Our Mental Health Professionals partner with individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan to provide counseling services through a strengths based and trauma-informed lens.
Our Mental Health Professionals hold various expertise and are trained in a variety of therapeutic interventions to address the full spectrum of mental health, relational, or family system challenges.
We provide counseling services in-person and offer telehealth counseling.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and everyone deserves access to quality mental health services. Unfortunately, not everyone has access to the care they need. This is especially true for people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people from low-income communities. At FSR, we strive to provide appropriate, affordable mental health service to everyone.
There are many reasons why people need mental health services. Some people experience mental health challenges as a result of trauma, while others may have a genetic predisposition to mental illness. Whatever the reason, it's important to remember that mental health challenges are real and can have a significant impact on a person's life.
Mental health services can help people cope with a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, and addiction. They can also help people develop coping skills and improve their overall mental health. There are many different types of mental health services available. The best type of service for a person will depend on their individual needs.
Here are some of the benefits of mental health services:
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please reach out for help. There are many resources available, and you don't have to go through this alone.
Here are some resources that can help:
DIRECTOR OF CLINICAL SERVICES
ADowis@familyservicerochester.org
Education
Masters of Science in Education, Emphasis is Community Counseling, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh; Post-Graduate Certificate: Contemporary Theory in Couple and Family Systems, Capella University
Licensure
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC); Wisconsin; Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC); Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy
Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS); Diagnosing Children ages 5 and under (DC 0-5) MN DHS; Couple and Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused Brief Therapy Clinical Supervision
Competencies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); Domestic Violence, Children and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems
Specialized Interests/Skills
Individual Psychotherapy; Multi-Systemic Therapy; Parent/Child Relationships; Blended Family Issues; Solution-Focused Therapy; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
My pronouns are: sher/her/hers
My work in mental health has always been specific to underserved communities. Persons of color are additionally marginalized in society. My life’s work over the last ten years or so has been very much focused on diversity, equity, and inclusivity. I like to believe that it feels different sitting with someone with that lens, that there is a different level of respect.
I start with clients with us assessing fit - are they comfortable with me. Because I do a lot of trauma work, I like to be very transparent and offer options to people so they feel they have some agency. The client is the expert on who they are and I have the skills to help them live their best life.
I see a variety of ages, sexual orientation, sexual and gender identity. I enjoy working with youth who are struggling in their educational systems.
Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQ+, QTBIPOC, Latino/Latina, Native American populations; complex trauma, intersectionality, severe and persistent mental illness, ex-offender community reentry.
My pronouns are: she/ella
Seeking help is challenging and can be one of the most rewarding things one can do. Self-compassion is important to me and nothing inspires me more than being able to offer hope when individuals are navigating life challenges and embarking on a healing journey to putting their most authentic self forward.
I see therapy as a working partnership in which we set goals as they pertain to your personal values, problem solve barriers to your goals, and discover meaningful insights and skills along the way. I use a laid-back approach that incorporates humor to provide an environment conductive to healing and empowerment. It is important for me that my approach and skills are aligned with your needs so we will work together to explore this in the initial sessions.
Licensure: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Special Interests/Skills: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Women’s Issues, life transitions, Intersectional minority mental health.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Melissa graduated with her Masters of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services from Saint Mary’s University.
Melissa enjoys working across the lifespan and will be providing individual, family, and couples therapy.
Melissa is a trauma-informed therapist and has training in Relationship Counseling, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers.
I try to make sure therapy is as unique as the client themselves, meaning we can work together to create the structure and unique modality which works for you.
My priority in every session is to provide an inclusive and safe space to process successes and challenges in your life. I am willing to give as much feedback, whether skills, validation, compassion, or simply space, as you need. It is your right to bring whatever you have, and it is my job to make sure we work towards your overarching therapeutic goals.
It is very important to me that therapy is at a pace with which you are comfortable. A major part of that is being open to explore your identity with you. While I may have several interests, my greatest passion is working with the LGBTQIA+ community and helping one find their safe spaces.
Special Interests/Skills: LGBTQIA and gender identities, dialectical behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC: 0-5).
Rapport building is very important. A good therapeutic relationship with congruence, empathy, and unconditional positive regard can really help clients grow because they are being validated when they usually are not at home, school, and work.
It is very important as a therapist for me to validate clients, help them reframe their automatic negative thoughts, normalize some of their difficulties, and most importantly to show them a non-judgmental stance.
Most people are afraid of being judged, put in a box and labeled. I’m very easy to talk with. I try to make my clients feel welcome and provide a judgment free zone in my office.
Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent and adult mental health, depression, anxiety, life transitions, relationship issues, and trauma. Managing and Adaptive Practices (MAP) trained. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
While I may be providing mental health services, I consider the client the expert in their life and their experience. I see my role as providing a safe, inclusive space to explore how environmental barriers and one’s mental health are impacting the life one wants to be living. My priorities in our work together is your safety and comfort, transparency of services, lack of judgment, and providing services which will address your mental health goals.
I approach therapy by first considering your strengths and prioritizing whether you perceive me as a good fit for your needs. Together, we can create an individualized course of treatment to address the changes you are hoping for in your life. My practice is guided by Strengths-Based, Family Systems, CBT, DBT, Trauma-Informed, and Person-Centered interventions.
Special Interests/Skills: Adolescent, young adult, life transitions, LGBTQIA+ identities, disordered eating, relationship anxiety, divorce recovery, and religious trauma.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Masters in Social Work, University of Minnesota; Bachelor in Sociology, University of Miami
Licensure
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Specialized Training/Certifications
Clinical and Non-Clinical Supervisor approved through Minnesota Board of Social Work; Clinical Supervisor through Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health and Therapy; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT); Motivational Interviewing
Special Interests/Skills
Trauma, acquired brain injury, adjustment to illness, navigating grief, loss and transition, healthy sexuality, individual and group psychotherapy
Education
Bachelor of Social Work, St. Cloud State University
Masters of Social Work, St. Catherine University and University of St. Thomas
Licensure
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Adult and adolescent mental health issues
Co-occurring disorders
Cognitive behavior therapy
Education: Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Winona State University, Rochester, MN; Master of Social Work (MSW), Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY.
Licensure: Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW)
Working toward Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies: Individual and Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills: Latino/Latina/Latinx, BIPOC populations, Supporting School-Aged Children’s Mental Health; LGBTQ+ Identities, Solution-Focused Therapy; Family Systems Work; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; Strengths-Based
My Pronouns are: she/ella
Education:
Winona State University-Rochester Bachelor of Social Work; Capella University Master of Clinical Social Work
Licensure:
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, LGSW
Training and Certifications:
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Trained, DC0-5 certified
Individual psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, and group interventions.
Special Interest/Skills:
Focused on Client-Centered therapy interventions including; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interventions, Crisis Response, Trauma Informed approaches, de-escalation skills, and DBT skills; previous background of co-facilitating outpatient chemical dependency treatments, facilitation of substance use support groups, and certified as a volunteer crisis advocate.
Pronouns:
She/Her
Education
Bachelor of Science in Psychology, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Winona State University
Licensure
Working towards becoming a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Competencies
Individual, Family, and Group Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Trauma-Focused Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Grief, LGBTQIA+ Identities, Mindfulness
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education:
Master of Arts in Professional Counseling, Liberty University; Bachelor of Science in Social Work, Winona State University.
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Minnesota Board of Behavioral Health
Licensed Social Worker (LSW), Minnesota Board of Social Work
Specialized training:
Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
Competencies:
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized Interests and Skills:
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Co-Occurring Disorders and Motivational Interviewing.
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Winona State University; Master’s degree in Trauma-informed Clinical Social Work Practice from Winona State University
Licensure: Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW)
Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications: Trauma-informed Master’s Program
Competencies: Individual therapy
Specialized interests/Skills: Supporting School-aged Children’s Mental Health; Internal Family Systems Therapy; Play Therapy; Body-Mind Connection; Person-centered and Strengths Based Approach; Trauma-Informed Practice; Cultural Awareness and Intelligence; Co-occurring Disorders
My Pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education:
Bachelors of Social Work, University of North Dakota; Masters of Clinical Social Work, Winona State University
Licensure: (licensure track for Clinical Trainees)
Temporary Licensed Graduate Social Work (MSW, TLGSW), Minnesota Board of Social Work
Specialized Training/Certifications:
Diagnosing Children ages 5 and under (DC 0-5) MN DHS;
Competencies:
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized interests/Skills:
Play therapy, children and adolescent’s mental health, internal family systems, trauma-focused therapy
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Science Interior Architecture; University of Wisconsin; Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW); Winona State University
Specialized Training/Certifications
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) 2023; Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial and Histrionic Personality Disorders: Effective Treatments Seminar 2023; Autism Symposium 2023; Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS; 2022; Trauma Informed School Institute Conference 2021; Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score 2021; Trauma-Informed Master’s Program 2021-2022
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW); Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy);; ARC (Attachment Regulation Competency) Therapy; ; DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Skills; Solution Focus Therapy; Art Therapy and Play Therapy; Somatic Based Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Complex Trauma Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders
My pronouns are: She | Her | Hers
Education:
Bachelor of Social Work, Minnesota State University Moorhead; Masters of Social Work, Saint Mary’s University
Licensure:
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work; Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Specialized Training/Certifications:
IV-E Child Welfare Scholar; Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies:
Individual Therapy; Family therapy
Special Interests/Skills:
Adult and adolescent mental health issues; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Education
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), Winona State University, Winona MN; Master of Social Work (MSW), Winona State University, Rochester MN; Temporary Graduate Social Worker, MN Board of Social Work (TLGSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications
IV-E Child Welfare Scholar; Trauma-Informed Master’s Program
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW); Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies
Individual and Family Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Supporting School-Aged Children's Mental Health; Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Solution-Focused Therapy; Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Licensure:
Working towards Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS
Competencies:
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized Training:
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS)
Systemic Family Therapy (SFT)
Special Interests
Adolescent and Children's Mental Health, family systems, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), and trauma informed therapy.
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor in Social Work; Minor in Psychology, Viterbo University, La Crosse, WI
Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine/St. Thomas University, St. Paul, MN
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work
Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Specialized Training/Certifications
Collaborative Intensive Bridging Services (CIBS)
Systemic Family Therapy (SFT)
Competencies
Individual and family therapy (CIBS)
Special Interests/Skills
Adolescent and children's mental health, family systems, Multisystemic Therapy (MST), trauma-focused therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)
My pronouns are: she/her/hers
Education
Bachelor of Psychology, minor in Gender Studies - Winona State University
Master of Counseling Psychology, emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy - University of St. Thomas
Licensure
Working toward Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT)
Competencies
Individual and Family Therapy
Specialized Interests/Skills
Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Family Systems, Trauma-Informed Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Attachment Work, Mindfulness
Education
Bachelor of Science Interior Architecture; University of Wisconsin; Master of Clinical Social Work (MSW); Winona State University
Specialized Training/Certifications
Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) 2023; Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial and Histrionic Personality Disorders: Effective Treatments Seminar 2023; Autism Symposium 2023; Diagnosing children ages 5 and under (DC:0-5), MN DHS; 2022; Trauma Informed School Institute Conference 2021; Trauma Conference: The Body Keeps the Score 2021; Trauma-Informed Master’s Program 2021-2022
Licensure
Licensed Graduate Social Worker, Minnesota Board of Social Work (LGSW); Working towards Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
Competencies
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral therapy);; ARC (Attachment Regulation Competency) Therapy; ; DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy) Skills; Solution Focus Therapy; Art Therapy and Play Therapy; Somatic Based Therapy
Special Interests/Skills
Complex Trauma Disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Personality Disorders
My pronouns are: She | Her | Hers
