Specializing in the Building of

Strong Marriages & Healthy Families

Specializing in the Building of

Strong Marriages & Healthy Families


Therapists

Therapists

Lighthouse Counseling Ltd.

Therapists

Lighthouse Counseling Ltd.

Chelsea Krzmarzick, MA, LMFT

Chelsea earned her Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Minnesota Duluth, and obtained her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at St. Mary’s University Minneapolis. Chelsea has experience working with ages 10 and older in an outpatient, school-based, and in-home setting. She utilizes an integrative approach to therapy. Meaning, she chooses and combines different aspects of therapeutic approaches in order to meet each individual’s/couple’s specific needs.


Chelsea is certified in premarital and marital enrichment counseling through the PREPARE/ENRICH program. She has completed training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) and brings this training into the therapy room with all of her clients; due to the substantial body of research that outlines the effectiveness of EFT. In addition, she has completed Discernment Counseling training to assist couples and individuals who are struggling to decide the direction for their marriage.


Overall, Chelsea believes learning how to manage today’s stressors, how to identify and express individual needs, and how to communicate effectively with the important people in our lives are strategies that can make a big difference in how we think and feel in our daily life.


Chelsea enjoys working with those experiencing or impacted by:


  • Marital Dissatisfaction
  • Relationship Problems
  • Divorce
  • Self-Esteem Issues
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Parenting Issues/Concerns
  • Family Conflict
  • Trauma and Abuse
  • Grief and Loss
  • Stress Management
  • Life Transitions


Scott Paulson, MS, LMFT

Scott Paulson
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Scott's Location:

Sauk Rapids, MN

Scott Paulson, MS, LMFT

Scott A. Paulson MS, LMFT – Scott obtained his Master of Science Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University. Scott is licensed by the Board of Marriage & Family Therapy in Minnesota to practice therapy with individuals, couples and family systems. Scott is also a board-approved clinical supervisor in the state of Minnesota


Scott has a diverse background having provided therapeutic services in group, school, in-home, and out-patient settings. Scott works with clients experiencing: depression, anxiety, mood disorders, adjustment reactions, relationship and marital problems. A strong emphasis in Scott’s clinical experience has also been treating clients with serious and persistent mental illness (SPMI) in an out-patient setting in collaboration with a multi-disciplinary staff of therapists, psychologists, and psychiatric providers. Scott has extensive experience providing Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) skills training in a group setting. DBT is a treatment modality aimed at teaching behavioral interventions to help clients: become more self-aware, regulate their emotion, tolerate distress, and become more effective with interpersonal relationships. A primary therapeutic interest of Scott is working with couples providing relationship counseling, enrichment, and marital therapy. Scott values the process of building rapport with clients and the importance of education in his client’s growth and recovery. Scott works primarily with adults and his therapeutic approaches includes: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Family Systems. Scott values the role of faith and spirituality in the therapeutic process. Scott sees an individual as a three-part being: spirit, soul and body, all three of which need nurturance if they are to prosper.

Ashley Brinkman, MA, MHP

Ashley Brinkman
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Ashley's Location:

Shakopee, MN

Ashley Brinkman, MA, MHP

Hello my name is Ashley and I received my Master of Arts Degree in Counseling from Crown College. I also obtained my Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Crown. I have experience working with young adults, adults, children, couples and people from different cultures, I also lead a grief support group for people of all ages through Ridgeview Medical Center.


I feel everyone is their own individual who is their own best author of their life. As a counselor I desire to help my clients the best way possible and walk along side them on their journey, helping them discover what they want in life. While processing emotions and working through any challenge’s, traumas, or obstacles. It is important to me that my clients feel comfortable to share in a safe place without judgement.


Ashley enjoys working with those impacted by:


  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Family Conflict
  • Grief and Loss
  • Stress management
  • Eating disorders
  • Self-esteem issues
  • Life transitions
  • Trauma


Larry Bengtson, MSA, LPCC

Larry Bengtson
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Larry's Locations:

Waconia, MN

Shakopee, MN

Larry Bengtson, MSE, LPCC

My name is Larry Bengtson and I am the Founder and Administrator for Lighthouse Counseling, Ltd. I have a passion and a dedication for the Building of Strong Marriages (Couples) and Healthy Families. I earned my Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Wisconsin -River Falls after earning my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology/Sociology from St. Ambrose University. I am also a Certified Clinical Telemental Health Provider (CTMH). Lighthouse Counseling was established to provide a safe, supportive and non-judgmental environment for people to disclose their personal struggles, receive help and restore their relationships. I have been practicing as a Professional Counselor for over 25 years and specialize in treating marriages/couples and families. I have helped hundreds of families and individuals navigate the complexities of life.


I believe in providing treatment from a holistic viewpoint that includes the emotional, psychological, mental, physical, and spiritual condition of each person. I am proud to share greatest accomplishment is my marriage of over 30 years, the raising of my 4 children and now the welcoming of my new grandchildren. I am the developer of the Marriage/Couples Forever Program which is designed to help couples who are experiencing a relationship crisis or married couples who are contemplating divorce. The program is designed to help people acquire the skills and knowledge to save their relationship and to make an informed decision before separation or divorce. I am available for public speaking, seminars, and training. I enjoy working closely with area physicians and pastors providing consultation, education, and support.


My Special Interests are working with:


  • Marriage/Couples Counseling
  • Relationship Counseling
  • Post-Affair Recovery
  • Blended Families
  • Remarriage
  • Marital/Relationship Dissatisfaction
  • Empty Nest
  • Life Transitions


Men's Issues:


  • Fatherhood
  • Intimacy
  • Anger management
  • Communication
  • Depression and Anxiety
  • Post Chemical Dependency treatment

Julie Muggli

MA, LPC

Julie Muggli MA, LPC
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Julie's Location:

Waconia, MN

Julie Muggli MA, LPCC

Welcome, my name is Julie. I received my Master’s in Counseling and Psychotherapy from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota and my undergraduate degree in Social Work from St. Olaf College. Mental health is a passion of mine in which I believe all individuals deserve to find peace and harmony within themselves. I have nearly 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. The majority of my experiences have been in supporting adolescents and adults journeying through unique circumstances of grief, trauma, mood disorders, familial issues, and life transitions.


I believe that developing a safe and trusting relationship is the bedrock of successful therapy. I feel honored to join individuals in their personal experiences, supporting and encouraging them along their path and collaboratively identifying their strengths and goals for treatment. I pride my life’s work in healing wounds, exploring new patterns of thinking, deepening self-acceptance and creating skills to manage the stresses of everyday life.


I have a strong foundation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I tailor to each individual, integrating a variety of therapeutic approaches including: Strengths Based Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Narrative Therapy.


I look forward to meeting you and supporting you in your journey to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be.


My areas of specialization include:


  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Life Transitions
  • Family Conflict
  • Relationship Issues
  • Stress Management

Kayleen Weverka

MS, LPCC

Kayleen Weverka MS, LPCC
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Kayleen's Location:

Waconia, MN

Kayleen Weverka, MS, LPCC

Kayleen earned her Master of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling in 2017 after receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology in 2012. Kayleen is married with 5 children to include one child in the military. Kayleen has worked primarily in an in home setting with individuals and families. As a licensed professional clinical counselor Kayleen utilizes client centered approaches and strengths based therapy. Kayleen enjoys building rapport with clients to help provide a trusting environment in which individuals and families can learn and grow towards their goals. Kayleen’s professional experience includes volunteer work as a child advocate. Kayleen is passionate about family systems and understanding each individual within a family. Kayleen receives regular ongoing training surrounding trauma. Kayleen enjoys working with individuals or families.


Her experience includes working with those who have stressors such as:


  • Domestic Violence
  • Addiction/Chemical Dependency
  • Abuse/Neglect
  • Parenting issues/concerns
  • Legal issues
  • Trauma
  • PTSD
  • Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
  • Family conflict
  • Divorce
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Severe and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI)
  • Attachment disorders

Heather Pererva, MS, LAMFT

Heather Pererva
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Heather's Locations:

Hutchinson, MN

Litchfield, MN

Heather Pererva MS, LAMFT

Heather is a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist earning her Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Psychology and Master of Science degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University. 


Heather is influenced by Systems and Biopsychosocial Theories and believes in utilizing an integrative and person-centered approach to therapy, combining different therapeutic approaches to meet the unique needs of each individual/family. She currently works with individuals who are 12 years or older, couples, and families in person or via telehealth. 

 

Heather recognizes the courage it takes to enter therapy but believes every individual holds the power to change their current life circumstance with effort and commitment. She is committed to fostering a comfortable and accepting environment that encourages the freedom to be yourself and identify and achieve your unique goals. 

Corri Jones, MA, MFT

I received my Master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University in Minneapolis and completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree at California Lutheran College in California. I was also honored to receive departmental distinction in my class at California Lutheran University. 

 

I have extensive experience working in the mental health field and more specifically in the area of relationship healing. I work with adults, couples and families as they deal with challenges and struggles in life. I work with individuals in the areas of depression, grief/loss, anxiety, spectrum disorders, relationship challenges, betrayal, sexuality issues and more. My work and experience with couples centers around communication, conflict management, affair repair, sex/intimacy issues, loss of connection and relationship healing. I believe 90% of life is not what happens to us but how we react to situations. I am here to navigate through difficult situations and life stressors, and to help you find hope, healing, fulfillment, and personal growth.


I am passionate about providing a safe, respectful, and warm environment to work through a variety of concerns and begin the healing process in a person-centered way. I believe spirituality is an essential component of mental health and practice from a Christian worldview. I use an eclectic approach in therapy, including psychoeducation, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy. I would be honored to journey with you through your therapeutic process.


Patricia Schneider,

MA

Patricia Schneider MA
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Patricia's Location:

Waconia, MN

Patricia Schneider, MA

Patricia earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental

Health Counseling in Psychology. She has experience working with adults, adolescents, and children. Based on each individuals needs, Patricia utilizes Cognitive Behavioral, Narrative, Motivational Interviewing, and Gestalt techniques in her counseling sessions.


Patricia takes a holistic approach with each person and provides a safe

space and hope for healing. She will help navigate through the challenges and difficulties you may be having. Understanding the courage, it takes to get help, she will meet you where you’re at and be alongside you to meet your goals.


Works with those who may be experiencing:


  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Stressing situations
  • Bereavement


Ervin Miller, MS, MHP

J Ervin Miller received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University in 2013 and has completed his Master’s Degree from Capella University’s Marriage and Family Therapy program. His background includes 22 years in law enforcement and correctional experience providing his clients a unique and credible insight into those individuals that place themselves in harm’s way to help others. 


Additionally, Ervin provides counseling services for children and adolescents, adults, couples and families, active members and veterans of the military, and other Public Safety members suffering from various maladaptive behaviors.   


Ervin is a goal directed, solution-focused, results orientated psychotherapist, that also embraces the ideology of the Bowenian therapy model. 


Areas of interests include:


  • Trauma
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Divorce
  • Stress Management
  • Grief and Loss
  • Marital Problem


Kirsten Anderson, MA, MHP

Hello, my name is Kirsten Anderson and I received my Master’s degree in Counseling from Crown College, where I also received my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. While working toward my degree, I interned with Lighthouse Counseling and decided to continue in the company after falling in love with the environment, values, and clientele that they provide.


I tend to use a variety of different therapeutic approaches to best serve the individual. This leads me to use more of an integrative approach as I believe that everyone is unique in their needs and no one approach is a one size fits all model. I see people as biopsychosocial-spiritual beings and believe that mental, physical, and spiritual health are all important and all have an impact on one other. I believe that the therapeutic environment should be open, honest, comfortable, trusting, goal-oriented, and non-judgmental.


I am currently available to work with individuals ages 12 and up as well as couples in person from the Hutchinson office or via telehealth.


My specialty areas include:

-Anxiety

-Depression

-Behavioral issues

-Stress management

-Life adjustments

-Self-Esteem

-Spirituality

-Relationship Issues

-Trauma

-Adolescent/Teens

Heather Landwehr, Intern

Heather Landwehr, Intern
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Heather's Locations:

Sauk Rapids, MN

Willmar, MN

Heather Landwehr, Intern

Hello, I am an intern currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

at Capella University. I obtained my undergraduate degree at St. Cloud State University, where I

discovered a passion for working with Neuropsychological disorders. Throughout my career, I

have worked with individuals of diverse age groups, ability levels, and experiences. As a result,

a significant portion of my work has centered around dual diagnosis, serious persistent mental

illness, and Cognitive disorders.

I am dedicated to supporting individuals through a Gestalt & CBT approach as they navigate

life's challenges. Through extensive training, I have gained the ability to provide a higher level of

care by offering personalized services to meet client needs. I take pride in establishing a safe

and nonjudgmental environment where clients are encouraged to enhance their skills and

explore their thoughts and emotions.

My interest include working with Adults and children, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Dual

Diagnosis, sleep, life adjustments, stress management, and severe persistent mental illnesses. I

look forward to meeting you and supporting your healing journey.

Chantal Wohnoutka, LGSW

Chantal Wohnoutka, LGSW
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Chantal's Location:

Shakopee, MN

Chantal Wohnoutka, LGSW

Welcome, my name is Chantal. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Walden University and received my Bachelor’s in Social Work from Hoge school ZUYD University in the Netherlands.


I was born and raised in the Netherlands and have had the privilege of working with individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, religions, abilities, and ages. I have extensive experience working with adolescents and adults on the Autism Spectrum, working in various settings. Experience with the elderly population and experience with various mental health disorders.


I like to work from a holistic approach. Supporting you where you are and helping you on your journey to become your best self. Due to my multilingual and multicultural background, I am aware of someone’s unique and individual experience. Helping you understand yourself, overcome obstacles, and process emotions to heal.


I would like to support those individuals where they are and find their own strengths and paths in life. I work from a CBT, strengths-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy approach.


In my free time, I love to spend time with my family and loved ones, visit my family in the Netherlands, hike, explore new places, and be creative.

My areas of specialization are; Autism, Depression, Anxiety, Social Skills, Life transitions, Stress Management, Communication, and Self-esteem building.


I am looking forward to working together with you.

Jake Tastad, Intern

Jake Tastad, Intern
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Jake's Location:

Shakopee, MN

Jake Tastad, Intern

Hello! 

My name is Jake and I am an intern pursuing a Master’s degree in counseling from Crown College. For the past 8 years, I have been working in full-time pastoral ministry. I have learned a lot from my ministry experience and developed a heart for counseling. I have found joy in assisting couples as they pursue marriage as a premarital counselor, walking alongside men in recovery from sexual addiction, being present with families in the midst of loss and grief, providing coping and stress management skills, and navigating the adolescent worldview with teenagers. I tend to use a variety of therapeutic strategies and theories to cater to the client’s needs. Although, my top strength is the ability to provide a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment. 

 

My specialties include: 

  • Unwanted sexual behaviors 
  • Anxiety 
  • Premarital 
  • Grief/Loss 
  • Adolescents 
  • Stress management 
  • Life transitions

Jake Tastad, Intern

Tomasina Uttecht, Intern
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Tomasina's Location:

Waconia, MN

Tomasina Uttecht, Intern

Hello, my name is Tomasina Uttecht. I received my bachelor’s in psychology with a minor in human services from Crown College where I am also completing my master’s in counseling. As a participant in the program, I have the privilege of interning with Lighthouse Counseling, LTD, where I can serve my home community. Most recently, my work focused on children’s behavioral health and special education, specifically autism, ADHD, and anxiety. This work has cultivated a profound passion for children, family, and couples counseling. I've witnessed firsthand how the right support can help families and individuals thrive and grow, even in the face of personal, interpersonal, and unexpected life challenges.



I am passionate about helping others find and take hold of the person they were created to be. I believe that true wellness comes from embracing our authentic selves, rather than conforming to the hardships of life, but overcoming the burden of those hardships is a process that often requires support outside of ourselves. And that’s okay!


Therefore, my approach is person-centered and relational, but also systematic and logical. It is rooted in empathy, genuineness, and positive regard, a cornerstone to building a relationship and environment that is safe and supportive. It is also systematic and logical, providing a structured framework for navigating emotional, psychological, and spiritual challenges that can be difficult to identify and overcome.


I look forward to getting to know you!

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