Transforming trauma into a thing of the past.
This is the place where we are supposed
to tell you about us.
We will get to that in a minute, but first we want to explain the kind of clients we tend to have the most success helping so that you can quickly determine whether or not we might be a good fit for you. At that point, you’ll care more about our experience – but this is ultimately about YOU, not us.
The clients who are the most successful in therapy with us are ones who come ready to work and understand that there is no magic cure that instantly makes their problems disappear. They appreciate our straightforward approach, and that we don’t tiptoe around their issues. Many of our clients have been to a therapist before but didn’t get the results they desired.
The clients who experience the best results are tired of being STUCK.
They take initiative, follow through, and are open to learning about what’s been holding them back, even if what’s been holding them back is something they don’t realize (yet) is the root of their problems.
They are committed to their own growth and are ready to review some “old stuff” that keeps replaying in their heads that keep them in a perpetual state of feeling inadequate or unsafe.
We try to be the kind of therapists that we would send our friends and family to see.
Sometimes we are known to let out a few choice words sometimes in session and our clients are encouraged to do the same!
We utilize several evidence-based theoretical approaches in therapy, most frequently used is EMDR. Many of our clients have experienced significant relief within as few as three to twelve EMDR sessions.
We want to help clients find meaning and purpose in the trauma and losses in their lives. EMDR allows clients to make peace with the past and have new insights about themselves.
If you are looking for a generalist therapist to talk only about your weekly issues, you won’t find that here.
If you really want true healing from the pain of the past, which takes courage and willingness to do the work, we are the therapists for you!
The Professional Sarah
Hi there! I am Sarah Sumner, MSW, LICSW, and Owner of Mindful Connection Therapy.
I want you to feel better as quickly as possible! I know you are sick and tired of feeling the way you do. My therapy style is a holistic perspective (looking at the whole person). This means I want to get a deeper understanding of who you are and what things have happened to you in the past which are creating the presenting challenges in your life. I believe an honest and trustworthy relationship between therapist and client is one of the most crucial components to create lasting change.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the mental health field for over fifteen years. My professional experience has been working in domestic violence programs, VA Mental Health Clinic, psychiatric hospital social work, prison social work, school-based therapy and outpatient private practice. In 2022, I accomplished my dream of owning a private practice and opened Mindful Connection Therapy.
License & Certification: Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (MN License #27915), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (WI License #9070 - 123), EMDRIA Certified EMDR Therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant
Association Membership: EMDRIA (EMDR International Association), Veterans Resilience Project Network Provider and MN-FIRE Network Provider
Education History: Masters of Social Work - University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh, WI Bachelors in Social Work - St. Catherine University, St. Paul, MN
Continuing Education Areas of Interest: Polyvagal Theory in Therapy, Advanced EMDR Therapy for Veterans and Active Military, EMDR 2.0/Complex PTSD, EMDR - Early Trauma Protocol (Preconception/conception to 3 years), Haunted: EMDR for First Responders and Professionals in the Trenches, EMDR - Ego State and Dissociation training, EMDR- ASSYST (Individual/Group) and PRECI (Recent and Ongoing Traumatic Stress), Interpersonal Neurobiology, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The Personal Sarah
I have a special place in my heart for service members and their families. My husband is a USMC Veteran. My step-son is in the US Army. I have many family members who have served in the military.
I am a survivor of childhood trauma and adult trauma - healed with EMDR. In fact, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the extraordinary healing power of EMDR. I believe God’s purpose for my life is to walk alongside individuals who feel lost, broken or damaged, and provide healing and real transformation. I was vulnerable, brave and courageous and it was the best decision I could have ever made for myself. I know how miserable , lonely and desperate it feels to be stuck. You are not your trauma.
Life is about connection. I want to connect with people and teach them how to connect with others. Connection creates growth.
I don’t want long term “forever” clients. I want to help people thrive in life. I don’t just go through the motions of therapy. I utilize EMDR because I believe in it and I live it. I have witnessed how healing and transformational it has been with individuals and families, breaking the cycle of generational trauma.
Random fun facts about Sarah:
I have been married to my best friend and favorite person for 17 years.
I have two adult sons and one daughter-in-law. Family is and will always be very important to me.
We have one big old dog (American Bulldog). His name is Thor.
Hanging out with my hubby or friends/family is my favorite pastime.
For better or worse, I’m a MN Vikings fan and have been basically since I was in the womb (see picture).
I am obsessed with lifting weights, pole exercises and running/hiking outdoors (incredibly impactful on my healing journey).
For some reason, mowing the lawn is one of my favorite things to do in the summer. My husband really appreciates this.
I have seven biological sisters and NO brothers.
The Professional Kasey
Hello! My name is Kasey Erickson. I’m a mental health therapist, LAMFT, who is passionate about creating spaces for people to come just as they are. My therapy room is a place for walls to be broken down and where people can be vulnerable with themselves and others. While life often calls for symptom management (aka- how can I survive this day), I like to help people not just "dig out of a hole" but to also wonder what they want to create once “out of the hole.” It's an honor to journey with people, both individuals and couples, as they heal and achieve the life they want to live and step more fully and authentically into their true selves.
I take an integrative/holistic approach with a trauma lens. I view people not just as individuals in a vacuum but as complex humans who are influenced by all the dimensions and experiences of life, both past and present. I also value the integration of mindfulness and spirituality when it is helpful for the client.
I see individuals, couples, and families (13+). I often utilize EMDR, Walk & Talk Therapy, IFS, Narrative Therapy, and Gottman research in my practice. My clients would describe me as down-to-earth, inviting, attentive and relational. I hold space for the joys and sufferings, laughter and pain, and all the grey spaces in the middle.
Whether you’ve been in therapy all your life or are brand new to the experience, starting with a new therapist can feel daunting. I’m here to make the experience as simple as possible for you! I would be happy to set up a 15-minute phone consultation to discuss what you are looking for and to explain a little more about how I work. The relationship between a therapist and client is a significant piece of the healing process of therapy, so it’s important for it to feel like a good fit.
Education: Masters of Marriage and Family Therapy / Bethel Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Trainings: EMDR, Prepare/Enrich
License #: 4469
I work under the supervision of Cristina Plaza Ruiz, EdD, LMFT (License #: 3178)
The Personal Kasey
A few things about me outside of the therapy room:
I also work part-time as a psychology instructor at a local university. I’m passionate about learning and love helping others learn too.
I have two young kiddos at home who keep me on my toes. My spouse and I love raising them on a small acreage where they run wild and free.
My friends often say I have the hobbies of someone twice my age including- gardening, baking, reading obnoxious amounts of books, and spending time outside in nature.
I love traveling and seeing new places. And I will happily live vicariously through your travel stories as well, so please, share all the details!
I grew up in rural Iowa. I moved to Minnesota for college and found myself never leaving. Minnesota has a way of doing that! I’ve lived throughout the twin cities, only recently planting in the outer NW metro area.
Our rates
Individual Therapy
EMDR Therapy
In-person or virtual.
55-60 mins | $200 (Sarah) OR $135 (Kasey) Get started
EMDR Intensives
In-person only with Sarah.
Full Day (4+ EMDR therapy hours) | $1000-1200 (Weekday/Weekend Rates vary)
A non-refundable 50% deposit is required to schedule an EMDR Intensive session.
FSA/HSA/Credit Card/Check/Cash accepted for EMDR intensives.
FAQs