Meet Our Therapists
Emily Christenson, MA, LMFT and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Emily works primarily out of the Le Sueur office and via telehealth. To make an appointment with me reach out to emilym@forwardbound.org.
I am a marriage and family therapist specializing in individuals (mainly adults), couples and family therapy. I maintain a private practice in Le Sueur and Eagan, MN. I earned my Master of Arts degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Adler Graduate school and an undergraduate degree in Psychology from Argosy University. I have a range of experience working with children and adults in a variety of settings. I have a special interest in working with individuals and families who have experienced trauma and have received basic training in EMDR as well as Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I am creative in my approach and combine concepts from a variety of different approaches; including but not limited to Adlerian Therapy, Cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Polyvagal theory that aim to understand the unique habits that have developed in the nervous systems of clients, and how to repair and regulate the nervous system for overall symptom relief. I also received training in Nutritional and Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Professionals to become more holistic in looking at diet and nutrition as part of the process of overall repair. I work to meet the needs of my clients by developing a strong therapeutic relationship and discovering client strengths to help them find their own healing potential. My background includes helping clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress management, anger management, personality disorders, grief, attachment, marital conflict, abuse and relational difficulties.
I am very passionate about what I do and am constantly developing as a professional with continuing education to bring new and exciting resources to my clients. I am especially passionate about repairing not only how we have come to view ourselves, others and the world as a whole, but also in repairing the physical damage to our bodies that chronic stress, depression or trauma have inflicted. This has brought my attention to educational courses and research into mind-body connections, nutrition, exercise and the role that hormones all play in keeping us stuck in unhealthy emotions and ways of thinking. I have seen my clients benefit so much from creating a well-rounded schedule of self-care because it prepares the mind and body more effectively for the deeper emotional and cognitive work of therapy. If our foundation is strong, we can handle so much more than we think.
Sheila Salo-Seifert, MA, LMFT
Sheila works at our Eagan location and via telehealth. She has limited openings at the Le Sueur office. To make an appointment reach out to Sheila at sheilalmft@hopeprincipal.com
My formal education and clinical training happened later in life. But my experience in youth and individual counseling began over 15 years ago. My positions as mother, grandmother and spouse gives me a perspective of over 35 years of life experience and empathy. My natural inclination to simply embrace, enjoy, and accept people without judgment, has prepared and enabled me to open up avenues of connection with a diverse client base. I believe that every client has the skill to heal and just needs some guidance and support.
Because I believe the client is their best source for understanding their needs; my approach for therapy is usually Solution Focused or CBT with an emphasis in building a toolbox of skills for them to move forward with. I am experienced in working with Individuals, families, Couples and teens.
I became a therapist for 2 simple reasons. My number one reason is that I truly enjoy helping people and assisting them to find their own potential. I appreciate the experience I have with interacting and exploring strengths and challenges. My second reason is that I fiercely believe that change is not only possible but imminent. All things are possible.
Lynn O'Brien, EdD, LPCC, RPT and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Lynn works primarily out of the Le Sueur office and via telehealth. To make an appointment with Lynn reach out to- lynnobrien@forwardbound.org
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I provide a strength-based, solution-focused, and family systems approach for the mental health care of children (age 5+), adolescents, and adults, including couples and family therapy. I believe in building resilience, nurturing social-emotional well-being, and bringing healing through supporting and understanding the holistic needs of clients. My education includes a doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I have experience in the preK-12 education system as a professional school counselor and assessment coordinator, in higher education as a professor and faculty member, and in the therapeutic setting as a professional counselor and school-based therapist. Through building relationship, we will work together toward client healing and well-being.
Asel Kulmeshkenova, MA, LAMFT
Asel works primarily telehealth and part time at the Eagan location. To make an appointment with Asel reach out to aselk@forwardbound.org
I am a marriage and family therapy associate (LAMFT) and have a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I have over a year of post graduate experience and have almost completed the required hours towards full licensure. I primarily work with couples, both monogamous and non-monogamous. I also enjoy working with men, and BIPOC/LGBTQIA+ folks around sex, relationships, and identity. I prefer to work with adult clients, but I am open to working with adolescents. I lean towards experiential, structural, and Bowen therapy systems and I am trained in Brainspotting. My approach ranges from “saying it like it is and challenging folks” to “meeting you where you’re at and holding space for all the parts that show up”. I am passionate about learning and exploring mental health and societal norms/stigmas. I am very curious about what makes people who they are whether it’s exploring upbringing, values as an adult, or art/media that resonates with, moves, or defines you (books, tv shows, etc. - I will most likely check them out if I have time! -). I am constantly looking to grow and develop myself, so I welcome feedback and opportunities for us to show up as our authentic human selves, with all our flaws and imperfections. I am an immigrant from Kazakhstan and identify as queer and BIPOC; my pronouns are she/her.
Asel is under the supervision of Emily Christenson, MA, LMFT.
Brittany Hallum, MA, Clinical Trainee in Marriage and Family Therapy (supervised by Emily Christenson, MA LMFT)
Brittany works primarily via telehealth with future plans to be in person at the Le Sueur office. To make an appointment with reach out to brittanyh@forwardbound.org.
I hold a Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and have spent the past five years working in this field. I am currently completing the required hours to obtain my full licensure. My experience includes working with children, adolescents, and adults who have faced trauma, depression, and anxiety. I also have a background in addressing Schizoaffective Disorder, Borderline Personality Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and issues related to Domestic Violence. Recently, I have been expanding my expertise in working with children on the autism spectrum. Additionally, I am certified in Prepare/Enrich, a program that equips couples—both married and unmarried—with skills to cultivate healthy, successful relationships.
My therapeutic approach combines Adlerian and Systemic theories with a person-centered perspective. I believe that our life experiences shape who we are and that clients are the experts of their own lives. It’s essential to meet clients where they are and support them in their journey toward change, as genuine change must come from within. I emphasize the importance of building a strong therapeutic relationship, fostering an environment of kindness, compassion, and empathy to facilitate growth and healing.
Jack Sparks, MA- working toward LPCC licensure (supervised by Emily Christenson, MA, LMFT)
Jack works primarily at the Eagan office and via telehealth. To make an appointment, please reach out to jacks@forwardbound.org
Counselor for Teens and adults
Jack provides therapy for individual clients ages 12 and older and is currently adding new clients to his waitlist.
As a pre-licensed counselor completing supervision for LPCC licensure this year, I bring four years of experience working with teens and adults on a wide range of concerns. As a transgender and autistic therapist, I am passionate about supporting clients who want to explore their gender identity, sexual orientation, and neurodivergence.
My therapeutic approach is rooted in strengths-based psychology and existential philosophy. I am trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and have a particular interest in helping clients who have struggled with traditional DBT approaches, especially those who find the meditation and skill-based aspects challenging.
Specialties:
Borderline personality disorder
Outpatient stabilization for self-harm and suicidal ideation
Emerging adults with complex or developmental trauma histories
Clients with negative past experiences in therapy
