“Be at ease, and feel completely at home. And above all, do not be ashamed of yourself, for that is the cause of everything” (From Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov). In my view, this suggests that one’s way of being with oneself may become the foundation of nearly everything else: how one loves, speaks, avoids, performs, and suffers.

For me, successful therapy enables healthy and mutual exploration of intimate topics and circumstances. When recounting or explaining these things, what does this process feel like? What makes you feel burdened or overwhelmed with difficult feelings? What is liberating to feel or to share? Empowering? In this work, we will move toward individualized and helpful ways of relating to these experiences, recognizing both their difficulty and their place within human life. I incorporate therapeutic approaches such as existential psychotherapy, rational emotive behavior therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques to fortify this journey.

While psychology is my primary area of expertise, I also have a strong foundation in neuroscience. I minored in neuroscience at the University of Minnesota, and that background remains an important part of how I understand emotional struggle, behavior, and change. When it feels helpful, I incorporate neuroeducation into our work so that confusing thoughts, emotions, or reactions can feel less mysterious and more understandable. Sometimes our brains seem to work against us, or pull us away from the person we want to be. By making sense of these patterns together, your inner experience may begin to feel less alien, more manageable, and more open to change.

I work with clients from all walks of life and welcome a wide range of concerns. I aim to meet each person with warmth, curiosity, and care. I am especially well-suited to those struggling with anxiety, depression, relational difficulties, identity concerns, or a sense of disconnection from themselves. I also bring a personal history with athletics and training, which has given me insight into both the health-giving and toxic dimensions of discipline, performance, and self-improvement. 

Outside of my clinical work, I enjoy reading Dostoevsky, competitive bodybuilding, iced Americanos when it's 30 below zero, trying new restaurants (especially if I’ve seen them on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives), and helping my partner find fitting synonyms as she writes her second fantasy novel.

I appreciate novelty, spontaneity, and enthusiasm. My work as a server over the past three years has allowed me to live that out through constant engagement with new people, personalities, and perspectives.

During my internship, I will be working with clients ages 16 and older as a therapist and group facilitator. Additionally, part of my role involves helping clients connect with supportive services, including appropriate levels of care and benefits for which they may qualify.

I have a BS in Psychology and I am a candidate for a Master's Degree in Counseling & Psychological Services at Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. I am working under the licensed supervision of Joel Grostephan, MSW, LICSW and I am accepting new clients to start in May. My email address is nathan@firelightpsychotherapy.com