Individual/Couples/Family Therapy

​The following therapists are also available for outpatient individual, couples, or family therapy sessions. Feel free to read their profiles and contact therapists directly to answer any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment.

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Daniel Henry, MSW, LICSW
Supervisor/Intake Coordinator
(651) 384-3625
dhenry@lighthousepsych.org

Trained in the rich Social Work tradition at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Master's program, I aim to improve clients' lives in their unique social environments, as well as the health and functioning of overall communities. I have worked at Lighthouse since 2011, in addition to previous work as a teacher, counselor, case manager, and job coach My outpatient experiences at Lighthouse have included serving those with severe and persistent mental illness, as well as Vulnerable Adult populations, and clients with inappropriate sexualized behaviors, pornography addiction, and other presenting concerns.  A colleague and I recently gave a well-received presentation of some of our work at the MnATSA 2014 conference. I am currently available for individuals, couples, and families willing to work on themselves. Please contact me for more information.

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Shannon Medina, MSW, LICSW
Group and Individual Therapist, Fridley Clinic/Teleheatlh
(651) 384-3854
Smedina@lighthousepsych.org 

I utilize multiple theoretical orientations, including person centered, empowerment, cognitive behavioral theory, psycho-dynamic theory, task centered therapy, and solution focused therapy. I believe that every individual deserves to have a unique therapeutic style that fits their specific needs.  I believe that everyone has an innate ability to change, grow, and prosper. I also firmly believe that all humans have the right to access conditions that successfully reinforce happiness and inner peace. I am excited to work with clients who are looking to gain insight into his/her personal needs, unresolved challenges, and those who are seeking hope. 

I have experience and enjoy working with a plethora of mental health diagnosis and behaviors, such as, major depression, general anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and clients who have issues of sexuality and sexual deviance. Please contact me today if you are ready to begin your therapeutic journey. 

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Bryanna Garwood, MS, LMFT
Individual Therapist, St. Paul Clinic/Teleheatlh
(507) 400-3100
bgarwood@lighthousepsych.org

*Appointments available from both offices.

I utilize systemic practices to challenge my clients. I believe creating non-judgmental and open thinking allows growth to occur.  All of the systems that we are a part of can impact the way we think about ourselves and our ability to connect with others. This can severely impact our mental health and our ability to heal. Curiosity can shed light on some of our darkest places and what better way to address that darkness than together in a safe environment. I am here to help you manage issues related to sexuality, severe and persistent mental illness, sense of self, trauma, loss, and life transitions.

I have a history of working with the LGBTQIA+ community, people with addiction, aging adults, people seeking sex specific therapy, couples, families, and individuals with a variety of mental health needs. If you are interested in setting up a session please reach out and let's see if we are a therapeutic match!

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Jon Forsberg, MA, LPCC (he/him)
Group and Individual Therapist, Fridley Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384-3583 
jforsberg@lighthousepsych.org

My style of therapy draws from a client centered approach that is geared toward building a strong therapeutic alliance. I use a combination of Cognitive Behavioral Therapeutic, Dialectical Behavioral and trauma focused techniques to empower each client with the ability to better understand themselves and others, while challenging and eliminating offensive and self destructive behaviors. I worked with a multitude of mental health disorders and developmental disorders. These include SPMI disorders, Anxiety and Depression, ADHD, PTSD and Personality Disorders. I believe each individual has unlimited potential to improve their circumstances in a healthy manner, no matter how challenging they might be. I look forward to the opportunity to start this journey with you!

Nicole Brown, MSW, LGSW
Social Work Intern Supervisor / Sr. Group Therapist, St Paul Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384-3743 
nbrown@lighthousepsych.org 

I spent most of my career working with involuntary clients, specifically residential, inpatient, and corrections. Trust me! I have heard it all, it takes a lot to shock me. I look forward to hearing your story! I have experience working with adults who experience depression, anxiety, Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI), personality disorders, and other mental health concerns. I utilize multiple theoretical approaches including Solution Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered, and Psychodynamic. I pride myself on meeting a client where they are at and giving space for autonomy in sessions. This is your Journey! I am here to guide you as needed. My goal is to help you manage concerns related to mental health, grief and loss, self-discovery, and other life transitions. I hope we are a good match!

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Sadie Watts, LICSW
Individual Therapist
(507) 720 - 8438
swatts@lighthousepsych.org

*Practices from the Faribault Office.

My name is Sadie Watts. I have been a licensed mental health professional for more than ten years. I have extensive experience working with persons with significant and persistent mental health issues. I have also been working with justice involved persons for much of my career and have skills in helping persons/families in transition. I enjoy working with families, individuals and groups. I have been involved in sex specific therapy for many years and have worked with persons in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, residential and corrections. I use a variety of modalities in my therapeutic approach, but most importantly identify as strengths based and person centered. I feel very humbled when I am given the opportunity to work with individuals in therapy and feel that interpersonal connection and communication is key to transformation. I am a trauma informed therapist and can support people toward healing.

 

Vicenta del Carmen Valero, MA, LPCC, LADC
Group and Individual Therapist, St Paul Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384-3824
vvalero@lighthousepsych.org

I earned my Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters of Arts degree with emphasis in Co-occurring Disorders from Adler Graduate School. I have diverse experience providing person-centered services to under-served populations including individuals with Severe and Persistent Mental Illness, Substance Use Disorders, and Trauma. 

My therapeutic approach is grounded in understanding how the varied intersections of racism, oppression, gender, class, and poverty impact individual's functioning and mental health. 


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Obtuve mi título de Maestría de Artes en Consejería Clínica de Salud Mental con énfasis en trastornos concurrentes de Adler Graduate School. Tengo una amplia experiencia en la prestación de servicios centrados en la persona a poblaciones desatendidas, incluyendo personas con enfermedades mentales graves y persistentes, trastornos por consumo de sustancias y trauma.

Mi enfoque terapéutico se basa en comprender cómo las variadas intersecciones de racismo, opresión, género, clase y pobreza impactan el funcionamiento y la salud mental de las personas.

Paige Wegner, MSW, LGSW
Group and Individual Therapist, Fridley Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384-3425

pwegner@lighthousepsych.org

Hey there! I am proud of you for seeking therapy. To engage in therapy takes vulnerability and I would be honored to hear about your journey and assist you in achieving your goals. I pride myself on providing a safe and non-judgemental space for you to process difficult life experiences and emotions. I believe in autonomy and will give you the space to flourish within sessions. I am trained in and primarily utilize therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma informed therapy, strengths based therapy, and the person centered and empowerment approach. I have experience and enjoy working with a wide variety of mental health diagnoses and behaviors. Let's walk through this journey together. 

Emily Johnson, MA, LMFT

Individual Therapist, Faribault

(507) 400-3001
ejohnson@lighthousepsych.org

My name is Emily Johnson, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I have been practicing since 2014. I have a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy with concentrations in Forensic Psychology and Chemical Dependency. I like to customize the types of therapy I do to the individual or individuals I am working with and believe creativity is central to finding what works best. My training in Marriage and Family Therapy has lended me to look at not only the individual but the systems they operate in. I have experience working with trauma, offending, anxiety, depression, building self-esteem, and reintegration into society. I have worked with people from all walks of life including adults, couples, families, children, and adolescents.

 
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Liz Lee, M.A., MH Prac
Individual Therapist, St Paul Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384 - 3821
elee@lighthousepsych.org

I have devoted to the Art of Counseling since 2010 and obtained my Bachelors degree in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.  Shortly after, I left Wisconsin to pursue my Masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Nyack College in Nyack, NY.

My approach to therapy involves various modalities including, Client-Centered Therapy; Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy; Narrative Therapy and trauma processing.  I have worked with individuals, couples and families from various ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds.  

As a first generation Hmong-American citizen,  I am fluent in English and Hmong.  My hope is to continue raising awareness for mental health issues in communities that are unfamiliar with therapeutic services.   I am passionate about helping people break through barriers in order to propel towards the path of healing and restoration in mind, body and soul. 

Alissa Peanasky, MSW, LGSW (she/her)
Individual Therapist, St. Paul
(651) 384-3671
apeanasky@lighthousepsych.org

I received my masters in social work from the University of St. Thomas and have spent my career working with youth and adolescent clients. Using an individualized approach, I work with clients with a variety of developmental disabilities and severe and persistent mental illnesses. This includes Autism Spectrum Disorder, mood disorders, and impulse control disorders. I specialize in working with youth with sexualized behaviors. With the help of each client's support system, we can establish healthy boundaries and increase safety while addressing the complex factors influencing these behaviors. I have received training in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Strengths-Based Therapy, and Brief Psychodynamic Therapy. I believe that all youth have the ability to grow and thrive when given the right tools and a healthy environment. If you are interested in setting up a session, please reach out using the appointment form linked above. I am currently offering sessions in person and via tele-health.

Samantha Pieper, MA, LPCC (she/her)
Clinical Director / Therapist All Clinics/Telehealth
(651) 384-3791
spieper@lighthousepsych.org

I completed my Master of Arts degree in Counseling at Palo Alto University. My professional energy has been spent experiencing different types of clients and situations: substance abuse, relational difficulties, lack of trust, communication, maladaptive behaviors, and much more. My role Is to help educate, guide, confront, and support clients developing communication and relational skills.

 

Theodore Wang, M.A., MH Prac
Group and Individual Therapist, St Paul Clinic/Telehealth
(651) 384-3724
twang@lighthousepsych.org

When Henry Thoreau gazed at the summer tree and said that “the tenderest fruit needs the tenderest handling,” as a therapist, I believe it's equally true to our mind and our experiences. My role as the therapist is to create a safe and intentional space for you and to lean into the inner strength that may be shadowed by past wounds, present stress, or the hopelessness of the future. My clients include individuals who have experienced trauma, mood disorders, personality disorders, sexuality struggles, or any adjustment issues.

It is my passion to support clients of Asian descent and Chinese international students with racial identity and acculturation challenges. My vision for this work is driven by being a first generation Chinese immigrant and my professional experience.

When I am not working, I enjoy keeping my egg-laying hens, working on my vegetable garden, biking, and cooking authentic Chinese food for my family.