At our practice, we offer individual, couples, and family therapy for individuals aged 13 and older. Whether you are preparing for marriage, getting ready to welcome a new baby, adjusting to the challenges of being a teenager or adapting to a new job, or even moving towards retirement, we understand that coping with these changes can be overwhelming. We work with both males and females aged 13 and older to address a wide range of issues, from transitional changes to more significant, chronic stressors.

Our approach involves collaborating with the individual, couple, or family to establish their treatment goals with the therapist. Some of our therapists may assign homework and activities between sessions to support ongoing learning. We utilize a variety of therapeutic interventions and styles, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help clients understand how their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. Other approaches we use include TF-CBT (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), Emotionally Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, systemic or family theory, structural therapy, solution-focused therapy, brain-spotting, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing).

In addition to therapeutic interventions, we also help clients develop more effective communication styles. This can involve preparing for difficult conversations with a partner, boss, or friend. Our goal is to support all areas of the family system to address concerns while prioritizing confidentiality to ensure a safe space for all.

We specialize in working with individuals who have experienced highly stressful or traumatic events in their lives. This includes the general public, police officers, other first responders, and public service employees, as well as larger family systems. The events we address can range from single episodes to prolonged, cumulative experiences over time.

Our work covers a wide spectrum of trauma, such as childhood abuse and neglect, as well as adult relationship concerns and abuse. We use the Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACES) to identify trauma history and conduct PTSD assessments, along with other assessment tools. Our treatment approaches include Evidence Based Trauma Therapy, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), TF-CBT (Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy), Brain-spotting, TF-EFT (Trauma Focused Emotions Focused Therapy), CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy), and IFS (Internal Family Systems). Trauma can affect individuals at different stages of life and in various ways.

The coping skills and insights learned in therapy are vital components of our treatment. We focus on addressing the impact of stress and offer a variety of tools and interventions to alleviate symptoms, while also promoting resiliency and growth.

Police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and other first responders, along with their families, constitute a unique and underserved population. The stress inherent in these roles is constant, and the impact on both the public service employee and their families adds an extra layer of stress. Our therapists undergo intense training to understand and cater to the specific needs of first responders, drawing from their experiences working in corrections, juvenile services, as police officers, and in other first responder positions. They have also been mentored by retired police officers.

First responders often hesitate to seek mental health services due to a lack of trust or fear that their treatment will be exploited. They may also be worried about feeling vulnerable during therapy. At Sunrise Wellness, we aim to create a comfortable and secure environment for all individuals seeking mental wellness support, allowing them to go through the process in their own way.

Sunrise Wellness collaborates with various police departments and sheriff’s offices to offer wellness programs, peer support training, and mental wellness training. We are also available to provide support to departments and the families of officers during critical incidents.

Andrea Hendel and Ehlan Thompson provide supervision for LPCC and LMFT licensure tracks and offer onsite practicum and internship opportunities. Michelle Rosenau is an approved LPCC supervisor, and Dr. Brad Houghton supervises both master’s and doctoral students in psychology. Andrea Hendel is an EMDR-approved consultant. They believe that mentoring and supervising new and developing professionals is empowering and provides an opportunity to continue growing skills as seasoned therapists.

Therapists at Sunrise Wellness incorporate concepts and skills from yoga, movement, and mindfulness into their practice. These techniques are actively used to address both the physical and emotional aspects of mental health in therapy sessions. Mindfulness activities may include taking a mindful walk around the path outside the office next to the Mississippi River in Otsego. Additionally, essential oils are used for grounding and centering, and other resources are utilized for support between appointments.

Research supports the use of yoga as an additional therapeutic intervention for reducing anxiety and treating stress and trauma. These skills promote a healthy lifestyle and work to change one’s mindset, fostering a more positive outlook by building self-esteem, being more mindful of the present moment, and allowing greater control over mood and physical health with a focus on breathwork. Andrea is a licensed 200-hour yoga instructor, certified in Trauma-based yoga through Y4T (yoga for trauma), and actively pursuing licensure in Yoga for First Responders (YFFR). Andrea will also conduct classes at police and fire departments.

Pete’s training to become a Certified Therapy Dog will continue in the upcoming months and he will return to the office more frequently. He has an affinity getting to know clients and loves mindful walks during sessions. Animals can provide a calming to us and an emotional connection that is powerful to the therapeutic process.

Our Child/Adolescent Mental Health Therapists utilize age-appropriate developmental strategies while working with children in therapy. They serve children ages 3-18 at our Isanti Clinic. Therapy with children consists of conversation, processing, and teaching, and includes the use of books, games, art, play, and other activities to help them process and learn through strategies based in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Treatment areas include:

– Individual therapy for children and adolescents (3 to 18)

– Parenting support – Trauma, Grief/Loss

– Anxiety – Behavioral Diagnoses

– Depression – Eating Disorders

– AD/HD – OCD

– Autism support

Additional areas of focus:

– Adjustment Disorders – Attachment Issues


- Life Transitions – Relationship Issues


- Family Changes – Conflict Resolution Skills


– School Refusal

Services for Children we do not provide:

– Active Custody Cases

– Custody/Parenting Evaluations

– Active Legal/Court Cases

– Letters for Emotional Support Animals

In Otsego, Bloomington, and Isanti, our clinicians have experience working with adolescents and young adults between the ages of 13 and 25. They offer a variety of interventions and strive to ensure age-appropriate confidentiality.

As many people know, navigating the teenage years can be challenging due to factors affecting both adolescents and their families. Many adolescents deal with peer pressure, academic stress, emotional and physical changes, and a sense of identity exploration. These changes can prompt parents to notice changes in connection, isolation, and confusion, leaving even a seasoned parent worried and uncertain about how to support their child best. At Sunrise, our goal is to support our teen and young adult clients, while also being mindful, when appropriate, to support the adults who care for and help foster their growth.

Substance use disorder harms every aspect of life. Recreational substance use can lead to severe addictions over time, as well as using substances to cope with intense trauma. This addiction can have adverse effects on a person’s mental and physical health, relationships, finances, and future goals. Therapists at Sunrise Wellness will collaborate with clients to comprehend their addiction and establish long-term recovery goals by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to substance use disorder. This often involves processing past trauma, building resilience and self-worth, and developing healthy coping skills.

Psychological testing is available. People across the lifespan can be tested for memory, cognition, and personality.

If you are feeling stuck or have concerns about you or your family, we have the resources to assist in diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.