Judy Brunsgaard, MA, MSW, LICSW     
Maple Grove, MN Therapist

I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a masters’ degree in clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas / St. Catherine University and another masters’ degree in Holistic Health Studies from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN.

So …. you might ask: “What is Holistic Health Studies?”  Holistic Health encourages a wellness perspective honoring the inter-connectedness of emotions, thoughts, physical body sensations, spiritual beliefs / rituals, cultural identity, community connection, and environment and highlights their importance in defining who we are.  Holism is the idea that all living systems coexist in a web of relationships.  Each individual is a unique contribution to the whole and each individual is inseparable from the whole.

With a focus on the whole person, I encourage insight into how physical, emotional, cognitive, spiritual, environmental, and relational problems affect well-being.

My approach to therapy is informed by the four components of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy:  1) Mindful Awareness, 2) Stress Management, 3) Interpersonal Relationships, and 4) Managing Emotions.  In addition, I offer Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (A.R.T.)

I assist individuals in identifying both strengths and challenges as a starting point on their personal healing journey.  My work includes adults and elders facing a variety of concerns including:  depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief / loss, domestic abuse, life stage transition challenges, and sobriety maintenance.

I am deeply honored by the trust individuals have placed in me to accompany and assist them as they face a variety of life challenges in unforeseen circumstances.  My clinical experience includes service at a level one emergency department trauma center, hospice, a domestic violence treatment program, a community-based hospital, a non-profit family service center, and a counseling center specializing in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy.

In my spare time, I enjoy mindfulness meditation, theater, reading, and being outdoors.