Happy Nest Therapy

Your thriving relationship with yourself, your partner, and your children begins here.

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Do you feel more like roommates than partners these days?

Is parenting bringing up emotions or patterns you didn’t expect?

Are you carrying more than your share, but unsure how to ask for help?

Do old wounds keep showing up in new ways—especially in your closest relationships?

Are you wondering who you are anymore, beneath all the roles and responsibilities?

There is a way to heal and connect.

Let’s do it together.

Heal

✧

Grow

✧

Restore

✧

Connect

✧

Heal ✧ Grow ✧ Restore ✧ Connect ✧

You might be struggling with:

Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally raw during pregnancy or postpartum—wondering why this doesn’t feel like the joy everyone promised.
Replaying a traumatic birth, medical event, or past experience that your body can’t seem to forget.
Losing your sense of self in motherhood—feeling depleted, invisible, or unsure how to ask for support.
Drifting apart from your partner, stuck in painful cycles of conflict, avoidance, or disconnection.
Feeling emotionally out of control—easily triggered, shutting down, or swinging between numbness and intensity.
Struggling with people-pleasing, perfectionism, or self-criticism rooted in early attachment wounds.
Wanting tools to manage big emotions, set healthy boundaries, and communicate without shame or shutdown.

At Happy Nest Therapy, I combine deep, trauma-informed healing with practical tools for lasting change. Modalities like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT, the Mothercentered Method, and a polyvagal lens help us work at the roots and in the here-and-now—so you can regulate your nervous system, reconnect to yourself, and build healthier, more secure relationships.

You're not too much. You're not alone. And healing is possible.

let's chat

Nice to meet you,
I’m Amber.

Welcome to Happy Nest Therapy MN
Healing at the roots. Nurturing the nest.

At Happy Nest Therapy, I specialize in guiding individuals and couples through the emotional terrain of pregnancy, parenthood, and partnership—especially when shaped by the deeper undercurrents of trauma, attachment wounds, and relational disconnection.

My ideal clients are those who find themselves saying, “This was supposed to feel joyful—but something feels off.” Maybe you're a parent carrying more than just the weight of your baby; maybe you're a partner feeling isolated in the midst of growing your family; or maybe you're someone whose nervous system is stuck in survival, resurfacing pain from the past during one of life’s most tender transitions.

I work with those navigating the complex intersection of:

Perinatal challenges (like birth trauma, postpartum anxiety/depression, identity shifts)
Big T trauma (including abuse, medical trauma, or early developmental rupture)
Attachment wounds (that show up in parenting, intimacy, or self-worth)
Couples in crisis or transition (longing for reconnection but unsure how)

My approach is rooted in trauma-informed, body-based healing. Using modalities like EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), the Mothercentered Method, and a polyvagal lens, I help you move from dysregulation and disconnection to a felt sense of safety, clarity, and connection—within yourself and your relationships.

Together, we work not just to manage symptoms, but to heal the deeper patterns that keep you stuck—so you can show up as the parent, partner, or person you long to be.

If you're ready to soften survival, reconnect to your story, and build a more grounded, joyful nest—you’re in the right place.

Life can throw a lot of challenges-let’s not fall into the myth that we need to “power through”.

Even the most meaningful seasons—like becoming a parent or growing a relationship—can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of who you are.

At Happy Nest Therapy MN, we do this work together. I’ll show up as a steady, supportive teammate—someone who listens deeply, reflects what’s true, and helps you gently move toward change.

In our work, I hold space for both what hurts and what’s possible. We’ll honor your story while building tools for regulation, clarity, and connection—using approaches like EMDR, IFS, DBT, and polyvagal-informed support to guide the process.

This is a space where you don’t have to choose between being validated and being challenged. You get both—with compassion, care, and collaboration.

work with me

My Services

I work with adults individually and as a couple. Here’s a little more information about both of those.

Come as you are. I’ll meet you there.
Individual therapy at Happy Nest Therapy is a space to slow down, exhale, and reconnect with yourself. Whether you're navigating parenthood, processing trauma, untangling old patterns, or simply feeling overwhelmed—this is your space to be seen and supported.
Together, we’ll gently explore what’s beneath the surface: the parts of you that are tired, tender, protective, or unsure. I bring a warm, relational approach rooted in EMDR, IFS, DBT, the Mothercentered Method, and polyvagal theory to help you feel more grounded in your body and more connected to your life.
This work isn’t about fixing you—it’s about helping you feel more like you.
For clients looking for deeper work in a shorter timeframe, I also offer individual intensives—customized sessions in 3 hour timeframes that allow us to focus deeply on one issue, trauma, or stuck point without the stop-and-start of weekly therapy.
As an FYI, therapy intensives are not covered by any insurances. This means they are an out of pocket investment that cannot be shared with insurance for any coverage. If an intensive is chosen, people can choose to use their HSA/FSA dollars if it qualifies per their benefits as reimbursable.
Please see Intensives section below for additional information.

Rebuilding connection, one conversation at a time.
Relationships can be our greatest source of comfort—and our greatest source of stress. Whether you're navigating a big life change, stuck in painful patterns, or feeling like you're on different planets, couples therapy offers a place to slow down and reconnect.
My work with couples is collaborative and non-blaming. We’ll look at the stuck cycles together, build awareness of what's really happening underneath, and practice new ways of listening, speaking, and showing up for each other. Using attachment-focused and body-aware tools, I help couples move from disconnection toward safety, repair, and trust.
Many couples I work with are also navigating the intense transitions of pregnancy, postpartum, or parenting young children. These seasons can magnify old wounds and create new ones—changing how we communicate, connect, and care for one another. I help couples find steadiness through those shifts and rebuild a sense of team, even in the chaos.
For couples who want focused support without committing to ongoing weekly sessions, I offer relationship intensives—a deep-dive approach designed to help you make meaningful progress in a concentrated format.
For clients who are expecting a child (in any way you’re becoming a parent), I offer a Couples Birth Planning Educational Intensive that discusses mental health symptoms for both partners to prepare for birth, ease the transition to parenthood, and maintain connection as a couple after the birth. It also includes a mental health informed birth plan and postpartum plan.
As an FYI, therapy intensives are not covered by any insurances. This means they are an out of pocket investment that cannot be shared with insurance for any coverage. If an intensive is chosen, people can choose to use their HSA/FSA dollars if it qualifies per their benefits as reimbursable.

Mom Parts Salon

Moms have parts.

All moms feel all kinds of ways.

(angry, guilty, sad, scared, bored, lonely)

You’re normal

Mom Salon Groups: Get tickets here

Mom Parts Salons are a great place to learn more about you as a mother and heal the challenging voices that tell you you’re not enough. There’s no committment- you are welcome to come once or come many times to explore the same challenge or a new one each time. You and your parts are always welcome.

* Please view Mom Parts Salon Disclaimer in the FAQ section. *

Hear Me in Conversation

Want to get a feel for how I hold space and talk about what matters to you?

I joined a podcast with a local therapist and talked "Living Life After Babies." We talked about the emotional realities of parenting—even when you're not sure you're enjoying it—navigating the shifting relationship landscape post-baby, and honoring the perinatal journey with compassion and depth.

If you're curious what our work together might feel like, this episode offers a gentle, real-world snapshot of my voice, values, and heart-centered approach.

Pocast link

Frequently Asked Questions

I graduated from Capella University with my MS in Marriage and Family Therapy in 2012. I have extensive training in perinatal mental health and attachment & trauma healing. Here are some of my noteworthy trainings and certifications:
Perinatal Mental Health-Certified
Mothercentered Method Trained (certification in progress)
IFS+EMDR Trained
DNMS Trained
Certified Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator
Behavioral Tech trained DBT clinician
EMDRIA certified EMDR clinician
Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) trained
Hypnosis trained
MN Board Approved Marriage and Family Therapy supervisor
Yes! I offer virtual sessions.
Insurance policies accepted:
I am an in-network provider for the following insurance companies:
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
Health Partners
Lyra
Please check to see if your policy is in-network with me by calling the number on the back of your card.
If you are not in-network, please consider checking out your Out of Network (OON) benefits!! It’s often overlooked in health insurances policies but can be a great assest to consider, especially if you have a high deductible policy.
There are some benefits to not using your insurance policy. Working outside of insurance means that I have the opportunity to work on goals that work for you without insurance choosing the goals for us. This also avoids the potential for “coverage” surprises with your policy and ensures you know exactly what you will pay. Here are some other benefits of not using insurance:
No documented diagnosis is required for treatment
No referral needed
You could save money when you have a high deductible plan
No sharing of your personal information with third party payers
We get to decide length and frequency of treatment, not your insurance
Any intensives (individual or couples) that are canceled with more than 24 hours notice or are not attended (i.e., no-show) will be subject to the full charge.
You are welcome to pay with credit card, HSA, or FSA cards. Payment is due at time of session.
FOR CLIENTS
Diagnostic assessment-60 minutes-$235
The diagnostic assessment is required for all new clients. This includes clients interested in intensives.
Individual Therapy-55 minutes-$190
Couples Therapy-55 minutes-$200
In-between session coaching (individual or couples)-10 minutes-$25
Individual intensive-3 hour blocks $650
Couples Intensive-3 hour blocks $700
Couples Birth Planning Educational Intensive- 2 hour blocks $450
Please see intensives section for additional details.
CLINICAL SUPERVISION FOR PRE-LICENSED PROFESSIONALS
Individual supervision-1 hour-$100
Dydads-1 hour-$75
You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost. Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.
You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, and hospital fees.
You can ask your health care provider for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an item or service.
If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill.
Make sure to save a copy of your Good Faith Estimate. For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or call 800-985-3059.
EMDR is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It is a bilateral stimulation therapy that helps the brain connect logic and emotions related to the traumatic event. Please click on the EMDRIA website to learn more.
ART is Accelerated Resolution Therapy and is a bilateral stimulation therapy to help the brain and body to connect logic and emotions related to a trauma. It is often fast relief, typically an average of 1-5 sessions. Please see the ART website for more information.
You are not alone!! There is help and healing. For additional resources, please check out the Postpartum Support International website and our local PPSM-MN website. There are specific resources in our area.
PSI HELPLINE
800-944-4PPD (4773)
Parental Stress Line
800-632-8188

National Suicide Prevention Hotline
800-273-8255
Or Text “MN” to 741741

RESOLVE
866-668-2566
There are many reasons to choose an intensive. Here are some reasons:
-We can stay activated between sessions
-Untreated emotional wounds can create “new symptoms”
-A therapy intensive/retreat offers us the ability to work through multiple wounds at once.
-8 hours of intensives work is similar to about 6 months of therapy
-If we’re short on time or ready to heal, it can help us work through our symptoms faster.
Who should not consider an intensive?
-If you have an active substance use or addiction
-If you’ve had a recent suicide attempt (within 1 year)
-Your schedule does not permit you take time off to engage
-Anytime the therapist decides it is unsafe to proceed
Payment
Payment for intensives will be collected at the beginning of our work together. Insurances do not offer reimbursement for intensives, thus making the intensive a cash-pay only option.
How do I begin the process?
If you are interested in seeing if an intensive is right for you, please contact me or schedule a new client diagnostic assessment.
When participating in a Mom Parts salon or session, it’s important to understand that the service being provided is educational, not therapy. This means that our goal in group is to explore and teach you the parts work concept used in the Mothercentered method that can help you understand you and your mom parts and how they can be better welcomed into your life to help reduce shame and intensity of unwanted emotional pieces of motherhood.
No therapeutic relationship will be established and it is encouraged that members seek to establish therapy to further this work, either with me or with another mental health professional. None of the interventions provided in this group will be personalized but are generalized to a group setting.
Lastly, it is important to note that while I will do my best to maintain confidentiality, I cannot guarantee your information will stay in the group setting. By choosing to particpate in the group, you are accepting this as a reasonable risk and are committing to maintaining confidentiality of other group members to help increase emotional safety.
Please reach out with any questions, comments, or concerns.