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 is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of Solace Counseling Associates, serving individuals, couples, and families in Delano, Rockford, and Buffalo, Minnesota. With over a decade of experience in the field, Brett is passionate about helping people build secure and healthy relationships, navigate life’s challenges, and foster personal growth.

Brett’s journey into therapy was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. As a husband of 12 years and a father of seven, he understands firsthand the complexities of relationships, parenting, and maintaining emotional well-being. He and his wife, Kelsey, are high school sweethearts who have overcome their own marital struggles, which deepened his commitment to helping others strengthen their relationships.

Brett’s therapeutic approach is empathetic, solution-focused, and grounded in evidence-based strategies. Whether working with individuals facing anxiety or depression, couples navigating relationship difficulties, or families striving for deeper connection, he creates a supportive space for clients to heal and grow.

When he’s not working, Brett enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, skiing, and traveling. His mission at Solace Counseling Associates is to provide a welcoming environment where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered on their journey toward well-being.

Deb Peterson, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, received a Masters of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology from Bethel University. She is trained in Brainspotting and she has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on an individual basis, as well as in a couple or family unit. Deb works with clients experiencing a variety of different concerns including depression, anxiety disorders, adjusting to life circumstances, crisis management, and working with families whose children are in the foster care system. Her special interests include working with individuals, and parents of children, diagnosed with autoimmune diseases, depression/anxiety due to a general medical condition, and incorporating faith into therapy (when requested).

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.

Kim Ostman, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, received a Master of Arts degree from Bethel University in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in child and adolescent mental health. Kim has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on an individual basis. She has worked alongside clients with emotional and behavioral concerns including mood disorders such as anxiety and depression, trauma, and adjustment difficulties.

Kim has over 20 years of experience working with children and adolescents across multiple settings including mental health, early childhood development, elementary age community ed, coaching, and hospital/hospice work. Kim believes parenting plays a crucial role in child development and works alongside parents to establish structure and healthy relationships within the home. She works from solution-focused and client-centered approaches to help clients draw upon their strengths to work through life’s challenges. Kim’s special interests include using play in therapy with children, self-esteem building during adolescence, and incorporating faith into therapy (when requested). Kim is a board-certified supervisor.

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.

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.

Mike Friesen, M.A, LPCC earned his Masters in Counseling and Theological Studies from Crown College. Mike has worked in non-profits and social services prior to starting work in counseling. He believes that the way to healing is through building better relationships and understanding how past relationships have hurt our sense of self. Mike specializes in grief, post traumatic stress, relational trauma, anxiety, depression, and spiritual abuse. Mike works with couples and adult individuals.

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 Krebsbach, M.S. (supervised) received her Master of Science degree from St.Cloud State University in Marriage and Family Therapy. Taylor is passionate about working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Starting from age 5, she specializes in working collaboratively with families to navigate life’s challenges, whether they’re routine adjustments or unexpected transitions.

Taylor has developed the ability to work with individuals through a systemic lens by looking at a family in its entirety. She enjoys working with individuals, couples, families, and all age groups. Taylor is currently under the supervision of Elizabeth Benson, M.A., 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 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.