Birth Parent Counseling

I have over 24 years of experience working in the area of adoption. I have worked with adoptive parents, adopting infants, both domestically and internationally, birth parents, and now post adoption services, primarily facilitating search and reunion services. In the early 2000’s, I did serve as one of two trainers in the state of MN, for the “Infant Adoption Awareness Training Program.”

Address:
Children’s Home/Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
1605 Eustis Street
Saint Paul, MN 55108

Now providing services at new location and practice.

Address:
Imagine Therapy
815 37th Ave. S Suite 200
Moorhead, MN 56560

Erin earned her Master’s of Social Work from the University of North Dakota in 2019, following her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Argosy University in 2006. She has been working with individuals impacted by trauma since 2006, bringing extensive experience from various settings, including residential chemical dependency treatment, community-based mental health, school-based, outpatient mental health and chemical dependency, and community social work consultation.

I have had over 25 years of experience working therapeutically with children, adolescents and adults through therapeutic foster care, adoption (of bi-racial child with disabilities), grief, trauma and loss therapy individually, couples and families. Most significant training and expertise in grief and trauma. Trauma Studies certificate from U of Minn. and a certified thanatologist. Mother of seven adults, grandmother of ten above average grandchildren, married 40+ years.

As a marriage and family therapist, I am thrilled to be part of a field focused on people and relationships. I enjoy working with children and families, and I am passionate about creating healthy, vibrant and hopeful communities. Areas of specialty include working with trauma, attachment, adoption, foster care, kinship care and parent guidance.

I believe all families can create change with their own strengths and resources, and I look forward to helping individuals recognize their contributions to their families, workplaces and communities.

All people are striving for well-being in their life, with ideas, goals, and opportunities available for each unique person. It is my sincere belief that most people know the direction they aim towards in life. However, life often throws us curveballs, and it's okay to ask someone to come along for part of the journey. You may need help to reframe your perspective, build up coping skills and mindfulness, process trauma, or support your relationships in order to continue on your life's journey.

My work as a therapist is grounded in being intentional and recognizing the privilege I have in helping others find healing as they share their experiences with me. I value relationship and connection as important contributions to my therapy work, especially with young children and their caregivers. The services I provide are grounded in attachment, relationship, and development, all while using a trauma lens which means I explore with you (and your child) what your experiences have been and how they impact you today.

Molly McHugh is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and received her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Barry University in Miami, FL. Her Bachelor’s Degree is in Social Work from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. Molly has worked with inner-city youth at the Pillsbury Waite House in Minneapolis and with asylum-seeking immigrants from Africa at the Interprofessional Center for Counseling and Legal Services at St. Thomas.

Rebecca has specialized training in perinatal mental health and focuses on attachment theory and Circle of Security Parenting in helping new parents grow and create the life they desire. She uses a trauma-informed approach to sensitively work with individuals impacted by postpartum depression and anxiety, unexpected perinatal outcomes, intrusive thoughts, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. As an adoptive parent, Rebecca is passionate about adoption and adoption advocacy.

Address:
Johnson Counseling Services
8100 Penn Avenue South
Suite 151
Bloomington, MN 55431