How We Work — Evidence-Based, Whole-Person Therapy Across Minnesota

A Specialized Approach Built Around You

Therapy at Next Adventure is built around you — your goals, your strengths, your life. Our therapists combine empathy, practical strategy, and clinical expertise to help you create real, lasting change.

Meet Our Team

  • Next Adventure was founded by Dr. Marguerite Ohrtman, a licensed therapist and Director of Clinical Counseling and School Counseling at the University of Minnesota, with over 12 years of expertise in counselor training and clinical supervision. That foundation shapes everything about how we work.

    Our therapists are licensed, credentialed, and committed to evidence-based care. Every treatment plan is personalized — built around each client's unique needs, goals, and circumstances. We focus on the whole person, not just the presenting concern, because lasting change requires looking at the full picture.

  • Our therapists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches, allowing us to tailor treatment to what works best for each individual. Methods used across our team include:

    • Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART): A fast and effective therapeutic approach to help you overcome trauma and distress.

    • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A proven method to help process and heal from trauma, anxiety, and PTSD.

    • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A widely-used, evidence-based therapy to help you change negative thought patterns and develop healthier behaviors.

    • Brain-Spotting: A cutting-edge therapy to help you release trauma and process emotional pain stored in the brain.

    • Crisis Response Counseling: Immediate support for individuals dealing with trauma, crisis, or overwhelming life events.

    • Couples Counseling: Therapy to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

    • Therapy for Children and Adolescents: Specialized support for young individuals dealing with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges.

    Our goal is to provide the tools and support needed to navigate life’s challenges, heal from past trauma, and achieve mental wellness. Let us help you on your journey toward healing and growth.

  • A significant number of our therapists came to private practice after years working as school counselors — giving our team a deep understanding of the challenges that children, adolescents, and families face in and around the educational environment. We specialize in school avoidance, academic stress, behavioral concerns, IEP and 504 Plan advocacy, and the social-emotional challenges of growing up. We also collaborate with schools when appropriate to ensure seamless support across home and classroom settings.

  • Mollie Jonart, LPCC is a skilled and trained sign language interpreter who specializes in providing therapy and counseling services to individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. With her expertise in both counseling and sign language, Mollie creates a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions, ensuring effective communication and understanding. Her unique skill set allows her to provide personalized, accessible mental health care for the deaf and hard of hearing community.

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  • Our team includes therapists and educators who have been recognized at both the state and national level for their contributions to counseling and mental health care.

    Sandra Mortensen was honored with the 2020 School Counselor of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions to student mental health and academic success.

    Dr. Marguerite Ohrtman received the 2016 College of Human Development New Career Excellence Award and the 2024 North Central American Counselor Education and Supervision Outstanding Professional Teaching Award — recognizing her exceptional leadership in counselor education and professional development.

  • Our team includes National Certified Counselors (NCCs), who are committed to providing the highest level of care for our clients. The National Counseling Certification is a prestigious designation awarded by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), recognizing our counselors for their expertise and dedication to ethical, effective therapy.

    With this certification, our therapists meet the highest standards in the counseling field, ensuring you receive professional, compassionate, and evidence-based therapy to support your mental health and personal growth.

“Therapy won’t just help you figure out the “why” to your struggles, but also how to better cope and manage with any stresses.

Often, you’ll learn that you have more control over improving your life and feeling more joy than you thought possible.

— Dorlee Michaeli

The right approach makes all the difference. So does the right therapist. Let us match you with yours.

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