Aaron Kolstad

I am passionate about working with individuals, couples and families to understand their unique experiences, perspectives and how events in their lives have impacted mental health and associated beliefs, emotions and behaviors. I strive to provide an environment where people can be vulnerable, honest and open without feeling judged. 

My approach with clients is to help identify current beliefs and explore past experiences that have influenced thoughts, feelings, behaviors and current difficulties to collaborate and identify solutions to individual and shared goals.  I focus on meaning, communication and behavioral patterns to identify intentions and impact to gain additional understanding of self and others. I also look at environmental experiences, societal expectations and social injustices to ensure each individual feels heard, understood and empowered to achieve their goals.

I appreciate feedback from my clients to further understand their perspectives, needs, wants and goals. I believe in the power of empathy, understanding, validation, accountability, and shared effort in relationships to overcome challenges together. 

My therapeutic approach involves identifying desired change and using evidenced based techniques to work towards understanding, meaning, improvement, increasing empowerment, gaining acceptance and building confidence. My framework comes from attachment and meaning based therapy to strengthen relationships by building trust, vulnerability and support to identify and overcome internal distress and conflict. I also utilize Structural Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to provide interventions to strengthen attachment and increase emotional exploration and expression.  

I see clients at the Maple Grove office and virtually.  I can be reached at Aaron@MN-CCC.com