Get care for all your mental healthcare needs.
At Creative Spirit Counseling, we believe healing happens first and foremost through relationship. Researchers in the field of neuroscience, psychology, social work, and psychiatry have empirically validated that the prognosis for healing centers more on the relationship between client and therapist, rather than on the specific therapeutic model. While diagnoses and therapy models can be useful tools, they are not the heart of our work. We focus on creating a safe, attuned, and collaborative therapeutic relationship where you feel seen, respected, and understood as a whole person. We recognize that you are shaped by your relationships, experiences, identities, and environment. Change doesn’t happen to people; it happens with them, in connection.
Our therapists are trained in a variety of evidence-based approaches, which we draw from thoughtfully and flexibly rather than rigidly applying a single model. We view these trainings as tools in a larger relational framework by supporting healing through trust, curiosity, cultural humility, and mutual engagement. Below you’ll find the specific evidence-based modalities our clinicians are trained in, all grounded in our shared belief that relationship itself is a powerful catalyst for growth.
We offer these approaches to healing at Creative Spirit Counseling:
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy technique that helps people process traumatic memories and other distressing experiences:
How it works: During EMDR, a patient focuses on a traumatic memory while simultaneously moving their eyes back and forth, listening to alternating sounds, or tapping their body. This bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the memory so it's no longer as distressing.
What it can help with: EMDR is a recommended treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but it can also help with other conditions like panic attacks, eating disorders, addictions, and anxiety.
How often you do an EMDR session: EMDR is usually delivered one to two times per week for 6–12 sessions, but some people may need fewer.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in EMDR:
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Internal Family Systems (IFS) is a psychotherapeutic approach that sees the mind as made up of multiple sub-personalities, or parts, each with distinct roles and characteristics. At the heart of IFS is the Self, an essence within every person that is characterized by qualities like compassion and clarity and is capable of leading the internal system towards harmony and healing.
Key Points:
Parts and Self:The mind contains various parts (managers, exiles, firefighters) and the Self, which should lead with its inherent qualities of calmness and clarity.
Benefits:
Deep Insight:Offers a comprehensive understanding of one's internal dynamics and how these parts affect behavior and emotions.
Emotional Healing: Facilitates healing by fostering a compassionate relationship between the Self and different parts, especially those in pain.
Better Relationships: Enhances empathy and improves interpersonal relations by recognizing internal complexity.
Inner Harmony:Promotes resilience and internal peace, improving overall psychological well-being.
IFS stands out for its effectiveness in treating a variety of psychological conditions, encouraging a non-confrontational and understanding approach to internal conflicts, leading to profound personal transformation and well-being.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in IFS:
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialized form of therapy specifically designed to help children, adolescents, and families overcome the emotional and psychological effects of trauma. Recognized for its effectiveness, TF-CBT is structured and short-term, typically spanning 12 to 16 sessions.
The therapy interweaves various therapeutic techniques and principles, primarily from cognitive-behavioral, family, and humanistic principles. The core of TF-CBT involves addressing distorted or unhelpful beliefs related to the traumatic experience and teaching skills to help manage distressing emotions and thoughts.
Sessions are divided into phases: initially, the focus is on skills for stress management and emotional awareness; next, the therapy helps the individual safely recall and process painful memories and feelings; finally, it integrates these experiences into the person's current life.
Overall, TF-CBT aims to provide the tools to enable healing, facilitate resilience, and restore a sense of normalcy after trauma.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in TF-CBT:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes the significant role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. It's based on the concept that negative thoughts and beliefs lead to distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviors, but by changing these thoughts and beliefs, individuals can improve their emotional well-being and behaviors.
Core Aspects:
CBT is problem-focused and action-oriented, aiming to solve current issues and equip clients with tools to tackle future challenges. It's a collaborative effort between therapist and client, focusing on developing self-counseling skills.
Key Techniques:
Recognizing and pinpointing negative thoughts.
Evaluating and challenging these thoughts and beliefs.
Conducting behavioral experiments to test out new ways of thinking and acting.
Building practical skills to adjust unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors.
Effective for treating a broad spectrum of mental health issues, CBT is adaptable for different ages and can be delivered individually or in groups. The goal is to foster significant improvements in emotional regulation and personal development by directly addressing the cognitive processes that underlie psychological distress.
All therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in CBT.
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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapeutic approach designed to help individuals develop essential skills for managing emotions, enhancing relationships, and effectively coping with life's challenges.
Core Components of DBT:
Mindfulness: Focuses on increasing awareness and presence in the current moment without judgment.
Distress Tolerance: Teaches techniques to endure and accept distressing situations without exacerbating them.
Emotion Regulation: Aims to stabilize and control intense emotional fluctuations.
Interpersonal Effectiveness: Enhances communication skills to foster stronger, more resilient relationships.
DBT builds upon the foundational principles of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) by integrating mindfulness practices. The therapy promotes a nonjudgmental and accepting attitude, with therapists fostering an environment of acceptance and compassion. The overarching goal of DBT is to support individuals in creating and living a meaningful, fulfilling life.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in DBT:
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Brainspotting is a powerful, focused treatment method that works by identifying, processing and releasing core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation and a variety of other challenging symptoms.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in brainspotting:
ARIANA KRECKLAU
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Narrative Therapy is an approach that honors the stories we live inside of—and gently invites us to rewrite the ones that no longer fit.
Rather than seeing you as the problem, Narrative Therapy views challenges as stories that have taken up too much space. Together, we slow down and listen: to the language you use, the meanings you’ve inherited, the moments when you’ve already shown resilience, courage, or choice. By separating you from the problem, this work helps you reclaim authorship of your own life.
Through conversation, curiosity, and reflection, Narrative Therapy creates room for new narratives to emerge—stories rooted in your values, your agency, and your lived wisdom. It is a collaborative, compassionate process that honors where you’ve been while opening the door to where you want to go next.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in narrative therapy:
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a gentle, present-focused approach that helps people meet their inner experiences with openness rather than resistance. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, ACT invites awareness, self-compassion, and choice—guiding clients to clarify what truly matters to them and to take meaningful action aligned with their values. Through mindfulness and practical tools, ACT supports greater flexibility, resilience, and a life lived with intention, even in the presence of uncertainty or discomfort.
These therapists at Creative Spirit are trained in DBT:
FAQs
What does “Creative Spirit” mean?
We believe everyone has a creative spirit, not just artists. It’s the unique way you approach life, solve problems, and imagine your path forward. Therapy here is about discovering and
What should I expect from my first session?
Your first session is a chance to tell your story. We’ll talk about what’s been hard lately, what you hope for, and how we might work together. Think of it as a guided conversation to ask questions, share what you want, and we’ll map out a gentle plan together.
How will I know if therapy is helping?
Over time, you’ll start noticing small shifts like less tension, more clarity, deeper self-understanding, or more confidence in handling challenges. We’ll check in regularly, adjust goals, and celebrate growth (big or small).
Is therapy confidential?
Yes! We take your privacy seriously. What you share is confidential with a few legally mandated exceptions: if there’s a risk of harm (to yourself or others) or concerns of abuse, we’re required to act. We’ll walk through the details in your first session.
What if I don't “click” with my therapist?
That happens, and it’s okay. The most effective work happens when you feel heard and safe. If your therapy doesn’t feel like a good fit, tell us. We’ll help you talk it through or connect you with someone else.
What if I need to cancel or reschedule?
No worries, things come up. Just let us know at least 24 hours before your session if you need to change or cancel. Late cancellations or missed sessions might incur a fee since that time was reserved. We’ll go over the details when we meet including an easy way to adjust your appointments online through the client portal.
How does payment work?
What if something urgent comes up between sessions?
We partner with several insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, ND Medicaid, Medicare, Sanford, Aetna, Tricare, and more. That said, coverage depends on your specific plan. Depending on your plan, there may be a co-pay or co-insurance fee that you are responsible to pay. Contact your insurance provider with questions about your plan’s benefits.
We aim for every session to feel warm, inclusive, and safe. Your experience is unique. If something ever feels off, whether with a session, the approach, or logistics, speak up. We’re on your side.
We’re glad you’re here. Healing is a creative process and you don’t have to do it alone!
Anything else I should know?
You’re not alone. If you’re having a crisis or strong urge to harm yourself or others, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. For less urgent but still concerning moments, your therapist can share coping tools or review crisis resources such as 211 or 988.