Business Details
21 Years
experience
Your Trusted Mental Health Therapy Partner in Northern Minnesota
Birch Lake Counseling has been dedicated to providing comprehensive mental health services since 2005. Our team of licensed professionals brings decades of combined experience in therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, and Somatic Experiencing. We specialize in addressing complex issues such as trauma, anxiety, family dynamics, and relationship conflicts through personalized treatment plans. Our practice emphasizes a holistic approach that considers emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being while maintaining strict confidentiality. With multiple office locations and telehealth options, we serve individuals, couples, and families across northern Minnesota.Our therapists hold advanced degrees and specialized certifications in areas like trauma recovery, marriage counseling, and play therapy. We accept most insurance plans and offer sliding scale fees for eligible clients. Our commitment to community extends to connecting clients with additional professional resources when needed. Through compassionate care and evidence-based practices, we help clients achieve measurable progress in their mental health journey. Our practice continues to grow while maintaining the personal touch that has defined our service since establishment.
Services
Individual Therapy
Family Therapy
Child Therapy
Couples Counseling
Trauma Therapy
Play Therapy
Marriage Counseling
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Our therapists hold advanced degrees and specialized certifications in trauma recovery and relationship counseling
- We offer personalized treatment plans tailored to each client's unique needs
- Multiple office locations and telehealth options for convenient access
- Accept most insurance plans with sliding scale fees available
- Therapists trained in evidence-based modalities like CBT, EFT, and Somatic Experiencing
Services
Individual Therapy
Our individual therapy sessions provide a safe space for adults and adolescents to address mental health concerns. Therapists use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and mindfulness techniques to treat anxiety, depression, and trauma. Each treatment plan is customized to address specific goals while considering the client's cultural background and personal history. Sessions focus on developing coping skills and promoting emotional growth.
Family Therapy
Family therapy sessions help improve communication and resolve conflicts within households. Our therapists address issues like parenting challenges, sibling conflicts, and intergenerational trauma using systemic approaches. The process involves identifying unhealthy patterns and developing new interaction strategies. Sessions may include all family members or specific subsets depending on the presenting issues and treatment goals.
Trauma Therapy
Specialized trauma therapy employs modalities like Somatic Experiencing and EMDR to address PTSD symptoms. Therapists help clients process traumatic memories while developing grounding techniques for emotional regulation. Treatment focuses on restoring a sense of safety and rebuilding healthy relationships. Sessions incorporate body awareness practices to release trauma stored in physical systems.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling addresses relationship conflicts and improves communication patterns between partners. Emotionally Focused Therapy helps strengthen emotional bonds while addressing attachment issues. Sessions focus on conflict resolution, improving intimacy, and developing shared relationship goals. Therapists remain neutral while facilitating constructive dialogue about core relationship issues.
Play Therapy
Play therapy helps children express emotions and process experiences through age-appropriate activities. Therapists use toys, art, and games to help children communicate feelings they can't verbalize. Sessions address behavioral issues, trauma recovery, and emotional development challenges. Parents receive periodic updates and guidance for supporting their child's therapeutic progress at home.
People
Carol Horsager
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Carol Horsager specializes in trauma therapy and couples counseling with over 15 years of clinical experience. She uses Emotionally Focused Therapy and Somatic Experiencing to help clients heal from attachment wounds and traumatic experiences.
Shannon Kempf
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Shannon Kempf brings 20+ years of mental health experience, specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and trauma recovery. She has worked with diverse populations across multiple treatment settings including chemical dependency and domestic violence programs.
Kate Friesner
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Kate Friesner focuses on trauma-informed care and adolescent mental health. She is trained in EMDR therapy and specializes in helping clients with mood disorders, attachment issues, and family dynamics using evidence-based approaches.
Molly Slovnik
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Molly Slovnik has 10 years of experience providing trauma therapy and play therapy services. Her background includes wilderness therapy and specialized training in Internal Family Systems and parts therapy approaches.
Violet Sundermeyer
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Violet Sundermeyer offers 25+ years of clinical experience specializing in grief counseling and anxiety treatment. She incorporates breath work and holistic approaches to help clients develop effective coping strategies for emotional regulation.
Questions
Will my therapy sessions be confidential?
Yes, all sessions and records are kept private unless you provide written consent for disclosure.
What happens during the first therapy session?
The therapist will discuss your concerns, treatment goals, and develop a personalized care plan with you.
Do you accept insurance?
We accept most major insurance plans and can verify your coverage during intake.
Are there options for clients without insurance?
Yes, we offer sliding scale fees based on income for uninsured clients.
How long does therapy typically last?
Treatment duration varies based on individual needs and progress toward established goals.
What therapeutic approaches are used?
Our therapists use evidence-based methods including CBT, EFT, trauma-informed care, and play therapy.
