adolescents and adults from diverse and unique backgrounds. He has extensive experience working with individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma/PTSD, grief and loss, life transitions, and relationship issues. He uses a combination of approaches and modalities depending on the needs of the client. Chuck utilizes a relational approach to therapy and believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is the most important element of healing trauma in a therapeutic setting.
Practice areas
Chuck works with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Personal Statement
How we interact with ourselves and others is result of our own early childhood experiences, traumas, and attachment. As we get older we hold onto these psychological foundations and patterns. These often drive maladaptive behaviors, relationship distress, anxiety, and overall dissatisfaction. My goal is to first help you understand these patterns and then to help you incorporate these past experiences within your current self. Through this process you will gain insight, acceptance, and a more genuine and fulfilling life. I offer a safe, non-judgmental, and, at times, playful environment for the client.
Professional Affiliations
American Counseling Association
American Art Therapy Association
Age Range
Children (6-12) Adolescents (13-17) Adults (18-65)
Jacob Borst
Education/Experience
Jake earned his master’s degree in social work from the University of St. Thomas/St. Catherine and is currently pursuing his Doctor of Psychology degree in Counseling Psychology at Saint Mary’s University of MN. He completed his master’s practicum at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center doing case management services and trauma-focused therapy with the veteran population. He then worked there as a Clinical Social Worker before returning to school for his doctorate. He now works as a psychotherapist in the twin cities community. Through his work in government, community, and healthcare settings, he has experience working with diverse populations. He has worked with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, Complex-Trauma, PTSD, and substance use problems. He will be completing his first doctoral practicum at Parker Collins. Jake offers therapy services and psychological assessment and testing under the supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Jake enjoys working with clients who present with a wide variety of concerns. He works with adolescents, individuals, and couples. He has experience working with individuals who experience anxiety, depression, trauma, LGTBQ+ community, PTSD, substance use problems, and various other concerns. Jake focuses on individuals' strengths while remaining person-centered and trauma-informed. His focus is to increase your sense of hope, whether you are dealing with career changes, communication concerns, relationship concerns, sexuality/identity concerns, trauma, or loss. He utilizes a sense of humor and empathy to help guide individuals to success. He is currently completing training in Adaptive Internal Relational Network Institute to practice from a framework that integrates developmental neurology into the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Practice Areas
Individual, Adolescent, Psychological Assessment, CBT, Interpersonal Therapy, Trauma-informed
Personal Statement
I believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and compassion. I strive to help you discover your values and strengths to gain empowerment, so you are living the life you want to live. My goal is to provide support and help my clients reach their goals and promote what works best for them to increase meaning, joy, and hope.
Professional Affiliations:
American Psychological Association
Minnesota Psychological Association
MN LGBTQ+ Therapists’ Network
National Association of Social Workers
Age Ranges:
Adult (14-64)
Abyan Bashir
Education/Experience
Abyan earned her Master’s in Social Worker (MSW) from the University of Illinois at Chicago Jane Addams College of Social Worker. She completed her first practicum at Elgin Mental Health Center, a state hospital, an her advance master’s practicum at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago conducting inpatient/outpatient individual and group therapy. Prior to enrolling in her doctorate program, Abyan worked in governmental agencies providing case manager services to families and children. She has also worked providing psychotherapy to diverse populations including immigrant and refugee communities. Abyan has experience working with individuals who experience depression, anxiety, Complex-Trauma, PTSD, and substance abuse problems. She will be completing her second doctoral practicum at Park Collins. Abyan offers psychological assessment and testing under the supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Abyan enjoys working with clients who present with a variety of concerns. She is particularly interested in working with client’s recovering from trauma and or brain injuries. Her expertise is in working with adult clients. She has experience working with clients who have experienced war trauma, anxiety, depression and PTSD. Abyan works from a competency based perspective and uses a multicultural feminist theoretical orientation to understand client’s psychological distress. She is currently completing training in Adaptive Internal Relational Network Institute to practice from a framework that integrates developmental neurology into the treatment of complex trauma and dissociative disorders.
Practice Areas
Psychological Assessment and testing for individuals 14 years old and up.
Personal Statement
I believed everyone deserved to be treated with dignity and respect. Everyone does the best they can with what they have, I believe therapy and psychological services provide an alternative perspective for client’s to understand their current and past situations.
Professional Affiliations:
American Psychological Association
Minnesota Psychological Association
Age Ranges:
School Age (6-12), Adolescent (13-19), and Adult (20-65)
Maple Grove Team
Soo Moon
Education/Experience
Soo obtained her Masters degree from Argosy University in 2009. She completed her practicum experience at Relationships, LLC where she provided therapy and conducted parenting assessments. Soo worked at Northeast (formerly Northwest) Youth and Family Services providing day treatment services to adolescents, as well as outpatient services to individuals, couples and families.
Specialized Training
Soo provides clinical services at our Maple Grove clinic. She completed EMDR Level II training, which stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. EMDR is a powerful and research-backed form of training for psychological trauma. Individuals who have experienced abuse, war, violence, bullying, and more and experience symptoms of anxiety, PTSD, and others may benefit from EMDR treatment.
Soo also provides Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to treat trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, substance use, phobias, panic attacks, and obsessive/compulsive behaviors. ART is a manualized protocol that includes bilateral eye movements while targeting specific scenes. It is evidenced based and has been shown to provide fast results.
Soo also completed Basic and Advanced level training through University of Minnesota's continuing education for Clinical Hypnosis. Hypnosis has been proven to be an effective method to treat symptoms of trauma such as difficulty with sleep, negative beliefs about self, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, migraine headaches, etc.
Soo has completed level 1 training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy and use Gottman Method Couples Therapy in her work. Gottman Method has been backed by 30 years of research and is an effective method in addressing problems in relationships.
AIR (Adaptive Internal Relational) Network is trauma informed model to work with complex trauma and dissociation. This training was developed by experts in this field at Midwest Center for Trauma and Healing. Soo has completed AIR Network and 20 hours of consultation to be certified in AIR Network. Soo uses this model in working with clients who have experienced complex trauma and present with dissociative symptoms.
Soo has completed training to be state board approved supervisor for LMFT. She provides supervision to post graduates and interns.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Believing that relationships help heal, Soo also enjoys helping clients to improve relationships through individual, couples, and family therapy. Trauma informed and how it impacts individuals and families have also been a big focus in Soo's work with clients.
Practice Areas
Soo works with children, adolescents, individuals, couples and family utilizing various methods of treatment.
Personal Statement
I work with children, teens, adults, and families dealing with emotional distress. This might involve symptoms of trauma, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and grief/loss. I am trained in EMDR, Hypnosis, and AIR Network. I tailor my interventions to needs of my clients. Most importantly, I believe in developing trusting, transparent, and honest relationship with my clients. The relationship you have with your therapist accounts for 40% what helps you to heal. If I am not the right fit for you, I am happy to help you find someone who will be. I care about my clients and my goal is to help them live their lives with dignity and without suffering. I take a direct but gentle approach in working with my clients.
Professional Affiliations
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
Age Ranges
School Age (5-12), Adolescent (13-19), and Adult (20-65)
Matthew Kingsbury
Education
Dr. Matt Kingsbury obtained his doctorate from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Washington DC campus in August of 2019. He participated in practicum trainings at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital Pediatric Psychology Program, the Minnesota Center for Psychology (MCP), St. Cloud State University – Counseling and Psychological Services (SCSU-CAPS), and Holland Center. He completed his pre-doctoral internship at Headway Emotional Health Services. He then began working at Reed Psychological Services (RPS) as a post-doctoral fellow before joining the team at Parker Collins to complete his post-doctoral fellowship. Dr. Matt is on track for licensure as a Licensed Psychologist (LP) and is under the supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP, and Soo Moon, MA, LMFT.
Specialized Training
Dr. Matt has been trained in psychological assessment with specific practicums focused on assessing Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). He has also received training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). He recently attended DC: 0-5 training and is working towards receiving DC: 0-5 verification. In addition, he has received training in play therapy.
Areas of Clinical Interest
Dr. Matt especially enjoys working with clients ranging in age from early childhood through young adulthood in both therapeutic and assessment roles. He specializes in evaluating and treating depression, anxiety, behavioral concerns, ADHD, ASD, and sleep difficulties.
Practice Areas
Dr. Matt works with children, adolescents, and young adults.
Personal Statement
I typically view clients’ difficulties from a systemic perspective and utilize a person-centered therapeutic approach with clients. With a little help from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), I support their development into the person they want to be.
Professional Affiliations
American Psychological Association, Minnesota Psychological Association
Age Ranges
Preschoolers (0 to 5), Children (6-11), Adolescents (12-18), and Young Adults (19-25)
David Swirnoff
Education
David obtained his Master of Arts degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in January 2019. David completed his practicum at CareProfiler, working with a wide range of populations and settings, including Catholic Charities Higher Ground long-term residential homeless shelter in downtown Saint Paul, working with substance abuse issues, complex trauma, and the long-term effects of chronic homelessness; The Friendship Home Community in Roseville, working with geriatric residents under hospice and memory care; and providing individual therapy at CareProfiler, working with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to grief and life transitions. David is on track for licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) and is under the supervision of Jeffrey Hill, PsyD, LP and Soo Moon, MA LMFT.
Specialized Training
David completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies that combined Psychology with Buddhism/Mindfulness from Marylhurst University in Portland, Oregon in 2016. Additionally, since 2013, David has been involved with the Face It Foundation, a non-profit organization offering free support and psychological services to men with depression, leading groups and conducting seminars on men and relationships.
Areas of Clinical Interest
David enjoys working with people from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life. He work with individual and couples, and though he believe that is important to match the type of therapy to the particular needs of the individual or the circumstances they find themselves in, he has a particular interest in narrative forms of therapy. David believes that though we often can’t always control the events that happen to us or the circumstances we find ourselves in, one of our greatest strengths and freedoms is having the power to decide what story we tell about them. Narrative therapy makes a collaborative effort between therapist and client to change script that might be prohibiting us from living healthier, more fulfilling lives. As evolving human beings, our story is fluid and ever-changing. When we learn to see our lives not as a fixed or permanent storyline, but as a broad spectrum of experiences, none any more indicative of our true natures or true selves than any other one, instead of feeling limited or restricted or somehow fated or doomed by our stories, we find ourselves more resilient in times of crisis and hardship, more open and available to whatever comes next.
Practice Areas
David works with adolescents, individuals, couples, and families.
Personal Statement
I believe all of us are doing the best we can with the resources we have and the circumstances we find ourselves in, and that sometimes, when life leaves us feeling stuck, lost, or overwhelmed, it becomes necessary to reach outside of ourselves and ask for help. My goal is to give people a safe space to be listened to and heard, to tell their story, and for us to work together toward constructing a future that feels hopeful and inspiring. In my view, we are much more than a simple diagnosis, much more than the sum of our pain and struggle, much more than any statistic or stereotype can ever capture or describe. When you walk into my office I promise to see you as a highly complex, impossibly irreducible, fully unique person, and I will treat you with the respect and dignity we are all deserving of.
Professional Affiliations
Minnesota Counseling Association, American Counseling Association
Age Ranges:
Adolescent (13-17), Adult (18-64)
Staff
Amanda Westpfahl
Amanda is our indispensable office manager. She maintains our back office, manages scheduling and insurance eligibility, and provides client support. She facilitates our close relationships with referring doctors and professionals and coordinates higher level care and services for clients. Amanda is a second degree black belt in Taekwondo and green belt in Muay Thai.
Alexander Rutz
Alexander is our Technology and Billing Specialist. He oversees our technical and billing systems to help insure that our therapists and staff provide a comprehensive and high level of care. He has proudly graduated from Saint Paul College with an Associates in Arts and look forward to continuing his education. He enjoys puns and dry humor, much to the dismay of his colleagues.
Kelsey Jopp
Kelsey is the office administrator in our Maple Grove location. She manages scheduling and insurance eligibility and provides administrative support to our clinicians and clients. She has a bachelor's degree in English and business from the University of Minnesota, Morris, and she is currently pursuing her master's in clinical mental health counseling at Bethel University. When she's not studying, she enjoys practicing yoga, writing children's books, and playing endless fetch with her sheltie, Teddy.