Osman Baar, Clinical Intern
Clinical Training
Osman graduated from Minnesota State University (MSUM) with a bachelor’s degree in Health Services Administration and an emphasis in long-term care administration. Currently, he is a second-year master’s student at MSUM studying clinical mental health counseling. Osman is finishing his clinical internship with Birchwood Therapeutic Services while under supervision. He has worked in multiple settings helping others with case management, emotional support, and addressing mental health concerns.
Counseling Approach
I enjoy working with all ages, and I have worked with new Americans, refugees, seniors, and disabled people for the last four years. I enjoy using Person-Centered and DBT, and CBT techniques. Even though I enjoy several techniques, I am for a person-centered approach and believe the therapist is a facilitator in the therapeutic relationship where the client is the expert. I enjoy working with clients who struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, unemployment, and work-related stress. I like working with diverse populations, and my deep understanding allows me to provide a level of care to minoritized people rarely seen in therapy. I speak English and Somali.
I possess sophisticated interpersonal skills, self-insight, and I show clients warmth and acceptance, empathy, and a focus. I form alliances with my clients through adapting treatment to their cultural values, and work with them to develop a consistent and acceptable treatment plan where clients are the experts.
A bit more about me…
Since my childhood, I have always had empathy, and still, I understand and share the feelings of others. I encourage and instill hope in my clients by translating their dialogue into goals that they can work towards resolving. I pride myself on providing culturally competent therapy. Having gone through the process of settling in the US as a refugee, I have personal experience navigating systems and enjoy helping my clients connect with other needed services and providing therapy. I enjoy providing family-centered work and psychoeducation through a culturally appropriate lens. In my clinical training thus far, I have gained significant experience in helping clients overcome both internal and external barriers.
Other Team Members
Pamela Thompson, LICSW, LPC
She loves reading, landscaping, family time and taking classes to improve her ability to help her clients.
DeNae Haagenson, M.Ed., LPCC
A Minnesota native, DeNae has raised her family here and is active in her community.
Ashley Thompson, M.Ed., LPCC – SUP
Ashley believes we all have a story but that does not have to define who we become.
Kallie Marsh, M.Ed., LPCC
Kallie believes in using an empathetic and holistic approach that empowers individuals and families to find solutions to their problems and reach their self-determined goals.
Allie Skjonsberg, LICSW
I believe that everyone can benefit from therapy as life throws a lot at every single person and it’s nice to have a neutral person to talk to and process life with.
Marissa Perry, M.Ed., LPC
I am passionate about connection and client empowerment. I use individualized tools, techniques, and an integrative therapy approach to meet your individual needs and to help you find self-worth and balance within your daily life.
Jamie Newberger M.Ed., LPC & LAPC
I am passionate about working with individuals who are healing from painful situations in life, and who feel stuck in old patterns that just aren’t working anymore. Whether you are having difficulty communicating your needs or emotions, facing hard choices, or lacking direction, change is possible. You don’t have to continue feeling stuck or overwhelmed, and you don’t have to do it alone.
Stephanie Schafer, M.Ed., LPC/LPCC, NCC
I take an inviting approach to counseling, and collaborate with my clients in their healing. I believe people to be resilient, and know that we all get “stuck” sometimes. I work with my clients to identify their strengths and resources to get “unstuck” and move toward thriving in their lives.
Debbie Svobodny, LCSW
The thought of therapy can be overwhelming, and I am excited you’re here and taking this step so seriously. I believe this is the most important step; finding the right fit therapist is vital. I hope to create a safe environment where you can share opening about your challenges and victories. All while assisting you in writing beautiful new chapters in your story. You are important and valued!
Sheyenne Hokit, Associate
I have a passion for helping my clients become the best they can be and empower them to go above that.
Osman Baar, Clinical Intern
I pride myself on providing culturally competent therapy. Having gone through the process of settling in the US as a refugee, I have personal experience navigating systems and enjoy helping my clients connect with other needed services and providing therapy.
Heidi Leckner, LAPC
In my counseling work I utilize a humanistic approach, which is the belief that each human is not only unique, but also has the innate ability to overcome life’s hardships and pursue growth. When you are in counseling with me, I will hear you. Most importantly, I will provide you with support and validation while I assist you with your journey of self-improvement and healing.
Cheyanne Hart, LMSW
I strive to empower youth in finding their strengths and utilizing them with the help of their caregivers. I also enjoy working with families and individuals to improve overall functioning through a strengths based, client centered practice.
Nicky Besette, LGSW
I know therapy can be scary or intimidating but I will be here to help you in finding a healthier, happier you! Building a healthy and trusting relationship with my clients is important to me. I look forward to meeting you and I am excited you are here!
Austen McFarren, MS, LPC
Austen’s clients describe him as gentle, patient, genuine, non-judgmental, warm, flexible, sarcastic, and witty. Austen’s clinical foundation is in humanistic approaches, while also utilizing tools from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Narrative Therapy.
Amanda Weston, LPC (MN), LAPC (ND), NCC
Counseling provides a safe space for hope to grow. I believe that every person is the author of their own story and healing can happen as we navigate the writing and rewriting of our story. It is a privilege for me to support you along your journey.