WE ARE CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!!

Emma is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in the state of North Dakota. She received her undergraduate degree in Psychology from North Dakota State University and a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Minnesota State University Moorhead. 

Emma just radiates warmth and joy at Empower Counseling. She has experience working with ages 2 to adulthood with a variety of mental health concerns for individuals and families. Some concerns include: anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, family stressors and transitions, attachment concerns, foster care, work stress, early childhood trauma, etc. Emma uses her creativity to tailor her therapy style to meet the needs of each person that walks through her door.  Once you sit on her couch, you will immidately recognize the non-judgmental, supportive, and calm demeanor of Emma.  She also loves being creative with her younger clients- using art, play, and parent engagement in sessions. 

When she isn’t working, Emma enjoys spending time with her partner, her family, and her cat Casper. Emma is often curled up on the couch at home working on a new crochet project, playing video games, or reading a new fantasy book series during her free time. Emma also enjoys collecting board games for her collection to play with her friends. 

Vera is a Licensed Masters Social Worker in both North Dakota and Minnesota. She graduated from the University of North Dakota. Vera has a variety of experiences, both personally and professionally. She grew up in Liberia and moved to the United States when she was in elementary school, as a refugee. Due to this, Vera understands loss, barriers to services, sigma surrounding mental health, and the importance of community. She loves working with diverse populations (age 5+), especially teens and young adults. 

Professionally, Vera has experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, foster care, delinquency, and other mental/emotional related concerns. She is passionate about learning each individual’s life story and the control we have over our own narrative. She believes an environment of empathy and empowerment are essential on the path to healing. Vera serves from a trauma informed, person centered, and is extremely strength based. 

In session, you can expect Vera to be calm, patient, and caring. By being curious and non-judgmental, she makes you feel comfortable and accepted in her office. Vera will always make you feel respected, be a trusting person in your life, and show you, that the value you intrinsically have. 

When she is not working, Vera enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She enjoys being active- and is usually dancing and singing! Interesting fact- Vera also used to coach high school track! 

Courtenay is currently a LPC in the state of Minnesota and LAPC in North Dakota.  Courtenay earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Master's degree in Counseling from MSUM.

Courtenay has experience with people aged 8+, in an individual and family setting.  She has served people of many different cultural backgrounds as well as the LGBTQ+ population.  Courtenay also has experience in anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, autism, work-related stress, family stressors, relational conflict, transitions, domestic violence, foster care, divorce, and other mental/emotional-related concerns.

Courtenay loves learning each person's life story and how we can control our own narrative. She respects diversity and individuality, and adapts therapy to fit YOU and all that YOU are.  Courtenay believes counseling is a journey we take together.  You will appreciate Courtenay's gentle demeanor and humor at the exact moment you need it.  Courtenay strives to advocate and empower each person through counseling.

When Courtenay isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and two cats, Stella and Simon. Courtenay loves true crime podcasts, documentaries, heart-felt TV shows, playing video games, baking, and listening to music.  She is currently trying to get in touch with her creative side through crochet and paint-by-number art.

 Sydney is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (LAPC) in North Dakota. She earned both her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master's degree in Counseling from the University of North Dakota. 

With a warm, bubbly personality and an approach that mixes humor with empathy, she creates a therapeutic space where clients can feel comfortable and truly themselves. Sydney believes that therapy doesn’t have to feel intimidating, and she loves helping people relax, relate, and laugh when they need it most. She uses humor as a tool to break down barriers and make therapy a positive uplifting experience.

Sydney is passionate about meeting clients where they are, providing a nonjudgmental, and fully accepting environment. She believes that therapy is done best when there is a strong connection, so she priorities building trust and making a space where collaboration is key. Whether you’re navigating a major life change, working through anxiety or depression, or just need someone to listen to, Sydney is there to help you feel understood and supported.  

Though she mostly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Sydney tailors her approach to meet each client’s unique needs, drawing from various therapeutic techniques to best fit each situation. Her experience spans across all ages, as she has worked with children, teens, and adults.  

Outside of work, Sydney enjoys spending time with her dog, Mabel, and is always up for an adventure. She loves hiking, running, and playing pickleball, and if she’s not outdoors, you’ll find her and Mabel binging Netflix or getting immersed in a book.  

If you are looking for a therapist who is down to earth, relatable, and dedicated to helping you create positive change, Sydney is excited to walk that path with you! 

Sarah is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of North Dakota and a National Certified Counselor (NCC).  She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology.  Sarah received her master’s degree in School Counseling from Minnesota State Mankato.

Sarah has over 20 years of practice in both the education and mental health fields.  She has gained extensive experience with children, adolescents, and adults.  Sarah has developed expertise in anxiety, grief, self-regulation, trauma, social skills, and mindfulness.  She is skilled in both individual and group therapy and exercises an individual approach in meeting the unique needs of her clients.  Sarah recognizes the importance of trust, honesty, being creative and fun in sessions, and establishing boundaries. She also appreciates and works closely with other service providers and support systems in working towards the goals created by the client! Sarah is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). 

When not at work, Sarah enjoys reading, playing games, being outside, traveling and spending time with family and friends. 

** Please note that from September-June, Sarah only provides sessions in the evening hours. 

Ariana is a Licensed Master Worker (LMSW) in the state of North Dakota. She holds an unwavering dedication to supporting others on their journey towards healing and growth having graduated with her bachelor's degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2019 and her master's degree in Social Work from Minnesota State University in June 2024.

Ariana's professional background includes working closely with children and families, particularly within the foster care and child welfare system. She has also provided support to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. She is even trained in Brainspotting to assist in processing trauma! Ariana also finds fulfillment in working with parents of disabled and medically complex children, offering guidance and support as they navigate unique challenges.

At the core of Ariana's practice is a commitment to compassion and effectiveness, always viewing her work through a trauma-informed lens and emphasizing the significance of building strong relationships. She believes in creating a safe and nurturing environment where individuals can explore their experiences, cultivate resilience, and discover their inherent strengths.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Ariana finds joy in her role as a mother to two girls, a dog, and a cat. Together with her partner, she loves exploring the FM area, camping, and cherishing time spent with friends who feel like family. In her downtime, Ariana indulges in her love for reading historical fiction and fantasy novels, enjoys the tranquility of the beach, and is known for juggling several different beverages simultaneously.

Jana is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of North Dakota and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She has a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from North Dakota State University. She works to create an individual experience to best address a client’s concerns through empowerment and connection. As a client, she wants you to feel supported, safe, and empowered in a non-judgmental environment. 

Jana has experience in working with: people age 4 to adulthood, anxiety, depression, domestic violence, sexual assault, childhood trauma, and post-partum emotional health and wellness. She is trained in trauma specific therapies including TF-CBT and EMDR. She utilizes many different therapy techniques which are tailored to each person’s needs and/or style. She will try her best to make sure counseling can be a right fit for YOU.

When she isn’t working, Jana is always on the lookout for random knowledge and absorbs this through podcasts, documentaries, and random tv shows. She is also the craftiest person ever! Jana lives in the area with her partner, their young child, one dog, and two cats.  

Mandy Bernardy received her masters in Social Work from the University of North Dakota and has worked in the Mental Health field for over 15 years.  Her area of expertise and passion is trauma. She specialize in trauma based approaches, including Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT), Brainspotting, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). She is trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and the Nurtured Heart Approach. She also experienced in grief/loss, work related stress, adjustment to life transitions, foster care, divorce, family stressors, depression, anxiety, and other individual mental/emotional related concerns. Mandy created Empower Counseling with a goal of having a place for people to come and receive quality care and feel welcomed by amazing and trained clinicians. 

Her treatment style is described as collaborative, warm, and direct. She believes that honesty, trust, and humor go a long way. There is nothing better than a good laugh, sun on your face, or your favorite song on the radio.