Kristen Fritsinger, MSW, LICSW, obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine in 2000. She spent numerous years working with adults who have serious and persistent mental illness, with a range of diagnoses. In 2004, she joined and became a partner at DBT Associates. She has been extensively trained in standard DBT since 2006 and provided years of individual DBT therapy to adolescents and adults, as well as co-facilitating DBT skills groups. Since 2015, she completed several 10-day Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) Intensive Workshops. She fell in love with the treatment and became a member of the original RO-DBT senior clinician team. She was the first RO clinician in the United States to become certified as a RO-DBT supervisor and was the first fully accredited US RO-DBT intensive trainer. She provides individual RO-DBT therapy to adolescents and adults, in addition to co-facilitating the RO-DBT skills training classes for adults and adolescents.
She finds that standard DBT and RO-DBT are incredibly effective treatments for persons struggling with undercontrol and overcontrol coping styles. After all her years of providing these specialized treatments, she continues to feel energized and passionate about her work. She has been told by her clients that she has a lot of energy and balances her warm, outgoing demeanor with a steady genuine approach that facilitates client’s growth and treatment goals.
She and her spouse bought DBT Associates in 2019. She has a passion for counseling, training, teaching and providing supervision to other professionals. Her other loves include: running with her golden retriever, camping, anything nature-related, and spending time with her family. Her golden retriever comes to the office about once/week. He loves the clients and therapists, greeting them with a big smile and lots of love.
Kristen Fritsinger, MSW, LICSW, obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St. Catherine in 2000. She spent numerous years working with adults who have serious and persistent mental illness, with a range of diagnoses. In 2004, she joined and became a partner at DBT Associates. She has been extensively trained in standard DBT since 2006 and provided years of individual DBT therapy to adolescents and adults, as well as co-facilitating DBT skills groups. Since 2015, she completed several 10-day Radically Open Dialectical Behavior Therapy (RO-DBT) Intensive Workshops. She fell in love with the treatment and became a member of the original RO-DBT senior clinician team. She was the first RO clinician in the United States to become certified as a RO-DBT supervisor and was the first fully accredited US RO-DBT intensive trainer. She provides individual RO-DBT therapy to adolescents and adults, in addition to co-facilitating the RO-DBT skills training classes for adults and adolescents.
She finds that standard DBT and RO-DBT are incredibly effective treatments for persons struggling with undercontrol and overcontrol coping styles. After all her years of providing these specialized treatments, she continues to feel energized and passionate about her work. She has been told by her clients that she has a lot of energy and balances her warm, outgoing demeanor with a steady genuine approach that facilitates client’s growth and treatment goals.
She and her spouse bought DBT Associates in 2019. She has a passion for counseling, training, teaching and providing supervision to other professionals. Her other loves include: running with her golden retriever, camping, anything nature-related, and spending time with her family. Her golden retriever comes to the office about once/week. He loves the clients and therapists, greeting them with a big smile and lots of love.
Andrea Soles, LMFT, Graduated from University of Minnesota, Mankato in 2007. She has been a DBT practitioner since 2013 and has completed the intensive workshop through Behavioral Tech. Andrea provides individual DBT and co-facilitates the adolescent and family skills groups. In addition, Andrea utilizes Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Dynamics, and Somatic Work to help release trauma trapped in the body.
Andrea Soles, LMFT, Graduated from University of Minnesota, Mankato in 2007. She has been a DBT practitioner since 2013 and has completed the intensive workshop through Behavioral Tech. Andrea provides individual DBT and co-facilitates the adolescent and family skills groups. In addition, Andrea utilizes Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), Attachment Dynamics, and Somatic Work to help release trauma trapped in the body.
Catherine Johanneck, MSW, LICSW is a 2009 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her focus was clinical social work in the mental health field. Since obtaining her license in 2011, DBT has been her primary focus. Her first training in DBT was in 2011. She has also completed a 10 day intensive in 2013 and a 5 day advanced intensive in 2014 where she trained under Marsha Linehan. She provides individual DBT to adults and adolescents and co-facilitates DBT group skills training sessions. She is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician. In her free time she enjoys snuggling with her cat and reading. In the summer she enjoys going camping.
Catherine Johanneck, MSW, LICSW is a 2009 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Her focus was clinical social work in the mental health field. Since obtaining her license in 2011, DBT has been her primary focus. Her first training in DBT was in 2011. She has also completed a 10 day intensive in 2013 and a 5 day advanced intensive in 2014 where she trained under Marsha Linehan. She provides individual DBT to adults and adolescents and co-facilitates DBT group skills training sessions. She is a DBT-Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician. In her free time she enjoys snuggling with her cat and reading. In the summer she enjoys going camping.
Marilyn Reichman, MA, LP, has extensive experience in treating clients using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). In addition to the standard DBT program, she co-facilitates a DBT-Substance Use Disorder class and works with clients with chemical dependence and other addictions. Since 1997, when she began her DBT training, she has incorporated DBT skills and protocols in her work. In 2006, she completed the 10-day DBT intensive training with a team of therapists from DBT Associates, LLP. In addition, Marilyn works with clients who have an over-controlled personality style, using RO-DBT. She completed RO-DBT intensive training in 2015. Marilyn is also a trained practitioner of ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), using it to treat some clients with trauma histories, and incorporates aspects of Internal Family Systems theory in her work. As an RN, beginning in 1983, Marilyn worked in inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependence units, day treatment, and managed outpatient psychiatric crises in an outpatient mental health clinic. Marilyn Reichman, MA, LP, completed her degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s University in 1993. She enjoys spending time with family, baking, singing and playing the piano. Marilyn has always loved animals, including her pets: the world’s best cat and naughtiest dog.
Marilyn Reichman, MA, LP, has extensive experience in treating clients using Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). In addition to the standard DBT program, she co-facilitates a DBT-Substance Use Disorder class and works with clients with chemical dependence and other addictions. Since 1997, when she began her DBT training, she has incorporated DBT skills and protocols in her work. In 2006, she completed the 10-day DBT intensive training with a team of therapists from DBT Associates, LLP. In addition, Marilyn works with clients who have an over-controlled personality style, using RO-DBT. She completed RO-DBT intensive training in 2015. Marilyn is also a trained practitioner of ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), using it to treat some clients with trauma histories, and incorporates aspects of Internal Family Systems theory in her work. As an RN, beginning in 1983, Marilyn worked in inpatient psychiatric and chemical dependence units, day treatment, and managed outpatient psychiatric crises in an outpatient mental health clinic. Marilyn Reichman, MA, LP, completed her degree in Counseling Psychology from St. Mary’s University in 1993. She enjoys spending time with family, baking, singing and playing the piano. Marilyn has always loved animals, including her pets: the world’s best cat and naughtiest dog.
Carly Hansen was originally a clinical intern at DBT Associates. She has since received her master’s degree in clinical counseling and psychological services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and joined our team as a full-time clinician. She has received DBT training through the Linehan Institute and is supervised by Cati Johanneck, who has her national certification in standard DBT. Carly has been working in the mental health field for eight years in various group homes, a residential treatment facility, and an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents. She specializes working with adolescents and their families. Carly is also available to work with preteens ages 10-12 and can provide DBT skills, individual therapy, and work with the families.
Carly enjoys reading, writing, playing the piano, and snuggling with her cat, Pudding. She is a member and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community and may help individuals who are struggling with their identity and/or sexuality.
Carly Hansen was originally a clinical intern at DBT Associates. She has since received her master’s degree in clinical counseling and psychological services from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and joined our team as a full-time clinician. She has received DBT training through the Linehan Institute and is supervised by Cati Johanneck, who has her national certification in standard DBT. Carly has been working in the mental health field for eight years in various group homes, a residential treatment facility, and an inpatient psychiatric unit for children and adolescents. She specializes working with adolescents and their families. Carly is also available to work with preteens ages 10-12 and can provide DBT skills, individual therapy, and work with the families.
Carly enjoys reading, writing, playing the piano, and snuggling with her cat, Pudding. She is a member and advocate of the LGBTQIA+ community and may help individuals who are struggling with their identity and/or sexuality.
Sue Venzke, MSW, LICSW, I have been a therapist at DBT Associates for 14 years. I have an MSW degree in social work from the University of Iowa and have worked in the field of mental health for 45 years. (Wow!) A tiny, plucky nurse from Kentucky, who was one of my mentors, advised me to keep changing jobs so that I stay fresh in my skills and interests. I took her advice and have worked at a regional treatment center, community mental health center, day treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs, supervised staff and co-developed a comprehensive CSP program with residential, work, drop in center, psychosocial learning center, community outreach and crisis team, medication management and recreational components based on the Boston Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. In a residential program I did program development, program evaluation, and implemented and trained all staff in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation model. In the last 18 years I have worked in mental health clinics as a therapist specializing in DBT, and I recently trained in Radically Open DBT that addresses therapy needs for individuals who are over controlled and lonely. My approach to mental health treatment and therapy is person centered and a collaborative relationship with my clients. I have worked with many wonderful people, both clients and staff, and I have taken new learning and treasures from all. I’m curious and I like new adventures and meeting diverse people. In my spare time, I garden, read, swim and hang out with my corgi, Dozer. My new adventure, at a ripe age, is taking horseback riding lessons. My life motto comes from Helen Keller: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but is my chief duty is to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”
Sue Venzke, MSW, LICSW, I have been a therapist at DBT Associates for 14 years. I have an MSW degree in social work from the University of Iowa and have worked in the field of mental health for 45 years. (Wow!) A tiny, plucky nurse from Kentucky, who was one of my mentors, advised me to keep changing jobs so that I stay fresh in my skills and interests. I took her advice and have worked at a regional treatment center, community mental health center, day treatment programs, partial hospitalization programs, supervised staff and co-developed a comprehensive CSP program with residential, work, drop in center, psychosocial learning center, community outreach and crisis team, medication management and recreational components based on the Boston Model of Psychiatric Rehabilitation. In a residential program I did program development, program evaluation, and implemented and trained all staff in the Psychiatric Rehabilitation model. In the last 18 years I have worked in mental health clinics as a therapist specializing in DBT, and I recently trained in Radically Open DBT that addresses therapy needs for individuals who are over controlled and lonely. My approach to mental health treatment and therapy is person centered and a collaborative relationship with my clients. I have worked with many wonderful people, both clients and staff, and I have taken new learning and treasures from all. I’m curious and I like new adventures and meeting diverse people. In my spare time, I garden, read, swim and hang out with my corgi, Dozer. My new adventure, at a ripe age, is taking horseback riding lessons. My life motto comes from Helen Keller: “I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but is my chief duty is to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.”
Ellen Gish MA, LPCC. After more than 25 years working in the advertising and marketing sector in the Twin Cities, Ellen completed her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in 2013. She has experience working with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues such as anxiety and panic, agoraphobia, depression, self- esteem and identity issues, stress and anger management, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss and family of origin issues. Ellen believes that the client-therapist relationship is central to the healing process. She focuses on providing an open, safe, and caring environment where each client can feel like they were heard, and acknowledged, without judgment or expectations. She employs mindfulness techniques as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help her clients discover healthier patterns of living and interpreting their life experiences. Ellen completed her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy in 2018 while working at DBT Associates and currently works with adult individual clients and co-facilitates two adult DBT Skills Training Groups. Ellen is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes that protocol to help clients reprocess past traumatic experiences. Ellen has a strong interest in human spirituality and provides Christian counseling to those that desire that approach. In her free time, Ellen likes to attend live theater, explore craft fairs and festivals, play board games, and spend time with family and friends. Ellen has three children at home: Skyler is a sophomore at Totino Grace High School, and Cooper and Sadie, her two Australian Labradoodles.
Ellen Gish MA, LPCC. After more than 25 years working in the advertising and marketing sector in the Twin Cities, Ellen completed her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in 2013. She has experience working with adolescents and adults on a variety of issues such as anxiety and panic, agoraphobia, depression, self- esteem and identity issues, stress and anger management, relationship issues, life transitions, grief and loss and family of origin issues. Ellen believes that the client-therapist relationship is central to the healing process. She focuses on providing an open, safe, and caring environment where each client can feel like they were heard, and acknowledged, without judgment or expectations. She employs mindfulness techniques as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help her clients discover healthier patterns of living and interpreting their life experiences. Ellen completed her training in Dialectical Behavior Therapy in 2018 while working at DBT Associates and currently works with adult individual clients and co-facilitates two adult DBT Skills Training Groups. Ellen is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and utilizes that protocol to help clients reprocess past traumatic experiences. Ellen has a strong interest in human spirituality and provides Christian counseling to those that desire that approach. In her free time, Ellen likes to attend live theater, explore craft fairs and festivals, play board games, and spend time with family and friends. Ellen has three children at home: Skyler is a sophomore at Totino Grace High School, and Cooper and Sadie, her two Australian Labradoodles.
Calie Budnick, MSW, LGSW graduated from University of St Thomas for clinical social work and has been a DBT Practitioner since 2021. She specializes in working with adolescents and their families, offering individual DBT and co-facilitating adolescent DBT skills groups. She also provides bilingual (English – Spanish) DBT family skills training.
Calie Budnick, MSW, LGSW se graduó de la Universidad de St Thomas como trabajadora social desempeñandose como terapeuta especializada en DBT desde 2021. Se dedica a trabajar con adolescentes y sus familias, ofreciendo espacios bilingües (inglés – español) para sesiones individuales, entrenamiento de habilidades DBT para familias individuales, y grupos de habilidades DBT que facilita como co-coordinadora tanto para adolescentes como para sus familias.
Calie Budnick, MSW, LGSW graduated from University of St Thomas for clinical social work and has been a DBT Practitioner since 2021. She specializes in working with adolescents and their families, offering individual DBT and co-facilitating adolescent DBT skills groups. She also provides bilingual (English – Spanish) DBT family skills training.
Calie Budnick, MSW, LGSW se graduó de la Universidad de St Thomas como trabajadora social desempeñandose como terapeuta especializada en DBT desde 2021. Se dedica a trabajar con adolescentes y sus familias, ofreciendo espacios bilingües (inglés – español) para sesiones individuales, entrenamiento de habilidades DBT para familias individuales, y grupos de habilidades DBT que facilita como co-coordinadora tanto para adolescentes como para sus familias.
Justine Lahn, MSW, LICSW,
Justine Lahn, MSW, LICSW (she/her) graduated from Augsburg College with a master’s degree in clinical social work in 2017. She has been a DBT practitioner since 2016. Justine specializes in adolescent and family DBT and co-facilitates a family skills group. She is also an eating disorder specialist, receiving regular consultation with an expert in DBT for eating disorders.
Justine has been intensively trained in DBT with Charlie Swenson, MD; Prolonged Exposure in DBT for adults and adolescents with Melanie Harned, PhD; Radically Open DBT with Thomas Lynch PhD; and DBT for Eating Disorders with Anita Federici, PhD.
Justine lives with her partner and 2 children in the north suburbs of the Twin Cities, enjoys reading to her children, going to the park, and watching Disney movies. Social justice is important to Justine, and she works hard to be anti-racist, gender inclusive, and an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Justine Lahn, MSW, LICSW,
Justine Lahn, MSW, LICSW (she/her) graduated from Augsburg College with a master’s degree in clinical social work in 2017. She has been a DBT practitioner since 2016. Justine specializes in adolescent and family DBT and co-facilitates a family skills group. She is also an eating disorder specialist, receiving regular consultation with an expert in DBT for eating disorders.
Justine has been intensively trained in DBT with Charlie Swenson, MD; Prolonged Exposure in DBT for adults and adolescents with Melanie Harned, PhD; Radically Open DBT with Thomas Lynch PhD; and DBT for Eating Disorders with Anita Federici, PhD.
Justine lives with her partner and 2 children in the north suburbs of the Twin Cities, enjoys reading to her children, going to the park, and watching Disney movies. Social justice is important to Justine, and she works hard to be anti-racist, gender inclusive, and an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.
Kimberly Endres, MSW, LICSW, obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St.Catherine in 2003. She has worked in the mental health field since graduating with her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1992. Kim completed her first DBT Intensive in 2000. Since that time, she has attended numerous DBT trainings. Kim has also been intensively trained in DBT-PE (Prolonged Exposure), an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. This treatment can be done concurrently with standard DBT for those struggling with trauma symptoms. She provides individual DBT to adults and co-facilitates DBT skills groups. Kim is married and has two boys. She enjoys interior design, live music and keeping up with her Dobermans.
Kimberly Endres, MSW, LICSW, obtained her Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas/College of St.Catherine in 2003. She has worked in the mental health field since graduating with her undergraduate degree in Psychology in 1992. Kim completed her first DBT Intensive in 2000. Since that time, she has attended numerous DBT trainings. Kim has also been intensively trained in DBT-PE (Prolonged Exposure), an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. This treatment can be done concurrently with standard DBT for those struggling with trauma symptoms. She provides individual DBT to adults and co-facilitates DBT skills groups. Kim is married and has two boys. She enjoys interior design, live music and keeping up with her Dobermans.
Matt Elfmann, MA, LADC, LPCC. Matt completed his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019 at Adler Graduate School after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Drug & Alcohol Counseling from the Metropolitan State University. Matt individualizes his therapeutic approach based on each client’s aptitude, emotional makeup, age, cultural background, and personal experiences. Matt uses these therapeutic approaches, which include principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and other modalities to tailor an effective and individualized treatment plan for each of his clients. Matt has extensive experience and passion in working with those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders as well as specializing in treatment for those who identify as being part of the LQBTQ+ community. Additionally, he has gained the respect of his colleagues and clients by offering compassion, empathy, confidentiality, transparency, insight, and acceptance in all his therapeutic interactions. In his free time, Matt is a nature enthusiast. Some of his activities include camping, hiking, biking, and spelunking (when he vacations in the Ozarks).
Matt Elfmann, MA, LADC, LPCC. Matt completed his master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2019 at Adler Graduate School after receiving his bachelor’s degree in Drug & Alcohol Counseling from the Metropolitan State University. Matt individualizes his therapeutic approach based on each client’s aptitude, emotional makeup, age, cultural background, and personal experiences. Matt uses these therapeutic approaches, which include principles from Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy and other modalities to tailor an effective and individualized treatment plan for each of his clients. Matt has extensive experience and passion in working with those who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, substance use disorders as well as specializing in treatment for those who identify as being part of the LQBTQ+ community. Additionally, he has gained the respect of his colleagues and clients by offering compassion, empathy, confidentiality, transparency, insight, and acceptance in all his therapeutic interactions. In his free time, Matt is a nature enthusiast. Some of his activities include camping, hiking, biking, and spelunking (when he vacations in the Ozarks).