Meet the Onward Counseling Team.
Our Team
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Megan Radosevich, MA, LPCC, Owner
Megan Radosevich is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services. Megan is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy and a member of the American Counseling Association. Megan trained at Transitions Therapies while attending Graduate School; and at Fernbrook Family Center for five years providing both in-home therapy and piloting their outpatient therapy program. Areas of specialty include: individual and family therapy, anger management, trauma and stress related concerns, depression and anxiety, self esteem/body image, attachment concerns, infertility, postpartum and parenting issues, life adjustments, occupational or organizational difficulties, and relationship and blended family concerns. Megan is trained in diversity, including work with the LGBTQ commuity, trauma-focused CBT, and motivational interviewing; however utilizes other empirically supported methods such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Person-Centered approaches, and Emotions-Focused/Emotional Efficacy therapies. Megan earned her Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Megan is known for her ability to connect with clients, expression of unconditional positive regard, and aims to have people leave her office with hopeful spirits, improved insights, and motivation to try new things.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Brogan Evenstad, MS, LPCC, Owner
Brogan holds a Masters of Science Degree in Psychology with a specialization in Clinical Counseling. She is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor by the Minnesota Board Of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Brogan has experience in providing therapy to individuals, couples, and families facing a wide range of mental health concerns including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, trauma, stress-related issues, Reactive Attachment Disorder and other attachment-related concerns, life adjustment issues, and family/relationship issues. She is known for her ability to adapt the techniques and strategies used in therapy to best fit her client’s needs. Brogan utilizes an eclectic approach that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Humanistic/Person-Centered approaches, Play Therapy techniques, Art Therapy techniques, Positive Psychotherapy, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Trauma-Focused Therapy techniques, Solution-Focused approaches, and Strengths-Based strategies. Brogan has a strong passion for walking in stride with her clients and teaching them the tools they need to not only overcome their struggles, but to guide them in the discovery of their own strength and potential to find happiness and overall wellness.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, MEDIATION
Sheila Daley, MA, LP, LMFT
Sheila Daley holds dual licenses in Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy. She trained and practiced at Mayo Clinic prior to entering private practice in 2007. Sheila sees couples, individual adults, and families for relationship and parenting struggles, stress management, weight and binge eating issues, anxiety (OCD, panic, trauma), and occupational, health and life adjustments. Modalities of therapy include cognitive-behavioral, Gottman Methods, Emotionally Focused, mindfulness, attachment based, solution-oriented, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Degrees earned include a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services and a Post-Masters Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Sheila is trained in Gottman Methods couples therapy and is a Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work Educator. Additional qualifications include: Rule 114 Qualified Mediator, Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy approved supervisor, and former instructor at St. Mary’s University. Over the years, Sheila’s empathetic approach and strong clinical skills have helped many face, manage, and overcome life challenges.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Norman Rasmussen, EdD, LP, ABPP
Dr. Norman H. Rasmussen, EdD, LP, ABPP, is a counseling psychologist specializing in the assessment and treatment of adolescent and adult mental health disorders and behavioral health challenges. He is licensed by the Minnesota State Board of Psychology (License # LP2731) and is a Board Certified Diplomate granted by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP; Certificate # 04555). Dr. Rasmussen has over 30 years of clinical experience in treating clients with depression, anxiety, trauma & stress, grief reactions, behavioral issues, and marital and family problems. His integrated counseling approach is based on a combination of evidence-based therapeutic tools and strategies derived from multiple empirically supported psychotherapies including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Interpersonal Effectiveness Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution Focused Problem Solving Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy, and Exposure and Reprocessing Therapy. Dr. Rasmussen is an Emeritus Staff member at the Mayo Clinic after 32 of service as a Consultant and staff psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry & Psychology and the Department of Family Medicine before retiring in 2013. During his tenure at the Mayo Clinic, he was promoted to Associate Professor of Psychology and Associate Professor of Family Medicine in the Mayo College of Medicine with over 50 peer reviewed publications. Dr. Rasmussen has been awarded the State College of Iowa Hall of Excellence Award for Serving Health and Psychology with Distinction, the Mayo Department of Psychiatry & Psychology Distinguished Clinician Award, the Mayo Department of Family Medicine Silver Research Award, and the Rochester Principals Award In Recognition of Support and Service to Children.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, EMDR
Apryl Tighe, MSW, LICSW
Apryl Tighe is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a Masters of Science degree in Social Work. Apryl earned her degree from the collaborative clinical social work program with University of Saint Thomas and Saint Catherine’s University. Apryl is trauma informed, trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), as well as Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Apryl has experience working with trauma related symptoms, disordered attachment patterns, depression, anxiety, stress management and life adjustments, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, grief and loss, sexuality and personal identity concerns, etc. Prior to joining Onward Counseling, Apryl provided school-linked and in-home mental health therapy for youth and their families, and worked in a residential treatment setting providing individual, family, and group therapy. Currently, Apryl’s client population includes children & adolescents up through middle aged adults. Apryl is a board approved clinical supervisor and has years of experience supervising clinicians seeking licensure. Apryl utilizes many treatment modalities in her work with clients including but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Attachment based approach; Strengths based approach; Mindfulness based interventions; Solutions Focused; Persons Centered; and Family systems. Apryl’s passion is helping individuals understand and accept themselves while finding their inner strengths and inherent potential so they can walk through life feeling hopeful and confident.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, ART
Amy Pyron Hugo, MSW, LICSW
Amy is a licensed independent clinical social worker (LICSW), working in the Rochester community for over 25 years. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology from Northwestern University, and Masters of Social Work at the University of St. Thomas/ St. Catherine. She works primarily with adults dealing with life transitions, anxiety, depression, grief and loss issues, trauma, hoarding tendencies, women's issues, and parenting skills. She uses a person-centered approach, drawing on cognitive-behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral skills. She has specialized training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Illness Management and Recovery (IMR) and chronic mental health needs. Amy is a member of the SE Minnesota Mobile Crisis Team and is also a board-approved clinical supervisor with experience offering supervision at the LSW and LGSW levels of licensure. Life can be confusing, but it also holds beauty and meaning. As a therapist, Amy’s wish is to assist with navigating the sometimes uncertain waters of life, until one reaches a place of solid ground and stability. Along the way, she offers hope, encouragement, respect, guidance, and an ear to listen. Her approach to sessions is as a team, drawing on strengths in a safe space. Amy’s personality is warm, inquisitive, and sensitive. Her goal for you, to gain insight as well as acceptance in order to face your challenges.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESMENTS, ART
Brandy Allen, MA, LPCC
Brandy Allen is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Brandy is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. She transitioned from practicing at Bluestem Center for five years prior to practicing at Onward, and completed her training and supervision at Fernbrook Family Center for three years providing in-home therapy, family therapy, and school-linked mental health in the Rochester Public Schools. Brandy is nationally certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), Masters trained in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and a Minnesota board approved clinical supervisor. Brandy finds it especially important to contribute both bottom up and town down approaches when healing from life’s stressors for the extended duration of time. Areas of specialty include: individual and family therapy, anger management, trauma and stress related concerns, depression and anxiety, self esteem/body image, reactive-attachment disorder and attachment concerns, parenting issues, and life adjustments. Brandy is trained in diversity, including work with the LGBTQ community, trauma-focused CBT, mindfulness and motivational interviewing; however utilizes an eclectic approach utilizing empirically supported methods such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Gestalt, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Person-Centered approaches, Play Therapy techniques, solution focused approaches, motivational interviewing, strengths based strategies, Accelerated Response Therapy (ART), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) approaches. She prides herself on continuing to educate herself to best meet the needs for the person who walks through her door, remaining flexible and open minded in her practice, as well as integrating the various supports into the therapeutic process. As a counselor, Brandy’s hope is to connect with her clients where they are at in life, while navigating life's stressors and adjustments. She is known for her ability to connect with the person who walks through her door, as well as her ability to express unconditional positive regard and support. Brandy also has a friendly, canine “coworker,” commonly known as a therapy dog named- Pierce, she incorporates into session for those that feel comfortable. Additionally, she enjoys building play, creative techniques, activity, and fun into sessions as a further tool to meet individuals where they are. Ultimately, she is passionate about active listening, sitting with others emotionally, and building optimism, insight, belief in self, and hope.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, ART
Melia Sedarski, MSW, LGSW
Melia Sedarski is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who received her Master of Social Work degree from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Melia has experience working with individuals ages 15 years and up who may struggle with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, eating disorders, trauma, self-esteem, OCD, life transitions, postpartum/parenting challenges, and relationship/family concerns. Therapy modalities used in her work with clients include but are not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Solution-Focused, Attachment based, Psychodynamic, and Holistic Therapy approaches. Melia is also trained in a specific trauma modality of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She puts emphasis on the development of a strong therapeutic relationship with each client and providing a safe and non-judgmental space to process and challenge unwanted thoughts and explore what makes you uniquely you. Melia is known for her ability to sit in the hard parts of life with each client, throwing out the fluff and unrealistic expectations, in turn facing authentic emotions together. Sometimes our journey through life gets hard and uncomfortable. Her hope is to join you through that journey and provide an opportunity for you to feel heard, seen, and validated.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Allison Billiar, MA, LPCC
Allison Billiar is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Allison is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Allison is trauma informed and trauma trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Allison has worked in a variety of treatment settings including inpatient hospitalization, partial hospitalization, outpatient, and school-linked mental health. Allison has a passion for working alongside current athletes as well as those transitioning out of their sport. Areas of specialty include individual and family therapy, athletes, depression, anxiety, life adjustments, learning disorders including attention difficulties, anger struggles, parenting and family issues, and self esteem/image issues. Allison believes everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life's difficulties. She uses a wide range of treatment modalities/techniques in her work with clients which includes, but not limited to: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT); Strengths based approach; Mindfulness based interventions; Solutions Focused; Persons Centered; Reality Therapy; sports psychology and Family systems.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Ammon Fawson, MMFT, LMFT
Ammon Fawson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, as well as a Clinical Member of the Minnesota Association for MFT. Ammon graduated with his MMFT from Utah State University in 2012, and is Licensed with the Minnesota Board. Ammon worked at Catalyst Residential Treatment Center, specializing in adolescent treatment of substance abuse and associated problems through individual, family, and group therapy. He also spent several years working in private practice and with an EAP, providing crisis response, individual, couples and family therapy. Ammon enjoys working with adolescents and adults to help with common difficulties such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, substance abuse, trauma, marital and relational difficulties, and others. If you have a concern not listed, please feel free to ask. Ammon uses integrated techniques from multiple psychological and systemic therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Strategic, and Structural Therapy. He has enjoyed spending his free time in public education, educating on suicide prevention and improving individual and family quality of life. Ammon believes that understanding a person’s perspective and emotions, along with healthy doses of humor, are among the best medicines. He is excited to collaborate with you to overcome challenges, and to find meaningful ways to experience your best life.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Emily Schmiedeberg, MA, LPCC
Emily Schmiedeberg is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Emily is licensed by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Emily is trauma informed and trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT). Emily provides both individual and family therapy and has worked in a wide range of therapeutic settings, including residential treatment, outpatient, and school-linked mental health. Emily works primarily with adolescents and young adults. Emily utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches/modalities, tailored to the individual needs of the client. Approaches include; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness, and Positive Psychology techniques.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Ashley Deng, MS, CT
Ashley Deng holds a Masters of Science Degree in Community Counseling; as well as, an Addiction Counseling Certificate from Winona State University. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credentialing by the Minnesota Board Of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Ashley has worked in a variety of treatment settings including adolescent day treatment, school-linked mental health, in home, community, and outpatient. She has experience in providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, groups, caregivers, and families facing a wide range of mental health concerns. Ashley is trained in ACT Raising Safe Kids to provide education and empower families to create safe, stable, nurturing, and healthy environments. Additionally, other areas of specialty include (but not limited to) anxiety, depression, trauma, stress-related issues, attachment disorders and concerns, life adjustment and transitions, and family/relationship issues. Ashley utilizes a custom therapeutic approach to address each client’s unique needs. She is known for her ability to utilize eclectic techniques that includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Dialectical Behavioral Therapy; Internal Family Systems; Trauma-Focused Therapy; Solution-Focused, Person-Centered; play therapy approaches, and Family Systems. As a therapist, Ashley aspires to walk with her client through life’s challenges; and help them discover their own personal strength to navigate these difficulties.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Julie Kurth, MSW, LICSW
Julie Kurth is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Augsburg University. Julie's expertise is working with children, adolescents, and the entire family unit. In her undergrad education, she majored in Family Social Science with a double minor in Youth Studies and Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention. She has experience working with children and adolescents (ages 10-18) in an inpatient setting throughout various hospitals in Minnesota such as PrairieCare and Mayo Clinic. Julie is known for working with individuals who struggle with, but is not limited to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, and reactive attachment disorder. She is an expert at understanding suicidal risk level and has even provided trainings on suicidal ideation. Outside of working in pediatrics, Julie also has experience providing therapy and facilitating a Mental Illness/Chemical Dependency (MICD) group for adults. Julie utilizes therapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Humanistic/Person-Centered approaches, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused Therapy techniques, and components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Julie is passionate about empowering clients to unlock their inner strengths to become the best version of themselves while walking alongside them in their journey toward greater mental well being.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, EMDR, ART
Erin Karasek, MA, LPCC
Erin Karasek is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Art in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. Erin is licensed by the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy and is a Board Approved Supervisor for clinicians seeking licensure. She is trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). Erin has experience with individuals and families who are experiencing trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, attachment concerns, life transitions and adjustments, stress management, sexual identity, self-worth and personal identity, interpersonal and relationship challenges. She has worked in a variety of settings including residential, school-linked mental health, and in-home, which has allowed her to experience a richness in diversity of clients from many cultures, communities, and backgrounds. Therapeutic approaches include (but are not limited to): Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, Solution-Focused, Mindfulness, and Strengths Based. Erin works from a place of valuing connection, respect, humor, and meeting clients where they are in their journey. She is passionate that you feel heard and validated, have an opportunity to explore in a safe space, and increase your connection to hope, resilience, and your ability to persevere.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Brianna Lamp, MSW, LGSW
Brianna Lamp is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who received her Masters of Social Work from Capella University. Briannas comes with 5+ years of working in the mental health field in a variety of community, school, in-home, and correctional settings. She has experience working with individuals of all ages with varying backgrounds and mental health concerns. Brianna is known for working with individuals who struggle with, but is not limited to depression, anxiety, life transitions, stress managements, and family/relationship concerns. Brianna utilizes therapy practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Humanistic/Person-Centered approaches, Solution-Focused, Trauma-Focused Therapy techniques, and many components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Brianna is passionate about creating a safe, open, and non-judgmental environment for everyone that enters her office. Brianna prioritizes helping others uncover their inner strengths to address life’s difficulties.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Therese Shumaker, MA, MS, RDN
Therese Shumaker holds a Master of Arts Degree in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She is currently in the process of obtaining her Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credentialing by the Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Therese is also a Registered and Licensed Dietitian in Minnesota and holds a Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. Therese has many years of experience working in the healthcare field and she is passionate about helping people change! She has special interest in those who may be struggling with eating disorders, body image, perfectionism, depressed mood, anxiety, life/work balance, tobacco, e-cigarettes, life transitions, chronic health concerns, and navigating life stressors after recovery from substance abuse. With the belief that everyone can change, Therese will support and empower her clients to reach their goals. Therese has a strength-based approach and utilizes best practices such as Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Positive Psychology.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, ART
Ellen Lilla, MSW, LICSW
Ellen Lilla is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and is a Perinatal Therapist at the Onward office. She has provided mental health support to clients and their families since 2013. Ellen is trained in a specific trauma modality of Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). She has worked with a variety of diagnoses, clients ranging from birth to older adulthood, and worked in several settings such as day treatment, schools, and in home care. Ellen works with a wide array of clients, but her primary caseload is dedicated to working with the perinatal population. This includes people on their journey to becoming a parent, pregnancy, and postpartum. She helps clients heal from the grief and loss associated with becoming a parent and losing a child, heal from their traumatic birth experiences, adjust to their new life as a parent, helps with anxiety and depression that can come with becoming or being a parent, adjust to having multiple children, and strengthens their relationship with their family members and/or partners so they can feel more successful in the parenting role. Ellen is a mother of two wild and spirited boys, so when she tells you parenting is hard and you are not alone, she means it. Ellen’s journey to parenthood was difficult, from becoming pregnant to learning how to parent. She is open with her clients in a way that allows her to work with you, while having a background that includes not just education and professional training, but with her own personal experience. She will sit with you during the good, bad, and ugly times and give you strategies to try, but also bring joy and support you along the way. She will be your biggest cheerleader and will shine a light at your strengths even when you do not see them.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, EMDR
Jessica Lawler, MS, LMFT
Jessica Lawler is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy. Jessica is licensed by both the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy and the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Counselors, Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. She is a professional member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Treasurer of the South Carolina Association of Marriage and Family Therapy. She received her education from Valdosta State University in Valdosta, GA. She has worked with individuals, couples, families, and groups in multiple therapy environments in various parts of the country to include: therapeutic foster care and in-home/in-school services, residential facility for children and adolescents with severe emotional and behavioral difficulties, outpatient services that also served within the school setting, Military and Family Life Counseling within the on-post CDC’s, adult day treatment, outpatient couples/family services at Columbia VA Hospital, and private practice. Areas of specialty include: anxiety, trauma and other stress related difficulties, grief/loss, shame/guilt issues, intense emotional regulation, life changes/adjustments, navigating military life/experience and transition, and all things relational such as systemic difficulties/patterns, interactional difficulties/patterns, and attachment wounds. Jessica has special training in Gottman Method (level 1), Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and various Family Systems models, however, in her varied, eclectic approach, she also uses various interventions from other evidenced based therapies/practices. Jessica is most well known for her ability to connect with a variety of people quickly, support clients with a unique passion and gumption, highlight self-agency and feelings of empowerment, and present with authenticity and transparency in a kind, but straightforward way. She is particularly passionate about challenging old shame-based narratives affecting our experiences, sharing space with others in their uncomfortable moments, exploring information about the brain/body connection to help normalize our human reactions, and breaking free from limitations we succumb to because of oppositional relationships to our emotions. Jessica hopes most to collaborate with her clients, approaching each situation with the understanding that clients are the experts in their own lives while she comes alongside them to aid in the facilitation of change. Jessica will be providing strictly Telehealth services until she relocates back to Minnesota.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Madisen Schillo, MA, CMHC
Madisen Schillo graduated with her Master of Arts Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Southern New Hampshire University and is currently in the process of obtaining her Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor credentialing by the Minnesota Board Of Behavioral Health and Therapy. Her passions include helping others live a healthier and more fulfilling life. Her therapeutic background is focused on human development, childhood trauma, skill development, suicide prevention, addiction, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, couples and family work. Madisen works with individuals 7 and up and has experience in Early Childhood Mental Health. She is trained and certified in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, as well as being trauma-informed in evidence-based practices. She takes a person-centered approach and is ready and prepared to discuss whatever you bring to session on any given day. She shows up as an equal partner in the therapeutic relationship, meaning she will be there for support and guidance as you reach your goals and overall potential during your unique healing journey. Madisen finds herself drawn to integrative practices depending on the kind of experiences you come to therapy with. Many sessions are grounded in mindfulness, balancing acceptance and change, empowerment, and unconditional positive regard. Madisen takes pride in providing a non-judgemental approach with clients and making sure she provides a safe and comfortable space for everyone to be fully themselves. She also strives to promote multicultural competence and believes she can learn just as much from her clients as they can from therapy.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS
Catherine Avant, MSW, LICSW
Catherine Avant is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who received her Master of Social Work Degree from St. Catherine’s University/ University of St. Thomas. She is an advocate for the normalization of seeking mental health care and feels honored each day to be a part of this movement. Prior to joining the Onward Counseling collective, Catherine has worked in outpatient mental health clinics, school-based therapy programs, and community-based therapy programs treating adults, adolescents, and children. Catherine is known for being real, direct, and using humor whenever possible in the therapy setting. Catherine’s therapeutic approach is rooted in unconditional positive regard for the client. She takes a laid-back, non-directive, and holistic approach to therapy and incorporates evidenced-based practices when necessary and/or requested; Catherine is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), and draws from cognitive-based and dialectical behavioral therapy modalities, as well as mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, and attachment-based strategies. Catherine enjoys working with clients who are willing to broaden their perspective, to try new ways of doing things, and are willing to build on their own authenticity. She typically works with folks living with depression, anxiety, trauma and stressor related disorders, challenges adjusting to new life circumstances, and relationship issues. Catherine’s favorite aspect of therapy is being able to offer individuals hope and a fresh perspective in areas of their lives where they have lost sight of their own strength, and does so through the power of the therapeutic relationship. Catherine feels heartened when meeting new clients as it takes great courage to take that initial step into therapy. She prioritizes transparency about life’s challenges and firmly believes we can all benefit from therapy during various seasons of our lives. Catherine looks forward to helping you organize and understand your thoughts, being a part of your path to healing, and helping you hold what feels too heavy to hold on your own.
THERAPY, DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENTS, EMDR
Samantha Miller, MA, LPCC, EMDRIA
Samantha Miller is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services. She is licensed with the Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy, is trained as a Clinical Supervisor for clinicians seeking licensure and is certified in EMDR and a member of EMDRIA, a regulating board for those with the trauma speciality. Samantha has experience working with children, adults and families with trauma related issues, disordered attachment styles, grief and loss, life adjustments and transitions, depression, anxiety and stress management, etc. Samantha is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma informed services including EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy and uses Person-Centered Approaches across all modalities. Samantha is known for her ability to connect with others and her use of humor in and out of the therapy room. Samantha has a strong belief about building resilience, strength and self esteem along with addressing what brings you to therapy. Self advocacy and autonomy play a key role in our ability to develop and build self love.
