Elizabeth additionally works with individuals of all genders and supports diverse relationship structures. She welcomes people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds. Elizabeth offers telehealth sessions to support clients in ways that best fit their needs.

Brett Nikula, M.A., LMFT, is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Solace Counseling Associates. He provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families across Solace’s Delano, Rockford, and Buffalo locations. Brett earned his Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and brings over a decade of experience to his work in the mental health field.

His clinical interests include relationship distress, marital conflict, parenting challenges, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Brett works with both individuals and couples, helping them navigate relational dynamics, improve communication, and rebuild trust. He uses a collaborative, client-centered approach that integrates evidence-based practices and emphasizes emotional safety and connection.

Outside of his clinical work, Brett enjoys golfing, skiing, and traveling with his family. He is committed to making Solace Counseling Associates a place where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to grow.

Katelynn works with people experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, and emotional overwhelm who want both practical relief and a deeper understanding of what is driving their patterns. Many of her clients are thoughtful, introspective individuals who find themselves caught in cycles of overthinking, worry, or burnout and are looking for a way to feel more grounded, steady, and connected in their daily lives.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and paced to help you feel safe and supported. Together, focus on tools for managing anxiety and stress in the present, while also gently exploring the deeper patterns and experiences that may be contributing to how you feel. Clients often leave therapy with greater self-understanding, improved emotional regulation, and a clearer sense of direction.

Areas of Focus: Anxiety, overthinking, and chronic stress; healing from trauma and difficult life experiences; feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of direction in life

Katelynn has experience in hospitals, community mental health, government agencies, residential treatment, private practice, and nonprofit settings. She provides support for adults and adolescents navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, chronic illness, relationship challenges, neurodiversity-related needs, and questions of identity and meaning.

Her work is strengths-based and integrative, drawing from person-centered, existential-humanistic, mindfulness-based self-compassion, and cognitive behavioral therapy. She believe a diagnosis can help guide understanding, but it does not define who you are.

Katelynn holds a BA in Philosophy and an M.Ed. in Counseling Psychology and is currently practicing under supervision while working toward LPCC licensure. Faith-based integration is available upon request.

Maddie believes in meeting clients where they are at and values building genuine, collaborative relationships rooted in empathy, authenticity, and trust.

Her approach is strengths-based and focuses on helping clients feel heard, supported, and understood while working toward healing, growth, and overall wellness.

Maddie works with clients ages 6+ and offers both in-person and telehealth sessions to help provide accessible and flexible care. She recently completed her Master of Social Work degree at University of St. Thomas and is excited to continue growing as a clinician while supporting others in meaningful ways.

In her free time, Maddie enjoys going on walks, camping, and spending time with friends and family.

I believe we all strive for a similar goal; to find happiness in our lives and maintain healthy relationships with those we love. Sometimes that isn’t as easy as it sounds and requires some outside help to get there. Life is hard and it can be even harder to reach out for help; I am happy and proud that you’re here, striving to strengthen relationships and work on yourself. Let’s go through this together and help you meet your goals to live a happy and healthy life! 

My passion lies in helping you find peace, comfort, and healthy solutions amid difficult circumstances. My goal is tailored to you specifically with the focus on helping you untangle confusing and difficult emotions, identify unhealthy behaviors, and working with you to equip and empower you to modify what is within your control so you can live a happier and healthier life. I encourage you to reach out if it sounds like I would be a good match as a therapist.

Deanne is experienced in assisting couples and families work through challenges in their lives including crisis management, relationship issues, mental illness, abuse and/or grief and loss. Her education and therapeutic approach utilize family systems theory, with a strong focus on psychoeducation, experiential, solution-focused and narrative concepts.  Deanne also has a Bachelor of Fine Art and loves to bring creativity into therapeutic sessions when appropriate. She is trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). 

Deanne incorporates faith into therapy (when requested). She sees clients at our Buffalo office. In addition, Deanne is a Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family approved supervisor.

Sarah is a counseling intern pursuing her masters in counseling at Crown College.

She enjoys working with couples, individuals and families seeking healthier, more connected relationships. Her approach is warm, caring, and nurturing while also being grounded in evidence-based principles. She strives to create an emotionally safe space where clients feel heard, respected, and supported as they work towards meaningful change.

Sarah brings a diverse life and professional background to her work. She holds an undergraduate degree in finance from The Carlson School of Management at The University of Minnesota and previously worked in corporate America, giving her a strong understanding of career pressures, financial stress, and the relational strain that often accompanies them. In addition, she has spent over 22 years parenting children, which has provided deep, practical experience in parenting, family dynamics, communication, and navigating the emotional needs of children and adolescents across developmental stages.

She specializes in couples and marriage counseling, dating and relationships, pre-marital counseling, sex and intimacy, women in mid-life transitions, and parenting and family concerns. She enjoys working with children and adolescents as well.

Faith can be an important source of strength and meaning for many people. When desired, Sarah is able to integrate faith into counseling in a respectful and thoughtful way, always guided by your values and preferences.

In addition to her clinical training, she has volunteered at the Shakopee Women’s Prison for four years, where she teaches and facilitates small group discussions and mentors inmates prior to their release and post release. This experience deeply shaped her understanding of resilience, grace, accountability and the importance of compassionate support—no matter someone’s past or present circumstances.

She believes healthy relationships are built through understanding, empathy, intentional communication, and hope. Whether you are seeking repair, growth, or clarity in your relationships and/or life, she would be honored to walk alongside you.

Sarah is working under the supervision of Brett Nikula, LMFT.

She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Counseling, and especially enjoys working with couples who are trying to rebuild trust, communicate better, and handle conflict in healthier ways. She also works with individual adults from all backgrounds who are dealing with stress, life transitions, relationship struggles, or just wanting to feel more at peace with themselves.

Becky creates a warm, non-judgmental space where you can feel truly heard. Her approach is collaborative—work together using evidence-based tools while always respecting your own story and what you want to achieve. She also has training in nutrition and likes to pay attention to how physical health connects with emotional well-being when that feels relevant. She is particularly interested in grief and trauma, and approaches those topics with a lot of care and respect. She is gaining experience in these areas and is honest about that and happy to make referrals if something more specialized would be better for you. If this feels like a good fit, Becky would be glad to support you on your journey.

*Working under Supervisor, Brett Nikula, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.

Vicki is especially compassionate toward teens exploring their identity, self-esteem, and life transitions. She also supports adults and couples facing relationship challenges and growth, athletes managing performance and mental health, and mid-life adults experiencing shifting roles, career changes, grief, and searching for new purpose.

Vicki trusts that even during times of uncertainty or overwhelm, healing and growth can still occur.

Her approach is warm, collaborative, and rooted in evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral strategies, mindfulness, and strengths-based methods. These are customized to fit each individual’s unique needs and story.

Vicki is dedicated to assisting clients in developing resilience, regaining hope, and progressing toward a life that feels more connected, meaningful,
and fulfilling.

Vicki is working under the supervision of Brett Nikula, LMFT.

Marissia is passionate about supporting young adults (ages 18–35), couples, and families navigating emotional difficulties, life transitions, and complex mental health needs. Her special interests include borderline personality disorder, trauma and PTSD, depression, anxiety, psychosis, schizophrenia, grief and loss, identity development, self-worth, and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Her approach is warm, nonjudgmental, and trauma-informed. She incorporates a range of evidence-based practices including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to support healing and growth. Marissia brings compassion and curiosity to the therapeutic space and believes in helping clients build a life worth living—one step at a time.

Marissia is working under the supervision of McKayla Olson, LICSW.

She believes it is important to be heard and validated while on the journey to wellness. She incorporates faith into therapy (when requested). Professional member of American Counseling Association and the Minnesota Association of Christian Counselors.

Beth has spent 5 years working in the field of mental health, after over 21 years of experience in business management. She transitioned to the counseling field driven by her passion for helping individuals of all ages discover hope, healing, and purpose through a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship.

Beth specializes in working with adolescents and adults, providing counseling for those facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and the emotional impacts of family transitions, including divorce and separation. She is committed to collaborating with clients to identify their unique goals and empowering them to work towards lasting change. 

With a compassionate and empathic style, Beth provides a space where clients can explore their personal stories and achieve meaningful progress. She works with a client-centered and solution ­focused approach, incorporating faith-based counseling, when requested, for those who wish to incorporate spirituality into their therapeutic process.

Her interest is in working with adults, couples, families, and teens experiencing addiction, anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, and adjustment to life stressors. She practices out of a client-centered and trauma informed lens and incorporates faith into therapy when requested.

She holds a Master of Social Work degree from St. Mary’s University, integrating evidence-informed practices with empathy, curiosity, and respect for each client’s unique story. Robin is passionate about promoting mental wellness, supporting personal growth, and meeting clients where they are at in their healing journey.

Robin enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, art, and getting outside as much as possible.

Robin is working under the supervision of Brett Nikula, LMFT.

Jocelyn earned her master’s degree in Counseling from Crown College. She is a warm, approachable, and encouraging therapist who believes in building on each client’s unique strengths.

Jocelyn takes a holistic/integrative approach to therapy, recognizing the important connection between mind, body, and spirit. She is committed to creating a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered to pursue their mental health, wellness, educational, and career goals. She works with adolescents 16+, adults.

Her therapeutic approach incorporates evidence-based practices, including Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Jocelyn has a special passion for helping individuals navigate anxiety, OCD, depression, life transitions, adjustment challenges, stress management, self-esteem concerns, and women’s issues.

Jocelyn considers it a privilege to walk alongside her clients as they work toward greater healing, resilience, happiness, and overall life satisfaction.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, paddle boarding, art journaling, gardening, and playing board games.

Christina also has experience working with family violence, child protection, family court and criminal court matters. Using a cognitive behavioral framework, Christina joins with the person to chart the path they want to travel. A guiding philosophy during Christina’s practice has been, “Life is what happens when you get busy making plans.” Sometimes, the plans don’t go as you expect. In those times, it is helpful to have an empathetic ear who can support you while you chart out your new path. I would like to be that person for you. Currently, Christina’s practice includes adults 18+.

She believes that a supportive and structured environment is essential for growth and collaborates with parents to help achieve therapeutic goals. Using a client-centered and strengths-based approach, she tailors therapy to each individual’s needs. Prioritizing creating a safe and welcoming space where clients feel heard and accepted. 

By fostering self-awareness, improving relational dynamics, and supporting clients as they develop healthier patterns of thinking and behavior, Erin helps clients gain insight into their unique struggles and develop practical tools for overcoming their challenges. Her special interests include working with individuals managing significant stress, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and those diagnosed with autoimmune diseases.

Erin is working under the supervision of Elizabeth Benson, M.A. LMFT

Emily got her Bachelor of Art in Adult Children and Family Services at Iowa State and Masters of Science in Clinical mental Health Counseling at Bellevue UniversityI. She entered the field of counseling with a passion for helping clients navigate life’s challenges through practical, achievable solutions.

Her approach focuses on identifying goals, developing effective strategies, and fostering positive change in a supportive and collaborative environment. She believes that with the right guidance and tools, individuals can overcome obstacles and build a more fulfilling life.

Emily enjoys staying active, spending time with family, and music.

Whether you’re facing personal struggles, relationship difficulties, or life transitions, she is here to support and empower you on your journey toward growth and well-being.

Emily is working under the supervision of Deb Peterson, M.A., LPCC.

Mackenzie’s approach to therapy is full of curiosity and compassion; she strives to provide a safe, warm, and open space for you to process distressing thoughts, actions, and experiences. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all experience so she is passionate about using a holistic, eclectic, and integrative approach to help equip and educate you to reach the goals you have set for yourself. She combines a variety of evidence-based techniques and interventions tailored for you with an emphasis in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Additionally, she is Gottman Level 1 trained and provides support for couples using this approach.

Mackenzie has a strong conviction that every individual is worthy of love, freedom, and wholeness. She believes we all have infinite value and purpose although our lived experiences may cause us to lose sight of this. Whether you’re feeling stuck in life and want new tools and a fresh perspective or you’re experiencing one of the lowest points in your life, your story matters and it would be an honor for Mackenzie to walk alongside you towards hope and healing. Through therapy, her hope is that you will feel empowered and encouraged to live the life you were created to live.

Mackenzie is working under the supervision of Deb Peterson, M.A., LPCC.

Her practice consists of using evidenced based theories and interventions such as motivational interviewing, spiritual integration, CBT, DBT, narrative therapy, play therapy, and trauma based therapies when the client is ready. She works with school-aged children, adolescents, young adults, and families. 

She is passionate in working with those experiencing anxiety, depression, guilt and shame, grief and loss, identity development, college and student issues, self-esteem, PTSD and trauma, and family/relationship challenges.