Life is full of seasons, and some feel like stormy, uncertain chapters. A job loss, a shifting relationship, or a delayed dream can leave you questioning, “What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I keep it all together?” At Lighthouse Counseling LTD , with locations across Minnesota, I want to remind you of a powerful truth: You’re not broken—you’re becoming. Understanding the Stress of Life Transitions From a clinical perspective, transitions—whether planned or unexpected—can activate your brain’s stress response system. Your nervous system thrives on predictability, so when routines, roles, or relationships change, it’s normal to experience anxiety, irritability, or even depressive symptoms. This discomfort isn’t a sign of failure; it’s your brain and body adapting to new circumstances. At Lighthouse Counseling LTD, our experienced therapists in Minnesota help you navigate these changes with evidence-based approaches. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), I’ve seen how transitions can feel overwhelming but also serve as opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and resilience. Reframing Your Journey with Therapy Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you—it’s about empowering you to reconnect with your inner strength and move forward with clarity and intention. Our counselors use proven therapeutic approaches to guide you through life’s transitions, including: Narrative Therapy: Reframe your story to focus on your resilience and potential, not your struggles. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns to build healthier coping strategies. Values-Based Reflection: Clarify what matters most to you, whether it’s faith, family, creativity, or community, to guide your next steps. In our sessions, we explore meaningful questions to help you gain clarity: What beliefs about yourself are being challenged by this transition? What coping strategies have supported you in the past? What values will anchor you in this new chapter? Our goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, heard, and empowered to embrace your evolving self. Personalized Healing for Your Unique Journey At Lighthouse Counseling LTD, we believe healing is not one-size-fits-all. Whether you find strength in mindfulness practices, creative expression, spiritual faith, or community connections, our therapists tailor sessions to your unique needs. With multiple locations across Minnesota, including Huthcinson, Waconia, Willmar, Litchfield, Sauk Rapids, and Shakopee, we’re here to support individuals, couples, and families facing life’s challenges. Our counseling services are designed to help you: Build resilience during times of uncertainty. Develop practical tools to manage stress and anxiety. Rediscover your purpose and direction. Why Choose Lighthouse Counseling LTD? With a team of compassionate, licensed therapists across Minnesota, Lighthouse Counseling LTD is committed to walking alongside you during life’s transitions. Whether you’re grieving a loss, navigating a career change, or seeking clarity in your relationships, our personalized approach helps you move forward with confidence. As Ashley Brinkman, LPCC, I’m dedicated to helping you find your path forward with empathy and expertise. We offer both in-person and telehealth counseling services, making it easy to access support from anywhere in Minnesota. Our flexible scheduling and welcoming environment ensure you can find the care you need, when you need it. Take the Next Step Toward Becoming If you’re in a season of transition, you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Lighthouse Counseling LTD , we’re here to help you rediscover your strength, clarify your values, and embrace the person you’re becoming. Contact us today to schedule a session at one of our Minnesota locations or explore our telehealth options. Ready to start your journey? Reach out to Lighthouse Counseling LTD at 855-454-2463 or visit our website at www.lighthousecounseling.com to learn more about our services and book an appointment. Let’s walk this path together.

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, Mental Health Practitioner , 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.