Heather Svoboda
M.A., LP
M.A., LP
Sometimes life is hard, whether for a short blip or for a very, very long time. You don’t have to manage all difficult periods alone. When you decide, it can be a gift to allow someone to hear without judging you; who can give you a different perspective or simply provide you the space and permission to hear yourself.
I see individuals of ages 3 through adulthood for therapy. I try to offer an authentic connection through a healing relationship where clients can share their stories and express what works and what is blocking them. This usually happens through talk and reflection. It can also take the form of metaphor, play, art, and nonverbal approaches at times (depending on each client’s permission and comfort level). We will explore what you believe about how the world works, what you expect from relationships, and what skills for a living are needed.
Through child-centered play therapy, we can address social, emotional, & behavioral disturbances, attachment, abuse, and other parental concerns. Play therapy is a way for young children to express what is in their world and how it affects them. It is also a great vehicle for allowing them to experience and move through their difficulties so that they can continue to grow, build healthy relationships and learn.
Common problems to address in counseling include depression in its many forms, anxiety, and problematic stress responses. I incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy concepts and skills teaching into individual sessions. I can assist struggling parents in building strong relationships with their children to parent in healthy ways. I appreciate most working with persons who have experienced trust betrayals and abuse. Children who have witnessed and/or experienced abuse; young people questioning whether they can be who they really are and be accepted; adults in violent, controlling relationships. I also have a particular passion for working with people who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s involvement in a high-demand group – whether it be religious, political, business, therapy, or a single controlling partner — commonly called “cults”.
In therapy, you can begin to uncover what has been hiding, recover what has been lost, and discover who you really can be in the world.
M.A. – Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
B.A. – Macalester College
Care Clinic (present)
The Family Partnership
Baby Space / Tatanka Academy
Reuben Lindh Family Service
Chrysalis A Center for Women (now Tubman)
Walk-In Counseling Center (volunteer)
Chrysalis (Psychology internship)
The Mental Health Collective (MFT internship-now Watercourse)
Additionally, Out of Network & Out of Pocket options are available.