“As a seasoned mental health clinician, I know people can be challenged to the core to stir up the will and courage to carry on in the face of mental, emotional, physical or spiritual challenges. I am able to help people cope with these challenges and discover, or rediscover, the best of themselves in the process.”
– Carol Ann
Carol Ann Petersen
Carol Ann’s background in healthcare education and practice (palliative, hospice, and oncology) as well as holistic health and spiritual direction, enables her to access a unique blend of resources that she brings to you, her client. She specializes in working with those who find themselves in the role of “patient,” those recently diagnosed with acute or chronic conditions. In addition, she thoroughly enjoys supporting those who love and support the “patient.” Her approach to psychotherapy is collaborative, engaging, and strength-based. It is heart-centered, compassionate, innovative, and tailored to you and your particular needs.
Ongoing areas of interest include: cultivating resiliency in response to trauma, compassionate self-care, adjustment to loss, grief and grieving processes, navigating transitions, creative reframing, authentic whole-hearted living, and integrative and nature-based therapies. She looks forward to supporting you on your journey of healing and discovery.
Originally from California, Carol Ann now considers herself a Minnesotan who savors time outdoors in all seasons. She enjoys sitting quietly and listening to nature sing their songs. She also enjoys gardening, bicycling, walking, reading, writing, attending occasional music festivals, cooking and leisure time with friends and family. She values and works toward being an engaged and informed community member. This includes being trauma and DEI-informed. She considers herself a lifelong learner and spiritual explorer. She looks forward to meeting you and helping you tend to your precious life’s garden.
EDUCATION
Master of Social Work, St.Catherine University and University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
Master of Arts in Holistic Health, St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
Bachelor of Arts, Humboldt State University, Arcata, CA
CERTIFICATIONS
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Navigation and Survivorship, George Washington University
Spiritual Direction, Center for Spiritual Direction
Healing Touch Level III, St. Catherine University
Reiki, St. Catherine University
MEMBERSHIPS
Areas of Interest
Relationship and Communication Issues
Bonding and Attachment
Expectations
Integrative Therapies
Meaning-Centered Psychotherapy
Whole Person Care
Discernment Processes
Caring for Clinicians
Coping with Change
Adjusting to illness
Grief and Loss
End-of-life Care
Cancer Care
Modalities
Supportive Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Mind-Body Therapy
CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
DBT (Dialectical)
