About Us

I am a passionate advocate for human well-being, a dedicated professional, and a fervent proponent of positive change. Currently pursuing my graduate studies in Licensed Clinical Social Work, my life's mission revolves around making a meaningful difference in the lives of others and aiding people in their journey to embrace each chapter of their lives. With over a decade of experience helping individuals create the lives they long to live, my approach to assisting individuals and couples is characterized by empathy, active listening, and a deep belief that each of us intrinsically possesses everything we need to achieve the life we desire.

As a Gottman-trained therapist, my passion lies in helping couples reconnect with what brought them together and respectfully craft the marriage they envision each day. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where my clients can explore their inner strengths and develop the tools to navigate life's challenges. 

Drea is an Art Therapist working out of the Duluth location. She graduated with a master’s in art therapy from the University of Wisconsin-Superior and is currently finishing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling at Capella University. Drea works with a wide range of clients who are interested in using creative expression as a tool for mental wellness. She utilizes play therapy, DBT, and ecopsychology techniques. Drea has experience working with kids, young adults, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. She offers individual and family therapy. Drea often says ” You don’t have to be creative to make art, and you don’t have to make art to be creative.

Lydia Walker-Thoennes is a licensed LPCC therapist who holds a Master’s degree in clinical counseling and art therapy. She is a certified DCo-5 therapist who works with people of all ages through all stages of life. Lydia is trained in EMDR, Brain spotting, art therapy, play therapy, and movement therapy. Lydia offers individual, family, and group therapy. Lydia specializes in working with victims of trauma. Lydia likes to involve multimodal therapy techniques in her practice to bring balance to her client's lives in a holistic manner through mental, emotional, spiritual, physical, and social growth. 

Britney completed her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Winona State University. She has 6 years of experience working in the mental health field. Britney works with people of all ages. She enjoys working with adults who have experienced trauma or relationship concerns. She is EMDR trained. She has specialized training and extensive experience in early childhood mental health, working with young children aged 0-5 years and their caregivers. Britney is a certified DC:0-5 therapist with training in evidence-based treatments including Child-Parent Psychotherapy, Circle of Security Parenting, Conscious Discipline, and Developmental Repair. She utilizes a holistic, non-judgemental approach with integrated techniques from various therapeutic modalities to facilitate growth and healing by guiding others in building resiliency and making meaning of their lived experiences. Above all, Britney strives to create a felt sense of being seen, heard and understood while supporting clients in discovering and honoring their innate wisdom.

Melissa completed her BA at the University of Minnesota Duluth. She completed her Master's in Co-occurring counseling at Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies. She has completed the work for her Drug and Alcohol Counselors license and has been working in the field

for several. She will finalize her requirements for her Professional Clinical Counselor license within the year.

Melissa’s focus is on helping people feel empowered to reach their goals and live a healthier, happier life. She utilizes multiple therapeutic modalities to help her clients achieve their goals.

Julie is currently in the final stages of completing her master's degree in art therapy and counseling at Edgewood College, where she has been delving into a wide range of theoretical concepts and practical applications related to using art as a therapeutic tool. With a strong foundation in psychology and art, she is eager to embark on her professional journey to help individuals navigate and overcome mental health challenges through the power of creative expression. Julie's one-year experience working directly with children in the mental health field has equipped her with valuable insights and honed her skills in applying art therapy techniques to support young minds.

Deb is a clinical therapist licensed in MN and FL. She has experience working with ages 5-85 on the diverse challenges life brings at different stages of life through in-person and teletherapy options. Deb was a teacher for 35 years and has a special interest in working with kids/teens

and with people who have experienced trauma, as well as veterans. Her perspective emphasizes the client and therapist working in partnership to address the client’s therapy goals

and personal needs. She incorporates active listening, guided meditation, affirmations, sand tray, play therapy, creative experiences, poetry, DBT, CBT, EMDR and psycho-education into

her sessions. Deb values diversity and is open to working with all ages, abilities, issues and cultures in therapy. Deb is also a lifelong learner and enjoys taking classes to continue growing

as a therapist. Since she loves the outdoors, Deb recently moved to Grand Marais and is actively exploring all the North Shore offers.