I’m Kristen Lund. I’m the founder of the Art of Validation and Change. I provide psychotherapy to individuals, couples, families and groups, and have been doing so for more than 25 years. I earned my master’s degree in social work at Augsburg College in Minneapolis, and then went on to become a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I am in the process of getting our clinic state and nationally certified. I have been intensively trained in DBT, as well as in Accelerated Art Therapy (A.R.T.) and in the DBT treatment for PTSD (called DBT PE). The theoretical basis for my work comes from training and experience in using the following: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Prolonged Exposure, Family Systems Theory, Mindfulness-based Psychotherapy, and Psychodynamic Theory, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.) Somatic Experiencing (S.E.). I work with adults and adolescents. With adults, some of my favorites are helping people find and keep intimate relationships, find one’s true vocation, raise their self-esteem, and restore hope and enthusiasm. With Adolescents, I enjoy and admire their enthusiasm, intensity, and honesty, and I continuously marvel at their resiliency. As a therapist with everyone, I work with people deeply to find and process unresolved issues which are hampering their progress. I will also be practical, though. I will problem-solve and help people build emotional skills if they need it. As a therapist my goals are to achieve the following: Relieve anxiety, Lift depression, Increase self-esteem, Heal Post Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms, Guide you through grief, loss and transition , Problem solve A.D.H.D./A.D.D. related issues, Resolve work and school issues, Increase acceptance, empathy and understanding for yourself and others, Feel a greater connection to yourself and others Improve family relationships, friendships and romantic relationships, Guide you through parenting problems, Get clear about what you want, Coach you to achieve your goals

I have my Masters degree in Social Work from Augsburg University, with an emphasis in Multicultural Clinical Practice. I have my LICSW and have worked at the AVC for over 4 years, the mental health field for 12 years. I have experience with a variety of concerns, including serious mental illness, homelessness, substance use, trauma, major life stressors, grief, and chronic health conditions. I view it as a privilege to be able to walk alongside people in their recovery journey and believe we each have inherent resilience and capacity for change.

My interests include working with adults of all ages who are affected by anxiety, depression, perfectionism, mood disorders, relational conflict, and life transitions. I have training and experience using CBT, DBT, strengths-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy. My techniques are informed by the individual I’m working with and evidence-based practice, and I will include you as a partner in determining what is helpful for you. I am also a co-facilitator of the DBT skills training group at the Art of Validation and Change on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM. I provide individual DBT therapy as well as evidence-based psychotherapy and individual skills training.

What you can expect from me is a non-judgmental, supportive, and empathic approach. I seek to meet people where they are at and work on what is most important to them, which means that I will avoid prescribing solutions or setting goals for you. I will collaborate with you on learning new skills and enhancing existing ones. At one time or another, each of us needs help, and taking the first step to seek this out takes strength and courage.

My name is Alissa, and I am a licensed independent clinical social worker. My approach aligns with the belief that folks are much more than their symptoms and that each individual has inherent dignity and worth. I provide a customized unique approach with each person to best help them reach their goals.

I work with teens and adults who are struggling to find purpose, are working through a difficult transition, and those who feel like their emotions are controlling them. I have a published literature review on body positivity and the influence on self-image; I utilize self-compassion and somatic techniques to increase empathetic and validating inner self talk.

I have experience working with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Bipolar Disorders (amongst others) in aiding individuals to reach their goals and cultivate positive relationships within their inner circle and community. My specialties include working with queer and nonbinary folks, those who are struggling with interpersonal skills and setting boundaries, and those who struggle with complex thoughts and habits surrounding eating and self-image.

I am also a co-facilitator of the DBT skills training group at the Art of Validation and Change on Thursday evenings from 5 PM to 7 PM. I provide individual DBT therapy as well as evidence-based psychotherapy and individual skills training. When developing a therapeutic relationship, I will work with you as partners to create an environment where we can explore your goals. I utilize Strengths-Based, Cultural Humility, and Client Centered Approaches to employ the belief that you are the expert within your own life and hold the skills and capability to foster your ideal life worth living.

My name is Erica Delles and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Minnesota. I have been working in the mental health field for over 10 years in a variety of roles ranging from child therapeutic support to parent educator. I have worked with children, adolescents, adults, and families from a wide variety of ethnic and racial backgrounds who were dealing with issues including anxiety, depression, domestic violence, mood disorders, relational conflicts, families experiencing transition, and trauma. Most of my clients in the recent years have identified as being from an at-risk population and the BIPOC community living in the Twin Cities. I have seen and recognize the negative impacts that oppression and systems of injustice have on clients.

At the Art of Validation and Change, I serve both children (as young as 5 years old) teenagers and adults. I am also the co-facilitator of the Adolescent DBT group on Tuesday evenings from 6 to 8pm. I provide individual DBT therapy as well as evidence-based psychotherapy and individual skills training.

In my work with clients, I am client-centered, relational, and trauma-informed. I am also trained in DBT. I work to build a trusting relationship with my clients and ensure they feel safe. My practice is most informed by attachment, developmental, and systems theory, cognitive-behavioral therapy, narrative therapy, internal family systems, DBT, and solution-focused behavioral therapy. What I utilize during sessions is based on the individual, what they are open to and what fits the work best. I believe the therapy relationship is one where I walk along with you to meet your goals. I value diversity and understand there is always more to learn about culture and life experiences. You are your own best expert. I am a compassionate and empathetic person and utilize this when working with clients. You can expect me to be respectful and non-judgmental and that I genuinely want to help you. I’d be honored to be your partner during this time of life.

My name is Emily Moews (Em-uh-Lee Maze) and my pronouns are she/her. I have my MSW (Master of Social Work) from Augsburg University with a focus on Multicultural Clinical Practice, and I am a therapist here at the Art of Validation and Change. I have been working for almost a decade in the school systems (AmeriCorps Promise Fellow, substitute teacher, and currently in my fifth year as a school social worker), with children and youth as well as struggling parents and colleagues.

I have worked with children, adolescents and adults living with all different types of diagnoses: depression, anxiety, PTSD, etc. I take an individualized approach to each client and will be utilizing an eclectic approach. In addition I am a co-facilitator of the Adolescent DBT skills training group at the Art of Validation and Change on Tuesday evenings from 6PM to 8 PM. I also provide individual DBT therapy, especially for adolescents.

I am also passionate about helping people break cycles and empowering them to navigate unjust systems. I strive to be a culturally competent practitioner, not only with the BIPOC community, but with all marginalized identities that a person lives with.
I know life can be incredibly hard and unfair. I hope to partner with you and help you walk (or crawl or wheel or however else your body allows you to move through the world) through the tough times and celebrate the good times, even if the good times feel far and few between.
I work with people ages 10 and up

Greetings! I am Ophelia , a dedicated licensed social worker with a passion for fostering positive change in individuals and families. I hold a master’s degree in social work with a specialization in Multicultural Clinical Practice from Augsburg University. I am also fluent in Spanish.

My professional journey in the field has been marked by a commitment to making a meaningful impact. I have dedicated years of experience of my career to working closely with families and individuals,providing vital services such as mental health assessments, crisis intervention, Solution-Focused Therapy, trauma education, and offering therapeutic support to those facing the challenges of self-harm and suicide risk. I have training in Family Systems, Narrative Therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. I also provide individual DBT in both English and Spanish and co-facilitate DBT Group therapy.

My therapeutic philosophy is based on a strength-based perspective with a client-centered approach. I believe in creating a supportive environment that empowers individuals by focusing on the unique abilities and goals of each person. I help others enhance their quality of life and foster healthier relationships. My mission is to contribute to the well-being of those I serve, promoting resilience, understanding, and positive change. I am deeply committed to improving lives and relationships through empathetic and culturally appropriate personalized interventions. If you share a commitment to personal growth, improved mental health, and deeper interpersonal bonds, I’d love to connect with you. Together, we can explore pathways to a more fulfilling and resilient life.

Hello to All. My name is Tam Friestad (she/her), I earned MSW Intern from Winona State University studying social work with an emphasis on trauma-informed practice and I now have my LGSW. I am a former teacher with an MSW in Education with multiple years of work in the social services field. I pride myself on my creativity to explore new ideas, my dedication, and the ability to build trusting relationships that foster change and growth.

I specialize in the areas of; anxiety, depression, autism, ADHD/ADD, and work with the LGBTQIA+ population and helping those navigate a path of discovering gender identity and inclusion. My approach is client-centered and strengths based with a foundation in CBT and DBT. I co-facilitate Monday DBT group, and work with adults and adolescents individually.

It is important to me that an individual feels safe in our therapeutic relationship and is the creator in how they desire therapy to progress. We will work together to drive each therapy session in a way that challenges patterns interfering with accomplishing goals. I am on your side and look forward to participating in your journey.

My name is Abigail, I graduated with my masters of social work from Aurora University and I am a licensed graduate social worker. I work with teens and adults who are struggling to find purpose and overcoming traumatic situations.

I have experience working with individuals diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Anxiety Disorders, PTSD and Bipolar Disorder (amongst others) My specialties include working with survivors of sex trafficking, domestic violence and sexual assault, nonbinary and transgender folks and those who are struggling with setting boundaries. I do not shy away from difficult situations.  I always say no truama is too hard , too big or too small for me.

I am passionate about providing individual DBT therapy as well as evidence-based psychotherapy and individual skills training. I love providing help that really works.

Abigail was drawn to DBT from her own personal practice of mindfulness and preference for evidence based treatment. I help clients connect with their motivation to find glimmers of joy in their lives. During my free time you will find me hanging out with my dogs, reading and going on day trips!

Hello! I’m Maggie Swenson (she/her), I love working with adolescents and young adults! I also enjoy seeing older adults. I am really good at helping people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, and mood disorders. I am passionate about helping clients with relationship conflict, gender and identity development, school, work, and performance anxiety, and managing the challenges of middle school, high school, college and work. I also have experience as a fitness and a sports coach, so if those are part of your concerns I may be just the right fit. Lastly, but not least,  I provide individual DBT for adolescents and adults here at AVC and I am a co-facilitator for our Adolescent DBT group Tuesday evenings from 6pm – 8pm.

I draw primarily from psychodynamic theory as well as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), multicultural, and feminist theory. I hold a master’s degree in counseling from The Family Institute at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, where I received rigorous training in evidence-based and relational approaches to therapy. I appreciate the blend of insight-oriented work with practical tools to help clients better tolerate and improve their symptoms to make real, lasting changes in their own life and in their relationships.

My number one priority is you, the client. I love tailoring my skills to find what works best in each session to fit every individual person’s needs, as no two clients are the same. I strive to create an environment that is genuine, collaborative, and I carry the belief that growth happens within safe and trusting relationships. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just trying to make sense of things, I’m here to help you feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward.

If you are interested or have questions, please call or email.