The nutshell version of my clinical orientation is that I assist individuals with integrating the body-mind to facilitate the process of growth and change.

I began work in the counseling field as an Outdoor Survival Counselor, a mission that required leading high adventure wilderness expeditions with troubled adolescents. Never a dull day of work, given the nature of adolescents and the wildness of nature, I have created a metaphor that explains my process of work as a clinician...

The metaphor:

As much as one could plan ahead for the path we needed to take as a group, creative thinking was always required due to unknown weather and trail conditions. Our survival gear helped us to support our bodies, ease our minds, and to manage the terrain. We had an intended path to take. Each day could be an adventure, or it could be an awful drudgery. That was left up to each individual.

We had a map and compass, and used these tools to guide our movement along our course. We usually knew where we were, but not always. A little rest, reflection, and energy are all that was needed to get us back on trail.

Each day was a goal in and of itself. We moved through the beauty, serenity, and sometimes-harsh elements of nature. Attitudes, emotions and physical energy ran high and low. Considerable attacks of discouragement could strike any group member at any time!

What I learned is to keep focused on the goal, and to trust the movement of the group.

Courses taught:
528 Individual Didactic
529 Group Didactic
712 Adlerian Psychology II (Online)
723 Cultural Psychology and Global Populations (Online)
770 Professional Identity: The Adlerian Helper in Contemporary Society (Online)

In conclusion:
As a didactic therapist, my words of encouragement for you is that your style of moving through life can be a process that serves you emotionally, attitudinally, and physically. You are going to go somewhere, why not make it an exploration and an adventure!

Minnesota Board Approved Supervisor
AAMFT Approved Supervisor

Contact Information:
(612) 338-2051 (w)
(612) 338-5891 (h)
jana@visi.com

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