“There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” - C.S. Lewis

One of my favorite quotes. Not because I believe that whatever is in the future is going to be better than the past, but because I believe that when we look honestly at our past and learn how to heal, we create better things for the future. Never underestimate the power of healing yourself.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)

ART incorporates a combination of techniques used in many other traditional psychotherapies. ART works directly to reprogram the way in which distressing memories and images are stored in the brain so that they no longer trigger strong physical and emotional reactions. ART accomplishes this through the use of rapid eye movements similar to eye movements that occur during dreaming. Although techniques similar to these are used in other types of therapies, ART’s very specific and directive approach can achieve rapid recovery from symptoms and reactions that may have been present for many years. ART can be offered in conjunction with talk therapy or as a stand-alone approach.

Officer Wellness Programming/Peer Support Consultation

Now more than ever it is vital that we be supporting officers in learning about and practicing good mental health strategies. Wellness programming such as officer check-ins, ART trauma therapy sessions, mental health workshops are available to departments wanting to start or increase the services they are offering to their officers. I also offer peer support consultations to departments looking to get a peer support team up and running or ones that have already gotten one off the ground.

Law Enforcement/First Responders

Over the course of a career, first responders experience high amounts of stress and trauma. Most people will experience a few traumatic events over the course of a lifetime, first responders can experience traumatic events a few per shift. Add that up over the course of a career and you’ve got some serious compounding stress on the mind and body. Addressing the impact of the career can help alleviate the symptoms you are feeling. I have personal experience with LE/first responders as well as have taken professional trainings related to first responders and mental health.

Couples Therapy

Relationships can be hard. In relationships, we are consistently asking our partner if they are going to be there for us. When we as partners are missing signals, it can be hard to understand where things have broken down. In therapy, we figure out where those places are and learn new ways of communicating and connecting that bring you to a new place in your relationship. Whether you are in a place where divorce or a break up is “on the table” or you are simply wanting to do some relationship maintenance, there is good work waiting to be done.

Individual Therapy

Sometimes we get stuck in life and need someone outside of our friends and family to help bring us out of that place. In individual therapy we explore the places where you are feeling stuck and work together to move towards a healthier way of being that fit the goals you have for your life.

Rates for Therapy Services

Intake session (55 minutes): $140
Follow-up sessions (55 minutes): $120

Payments can be made with a check, cash or card. HSA or flex spending cards are also accepted.

Rates for Officer Wellness Programming

Payment information and cost available upon request.

You have the right to receive a “Good Faith Estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

This law was intended to reduce unexpected medical bills (for example: your ER doctor is out of network with your insurance and you end up with a surprise bill.) 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. Not to worry though, my costs are listed above and we will always discuss any changes. There are no surprise bills here!

Here is what you want to know under the new law:

• You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services.

• Make sure your health care provider gives you a Good Faith Estimate in writing at least 1 business day before your psychological service. You can also ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, 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 or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
  
  For questions or more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call 1-877-696-6775.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) right for me?

  • ART works well with a variety of issues such as: phobias, PTSD, substance use/addiction, trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and more. I have seen it work especially well for first responders as well. Read more about ART here: https://acceleratedresolutiontherapy.com/what-is-art/.

• Why have you decided to be private pay? The benefits of private pay are:

  • Having the freedom to operate without the restrictions of insurance guidelines. You are in control of your own care, not an insurance company.

  • Your information remains confidential between you and the therapist (within the limits of the law).

  • You don’t have to have a mental health disorder diagnosis on your medical record.

• How do I get started?

  • Getting started is a really simple process. Just start by contacting me via the contact form. All you need to do is provide your contact information and we can get an appointment set up. Some can get everything set up right over email and for some we will chat on the phone to ensure I am the right clinician for you and your needs.

• How do I know you are the right clinician for me?

  • Sometimes you can determine fit based on someone’s bio and sometimes we may need to chat first. I tell clients that not every clinician is going to be a good fit for you, and that you will know by probably the 4th session if we are a good fit or not. If you see me a few times and decide I am not right for you, I am more than happy to help you figure out who would be a better fit and give you some referrals. I will never take offense to that!

• You mention you work with people in the first responder field. What experience do you have with this population?

  • I have personal and professional experience with LE/First Responders. I have attended trainings like the Blue Line Trauma Response seminar, Breachpoint Consulting seminar, Marie Ridgeway’s Officer Wellness program, and have been on ride alongs. My personal experiences consist of many friends and immediate family in first responder professions so I know how these professions can impact the first responder as well as their families. The first responder field has unique stressors and it is important that your clinician understands what those are.

How Can I Help? 

**Mel will be on maternity leave beginning August 22nd - beginning of November.**

Office Location
690 Humboldt Drive Big Lake, MN

763-200-6206
mel.koenen@betterthingsaheadmn.com

Scheduling hours:
Mondays: 12:00 - 8:00
Tuesdays: 12:00-8:00