Elk River Youth Day Treatment Program

Graduate from Adler Graduate School

My interest is working with children, teens,  adults, and families with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, grief and addiction, relationship issues, stress management, bipolar disorder, co-dependency/self-esteem issues, communication skills training, depression, domestic violence, eating disorders, life transitions, personal growth, relationship distress, shame resilience, substance abuse, trauma, and women’s issues.

My clinical approach is a balance between having a place for a person to process their emotions while also helping them come up with practical strategies to manage their mental health better. Therapy is a collaborative partnership where I, as the therapist, put in the work to guide the person toward change, while the person seeking care is the one who puts in the work to make the changes.  My approach to care is person-centered, incorporating motivational interviewing, solution-focused therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and movement therapy. I believe that people can make positive changes regardless of their stage in life.

I love teaching dance, writing plays, gardening, reading, journaling, hiking, listening to music, and spending time with my loved ones. I also enjoy furthering my education through CEUs and consider myself a lifelong student.

Blake has collaborated with schools, families, and other service providers who provide care for those in need. In this role, he collaborates with clients to achieve their mental health goals and has an interest in a person-centered approach. He provides skills to build coping strategies, resiliency, self-compassion, conflict resolution, and promote healthy social skills. 

In his free time, Blake enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and music, biking, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two cats. Blake enjoys reading nonfiction works that span various cultures and writing music in many styles.

With an associate degree in human services and extensive experience in the field, I have worked across a range of settings, including inpatient care and day treatment programs. Over the years, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face and remain committed to providing compassionate, person-centered support. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, especially my son. In my free time, I like playing cards and biking, as well as reading books from romance, history, to mysteries, which help me stay balanced and energized both personally and professionally.

I received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice from Saint Cloud State University.

I am interested in supporting adolescents develop stronger social skills and effectively utilize coping strategies to navigate everyday challenges.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, going to the cabin, and traveling.

Alyssa graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from St. Cloud State University in 2019 and minored in human relations. Alyssa became a licensed graduate social worker (LGSW) in January of 2021 and is currently planning for her LICSW licensure. Alyssa has been with Catholic Charities IOP day treatment Elk River in various capacities since 2018 – where spent time as an undergraduate and graduate intern, facilitating social and clinical skills groups as well as group, family, and individual therapy sessions. Alyssa has 10+ years of experience working in mental health – with 5+ of those years engaging in in-home skills work with families and those ages 2-18 years old.  

Alyssa is passionate and enthusiastic about mental health work and finds enjoyment in working with those that struggle with avoidance and low self-worth issues that may be impacting their daily functioning and quality of life. ASD, ADHD, various anxiety disorders and oppositional/defiant issues are also areas of interest and dedication. Alyssa considers herself a ‘nerd’ for mental health or a ‘mind gardener/explorer’. She approaches situations/individuals with curiosity and views effective communication, regulation, and responsibility as some of the vital components of healthy mood management. 

Alyssa’s utilizes evidence-based practice approaches including psychodynamic, person-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and solution-focused therapy (SFT)- when appropriate. She strives to be consistent, transparent, and authentic with clients –providing space/time for clients to have support while processing, exploring, challenging themselves and learning and practicing strategies to help navigate life. 

Outside of the office, Alyssa spends her time creating, in one way or another. She likes learning new information, watching documentaries, gardening, and spending time outdoors (if the weather is in the 75-100 degree range).

“Pay attention to your patterns. The way you learned to survive may not be the way you want to continue to live. Heal and shift.” – Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

Lea received her Master’s degree in Social Work from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. She enjoys working with a diverse range of clients in areas such as depression, anxiety, ASD, ADHD, and PTSD. She uses evidence-based practices including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, and a client centered approach, offering individualized care to each of her clients.

In her freetime, Lea enjoys reading, going for bike rides, listening to Taylor Swift and spending time with her wife and two cats.