Therapy for life transitions in St. Paul, MN
Letās work this out together
April Tuftee, LICSW
You're here because you want to feel more balanced about this part.
I really believe you can find that optimism about the future again. That you can feel in control of your symptoms. That you can experience validation about how hard this has been while finding the strength to move through this big transition.
If you have found yourself in a new role as a caregiver, are struggling in school or work, or have gone through a loss and you are ready to find the person that smiles again-
Youāre in the right spot.
Iām April, and I help people just like you: the ones that have it within them to discover themselves and heal but just need the support to get there.
I help my clients find confidence, relief from symptoms and hope by equipping them with the tools they need to become āunstuckā, and live meaningful lives.
Many of todayās solutions for challenging life stages/transitions, illness or grief and loss are one-size fits all, leading so many to feel like theyāre ineffective, or ātoo muchā.
I know that your circumstances are unique, so I establish connection and relationship to really understand you and what you need to heal.
How I work
At the core of my approach to therapy is a belief that connection with my clients is paramount.
Connection is built by having open and honest communication, listening, empathy and mutual respect. I mean to really get to know you and what you think the problem is, the possible solutions are, and what things are going to help you heal.
I let people know they are not alone and that I see and hear what they are going through. After establishing relationship and trust, I can use the space we create together to help challenge you when you need it and continue to be a soft and safe place to land.
Transformation happens when pain is witnessed and a person is allowed the space to dive into vulnerable parts of themselves with a safe person.
I am dedicated to helping people find their meaning and start healing.
My training as a clinical social worker means I have the expertise you need and deserve when taking the brave step to stop unhelpful patterns and symptoms that are blocking you from the life you want to live. But at the end of the day, you want to know youāre working with someone who āgetsā what it means to be feeling stuck and struggling with coping the big stuff life throws at us, right?
I get it because of the experience I have in my field as a social worker, (both in palliative/hospice care and childrenās mental health) and as a person who has gone through many life transitions and changes that shook me to my core.
I know that feeling that everything is ātoo muchā or that this is just not the life or person you imagined. So when we work together, you wonāt just get a trained therapist. Youāll get someone who truly understands what youāre going through.
Hereās what I believe about therapy:
The pain may be what brought you here, but sessions donāt always have to be painful
I use a lot of humor and some self-disclosure in therapy. I do not waste session time talking about myself, but when I know there is a piece of that I can share without crossing boundaries, and may be helpful, I may choose to do so. After all, I am but a human, too! I am a fairly relaxed person and invite laughter along with tears. Connection should also feel good and energizing!
You have more of the solutions and answers than you might think.
Feeling lost, confused and hopeless might be some of the symptoms you are experiencing, and imagining that you can figure any of this out might seem far-fetched (I know this because I have been there)! However, I have seen it over and over in safe spaces, people will unlock discoveries of the power within themselves. This is the most exciting part of therapy to me!
You deserve the investment in yourself.
Many of the people I have worked with over the years are caregivers, or people who have minimized themselves or their problems to not ārock the boatā for the sake of others. This is a space that can truly be yours and serve to optimize your health.
Get the support thatās right for you.
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Iām trained in a variety of therapy methods, allowing me to tailor my approach to your unique goals and needs. These include:
Clinical Hypnosis
Accelerated Resolution Therapy
CBT/DBT and Motivational Interviewing
Companioning Philosophy to Grief Care
Training in Narrative Therapy starting Fall 2024!
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Listened Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
MN License # 25269Master of Social Work
Interpersonal Trauma Studies Certificate
University of Denver 2013Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Northern Arizona University 2008 -
Advanced Palliative and Hospice Social Work Certificate (APHSW-C)
Post-MSW Palliative Care Certificate
Member of Minnesota Society of Clinical Hypnosis- Advance training
Level 1 Accelerated Resolution Therapy
Certificate - Intensive Training in Motivational Interviewing for Healthcare professionals
Ready to get started?