Meet Our Therapists
Emily Christenson, MA, LMFT and Board Approved Clinical Supervisor
Emily works 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 have a special interest in helping women through the challenging mental health symptoms that can come in perimenopause and menopause and earned a certificate in an Introduction to the Science of Menopause from MYMT.
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, LMFT
Asel works via telehealth and in person at her office location in Uptown Minneapolis. To make an appointment with Asel reach out to asel@akulatherapy.com
I am a licensed therapist and have a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. 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 Brain spotting. 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.
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
Madison Flattery, MSW, LICSW
Madison works at the Eagan office and offers weekend appointments! She is currently offering self-pay and sliding scale rates while the insurance contracting process completes. We are hoping by March or April of 2026 she will be able to see insurance clients. Reach out to Madison directly for rates and scheduling at madison@flatterycounseling.com
“Perhaps you're feeling overwhelmed by the weight of the world, navigating a stressful life event, or have a desire to break patterns negatively impacting your ability to function, your relationships, or your sense of peace. Maybe you feel exhausted, heavy, irritable, or alone. You might be doing everything you can to keep going—maybe pushing yourself to do more than you have energy for, or simply fighting to get out of bed each day. No matter how hard it feels, your effort matters.
I specialize in supporting adult women with anxiety, stress, burnout, and past trauma. Together, we'll explore your feelings, reactions, responses, and patterns. We'll also look at how the mind-body connection and outside influences affect you, treating the whole self so you leave sessions feeling more grounded, clear, and equipped to handle life's chaos.
Through a feminist and somatic lens, my approach is grounded in empowerment, respect for your autonomy and agency in the therapeutic process, and exploration of the mind-body connection. I offer a calm, supportive presence and genuine human connection. Our sessions will be conversational, focusing on building a safe therapeutic relationship where you feel empowered to explore and process your concerns with hope and healing.
As a Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience, I understand the political impact on all of us—especially now, more than ever—because none of us lives in a vacuum. I practice within the framework of social work ethical standards, guided by a heart for social justice and a belief in your unique worth and dignity.”
If you think we might align, send me an email at madison@flatterycounseling.com or leave me a voicemail at 651-240-2336 to schedule your first appointment. I offer Friday, Saturday, and select Sunday appointments either in-person at the Eagan office or virtually. I am licensed in both Minnesota and Iowa.
