Lighthouse Counseling Ltd. Blog
At Lighthouse Counseling, LTD, we are thrilled to introduce Abbe Dufault , our newest intern, to our Waconia, MN location. Abbe brings a fresh perspective, a compassionate heart, and a dedication to helping individuals navigate their mental health journeys. Her addition strengthens our mission to provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment for clients seeking counseling in Waconia and the surrounding areas. Meet Abbe Dufault, Counseling Intern Abbe earned her bachelor’s degree i n psychology from Crown College and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in counseling at the same institution. With a deep commitment to serving her community, Abbe is excited to intern at Lighthouse Counseling, where she can support individuals, families, and couples in achieving emotional and psychological wellness. Abbe’s passion lies in helping clients facing anxiety, depression, and life transitions. She believes everyone has the potential for growth and healing, and she is dedicated to fostering a warm, empathetic space where clients feel truly seen and heard. Her counseling approach is grounded in person-centered therapy and narrative therapy , emphasizing each individual’s unique life story, strengths, and goals. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, struggling with anxiety, or seeking support for depression, Abbe is here to walk alongside you with authenticity and care. Her goal is to empower clients to embrace their true selves and overcome challenges in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Why Choose Lighthouse Counseling in Waconia, MN? Located in the heart of Waconia, MN, Lighthouse Counseling, LTD is a trusted resource for mental health support in Carver County and beyond. Our team of experienced therapists and interns, including Abbe, offers a wide range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals, couples, and families. We specialize in addressing: Anxiety and Depression: Helping clients manage overwhelming emotions and build coping strategies. Life Transitions: Supporting individuals through major changes, such as career shifts, relationship changes, or personal growth. Couples and Family Counseling: Strengthening relationships and fostering healthy communication. Trauma and Grief: Providing a safe space to process loss and heal from past experiences. Our Waconia location is home to a diverse team of professionals, including Larry Bengtson, MSE, LPCC , the founder of Lighthouse Counseling, who specializes in marriage and couples counseling, and Tomasina Uttecht , another talented intern with a focus on children’s behavioral health and family systems. Together, our team is committed to holistic, evidence-based care that nurtures the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of our clients. What Sets Abbe Apart? Abbe’s approach to counseling is both compassionate and structured, blending empathy with a focus on actionable growth. Her use of narrative therapy allows clients to reframe their experiences and discover new perspectives, while her person-centered approach ensures that every session is tailored to the client’s unique needs. Whether you’re seeking support for mental health challenges or guidance through a life transition, Abbe is dedicated to helping you achieve your goals. As a Waconia native, Abbe is deeply connected to the community and understands the unique challenges faced by residents in the area. Her local roots and commitment to mental health make her a valuable addition to our team. Schedule an Appointment with Abbe Dufault Today We invite you to connect with Abbe Dufault at our Waconia, MN counseling center. Whether you’re seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, or support for life transitions, Abbe is ready to provide compassionate, personalized care. At Lighthouse Counseling, we believe in empowering our clients to thrive, and Abbe’s warm and empathetic approach is a perfect fit for this mission. To schedule an appointment with Abbe or any of our skilled therapists, contact Lighthouse Counseling, LTD today. You can reach us through our website or by calling our Waconia office. Let us help you take the first step toward healing and growth. Contact Us Lighthouse Counseling, LTD Waconia, MN Request an Appointment | Contact Counselor
Lighthouse Counseling is excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Carrie McCann, MA, MHP , a highly skilled counselor bringing expertise and empathy to our Hutchinson, MN location. With a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, Carrie is passionate about supporting individuals, couples, and families on their path to change and growth. A Compassionate Approach to Therapy Carrie integrates various therapeutic methods tailored to her clients' needs, with a strong emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a starting point. She is also trained in Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) , ideal for families aiming to resolve conflicts and improve communication. Whether you're new to therapy or looking to restart your journey, Carrie provides a judgment-free, empathetic environment to help you thrive. Areas of Specialty Relational Issues: Marriage and family counseling Complex Trauma: Emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse Anxiety and Depression Spirituality Life Adjustments Career Challenges Grief Carrie offers flexible scheduling with in-person sessions at our Hutchinson, MN office and telehealth options to accommodate your needs. About Carrie In her free time, Carrie loves spending time with her husband and three kids, reading, enjoying Minnesota summers on the lake, pursuing laughter, and savoring dark chocolate. Her personal interests reflect her warm and approachable nature, which she brings into every counseling session. Join Us in Welcoming Carrie! We are thrilled to have Carrie McCann join Lighthouse Counseling. If you're searching for a counselor in Hutchinson, MN, or need telehealth support, contact us today to schedule a session with Carrie and start your journey toward health, peace, and joy.
I once listened to someone reflect on the power of the routine of daily making one’s bed. “It’s such an insignificant thing, right? It’s just a bed I’ll mess up later tonight! What’s the big deal?” Consider this. Making one’s bed to start the day is one of the first opportunities to accomplish something in the day.
Navigating the Emotional Journey: Parenting After an Autism Diagnosis
Receiving a confirmed autism diagnosis for your child can be an overwhelming experience for some, filled with a whirlwind of emotions and uncertainties. As a parent, caretaker, it's natural to seek support and guidance to navigate. Engaging in coun
Love addiction can feel all-consuming. You may find yourself repeatedly seeking validation or fulfillment in relationships, feeling an overwhelming need for love, and sometimes losing sight of your true self in the process. It's easy to confuse this intense desire for connection with healthy love, but the difference is that love addiction can often leave you feeling empty, anxious, and constantly searching for more. If you’re struggling with love addiction, you're not alone. The first step to healing is recognizing that this pattern is not your fault—it’s something you can work through with time and support. Here are three key ways to help you overcome love addiction and begin your journey toward healthy, balanced relationships. 1. Seek Individual Counseling One of the most powerful tools for overcoming love addiction is individual counseling. A licensed therapist specializing in relationship dynamics and addiction can offer you a safe space to explore the root causes of your behavior. Love addiction often stems from unmet emotional needs, past trauma, or low self-worth. A counselor can help you understand the underlying issues that fuel your addiction and guide you in creating healthier coping strategies. Therapy also provides a structured environment where you can unpack your thoughts and feelings, identify harmful patterns, and begin to develop a stronger sense of self outside of relationships. Through therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), you’ll gain tools to change destructive thought patterns and build more sustainable emotional resilience. 2. Establish Healthy Boundaries One of the hallmarks of love addiction is a lack of healthy boundaries. You may give too much of yourself to others, even at the expense of your own needs, or find it difficult to say no. To break free, it’s crucial to start practicing healthy boundaries in all your relationships. This includes learning how to communicate your needs, expressing your feelings without guilt, and not sacrificing your happiness for someone else. Start small by setting boundaries in day-to-day interactions—whether it’s with friends, family, or a romantic partner. Over time, this will help you feel more empowered and less dependent on others for validation. Remember, setting boundaries isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about protecting your emotional well-being. 3. Rediscover Your Interests and Passions Love addiction often leads to a loss of self-identity. You may find that you’ve neglected your personal passions, hobbies, or career goals because your focus has been entirely on others. Reconnecting with the things that make you feel fulfilled and alive is an important step toward healing. Start by revisiting activities or hobbies you once enjoyed before relationships took over. This can be anything from painting, writing, or hiking, to diving into new activities that spark your interest. By investing time in yourself, you’ll begin to restore your sense of self-worth and learn to appreciate the love you give yourself, which is the most important kind of love. In Conclusion Overcoming love addiction is a process, and it’s one that requires patience and commitment. Seeking individual counseling, learning to set boundaries, and rediscovering your personal passions are all powerful steps toward healing. Remember that you deserve healthy love, and with the right support, you can create a life that’s not defined by dependency, but by strength, self-love, and balanced relationships. You’re not alone in this journey—healing is possible, and it begins with you.
Healing is a journey back to your truest self. Rogers taught that we’re born whole, but life’s pressures create a divide between our genuine self and the self we think we need to be accepted and "fit in" with the world around us. This incongruence, as he called it, fuels many of our struggles. His solution? A relationship built on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional acceptance. Rogers envisioned the therapist as a facilitator, not a director, asking, “How can I provide a relationship which this person may use for their own personal growth?” • Accurate Empathy : We seek to truly understand your story, validating your experiences with professional skill and heartfelt care. • Congruence: We are genuine and self-aware, aligning our actions with your faith to foster trust. • Unconditional Positive Regard : We see you as —worthy and redeemable—offering acceptance without judgment, as we support your growth. This approach isn’t passive—it’s active listening paired with gentle accountability, tailored to your unique story so you can grow and heal. As expert person-centered counselors Cloud and Townsend write, “As we experience comfort, identification, and truth without judgment, we begin to heal” (2001, pg. 154). Whether you’re new to therapy or a current client seeking deeper insight, we invite you to experience this blend of Rogers’ legacy and faith-based care. Contact us today to start your journey toward congruence, healing, and hope.
Imagine a place where you’re truly heard—where your story matters, and your voice leads the way. Carl Rogers once said, “It does not help, in the long run, to act as though I were something that I am not.” Authenticity, or congruence, is the heartbeat of Person-Centered Therapy. For therapists, this means showing up as real, transparent professionals who genuinely care—never hiding behind a façade—creating a foundation of trust that invites clients to be their true selves.
At the core of meaningful mental health care is a simple yet profound idea: you are the expert on your own life. In college I fell in love with Carl Rogers, Person-centered therapy theory, because of its revolutionary premise, that individuals hold the power to heal and grow when they are met with genuine care and acceptance. Rogers emphasized three key principles—empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard—as the foundation for healthy holistic change. Unlike traditional approaches that position the therapist as the authority, this method trusts clients to uncover their own path to wholeness.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition that affects how individuals perceive, process, and engage with the world around them. It’s a spectrum, meaning that no two experiences are exactly alike. Some individuals may be non-verbal, others may experience heightened sensory sensitivities, and many have exceptional abilities in specific areas while facing difficulties in others.
Anxiety is a natural human emotion, but when it becomes overwhelming, persistent, and disproportionate to the situation, it can interfere with daily life and well-being. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions worldwide, affecting millions of people of all ages. It’s important to recognize the symptoms of anxiety early so that you can seek the appropriate support and treatment. You can experience different symptoms of anxiety, which can vary from person to person. These symptoms can manifest in several ways, including physical, emotional, and cognitive effects. Physical Symptoms of Anxiety Anxiety often triggers the body’s "fight or flight" response, which is a natural reaction to perceived threats. As a result, many physical symptoms can occur. Some of the most common physical signs include: 1. Increased Heart Rate One of the most noticeable physical symptoms of anxiety is a racing heart or palpitations. This happens because the body releases adrenaline in response to stress, preparing you to react quickly to danger. Even in non-threatening situations, the heart can race, leaving you feeling uneasy. 2. Shortness of Breath Anxiety can lead to shallow or rapid breathing, making you feel as though you can’t catch your breath. This is often referred to as "hyperventilation" and can worsen anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. 3. Sweating Excessive sweating, especially in the palms, feet, or underarms, is another common symptom of anxiety. The body’s sweat glands are activated by stress hormones, which can result in a clammy or uncomfortable feeling. 4. Tension and Muscle Tightness Anxiety often causes muscle tension, particularly in the neck, shoulders, and back. This can lead to headaches or discomfort, which further exacerbates the feeling of anxiety. 5. Gastrointestinal Issues Anxiety can affect the digestive system, leading to symptoms such as nausea, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or constipation. This is due to the close connection between the brain and the gut, often referred to as the "gut-brain axis." 6. Dizziness or Lightheadedness Some people with anxiety experience dizziness or feel lightheaded. This can occur due to changes in blood pressure or breathing patterns, or it may be a reaction to the physical stress of anxiety. 7. Sleep Disturbances Anxiety can interfere with sleep, causing insomnia or restless sleep. People with anxiety may have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling unrefreshed. Emotional and Cognitive Symptoms Anxiety can also affect your thoughts and emotions. These cognitive and emotional symptoms can impact your daily life and relationships. 1. Excessive Worry One of the hallmark symptoms of anxiety is constant, excessive worry about things that may or may not happen. People with anxiety often overthink situations, imagining the worst possible outcomes even when no immediate threat is present. 2. Restlessness People with anxiety often experience a constant sense of unease or restlessness. They may find it hard to relax or feel "on edge," unable to calm their mind even during moments of peace. 3. Difficulty Concentrating Anxiety can make it difficult to focus on tasks. Racing thoughts, worries, and fear can interfere with attention and concentration, leading to decreased productivity or feelings of frustration. 4. Irritability Anxiety can make individuals more easily irritable or short-tempered. Even small inconveniences or stressors can feel overwhelming when someone is anxious, leading to mood swings or snapping at others. 5. Sense of Impending Doom People with anxiety often feel a sense of dread or impending doom, even when there is no obvious danger. This irrational fear can create a constant state of heightened alertness. 6. Fear of Losing Control Anxiety can also cause a person to fear losing control of their emotions or behavior. This fear is often linked to the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as feeling faint or having a panic attack. 7. Negative Thinking Patterns Anxiety can lead to a pattern of negative thinking, where the individual may focus on worst-case scenarios or perceive situations as more threatening than they really are. While anxiety is a normal part of life, if you notice that your symptoms are interfering with your ability to function at work, in relationships, or in your daily routine, it can be beneficial to seek professional help. As anxiety affects individuals differently, recognizing its symptoms can help you better understand yourself and your symptoms. Whether it’s physical symptoms like a racing heart, emotional struggles like excessive worry, or cognitive difficulties like negative thinking patterns, I can help you manage your symptoms, learn coping strategies and recognize your own patterns to allow you to live a healthier and more balanced life. Matthew 6:34 “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” -- Chantal Wohnoutka, LGSW Clinical trainee Lighthousecounseling.com chantalw@lighthousecounseling.com Phone (855) 452- 2463 Direct 320-281-9892
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