Strength-Based Therapy

Therapy Type: Strength-Based Therapy

MSW, LICSW

Andrea Patten,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of the standard clinic policies.
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Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Andrea feels honored to provide a warm, safe, and compassionate space for clients to share their story and truly be heard. Andrea uses a collaborative approach with clients, and tailoring the therapy based on the client and client’s need. It is her belief that clients are the experts on their relationships, health, emotions, and body. Andrea is passionate about providing trauma-informed, holistic, mind-body, and culturally responsive care, and welcomes and affirms people of all backgrounds (ethnicity, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, body size, neurotype, consensual relationship structure), consistent with her core value of social justice and dignity of all people. Andrea continues to pursue ongoing learning in areas of multiculturalism and diversity, including topics related to diversity and equity, LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, consensual relationship structures, and more. Andrea is also a Co-Owner, Board Approved Supervisor, as well as EMDRIA Certified EMDRD Therapist & Approved EMDR Trainer & Consultant, and Anchored Relational (formerly AIR Network) certified. Andrea has worked with children as young as 2 but is currently focused on adult work at this time.
Andrea maintains a small caseload of clients and typically works 3 partial days per week with clients and also manages various administrative and supervisory duties on top of seeing clients. Andrea Patten is a board approved supervisor, and has worked with individuals in pursuit of their LICSW and LPCC. Andrea provides supervision for Ellie Brice and Mai Lao in pursuit of their LICSW. Outside of Mindful Way Counseling, Andrea is also an EMDRIA approved Trainer through Midwest EMDR Training and provides Consultation for EMDR trainees and those seeking post-training support or certification.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a Fully Licensed clinician and charges the “Fully Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical Social Work, University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine
Bachelors in Psychology, University of Kansas
Andrea has been working in the mental health field since 2007. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings including in-home crisis stabilization, day treatment, school-based therapy, community mental health and private practice outpatient mental health settings. She has taught graduate level coursework in mental health diagnosis and assessment for a local MSW program. In addition to her clinical and admin work at Mindful Way, Andrea is also a Board Approved Supervisor for Clinical Social Workers and Professional Counselors and feels passionately about supporting folks as they are working toward independent licensure. She is also an EMDRIA approved Trainer with Midwest EMDR Training providing basic and advanced training, and is EMDRIA approved to provide EMDR Consultation to those in the basic training as well as those seeking post-training support or certification. Andrea enjoys teaching and supporting people in their learning and clinical growth.

MSW, LGSW

Mai Lao,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.
Request an Intake

Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Mai provides a warm, supportive, and nonjudgemental environment, where clients can feel safe to explore the important areas of their life and their therapy goals. Mai’s curious, yet grounded nature brings a sense of calm and ease to the therapy space. She works to provide a culturally sensitive approach for all clients, where clients can be heard and understood. With empathy, Mai hopes to support clients from all walks of life, including clients who are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), including those in the Hmong community, and LGBTQIA+ clients.
Mai typically works with clients 1 day a week. Mai has a Master’s Degree, and an LGSW license, and is working under the supervision of Andrea Patten, LICSW while she ultimately works toward her independent clinical licensure (LICSW).

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a supervised clinician and charges the “Pre-Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine University
Bachelors in Social Work, The College of St. Scholastica
Mai completed multiple internships, including completing her Master’s clinical internship at Mindful Way Counseling. Additionally, she completed a prior internship at a skilled nursing facility, supporting residents in long and short term care, as a liaison between residents and families for their care, concerns, and discharge goals. In the past, she has worked leading a teen girls leadership program focusing on academic support for college preparation, resume building, and leadership skills.

MA, LPCC, LADC

Pa Nodalo,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.
Request an Intake

Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Pa offers transparency, kindness, humor, and empathy to nourish the therapeutic relationship to grow and encourages autonomy to empower clients to feel confident and self-assured. Pa sees her clients holistically and believes in partnering with her clients. She works together with her clients to find the root of the problems, discover unmet needs, and help clients gain tools to flourish in their lives again. Pa enjoys working with a wide variety of clients including those who identify as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and LGBTQIA+. Pa incorporates an Integrative approach in therapy to meet the needs of each client. Pa currently sees clients virtually.
Pa typically works with clients 4-5 days a week, offering virtual visits.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a Fully Licensed clinician and charges the “Fully Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of San Diego
Bachelors in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Metropolitan State University
Pa’s work experience includes establishing stabilization for families, youth, and children in the foster care system, short-term residential crisis counseling for adults who suffered from acute psychiatric challenges, and individual and group therapy for substance use intensive outpatient programs (she is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor). Pa has also provided services to the following populations: homeless, criminal justice involved, severe mental illness, and LGBTQIA+.

MSW, LICSW

Franceska Moua,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.
Request an Intake

Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Franceska ensures that clients receive unconditional care, authenticity, respect for client’s unique stories, nurtures the environment to promote trust and safety, and leaves space for humor. She embraces the strengths and diversity of each client and believes it is a privilege to walk with clients as they navigate the challenges and joys of life and recognizes that they are the expert in their experience. She believes that therapy is not only for when people are experiencing challenges, but also to prepare for when new ones arise. Franceska is a bi-racial Asian-Caucasian woman, who is passionate about racial and ethnic diversity, equity, and inclusion. She understands the unique barriers to acculturation and has a deep understanding of the impacts of multilayered systemic oppression and is committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. Franceska has a special interest in working with those who have been historically underserved and marginalized such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and mixed-race individuals, as well as individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community. Outside the therapy space, Franceska is interested in social policy and research. In her free time, she enjoys crafting, listening to podcasts, and going on walks at lakes. Franceska is also a clinical supervisor.
Franceska typically works with clients 4 days a week. Franceska also supervises a social work intern, Kaitlin Eto.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a Fully Licensed clinician and charges the “Fully Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Clinical Social Work, St. Catherine University
Bachelors in Social Work, St. Catherine University
Franceska completed multiple internships, including completing her Master’s clinical internship at Mindful Way Counseling. She also completed an internship doing case management in a hospital setting and worked with college students navigating the Social Work program and leadership opportunities supporting student’s professional growth. She served a 2-year elected term as the At-Large Membership Representative on the NASW-MN Board of Directors (2022), and prior to that she was a board member and participated in the Racial Justice, Membership, and Annual Event Planning Committees. In addition to her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she minored in a closely related field of Sociology and Critical Studies of Race and Ethnicity. Mindful Way Counseling is extremely proud to announce that Franceska received an award in 2022, during her intern year at Mindful Way Counseling, for MSW Student Leader of the Year Award presented by the National Association of Social Workers Minnesota Chapter (NASW-MN). Franceska has also supervised interns for several years.

Intern

Kaitlin Eto,

Clinical Social Work,

pronouns: she/her

Master's Level Psychotherapy Intern

Now accepting clients for her intern year.
Request an Intake

Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Kaitlin takes a warm and empathetic approach to therapy and believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital to the process. She strives to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel comfortable being themselves, sharing their stories, and exploring what brings them to therapy. Kaitlin sees clients as the experts in their own lives and growth, and considers it a privilege to learn their stories, and support them along the way. She uses a strengths-based approach and hopes to help clients recognize their own strengths and feel empowered in their ability to navigate life’s challenges. She also believes in the importance of mental maintenance and making the time to slow down, check in with ourselves, and care for our mental and emotional well-being before life feels like too much. Kaitlin aims to meet clients with empathy, authenticity, respect, and genuine care, while making room for laughter and humor when it feels right. She welcomes people of all backgrounds and experiences and brings a calm, positive energy to the therapy space. Life gets hard and sometimes you just need someone to walk it with you.
Kaitlin typically works with clients 2.5-3 days a week. Kaitlin is working toward a Master’s Degree and is working under the supervision of Franceska Moua, LICSW.

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a supervised clinician and charges the “Intern” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

In Progress: Masters in Social Work, University of St. Thomas
Bachelors in Psychology, University of Minnesota
Kaitlin has completed a prior internship in the Autism Day Treatment program at St. David’s Therapeutic Center, supporting mental health practitioners in play therapy, using Greenspan Floortime Play Therapy. She gained experience in this child-led play therapy to support regulation, engagement, and communication. She has also spent 15+ years working in the restaurant and service industry.

MSW, LGSW

Ellie Brice,

Psychotherapist,

pronouns: she/her

Independent Contractor

As a contractor, this provider may set separate or additional policies outside of those set by Mindful Way Counseling, LLC.
Request an Intake

Populations:

Practice Areas:

Therapy Types:

About This Provider:

Ellie leads with empathetic listening and works to ensure her clients feel empowered and seen. She understands the importance of truly understanding her clients in order to provide therapy effectively. Ellie strives to provide an open-minded and nonjudgmental space where her clients can feel safe and heard. She believes that each client is the author of their own story, and her role is to listen with care, understand their narrative, and offer support along the way. Clients can also expect humor to be a part of the process when appropriate, as Ellie believes connection and authenticity are important parts of healing and growth. Ellie welcomes clients of all backgrounds and identities, including all races, sexual orientations, gender identities, relationship structures, and cultures. Ellie has a special interest in supporting LGBTQ+ individuals, those exploring identity and self-acceptance, women’s health, as well as athletes, musicians, and other high-performing individuals.
Ellie typically works with clients 4-5 days a week. Provider has a Master’s Degree and is working under the supervision of Andrea Patten, LICSW while she works to obtain an independent clinical licensure (LICSW).

Payment & Insurance Information:

For Private Pay Clients: Provider is a supervised clinician and charges the “Pre-Licensed” Fee.

Information about fees can be found here. 

We do not participate with or bill to Hennepin Health, Tricare, or Medicare Plans, even if a plan is associated with a company we are in network with, or if you have a secondary insurance with a company we are in network with. 

Independently licensed providers work with very limited number of EAPs, and insurance participation does not guarantee specific EAP network coverage. **Supervised clinicians cannot accept any EAP benefits.**

Always check with your insurance to be sure that we are in network.  ** For supervised providers, all insurances are billed at full insurance rates under the supervisor’s name and license, and reimbursed at the insurance contracted rates**

Do you have questions about how insurance coverage works? Check out our FAQs and Understanding Insurance 101 guide. 

Experience: ​

Masters in Social Work, University of St. Thomas
Bachelors in Social Work, University of Wisconsin, River Falls
Ellie completed multiple internships, including completing her Master’s clinical internship at Mindful Way Counseling. She also completed an internship in a school social work setting, where she worked one-on-one with students, ran emotional regulation groups, and assisted with behavioral social support groups. Ellie also played hockey for all four years of college at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls.