Our Team

Mental Health Professionals

507 - 386 - 7121

Justin D Kruse, MS, LMFT

 

 Justin, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and proud graduate

of Minnesota State University, Mankato. I entered this profession out of a genuine

desire to help others in a meaningful way. My clinical experience has ranged from

the developmental impact of trauma to attachment to the use of multi-sensory

forms of psychotherapy in the treatment of client difficulties. I work with

individuals across the lifespan and have received specialized training in

Experiential Play Therapy®, TF-CBT, EMDR, Filial Therapy, Theraplay®,

Sandplay and Sandtray Therapy, Incredible Years Groups and the DC: 0-5.

 

I'am also a 2017 graduate of the Permanency and Adoption Competency Certificate

program. And I’ve committed myself to study and training in Somatic

Experiencing. With this close concentration on resiliency-based treatment,

attachment, and trauma, I focus on re-establishing the client’s innate capacity for

emotional regulation and assist clients in the recognition and release of physical

tension that may remain in the body in the aftermath of a traumatic event. I also

specialize in strengthening family relationships through play and in addition to

trauma and attachment, I’ve treated a wide range of mental health struggles

including anxiety, depression, conduct and oppositional behaviors, and ADHD. My

philosophy of service includes a collaborative, inclusive approach that draws upon

the involvement and expertise of a range of disciplines, supports, and organizations

of the client system. I also work competently with individuals who identify as

LGBTQ and provide trainings, supervision and consultation to therapists seeking

licensure as an LMFT, LPC, or LPCC."

 

Email: jkruse@jthcc.org

Heather Frantum-Mathes, MS, LMFT, RPT-S, SEP

 

Hi! My name is Heather, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and

Registered Play Therapist, Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor. My specific areas

of interest include working with individuals of all ages to resolve and work through

single episodes of trauma or complex trauma. I provide outpatient psychotherapy

to children and adolescents who have been impacted by abuse, neglect, and trauma.

I received certification through the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered

Play Therapist. I also provide trainings and supervision/consultation services to

other therapists seeking licensure or certification in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT),

 Licensed Professional Counselors, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors and/or Play Therapy.

 

I am a graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato with a Master of Science

in Community Counseling with specialized training in Marriage and Family

Therapy and Play Therapy. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato, majoring in Psychology. I have specialized training in Experiential Play Therapy, Filial Therapy, Theraplay, Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), both Sandplay and Sandtray Therapies,

Incredible Years Groups, In Touch Therapy, and the DC: 0-5, which is the

diagnostic criteria for children ages 0-5.

 

I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a

psychotherapy treatment used to reduce distress connected to psychological

symptoms and trauma. I completed the Permanency and Adoption Competency

Certificate in June 2017 to better serve families through the adoption process and

the loss that surrounds adoption changes and transitions.

In January of 2023 I completed the three year program and am now a Somatic

Experiencing® Practitioner (SEP). Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapy that

aids in the resolution of unresolved trauma that impacts the mental health and the

functioning of individuals and their families.

 

Email: hfrantum@jthcc.org

 

Dr. John Seymour, PhD, LMFT

 

Dr. Seymour has been a family therapist for over 40 years, with a focus on

children, adolescents, and their families. He is an Emeritus Professor and

Distinguished Faculty Scholar at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where he

taught for almost 20 years. Much of his clinical practice, university teaching,

clinical supervision, and research has focused on family relationships, resilience,

and families coping with chronic illnesses.

 

His previous professional experiences included several clinical, supervision, and

administrative positions in a variety of healthcare settings and private practice. His

educational background includes master’s degrees in family therapy (University of

Houston, Clear Lake) and pastoral studies (Southern Seminary, Louisville) and a

Doctor of Philosophy degree in counseling (Texas A&M University, Commerce).

He is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Minnesota, a Clinical Fellow

and Approved Supervisor with the Association for Marriage and Family Therapy

and a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor with the Association for Play Therapy.

 

Email: jseymour@jthcc.org

 

Laura Pierson, MS, LMFT, LADC

 

Hello, my name is Laura Pierson. Therapy with me is client-led, curious, relaxed,

and may involve some laughs and humor. I strive to create a cozy and comfortable

environment that promotes self-exploration and growth. In my office, you will find

art supplies, toys, fidgets, blankets, and other feel goods. Feel free to put your feet

up, sip your coffee, and make yourself at home while you engage in your therapy

process.

I have been practicing in the mental health field for over 10 years. I have

experience working with couples, families, and individuals of all ages, with a

variety of presenting concerns. I use an integrative and comprehensive approach to

therapy and have a compassionate, genuine, and approachable demeanor. I am

enthusiastic, personable, and empathetic and am fully invested in developing a

therapeutic connection with clients. I strive to create a sense of safety and trust as

clients begin to share their life stories and work on self-improvement.

I have worked extensively with individuals experiencing life transitions/stressors,

changes in family dynamics, trauma, grief and loss, relational issues, and

mood/anxiety disorders. I utilize a client centered, trauma-informed approach to

therapy. Areas of special interest and focus include enhancing interpersonal

relationship satisfaction, women’s health and wellness, emotion regulation,

boundaries, self-improvement/growth, developing healthy attachments, and healing

from trauma.

I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a

psychotherapy treatment used to reduce distress connected to psychological

symptoms and trauma. I utilize an Experiential Play Therapy model for children 10

and under. I completed my educational training at Minnesota State University,

Mankato with a Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I have a Bachelor’s

Degree in Psychology and Drug and Alcohol Studies.

 

Email: lpierson@jthcc.org

 

 Diane Caspers, MS, LP

 

Diane Caspers, MS, LP is a Licensed Psychologist with over 36 years of

professional experience working in the field of counseling and psychotherapy. She

has experience in individual, couples and family therapy, having worked with all

age groups along the life span. Currently her primary focus is in treating adults.

She is particularly interested in assisting adults in navigating the challenges and

changes of mid-life, aging, grief and the retirement transition. Diane provides

services via telehealth using zoom for HealthCare providers.

 

Diane has a strong interest in the Jungian individuation process and has a passion

for depth work. She recently completed a program in the Dreaming Tending

method of dream work, sponsored by Pacifica Graduate Institute for Depth

Psychology and does dream work. In 2011 she completed a 2 year training

program in Jungian oriented Sand Play therapy.

 

Diane specializes in depth process and inner healing work and has much

experience facilitating recovery and healing around issues of shame, abuse, family

of origin wounding and grief and loss. Diane has experience and expertise in the

treatment of mood disorders; adjustment disorders; major mental illness; PTSD;

anger management problems; divorce adjustment; parenting stress; and the

treatment of addictions and co-dependency.

 

Diane is trained and certified as a TFCBT therapist as well (Trauma-Focused

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy). She is also a certified spiritual director who is

comfortable integrating spirituality into therapy at the client's choosing.

 

Email : dcaspers@jthcc.org

 

 

 Kim Slette, MSW, LICSW

 

Hi, my name is Kim Slette. I am an Outpatient Therapist with Journeys Toward

Healing Counseling Center. I have a master’s degree in clinical social work, and I

am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience using the DC 0-5 with

infants, young children and their families in order to develop an appropriate

treatment plan. I diagnose, assess and treat clients based on their individual and

family needs. I have extensive experience utilizing a family systems theory

approach when working with children and their families. Together we work toward

developing appropriate treatment plans that will help families to be successful as

individuals and as important participants of their family unit.

 

Prior to working with Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center, I worked in a

school setting. I was a School Social Worker for more than 27 years. During that

time, I worked with children and their families. They taught me so much more than

I taught them over the years! When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with

my family. My children and grandchildren bring me a tremendous amount of joy! I

also enjoy gardening and crocheting.

 

 

 

 

Email : kslette@jthcc.org

 

 

Janet Meegan, MSW, LICSW

 

Hi! My name is Janet. I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University

and a Master’s degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato

where I was a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar. I have completed the DC 0-5

training and play therapy trainings. I have taught a graduate level class on trauma

informed clinical interventions with children at Winona State University. I have

over twenty years of experience in the social services field working with families

in various roles. I have been practicing at Journeys Towards Healing for 2 and ½

years. I practice through a trauma informed lens with emphasis on attachment and

one’s place within their family and community system. I believe when you work

with children, you must also work with the whole family.

 

 In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, watching movies, keeping up with current events and playing with my dog.

 

 

 

 

Email : jmeegan@jthcc.org

 

 

MacKenzie Gohdes, MA, LPCC

 

Hello! My name is MacKenzie Gohdes, and I am a Licensed Professional Clinical

Counselor at Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center. I received my Bachelor

of Arts in Relational Communication from Crown College and my Masters of Arts

in Counseling through Crown College as well. I am also trained through DHS in

the Assessment, Conceptualization, and Diagnoses of Mental Health Disorders in

Young Children using the DC:0-5, MIM: Administration, Scoring, and feedback

for Theraplay Practice and have completed the Permanency and Adoption

Competency Certificate to better serve families through the adoption process and

after. I have completed additional training in “The ripple effect, Understanding

Early Childhood Trauma” and “The Fatherhood Connection: Engaging Dad at the

Community Level”. Within the next five years, I hope to become a Registered Play

Therapist.

 

 

 

Email: mgohdes@jthcc.org

 

 

Christine Jeske MS, LMFT

 

Hello! My name is Christine (Crissy) and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family

Therapist at Journeys Towards Healing Counseling Center. I am originally from

South Dakota, and moved to Minnesota in 2019. I graduated with a Masters of

Science in Clinical Mental Health and Marriage & Family Therapy through South

Dakota State University. I have experience working with a wide variety of clients

in different settings and have obtained a number of different trainings. These

experiences have strengthened my enthusiasm for working with kids and families.

I strive to create a safe, creative, and engaging environment for everyone to be able

to explore, discover, and grow.

 

My specialized trainings include:

  • Assessment, Conceptualization, and Diagnoses of Mental Health Disordersin Young Children using the DC:0-5
  • CBITs – Training to lead groups for children who have experienced

        traumatic events using a cognitive-behavioral approach.

  •  Bounce Back – Training to lead group similar to CBITs but for younger children
  •  MAP (Managing and Adapting Practices)
  • MommaCare Training – Training to work with grieving parents as well as

        pregnancy and newborn loss

 

 

 

Email: cjeske@jthcc.org

 

Clinical Trainees:

Anna Formella, MS Clinical Trainee

 

Hello! My name is Anna, and I am a clinical trainee at Journeys Toward Healing

Counseling Center. I graduated from Saint Cloud State University with my

master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I completed my

undergraduate degree in Psychology and Human Development at the University of

Wisconsin-Green Bay (Which means, yes, I am a Packer Fan!). I specialize

working with Kids and Families with diverse background and a variety of

concerns. I primarily take an Experiential Play Therapy approach. I integrate play,

sand, art, music, and sensory based therapy approaches in session. I have spent my

last two years at JTHCC growing my knowledge in Play based approaches,

specifically with kids and families who have experienced adoption, attachment

injuries, and traumas.  (See below for a list of updated credentials, trainings, and

certifications). When working with kids, I take a family/team approach and highly

encourage parents to be extremely active in the therapy process. I strive to create a

safe and creative environment for people to explore and grow.

 

Specialized Trainings

1. TF-CBT Training

2. Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Training

3. PESI Telehealth Training

4. Assessment, Conceptualization, and Diagnoses of Mental Health Disorders in

Young Children using the DC: 0-5

5. Experiential Play Therapy Training

6. Permanency and Adoption Competency Certification

 

 

Email: aformella@jthcc.org

 

                                                                                                  Juliet Hatch, MS, LAMFT, Clinical Trainee

 

Hello, my name is Juliet and I am a Clinical trainee here at Journeys Toward

Healing Counseling Center. In 2022 I earned a Master of Science degree in

Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University, Minneapolis. In 2000 I

earned a Master of Science degree in Women’s Studies from Minnesota State

University, Mankato. In 1993, I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the

University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point.

 

Over the past 20 years, I have worked with complex issues including domestic

violence; parenting struggles; grief and loss; trauma experiences in childhood or

related to sexual or violent partner incidents; fears and consequences related to

coming out regarding sexual identification, orientation, and neurodiversity; self-

worth; anxiety; and depression.  Further, I have enjoyed the opportunity to witness the development of resiliency and strength that has helped individuals and families grow and foster communication, coping, and creative expression, to help cope with challenging times.

 

I consider each individual and family as unique and tend to tailor my methods

accordingly. I primarily lean on narrative, multi-generational, communication,

contextual, structural, and Eco-wellness models, but continually evolve as I learn

more. I am passionate about the environment and our place within it and social

justice issues, so I utilize a client-centered, strengths-based wellness (mind-body-nature) lens that guides my work with those who entrust me with their worries,concerns, or issues.

 

I have several areas of interest including learning more about dealing with trauma such as serious illness/long-term hospitalization; at-risk young adults who’ve become homeless as a result of coming out; learning to become more effective in serving the LGBTQIA+ population and exploring ways to effectively reach populations that struggle with social anxiety; and families and individuals dealing with end-of-life issues.

 

I love visiting and spending time with my four adult children and am looking

forward to exploring hobbies and interests including yoga, swimming, dancing,

painting, drawing, reading and traveling.

 

Email: jhatch@jthcc.org

 

Holistic Providers:

Lynda Mead, Reiki Practitioner

 

Hello! My name is Lynda Mead and I am a Reiki Practitioner at Journeys Toward

Healing. I trained as a Reiki practitioner after hearing so many stories of its

benefits to others. I am so happy to witness first hand these benefits as we all

journey through the stresses and illnesses life present.

Now retired, I was a K12 Teacher in Family Consumer Sciences as well as a

seamstress altering and constructing apparel, home goods and costumes of all

kinds.

For those of you who may not be familiar with Reiki, Reiki is a technique that

works with our life force energy to promote relaxation, healing, and well-being.

Reiki uses gentle or no touch at all to help with relaxation to balance the physical,

mental and emotional energy systems. Studies show that Reiki helps reduce

anxiety, stress, pain and increases physical vitality. It enhances the healing process

following illness, injury, surgery or chemotherapy. I look forward to the

opportunity to administer Reiki as a supplement to the services provided at

Journeys Toward Healing and aid in the healing and revitalization we all deserve.

 

Email: lmead@jthcc.org

 

Interns:

Kennedy Day

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