Learn to Fight Fair with Proven Communication Skills
With Master’s degrees in Marriage & Family Therapy, our local therapists specialize in helping couples improve their relationships through healthier communication. Keep scrolling down to read our bios and learn how we approach couples counseling:
Trisha is passionate about helping couples who don’t know if their relationship will survive. The impact of an affair, the loss of a loved one, or past individual trauma do not have to mean the end of a marriage. As you work with Trisha, you will learn how to re-connect emotionally, discovering root causes for why you first disconnected. Trisha enjoys working with individuals who have anxiety, depression, ADHD, spiritual abuse, childhood sexual abuse, or grief and loss. Additional specialties are Discernment Counseling, parenting issues, pre-marital counseling, and those in Christian ministry. Christian counseling available for those who desire it. Trisha has a BS from Crown College in Youth/Social Ministry and a MA in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University.
Nancy Skilbred is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has been working in the mental health field for more than a decade as a chaplain, adjunct college professor, in-home skills worker, group facilitator, and counselor. Whether you are at “rock bottom” or just feeling stuck, Nancy will meet you where you are in the moment. She has worked extensively with children, teens, and their families, guiding them through issues such as single parenting, divorce, communication, parental alienation, remarriage, and blending families. Nancy is trained to provide EMDR therapy to work through past emotional wounds, and Christian counseling for those who desire it. She has experience and interest in recovery (from guilt, shame, and abuse), intimacy issues, grief and loss, addictions, family of origin issues, depression, anxiety, phobias, and ADHD. Nancy holds a BS in Christian Ministry from Crown College, an MA in Counseling and Psychological Services and a Post-Master’s certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University.
Mark Odland is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and is trained to treat a wide range of issues. However, he specializes in EMDR therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), marriage therapy, family therapy, anxiety, and Christian counseling. Mark has received intensive training in EMDR therapy, and is Certified by the EMDR International Association (EMDRIA). He is also as an EMDRIA-Approved Consultant and Continuing Education Provider, and in this capacity trains EMDR therapists around the world. Mark uses this groundbreaking therapy to help those who have survived traumatic experiences like natural disasters, assaults, accidents, and combat. He also frequently uses EMDR to help adults heal old emotional wounds due to childhood neglect; or emotional, physical or sexual abuse. As an ordained minister, Mark welcomes the opportunity to help clients incorporate their Christian faith into therapy. As the founder of North Woods Christian Counseling, he knows that even amid life’s biggest challenges, there is hope.
Lorena Frampton received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Minnesota, and her Master’s degree in Counseling and Psychotherapy with emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler Graduate School. Lorena is fluent in English and Spanish. Trained in EMDR Therapy, she can help clients find lasting freedom from symptoms of trauma. Lorena is passionate about working with adolescents and their families. She has experience working with teens in a variety of settings and with the Hispanic Community. Lorena’s professional interests include spiritual issues, depression, teenage issues and family structure, the impact of technology on emotional health, eating disorders, grief/loss, anxiety, self-esteem building, communication, and individual and couples therapy.
Angela Johnson is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas where she received her Master’s in Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy and her undergraduate degree at Bethel University. Angela has years of experience working in the mental health field as an in-home skills trainer, resident counselor, and family counselor. She specializes in Play Therapy with children, and counseling for adolescents, families, and couples. In addition to this, Angela has experience working with depression, anxiety, autism, ADHD, behavior disorders, abuse, neglect, adoption, issues related to trauma, and families who feel that they have nowhere to turn. She has a special interest in marriage counseling and relationship issues such as divorce, remarriage, communication, infertility, blended families, problems with intimacy, and pre-marital counseling. She is passionate about helping people in the community as well as globally and provides Christian counseling to those who desire that approach.
How We Approach Couples Counseling
If your relationship is struggling, right now you know how lonely and frustrating it can be. It can feel a little like being shipwrecked, floundering in a stormy sea. Hurt, anger, panic, shame, doubt, and sadness are all familiar emotions in these painful waters. But amid the storm, there is hope! Whether your relationship feels like it’s already sinking, or just starting to take on water, our therapists here at North Woods Christian Counseling have a plan to get you through the storm.
We can patch up holes in your relationship by teaching you healthier communication strategies, recognizing unhealthy relationship patterns, challenging your thinking errors, and examining your personality differences and unique love needs. We can also help you rebuild the entire foundation of your relationship through emotionally focused therapy, and if necessary provide trauma therapy to help old hurts finally heal.
So often in relationships, couples who deeply love each other aren’t able to experience this love because of how they communicate. Common breakdowns in communication leave people feeling misunderstood, unimportant, frustrated, and alone. Thankfully, there is hope! When families can start recognizing common thinking errors and hold to the rules of healthy communication, the outcomes are wonderful to see! Instead of feeling frustrated, lonely, and discouraged, couples now feel understood, valued, and connected. Simple changes can make a huge difference. Sometimes it just takes a fresh set of eyes and a little extra support. If you feel that your relationship could benefit from healthier communication or conflict resolution, we’re here to help!
Even if you feel that your relationship is sunk, therapy focused on improving communication skills might be the life raft that keeps it afloat long enough for things to improve. Even if right now you feel hopeless, we want you to know that we will fight for your relationship. Our therapists believe that things can turn around! If you dare to start the process, we would be honored to support you on your journey.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, please call us at 651-243-2484 or click on the “Contact Us” button below. We will do our best to contact you within 1 business day.
