Elizabeth Benson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Minnesota Board-Approved Supervisor. She earned her Master’s degree from St. Mary’s University and is a certified Prepare/Enrich facilitator. Additionally, she has training in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples. Before becoming an LMFT, Elizabeth worked as a school counselor for eight years. She now provides therapy for adults, couples, and families, with special interests in couples therapy, depression, anxiety, life transitions, parenting, and incorporating faith into therapy when requested.

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

Owner & Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

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.

“Through pride we are deceiving ourselves. But deep down below the surface of the average conscience a still, small voice says to us: something is out of tune.” – Carl Jung

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.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and received my Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University. My experience includes working with teens, women, couples, and individuals on issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, bipolar, trauma, adjustment and parenting issues. I have specialized training and interest in trauma and enjoy working with women who are struggling with issues in their lives and incorporating faith into therapy (when requested). I am also a registered Parent Educator for Circle of Security International which provides education for parents to help them build healthy attachments with their children. 

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 Shaw, M.A., LMFT, earned her master’s degree at Minnesota School of Professional Psychology/Argosy University. Deanne provides couples, individual, and family therapy for adolescents and adults. She is passionate about working with youth who have emotional and behavioral difficulties such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma recovery, parent-child conflict(s), adoptions concerns, transitional/adjustment issues, and school and juvenile correction issues.

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 offers Telehealth services. 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 my clinical training, she has volunteered at the Shakopee Women’s Prison for four years, where she teaches and facilitates small group discussions and mentor 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.

Becky Eberhard, Mental Health Practitioner, is currently completing her Master of Arts in Counseling at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, and works as a counseling intern under supervision as she prepares for licensure. Drawing from a rich variety of life experiences and her own seasons of challenge, Becky offers a compassionate, nonjudgmental, and gentle presence. Becky creates a warm space where you can feel truly seen and heard. With curiosity and genuine hope, she collaborates with you at your own pace, helping you uncover new possibilities for connection and growth. She looks forward to partnering with you on your journey toward greater hope and healing.

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

Vicki Swenson, Mental Health Practitioner, is a counseling intern at Solace Counseling Associates, currently working towards her Master’s in counseling at Crown College. She also has a Master of Education (M.Ed.) and is a
certified Mental Performance Coach. Prior to her counseling career, Vicki spent over 20 years working in public education.

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 Triemert, MSW, LGSW, is a Licensed Graduate Social Worker who earned her Master’s in Social Work from St. Catherine University. She has experience providing individual therapy in community mental health and residential treatment settings, as well as working with couples and families using Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) principles.

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.

Bridget Johnshoy Narum, M.A., LPCC, earned her Masters in Counseling degree at Crown College. She is a Prepare Enrich Facilitator and is trained in Dialectic Behavior Therapy. She offers counseling services to teens, adults, and couples who are experiencing mental health and behavioral struggles. Her special interest is in working with clients who experience addiction and also anxiety, depression, borderline personality disorder, schizophrenia and who may have parenting and family challenges.

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 A. Biskup is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with a Master of Arts in Counseling from Crown College. She 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.

Ashley Friesen, M.A., LPCC, LADC, earned her Master of Arts in Counseling and Psychological Services and Graduate Certificate in Addiction Studies from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. She has spent over 15 years working in the social service field, focusing on supporting individuals from various cultural backgrounds through mental health and chemical health struggles.

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.

Robin Imes is a Clinical Social Work Intern. She provides compassionate, client-centered support to individuals of all ages and backgrounds. With a strengths-based and culturally responsive approach, Robin is dedicated to creating a safe and collaborative space for clients to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change.

She is currently completing her Master of Social Work degree at 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 Schmatz, M.A., earned her master’s in counseling degree from Crown College while completing her internship at Solace Counseling. She is a warm, down-to-earth, encouraging therapist that focuses on an individual’s strengths.

Jocelyn believes in a holistic approach to therapy and the importance of the mind-body-spirit connection. She is committed to creating a safe environment by meeting you wherever you may be at to help you to accomplish your mental health, wellness, education, and career goals. She works with adolescent, teen, and adult individuals.

Her special interests include working with those interested in incorporating Expressive Arts and Creativity, Sand Tray, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness in therapy. She is most passionate about helping those that need help with stress management, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, adjustment issues, life transitions, and women’s issues.

Jocelyn works under the supervision of Deb Petersen, B.A., LPCC while working towards her independent license as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC). Professional member of American Counseling Association, Association for Creativity in Counseling, and Association for Child and Adolescence Counseling. Jocelyn would feel honored to be a part of your journey to help improve health, happiness, healing, and overall life satisfaction.

Christina Schultz, MSW, LICSW, earned her Masters degree from Minnesota State University- Mankato. During the past 20 years of being a social worker, Christina has helped people with a variety of needs including: intellectual disabilities, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and mood disorders.

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+.

Taylor is a licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist with a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Cloud State University. She has experience working with children, teens, and adults in individual therapy. She addresses emotional and behavioral concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and ADHD. Her work also includes supporting families through divorce and separation, working with children in the foster care system, and providing affirming care for LGBTQ individuals.

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. 

Taylor works under the supervision of Elizabeth Benson, LMFT, while working towards her independent licensure as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).

Erin Holznagel, a Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, received a Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Mary’s University. She is trained in Brainspotting, Internal Family Systems, and Gattman and has experience working with individuals, as well as couples and families. Additionally, Erin supports diverse relationship structures and people of all genders. She especially enjoys working with couples. She offers both in-person and telehealth sessions to support clients in ways that best support their needs.

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

I entered the field of counseling with a passion for helping clients navigate life’s challenges through practical, achievable solutions. My approach focuses on identifying goals, developing effective strategies, and fostering positive change in a supportive and collaborative environment. I believe that with the right guidance and tools, individuals can overcome obstacles and build a more fulfilling life.

I enjoy staying active, spending time with family, and music.

Whether you’re facing personal struggles, relationship difficulties, or life transitions, I am 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 Hixson, M.A., earned her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University.

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.

McKayla Kent is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who received her masters from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Throughout her time as a social worker, she has worked in various settings providing culturally sensitive and affirming care to those served. She has a passion and hope for all who seek change and help through the therapeutic process. It is her goal to provide a safe and peaceful space that allows for autonomy, challenges, and change. McKayla likes to work with the client at their pace, on changes they want to make for themselves and at the same time encourage and foster change through a strengths based approach.

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.