Creative Spirit Counseling, PLLC

Role-Playing Game Cultural Competency Training

So excited to have Amy Tichy back at The Healing Studio for an amazing CEU opportunity!

Role-Playing Game Cultural Competency Training A training event for mental health practitioners to learn more about role-playing games, like Dugeons and Dragons.

Brandi Carlile - The Joke (Official Video)

When Creative Spirit opened we made a call to the wild ones. The ones who felt like they were too much and never enough all at once. The ones who had too much burning inside to keep hidden but shone too bright for the comfort of those around them. We see you. We hear you. We walk with you. Joke's on them.

Brandi Carlile - The Joke (Official Video) From the album "By The Way, I Forgive You" available now. http://elektrar.ec/BrandiCarlileBTWIFY Directed by Danny Clinch Produced by Lindha Narvaez for MILK...

An important reminder as this school year is deep into first semester.

🚨 Did you know that students who report frequent bullying are 2 times more likely to attempt su***de than those who do not? 🚨

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and we want to remind you that FirstLink is always here to offer support. Simply dial 2-1-1 to speak with an understanding, non-judgmental Call Specialist. We will offer a listening ear, encouragement, and can explore resources to assist.

A Message from Emily:
This week Creative Spirit turns 3! It has been the honor of my life to watch my little ember turn into a flame. While we celebrate this awesome milestone, changes have been taking place within the practice. After serving as a therapist in our community for the last several years I have decided to take a step back from direct therapy practice. This decision was not made lightly and great care went into my decision making.

So does this mean? Well, quite simply it means that I'm turning the reins of therapy over to the other amazing therapists at CSC! Hannah, Lynae, and Kaitlyn are fantastic therapists who will continue to bring healing to all of our amazing clients. As of today, all of my clients have been notified and have begun making their transitions in whatever way is best for them.

Over the last several weeks I have had the immense honor to share the fears of this transition and to honor the tremendous work I have had the privilege of witnessing. Not long after I opened Creative Spirit, I wrote a post entitled "I Cried for You Today" as an ode to my clients. Today, and over the last couple of weeks, I have had the opportunity to cry WITH my clients over this change. Sometimes the right things aren't always the easy ones. I just want to say a tremendous thank you to every colleague and client who has placed their trust and faith in me and my little ember that has turned into a huge flame. I am so grateful to you all. ❤️

These people are some of the most amazing women I've had the experience of being around.

This afternoon the team got together for the second annual FirstLink Lifesaver Luncheon! We heard from some amazing guest speakers and gained invaluable information that will help us continue to support our LGBTQIA+ community!

This afternoon the team got together for the second annual FirstLink Lifesaver Luncheon! We heard from some amazing guest speakers and gained invaluable information that will help us continue to support our LGBTQIA+ community!

We are posted up at Pride!! Swing by and check out our blackout poetry and grab a freeze pop!

Topid of the Week: Transition

Dr. Stephan Porges’ Polyvagal Theory explains humankind retained its Survival Instinct as a protective mechanism. Children that experience unmediated trauma often experience neural dysregulation. Children grow into adults. Humans naturally seek co-regulation from social encounters but if there were no safe relationships or environments, we learned to distrust change. Being asked to transition requires our minds and body to enter into a state of discomfort while our Survival Instinct is screeching an alarm. Resisting transitions is a protective mechanism developed from unsafe change that resulted in trauma. Individuals who enter a neural regulated state can be success with transitions and change. To read more about the Polyvagal Theory: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666497621000436

Today was an AMAZING day for Creative Spirit Counseling! Jim has been with us for 1 year today AND we moved him into an actual in-person office location! We are so excited to see Jim grow in our Bismarck location!

Looking forward to partnering with even more creative healing practitioners!

Who doesn't love a little DRAMA in their lives?! We do!!!! The Healing Studio is SO excited to announce a partnership with Amy Tichy, Registered Drama Therapist! Amy will be leading drama therapy groups starting this June! Stay tuned for some more exciting announcements!!!

Come join us this Friday evening for some fun painting and to join the drum circle!

In celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and in support of breaking the stigma of Mental Health.

Friday May 6th starting at 5 PM
It's OKAY to not be OKAY Party

FREE to attend

This street is getting shut down and

we will have so many things to help you on your mental health journey, break you out of that winter funk and
1000% give you some positive vibes.

🐱🐈 CATS Cradle Shelter is taking over the entire loft to create a kitten cuddle zone
Therapy Mini Horses to calm you 🐴🐴 Birchwood Therapeutic Services
• free DIY stressball station 💜💜
Tin•ker + Icehouse Fit
🕯 free intention candle making
• Positive Note Posting Board 📝
• Bad Vibes Burning Area 🔥🔥🔥
Chill in a massage chair
What’s a sound bath?
Find out😉😉 🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️🧘‍♂️

Get Creative with drawclub4.0

Mindful Healing & Consulting

American Foundation for Su***de Prevention - North Dakota Chapter - games

The Healing Studio - Fargo

Wildflower & Co.

Zero Gravity Alternative Fitness

Plants for Patients

CBD of Fargo

Indigo Bloom Yoga & Wellness

Nine-Four Coaching - guided forest bathing mini sessions every hour

The Healing Arts Revolution + all their friends

Lindy of the North - Fargo Swing Dancing to teach us some moves

The Village Family Service Center - free coloring

F5 Project

MOTivate minds - free crafts

Gingersnap Bake Shop - food for purchase

++++ many other local businesses/organizations setting up booths to showcase what they bring to the FM area’s mental health community.

Finding a therapist is difficult, come meet local therapists in person and get more information on how they can help

Raffles & Giveawys

NON ALCOHOLIC SLUSHEES

Kids welcome
Dogs on leashes welcome

Two Bars serving Cider, Beer, Wine and
NA Kombucha 🧃🍷🍻

FOOD by-

Penny’s Breakfast

Come get your health on 🪩🪩🪩

SimplePractice

How excited are we?! Another amazing Creative Spirit is joining us on May 16! Lynae has a passion for working with women and those experiencing life transitions. She's a huge fan of Brene Brown and is a Daring Way facilitator. We are SO fortunate to welcome Lynae to our team!

SimplePractice

What is Inner Child Work? - Psyche and Soma Psychotherapy Group

Heal that inner child! She just wants a Go-Go My Walking Pup! All jokes aside, often what we struggle with as adults is unmet needs from childhood.

What is Inner Child Work? - Psyche and Soma Psychotherapy Group Learn about what Inner Child Work is, who it helps, and exercises you can do anytime, anywhere! Learn about your past to better your future.

What is Inner Child Work? - Psyche and Soma Psychotherapy Group

Topic of the Week: The Inner Child

One of the main theories of work that therapists at Creative Spirit Counseling utilize is Attachment Theory. We look at at how important attachments have impacted the child-version of ourselves and help clients explore ways of healing that inner-self. Inner Child work can be some of the most powerfully healing work one can do. Click the link to learn more!

What is Inner Child Work? - Psyche and Soma Psychotherapy Group Learn about what Inner Child Work is, who it helps, and exercises you can do anytime, anywhere! Learn about your past to better your future.

Did you know that March is Social Work month?! Creative Spirit is lucky enough to have FOUR Social Workers on staff. Kaitlyn, Jim, Hannah, and Emily have all worked in various realms of social work prior to becoming therapists. Past experience ranges from emergency room triage to child protection and day treatment programming in schools. Social work is an eclectic field. It takes, heart, determination, empathy, and tireless passion for advocacy.

Self-Leadership Starts With You

Self-Leadership Starts With You But what exactly is self-knowledge and why is it important?

On the day of Love, a little reminder from Bowen that not everyone experiences or perceives love the same way. Perhaps your partner really appreciates gifts but you'd prefer to say "I love you" by just holding their hand. It doesn't mean you don't love each other, just that you experience that love very differently.

Mental Health | Creative Spirit Counseling | United States

Check out the freshly updated website for CSC! www.creativespiritcounseling.com

Mental Health | Creative Spirit Counseling | United States Creative Spirit Counseling offers individualized mental health therapy services to adolescents and adults.

Mental Health Therapist-Full Time

In addition to part-time we are also looking for a full-time clinician to add to our fantastic team!

Mental Health Therapist-Full Time Ideal Candidates Creative Spirit Counseling is seeking a growth-minded therapist to join our practice! Ideal candidates possess a passion for providing innovative and evidence-based therapeutic interventions. The desire for continued education and collaboration is highly valued. Candidates will util...

Fawning is something I (Emily) speak with my clients about all the time. It’s not enough to just talk about Fight, Flight, or Freeze. Trauma responses are varied and can change from person to person. One person can also experience multiple reactions based on the situation. Trauma impacts all aspects of our lives. It’s not enough to be informed. We must be responsive. Not only to those we love…also to OURSELVES. In this season of joy, we must also recognize that for many this season is a struggle. Show kindness and love. ❤️

Several of you may have seen this guy hanging out around the office the last month. We are SO excited to have Bowen’s Healing Spirit AKA Bowen joining our practice as a therapy dog in training! Here are some helpful facts about Bowen and his time at the office!
1) Bowen is a standard poodle. He is very low shedding and must have regular grooming before coming to “work”.
2)Bowen is still a puppy (Currently 3 months)and his time right now at the office is limited (usually 2 1/2-3 days per week).
3)Bowen primarily hangs out in Emily J‘s office as she is his handler. However, as he grows and learns our intent it for Bowen to be integrated into the practice to provide support for clients in multiple settings.
4) Bowen is in training with Emily and will be for approximately one year prior to testing for the official status as Therapy Team. They will be testing through Pet Partner’s of the Red River Valley.
5) Bowen gently greets everyone he meets and is never rough or rambunctious.
6)Bowen loves cheese!!

We welcome any questions and can’t wait for everyone to fall in love with this amazing healing spirit!

Nikki and Emily got to record new ads with Megan from Bob 95 FM! Be on the listen for Kaitlyn, Shannon, Hannah, Emily W., and Coleen!

Introducing our third and newest intern, Shawna Geisler! Shawna will be learning under our Occupational Therapist, Shannon Pfau. Creative Spirit is thrilled to be able to provide a space for students of multiple disciplines! Get to know Shawna below!

I am an Occupational Therapy student from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to work with you during my last rotation before graduation in December. Before pursuing Occupational Therapy in 2016, I served in the Army as a vehicle and generator mechanic for 10 years and have been a Massage Therapist since 2010. This had guided me on a path to want to serve others especially with mental health. I am passionate about breaking the stigma associated with seeking and receiving mental health services and believe there is not a one size fits all approach to providing care. I enjoy pulling from my experiences as a soldier, massage therapist, education in exercise and sport science, and amateur photographer to redefine what mental health services look like. I am newly married and fur mom to 2 dogs. During my leisure time I love to spend time with family, travel, photography, read, and try new restaurants. Prior to arriving at Creative Spirit Counseling I worked in the long term care wards at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center and researching and presenting on Trauma. I look forward to working with you and assisting you to engage in meaningful activities and regain independence.

(no title)

Did you know that our Occupational Therapist, Shannon Pfau, has a blog!? mOTivate minds provides tools and resources for the Occupational Therapy community, along with general information to better understand the marriage of OT and Mental Health!

http://motivatemindsot.com/

(no title) mOTivate minds is a blog, testimonial, a narration of a unique speciality of providing Mental Health services in Occupational Therapy. It consists of intervention ideas, evidenced based practice, resources, and more.

Creative Spirit Counseling, PLLC is super excited to introduce our newest intern, Julia Solem! Julia will be with us for a few months and is already fitting right in! Check out a her bio below ⬇⬇

Hello! I am thrilled to be a part of the team at Creative Spirit Counseling to complete my internship. Holistic wellness has always been a passion of mine, and it is an incredible opportunity to learn about this approach in therapy.

I graduated from Concordia College with a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with an emphasis on Environmental Studies and Religious/Interfaith studies. I have always had a passion for understanding people, beliefs, and systems, which has led me to this field. I am currently pursuing my Master's of Science in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Minnesota State University Moorhead.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outside, staying active, baking, and cuddling up with a good book.

Beth Richey Counseling

Messy times are the best times! Some Creative Spirits got our hands colorfully dirty to get ready for Fargo Pride. Hope to see you there!!

Our teens are trying to desperately navigate this increasingly stimulating world. Show up for them.

Dear Mum and Dad,

Please stick with me.

I can’t think clearly right now because there is a rather substantial section of my prefrontal cortex missing. It’s a fairly important chunk, something having to do with rational thought. You see, it won’t be fully developed until I’m about 25. And from where I sit, 25 seems a long way off.

But here's what i want my parents to know..

My brain is not yet fully developed

It doesn’t matter that I’m smart; even a perfect score on my math test doesn’t insulate me from the normal developmental stages that we all go through. Judgement and intelligence are two completely distinct things.

And, the same thing that makes my brain wonderfully flexible, creative and sponge-like also makes me impulsive. Not necessarily reckless or negligent but more impulsive than I will be later in life.

Please stick with me.

So when you look at me like I have ten heads after I’ve done something “stupid” or failed to do something “smart,” you’re not really helping.

You adults respond to situations with your prefrontal cortex (rationally) but I am more inclined to respond with my amygdala (emotionally). And when you ask, “What were you thinking?” the answer is I wasn’t, at least not in the way you are. You can blame me, or you can blame mother nature, but either way, it is what it is.

At this point in my life, I get that you love me, but my friends are my everything. Please understand that. Right now I choose my friends, but, don’t be fooled, I am watching you. Carefully.

Please stick with me.

......

Here’s what you can do for me

1. Model adulting.
I see all the behaviors that you are modeling and I hear all of the words you say. I may not listen but I do hear you. I seem impervious to your advice, like I’m wearing a Kevlar vest but your actions and words are penetrating. I promise. If you keep showing me the way, I will follow even if I detour many, many times before we reach our destination.

2. Let me figure things out for myself.

If you allow me to experience the consequences of my own actions I will learn from them. Please give me a little bit of leash and let me know that I can figure things out for myself. The more I do, the more confidence and resilience I will develop.

3. Tell me about you.

I want you to tell me all the stories of the crazy things you did as a teen, and what you learned from them. Then give me the space to do the same.

4. Help me with perspective.

Keep reminding me of the big picture. I will roll my eyes at you and make all kinds of grunt-like sounds. I will let you know in no uncertain terms that you can’t possibly understand any of what I’m going through. But I’m listening. I really am. It’s hard for me to see anything beyond the weeds that I am currently mired in. Help me scan out and focus on the long view. Remind me that this moment will pass.

5. Keep me safe.

Please remind me that drugs and driving don’t mix. Keep telling me that you will bail me out of any dangerous situation, no anger, no lectures, no questions asked. But also let me know over and over and over that you are there to listen, when I need you.

6. Be kind.

I will learn kindness from you and if you are relentless in your kindness to me, someday I will imitate that behavior. Don’t ever mock me, please and don’t be cruel. Humor me-I think I know everything. You probably did as well at my age. Let it go.

7. Show interest in the things I enjoy.

Some days I will choose to share my interests with you, and it will make me feel good if you validate those interests, by at least acting interested.

One day when the haze of adolescence lifts, you will find a confident, strong, competent, kind adult where a surly teenager once stood. In the meantime, buckle in for the ride.

and.. Please stick with me.

Love,

Your Teenager

....

By Helene Wingens
https://grownandflown.com/letter-from-teen-to-parents/

The Creative Spirit Counseling team is gearing up to celebrate The Healing Studio Fargo grand opening! Join us on Thursday, July 22nd, full details below!

We're having a grand opening and YOU are invited! The Healing Studio is excited to celebrate and we want you there! Stop by to meet the team and enjoy some snacks and refreshments. Don't forget to enter your name in our raffle for a chance to win a fun surprise!

𝐓𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟐𝟐𝐧𝐝
𝟏𝟏𝐚𝐦-𝟏𝐩𝐦
𝟏𝟓𝟑𝟓 𝟒𝟐𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐭 𝐒, 𝐒𝐮𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝟒𝟎𝟎
𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐨, 𝐍𝐃

Creative Spirit Counseling is so excited to announce the newest addition to our team, Jim! Jim is based in 𝗕𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗸, 𝗡𝗗 and provides both in person and telehealth therapy sessions. Here's a little bit about him!

Hello! I am a Licensed Masters Social Worker, and I received my bachelors of social work at Appalachian State University. In addition, I received a Master of Social Work and a substance abuse certificate from Western Carolina University. I have worked in mental health and chemical dependency for approximately 20 years. I have worked in acute care, inpatient substance abuse rehabilitation, and outpatient therapy. Before relocating to North Dakota, I lived in North Carolina for 30 years.

I enjoy working with clients who identify as LGBTQ +; clients who live with depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have a passion for individuals with dual diagnoses as well. I can work across the life span, such as clients of all ages, couples, and individuals. I enjoy making the therapy process feel more like a conversation rather than a sterile clinical experience. I like to design therapy sessions that will be productive and value the client's time.

I enjoy nature, camping, fishing, photography, and time with my dog in my spare time. I also enjoy a good conversation over coffee listening to relaxing music.

“Be gentle with yourself”

It’s easier said than done – it involves changing our conditioned mind and recognizing that this way of thinking no longer serves us well. Most of us need help in doing this! Individualized therapy offers guidance and support towards a more balanced way of thinking. In addition, we can utilize strategies to help work towards being gentle with ourselves.

Be patient, remember that no one is perfect and what really matters is the effort you put forth towards your goal.

Slow down, simplify tasks, embrace the commitments that serve your values.

Give yourself some credit, acknowledge your accomplishments and small successes.

You’re doing great 🌿

June is Pride Month!

Creative Spirit Counseling prides itself on inclusive and diverse treatment. Recent statistics provided by The Trevor Project showed that out of nearly 35,000 persons identifying as LGBTQ, 48% reported wanting mental health services but were unable to obtain them. “This data underscores many of the serious challenges experienced by LGBTQ youth over the last year and should serve as an urgent call to action. But it also speaks to the diversity and resiliency of LGBTQ youth and provides valuable insights into their everyday sources of strength and positivity.” (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2021/?section=Introduction)

It is our mission to provide a unique approach to mental health by allowing individuals to show up as they are. Remember that you are valid, you are celebrated, and you are forever welcome here!