Ellen O'Brien MA, LMFT, CCTP I
My Approach
My focus is assisting individuals and couples in exploring and finding a sense of well-being, movement, and self-identity. I strive to facilitate a safe space for individuals as they explore, develop, and nurture their own strengths. These strengths allow individuals to identify and tackle their challenges with self empowerment and comfort. I believe this mindful awareness and assurance promotes increased self-worth, goal directedness, and social embeddedness, which comes together in a trifecta of self-growth.
I utilize an integrative approach involving Psychodynamic, Interpersonal (IPT), Humanistic, and Solution Focused modalities. I also spend time utilizing psychoeducation as to nurture emotional and physical awareness to promote self regulation. In therapy I include traditional talk, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), Cognitive Processing (CPT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Dialectical Behavioral (DBT) and other therapeutic techniques.
I am able to complete diagnostic assessments as to identify mental health diagnoses and develop comprehensive treatment plans to set intentions for care. Our first few sessions will involve an evaluation of your current struggles, strengths, and needs. By the end of the evaluation, I will be able to offer you initial impressions of what our work will include and a timeline of treatment duration. Should you have questions or concerns, I ask you bring them to me as they arise. Collaboratively we will explore your challenges, identify your strengths, and create a treatment plan for care as to support you in taking charge of your life.
My specialty areas include: individual systemic therapy, marriage and couples therapy, relational work, parenting support (the fatigued parent), women issues, ADHD- adults, anxiety, depression, trauma, goal orientation, self-esteem, and self-development.
My Professional Credentials
I am one of the three creators of Trinity Therapeutic Services.
I received my Masters in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy from Adler Graduate School. I am licensed with the Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy as a Licensed Marriage and Family therapist (LMFT- License # 3376).
I hold a few certifications including supervisory status through the Boards of Marriage and Family Therapy and Behavioral Health, and am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP I).
Additionally, I am an active member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) and the Minnesota Association of Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT). I adhere to the Board of Marriage and Family Therapy Client Bill of Rights and the AAMFT Code of Ethics.
My Story
After graduating from the University of North Dakota with a Bachelors of Criminal Justice and a Bachelors in Psychology, I begin exploring ways to engage in the field. In 2013, I moved to the beautiful and chilly Minnesota, from the chiller North Dakota to pursue my interest in therapy.
At Adler Graduate School, I began my studies of psychodynamic family therapy. While at Adler, I was able to begin engaging in healing work as a Master’s Level Intern. I had the opportunity to intern at Metro Psychological Support Services as an ARMHS Worker- Adult Rehabilitate Mental Health Worker - for the persistently mentally ill. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to share in the journeys of so many strong and resilient individuals.
Soon I began to feel at home in Minnesota, through the way living, the community, and the dynamic seasons. I developed a close group of friends, nurtured a self-practice of yoga, and engaged in a volleyball team that resulted in a lot of healthy movement and laugher.
In 2015 I graduated from Adler Graduate School, that same year I completed my LAMFT (Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist). Since graduating from Adler, I have had the opportunity to work at the Youth Service Bureau in Forest Lake, and Nystrom and Associates in New Brighton. In December of 2017 I completed my LMFT (Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) and eventually joined a small collaborative practice, Clearwater Counseling. I found all three of these experiences to be highly rewarding, allowing me to grow my skill sets and nurture my practice.
Now, with a profound sense of stability, purpose, and gratefulness, I am able to engage fully in my passion at Trinity Therapeutic Services. At Trinity it is my honor to walk along side and support those in my space, as to heal and reclaim their strength, to live fully empowered in their lives.
My Beliefs
I believe that a healthy and loving presence elevates the energy of the world around us, healing and nurturing.
I believe our imperfections are what make us beautiful.
I believe that although we tend to feel most comfortable when life happens as known and planned, real life happens unplanned and off the beaten path. I believe we get to narrate our lives, regardless of the path. (I can support you in finding your voice)
I believe it is only our responsibility to manage our own needs, and learning to set boundaries provides us direct access to being in charge in our lives (I can support you in healing your hurts and learning to live responsively).
I believe that while we can’t always choose our circumstances, we always have a choice in how we respond.
My Contact Information
I encourage you to reach out if you are interested in care. I am accessible by email and phone, however for an initial contact, I ask that you email me as this is my preferred method of communication, and the one that is most accessible for me. Please keep in mind I answer my own calls and emails, during regular business hours Tuesday - Thursday (9am-330pm), please allow 2-3 business days.
To explore fit for care, I first ask that you first email me to explore openings. Next, I require a 30 min phone consult session (no charge), where we will explore together the fit (style and feel), as well as discern if my level/type of care is appropriate.
If we both decide to initiate care, I will direct you to create a Therapy Notes Portal account as to engage in the completion of intake forms as well as for use of ongoing care management.
If you do not wish to move forward with care in my space, I encourage you to explore PsychologyToday, Therapy Den, United Way, speak with your Primary Care Provider, and/or to call the number located on the back of your insurance card to explore local covered therapists.
612-217-0277