Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center (JTHCC) provides outpatient mental health psychotherapy and Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports. Mental Health Professionals are available for crisis care or after- hours emergencies. If you or another person is immediate danger, you should call 911 for emergency services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and you need help, you can contact any of the following on-call services or crisis hot-lines:

 

  • JTHCC ON-CALL (1-507-591-0377)
  • 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) - www.hopeline.com
  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • Crisis Hot Line for Veterans (1-866-966-1020)
  • Crisis Connection (1-612-379-6363; 1-612-379-6377; 1-866-379-0663) - www.crisis.org
  • Minnesota LinkVet (1-888-546-5838) - www.minnesotaveteran.org
  • The Trevor Project - A 24-hour, confidential, and toll free suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth - 1-866-4-U- Trevor (1-866-488-7386)

 

Crisis Information

Our Team

At Journeys Towards Healing Counseling Center we have a dedicated team of professional counselors on staff ready to help you with all the  needs you may have.

Mental Health Professionals

Heather Frantum-Mathes

 

Hi! My name is Heather, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist. 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 a 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. Most recently I have begun training in Somatic Experiencing (SE) 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

Justin D Kruse

 

I entered this profession with 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 fotms of psychotherapy in the treatment of child/adult/family difficulties. I have treated a wide range of mental health and relationship issues including anxiety, depression, conduct/oppositional behaviors, ADHD, and trauma, including RAD and PTSD. While being flexible and grounded in utilizing theoretical frameworks, I specialize in strengthening family relationships through play with subspecialties in child/family trauma and attachment interventions. I have received specialized training in: TF-CBT, EMDR, Theraplay®, Filial Play Therapy, and Experiential Play Therapy. My philosophy of service includes a collaborative approach that draws upon the involvement of a range of supports of the client system. I also work competently with individuals who identify as LGBTQ and I am a Safe Zone Certified Ally.

 

Email: jkruse@jthcc.org

Dr. John Seymour

 

Hello, my name is Dr. John Seymour.  I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Registered Play Therapist – Supervisor serving individuals and families in family therapy, play therapy and mental health counseling.

My educational training has included an undergraduate degree and three graduate degrees:  a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) in pastoral studies (Southern Seminary; Louisville, KY), Master of Arts (M.A.) in family therapy and psychology (University of Houston-Clear Lake; Houston, TX) and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in counseling (Texas A & M University; Commerce, TX). In 2001, I moved from private practice to accept an appointment to the graduate facility of Minnesota State University, Mankato, where I currently serve as Professor of Counseling and Student Personnel, teaching courses in family therapy, play therapy, mental health counseling, and clinical supervision.  I have been providing outpatient services in the Mankato area since 2004 and joined the staff at Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center in October 2011.

 

Email: jseymour@jthcc.org

Laura Pierson

 

"Hello, my name is Laura Pierson.  I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Drug and Alcohol Counselor.  I have over five years of 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 mood disorders, domestic violence, partner-relational discord, trauma, and chemical dependency issues. I utilize a client-focused, trauma-informed approach to therapy. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a psychotherapy treatment used to reduce distress connected to psychological symptoms and trauma. I also have extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT).

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

 

Hello, my name is Diane Caspers and I am a Licensed Psychologist.  I provide individual, couples and family therapy for children, youth and adults.  Areas of expertise include:  Addictions, Anger issues, Coping with chronic pain/illness, Grief and loss, Healing family of origin issues, Life adjustment issues, Mood disorders, Parent-child problems, Persistent mental illness, Relationship difficulties. Spiritual issues, Trauma and abuse.  I am a TFCBT certified Therapist (Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist).  I have expertise in testing and psychological evaluation of adults.  In 2011 I completed a 2 year training program that I have added to my practice in sand play therapy which I use with both adults and children.

 

I have more than 35 years of experience as a mental health professional and spiritual director.

 

Email : dcaspers@jthcc.org

Kim Slette

 

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

 

Hi!  My name is Janet Meegan.  I have a Bachelor of Arts from Northern Illinois University and I recently obtained a Master’s degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University, Mankato where I was a Title IV-E Child Welfare Scholar.  I completed internships with the Committee Against Domestic Abuse, Brown County Human Services and Hoffmann Counseling Center.  I have over twenty years of experience in the social services field working with families in various roles. I’m joining the Journeys Towards Healing Team as a Clinical Trainee. I practice social work through a trauma informed lens with emphasis on attachment and one’s place within their family and community system.  I love working with children and their families.

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

 

"Hello! My name is MacKenzie Gohdes, and I am currently a Clinical Trainee at Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center on track to become a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Relational Communication from Crown College and my Masters of Counseling through Crown College as well. I have also received training through DHS in the Assessment, Conceptualization, and Diagnoses of Mental Health Disorders in Young Children using the DC:0-5. Previously, I had the opportunity to work as an educational specialist and assistant teacher for two different preschool and daycare facilities. I loved being able to work with children as a teacher but felt like I wanted to be able to do more for the care of their social, emotional, and mental health.  I hope to continue to learn and grow, specifically, in the area of trauma treatment and play therapy. Within the next five years, I hope to not only to be a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, but also become a Registered Play Therapist."

 

 

Email: mgohdes@jthcc.org

Clinical Trainees

Anna Formella

 

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.  I am originally from Stevens Point Wisconsin.   In Wisconsin I worked with kids of all ages at a daycare. I also had the opportunity to intern for Health and Human Services working with foster children and their families. In 2019 I moved to Mankato and began working at a group home for kids and teens on the Autism Spectrum. These experiences have strengthened my passion for working with kids and families from all walks of life. 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

 

 

Email: aformella@jthcc.org

 

Juliet Hatch

 

Hello, My name is Juliet Hatch and I am an intern here at Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center. I am currently a graduate student at Capella University, Minneapolis. I earned a Master of Science degree in Women’s Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 2000.  I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point in 1993. Over the past 20 years, I have held a variety of positions that have afforded me a wonderful array of experiences working with middle-school aged children, at-risk youth, and adults in individual, group and family settings.

I consider each individual and family as unique and tend to tailor my methods accordingly. I primarily lean on narrative, multigenerational, 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.

 

Email: jhatch@jthcc.org

Christine Jeske

 

Hello! My name is Christine (Crissy) and I am a clinical trainee 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 and am currently working towards licensure for Marriage and Family Therapy. 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 Disorders in 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

Interns

Katie Hillerud

 

Hi, my name is Katie Hillerud and I am excited to be completing my internship at Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center! I am currently a graduate student at South Dakota State University in Brookings, SD. I am in the Counseling and Human Resource Development program working towards my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and Play Therapy! I am currently working towards phase-3 of my RPT licensure and had the privilege to intern at a local community mental health agency this last semester and provide play therapy services to 3 rural locations. I am passionate about infant and childhood mental health and currently hold a graduate assistant position working for a SAMHSA funded grant project, the South Dakota Early Childhood Mental Health Collaborative. I have specialized training in Child-Centered Play Therapy, the DC: 0-5 Clinical Training, and the GOTTMAN METHOD COUPLES THERAPY LEVEL 1. I attended the 2021 Annual Play Therapy Conference in Little Rock, AR and had the opportunity to co-present a poster presentation discussing Self-Compassion among Play Therapists! In my free time I enjoy running, taking care of my plants, and reading! I am also currently a mentor at the Brooking County Youth Mentorship Program which serves at-risk youth and absolutely love spending my free time with my mentee!

 

Email: khillerud@jthcc.org

Crisis Information

Journeys Toward Healing Counseling Center (JTHCC) provides outpatient mental health psychotherapy and Children's Therapeutic Services and Supports. Mental Health Professionals are available for crisis care or after- hours emergencies. If you or another person is immediate danger, you should call 911 for emergency services. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis and you need help, you can contact any of the following on-call services or crisis hot-lines:

 

  • JTHCC ON-CALL (1-507-591-0377)
  • 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) - www.hopeline.com
  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255) - www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
  • Crisis Hot Line for Veterans (1-866-966-1020)
  • Crisis Connection (1-612-379-6363; 1-612-379-6377; 1-866-379-0663) - www.crisis.org
  • Minnesota LinkVet (1-888-546-5838) - www.minnesotaveteran.org
  • The Trevor Project - A 24-hour, confidential, and toll free suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth - 1-866-4-U- Trevor (1-866-488-7386)

 

ABOUT JTHCC

 

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