Minnesota Counseling and Therapy Center

"Supporting children, adults, couples, and families"


We are here to support you....

Erin Shobe (Leach), M.A., LMFT, RPT-S (She/Her/Hers)

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor, EMDR Certified, Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor


Erin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Minnesota.  She has a Master's Degree in Professional Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy from the Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University.  She has experience as a Crisis Counselor and an Outpatient Therapist.  She is an Approved Supervisor by the MN Board of Marriage and Family Therapy as well as an Approved Supervisor for Registered Play Therapy.  She is an Adjunct Instructor at Argosy University in the Marriage and Family Therapy Graduate Program.  Erin is also a Registered Play Therapist and a Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor.  She is certified to use EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Often two heads are better than one, so Erin will utilize co-therapy in sessions.












Areas of Interest

-trauma

-depression

-play therapy

-a little bit of everything!


Populations Served

-kiddos

-teens

-adults

-couples

-families


Therapeutic Influences

-EMDR

-Experiential

-IFS (Internal Family Systems)

-Play Therapy

Molly Nepote, M.A., LAMFT (She/Her/Hers)

Molly is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with  a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University.  She completed her undergraduate degree at Georgia Southern University and the University of Minnesota-Duluth.  She is a Certified Prepare/Enrich counselor and also works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages.  Molly believes relationships serve as the building blocks for change and that authenticity and compassion are key components to making connections.  She is interested in supporting children and families to find the strength within themselves to heal their wounds, and empower clients to grow through the therapeutic process.












Areas of Interest

-addiction

-trauma

-depression

-meditation


Populations Served

-couples

-families

-kiddos

-adults

*adolescents



Therapeutic Influences

-Experiential

-IFS

-Narrative

-Bowenian

Melissa Tyler, M.A., LMFT (She/Her/Hers)

Melissa is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Argosy University. Her undergraduate degree was in psychology at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. She is a certified Prepare/Enrich counselor working with premarital couples. She also has experience with kids, teens, adults, couples, and is interested in family work. Although she finds herself primarily using Experiential Therapy, she often utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy interventions as well. Melissa is interested in learning each client's individual story to help them identify personal strengths and rewrite their narrative. She does this by meeting clients where they are, whether that be through geek speak (i.e. Dr. Who, anime, comics, etc), sports talk, artwork, existential discussions, or relating through her therapy dog Scooter. 











Areas of Interest

-anxiety

-depression

-relational issues/difficulties

-kiddos (play therapy)

-geek culture

-art therapy


Populations Served

*kiddos

-teens

-adults

-couples

-families


Therapeutic Influences

-Experiential

-IFS

-Structural

-Narrative

-Bowenian

Alison Yang, M.A., Mental Health Practitioner (She/Her/Hers/They/Them/Theirs)


Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Member


Alison is a Mental Health Practitioner with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University. Her undergraduate degree was in Biochemistry at University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota.


Alison believes in creating a collaborative and nonjudgmental space to help individuals and families process different challenges they have experienced or currently face in life, whether it is big or small. She primarily incorporates Symbolic-Experiential, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and body awareness interventions in her therapeutic style to help individuals and families express their hidden emotions and explore the changes that they seek. Alison is a genuine, laid back, and supportive therapist who focuses on encouraging and empowering individuals and families during their therapeutic journey.








Areas of Interest

-Anxiety
-Art therapy
-Relational challenges
-Sexuality
-Sexual health
-Multicultural challenges

-Physical health and nutrition

-Self esteem

-Trauma


Populations Served

-Children

-Teens

-Adults

-Couples

-Families


Therapeutic Influences

-IFS

-Symbolic Experiential

-Somatic Experiencing

-Bowen

-Play Therapy


Elliott Odendahl, MSW, LGSW (She/Her/Hers)

Elliott is a graduate level licensed social worker (LGSW) working towards her independent clinical licensure in social work (LICSW).She holds a Master’s degree from Augsburg College and Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. She has over a decade of experience working with children, youth, and families experiencing behavioral and mental health issues, disruptions in attachment and family relationships, as well as the unique needs facing individuals diagnosed with special needs. Elliott recently completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification (PACC) training to become an adoption-competent therapist. Elliott is passionate about working with and supporting adoptees, birth parents, adoptive parents and anyone from the adoption kinship network. Elliott enjoys assisting clients in telling their own stories as a means to activate personal power, agency, and identity.









Areas of Interest:

-Attachment/relationships

-Adoption/foster care

-Adoptees

-Depression
-Anxiety

-Trauma

-Developmental diagnoses

-Multicultural challenges/concerns

-LGBTQIA

-Art therapy


Populations Served:

-Children

-Teens

-Adults

-Families

-Couples


Therapeutic Influences:

-Eclectic & based on the needs of the individual/family

-Narrative

-IFS

-CBT

-TF-CBT

-Systems

-Person in Environment

Melissa Christensen, MPS, LADC (She/Her/Hers)

Melissa is a Mental Health Practitioner and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, working towards her licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). She holds a Master of Professional Studies in Integrated Behavioral Health from the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Melissa has extensive experience working with families and adults in mental health and substance use in various community-based settings. She brings a diverse set of skills which foster healing through addressing barriers in order to promote independence, strength, and wellness while embracing and respecting each person’s values, beliefs, and experiences. Melissa is authentic, creative, and flexible in her approach. With her therapeutic style she has been able to provide individualized care that supports in assisting those she works with reach the quality of life they envision for themselves. 


“At the end of the day, I’m a very chill person who wants to help people heal and recover"










Areas of Interest:

Trauma

Anxiety

Depression

Psychosis

Bipolar Disorder

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Sexual Health

Substance Use/Misuse

Change of Life Concerns

Relational Difficulties/Issues

Chronic Illness/Medical Concerns

Cultural Responsivity and Social Justice Related Concerns


Populations Served:

Adults

Seniors

Adolescents 15+ if substance use and/or LGBTQIA related

Couples

LGBTQIA+

HIV+

Black, Indigenous, and People of Color

Survivors of Abuse


Therapeutic influences:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Experiential

Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy

Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy

Harm Reduction

Carol J. Strand, M.A., LMFT, ATR-P (She/Her/Hers)

 Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Registered Art Therapist, Provisional


Graduated from Adler Graduate School with a Master’s degree in Adlerian Psychotherapy and Art Therapy. Alfred Adler stated that "Courage, an optimistic attitude, common sense and the feeling of being home upon the crust of the earth will enable us to face advantages and disadvantages with equal firmness". My goal is to support clients as they find their own courage and become more comfortable in how they interact with their world. As a former teaching artist, I use art therapy to  foster self-esteem, self-awareness and promote insight. The beauty of art therapy is that you do not need to be an artist to do it. Just the willingness to play and get messy sometimes.









Areas of Interest

-ADHD

-Anxiety

-Autism

-Depression

-LGBTQIA

-Art Therapy

-Play Therapy 

-Parent Education


Populations Served

-Children

-Teens

-Adults

-Families


Therapeutic Influences

-Adler

-Feminist Theory

-Person Centered 

-Art Therapy



Ashley L. Richardson, M.A., LMAFT (She/Her/Hers)

Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Member


Ashley is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapy with a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Argosy University. She completed her undergraduate degree in psychology from Winona State University. She is a certified Prepare/Enrich counselor and also works with individuals, couples, and families of all ages. Ashley believes that relationships provide the foundation for understanding and implementing change. Ashley approaches therapy from a client-centered and empathetic standpoint and believes in building strong therapeutic relationships with her clients. She is interested in supporting adolescents and families in navigating through difficult times in order to grow through their therapeutic process. 


*Ashley will be joining MN Counseling and Therapy Center in January 2021

Areas of Interest:

-Adolescents 

-Chronic illness

-Trauma

-Anxiety

-Depression

-ADHD

-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)


Populations Served:

-Ages 7 and up (prefer adolescents and older)

-Families

-Couples 

-Individuals


Therapeutic Influences:

-Structural

-Bowen

-CBT

-Strategic

-Family Systems

-IFS



Claire DeBenedetto, B.S., Clinical Intern (She/Her/Hers)

Certified PREPARE/ENRICH Counselor, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Member


Claire is pursuing her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Cloud State University. Her undergraduate degree from North Dakota State University was in Human Development and Family Science with minors in Wellness and Psychology. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families to help them seek healing and growth at all stages of life.














*Claire is currently under the supervision of Erin Shobe, MA, LMFT

Areas of Interest:

-Attachment

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Divorce

-Play therapy

-Relational issues/difficulties

-Self esteem

-Trauma

Populations Served:

-Children

-Adolescents

-Adults

-Families

-Couples


Grace, Therapeutic Helper

Grace is a 3 year old Golden Doodle.  This means she is hypoallergenic and is a low shedder so should be safe for even our clients with allergies!!  Grace is sweet and smart, but still has a little puppy left in her, so she gets very excited to meet new people.  She stays on her leash when new people come to let you both get used to each other.  Grace can stay in another room throughout the session, or if you are comfortable she loves to lay on the floor and chew on her toys while we talk (she would love to sit with you on the couch if you would like) .  We believe that animals have a therapeutic presence.  They are loving and non judgmental.  As her name implies, Grace will work to provide comfort and understanding for our clients.  Please be patient with her as she learns this new role.  And please do not hesitate to mention any concerns.

Buster, Therapeutic Helper

Buster's bio coming soon!

Joy (Jo Jo), Therapeutic Helper

Joy's bio coming soon!