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Alliance For Healing

Alliance for Healing

Counseling & Therapy in Twin Cities area

  • Providers
  • Services
    • Couples therapy
    • EMDR & brainspotting
    • Family therapy
    • Online healing workshops
    • Individual therapy
    • Neurofeedback
    • Youth therapy
  • Specialties
    • Anxiety & depression
    • Grief & loss
    • Infidelity & betrayal
    • PTSD, trauma & attachment disorders
    • Sexual addiction
    • Stress management
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • FAQs
    • Patient forms
  • Careers
  • Contact Us

Providers

Our mission

Alliance for Healing offers treatment for those living with the challenge of trauma, anxiety, depression, chronic disorders, sexual compulsive disorders or addiction, betrayal, and intimacy disorders. We assist our clients in a safe and respectful environment to rebuild healthy relationships, restore function and find meaning and purpose in life. 

Our story

In 2001, Dr. Diane Hovey established The Family Institute for Creative Well-Being, a nonprofit that provided art therapy services to under-served communities. When she started to feel the pull of her time being directed toward fundraising versus helping others, Diane looked for ways to better serve families living with ongoing illnesses and disabilities. And thus, Alliance for Healing was created in 2007.

Over the years, Alliance for Healing has grown to a thriving practice that serves individuals and families whose relationships have been rocked due to chronic conditions and mood disorders that impair daily function, as well as those living with trauma. Today, we continue to work together with our clients to help them find hope, direction, clarity and focus in a welcoming setting. 

Diane Hovey

Diane Hovey, PhD, LMFT, CPT, CSAT

Specialized training: Neurofeedback, Equine Assisted Therapy, Sex Addiction Therapy

Diane is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and founder of Alliance for Healing. She received her Doctor of Philosophy degree in Family Social Science from the University of Minnesota where she studied with leading experts in stress theory. Her research focused on those who live with overwhelming life challenges (disability and chronic illness in the family) and how the resulting stresses impact the meanings that drive behaviors. Her specialty areas include neurofeedback, sex addiction therapy and equine assisted therapy.

Diane develops and creates therapeutic resources to be used by therapists and individuals to improve their potential for healing and well-being. She assists individuals, families and couples in addressing life-altering challenges such as grief, loss, guilt, anxiety, depression, marital problems and other life stresses which impede our abilities to navigate the uncertainties of life.  

I think of myself as a guide. I enjoy working one to one or in a small group of people on their personal hero’s journey. It is incredibly rewarding to see people transform tragedy, chaos or challenges into something that grows into possibility. It’s important to respect yourself and others, to validate experience and to listen to others with your heart. Relationships are both more fragile and more critical to well-being than anyone wants to admit. None of us know how to be in relationship without learning, exploring, making mistakes, and then, most importantly, making the necessary changes to have secure, meaningful relationships.

Additional Certifications

Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist – LMFT

Certified Sexual and Relational Trauma Therapist – CSRTT

Certified Sexual Wellness Therapist – CSWT

Certified Problematic Sexual Behavior Therapist – CPSBT

Distinguished Sex Therapist – DST

Certified Sex Addiction Therapist – CSAT

Certified Biblio/Poetry Therapist – CPT

Learn about our values and therapy styles

Our therapists and team members

BS, Office manager

Alexys Turmac

MA, LPCC Candidate

Andrea Walker

MSW, LICSW, LSSW

Carol Joy Ladd

MA, LMFT

Cate Gerth

MPS, LPCC, LADC

Charlie Bulman

LICSW

Chris Heise

MSW, LICSW, LSSW, CSAT

Connie Toavs

Office Assistant

Corrie Cordova

MA, LAMFT

Iris Heieren

LPCC

Kelly Ryan

Intern

Lydia Garcia

MA, LMFT

Shannon Himango

LMFT

Tara Burke

Alexys Turmac

Position: BS, Office manager
Alexys graduated received her BS in psychology with an emphasis on neuroscience from Loyola University Chicago. Her interest is in supporting the study of behavioral and cognitive functioning with the brain mechanisms behind them and how they work in tandem. Alexys’ experience includes working with children, in a hospital emergency department, behind the scenes with various operating systems, surgical settings and more.
“Taking the first step is rarely easy; it’s my goal to make your journey as seamless as possible. Both virtually and in the office, I hope to provide a welcoming and supportive space from a dedication to client advocacy and driving high-quality care. No matter how big or small an inquiry, my goal is to listen with open ears and offer assistance to the best of my ability.”

Andrea Walker

Position: MA, LPCC Candidate

Specialized training: DBT Skills Certification, Neurofeedback, Therapy Addiction and Co-occurring Disorders

Andrea began her career in the mental health field in 2012 and developed experience through supportive and financial roles for clinics specializing in trauma and eating disorders. She attended Adler Graduate School where she studied co-occurring disorders and completed her master’s degree in Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy. Andrea is dually trained to provide counseling for both substance use and mental health disorders. She provides personalized care, equipping clients with the courage and skills to meet their goals.

“Each person comes to therapy with their own set of views, challenges and experiences. I’m a firm believer that a one-size-fits-all approach promotes discouragement for all parties. I approach my clients with curiosity and adjust treatment to align with your specific needs and values.”

Carol Joy Ladd

Position: MSW, LICSW, LSSW

Specialized training: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Carol is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a decade of experience working with majority and minority cultures. She is fully trained in EMDR, AFOT and several other modalities with emphasis on person-centered care. Carol’s Native knowledge and culture influences her practice in bringing balance and harmony.

“As a Native American female therapist, I provide culturally sensitive/appropriate services with a focus on person-centered, strength-based, relational care. I provide a safe space for you and serve as your guide on your path to healing and self-realization. I believe that seeking help and guidance is being compassionate and kind to yourself and your loved ones. Together we will find the answers and the healing.”

Cate Gerth

Position: MA, LMFT

Specialized training: Neurofeedback, Addiction Treatment

Cate is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with experience in individual therapy, working with young adults in transition, intensive in-home therapy with children and families, couples work, counseling within the criminal justice system and addiction treatment. She is especially fond of working with individuals and families in transition. As a former combat medic with 9 years of experience in the United States Army Reserves, Cate has a unique understanding of the “tough it out” cultural mindset and of the conflicts that arise between the military way of doing things, civilian life with family, friends, work, and daily responsibilities.

“The therapy process creates space and time for you to explore what is at the root of your individual challenges. I will work with you to build a genuine therapy relationship that supports your journey toward improved functioning and life satisfaction as you learn to develop and maintain authentic and rich relationships in your life.”

Charlie Bulman

Position: MPS, LPCC, LADC

Specialized training: Neurofeedback, Addiction Treatment

Charlie is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He has a long history of working to improve people’s mental wellness and promote recovery and participation in community. Charlie is experienced in working with trauma, depressive disorders, loneliness, anxiety disorders and behavioral issues. Charlie’s training is in integrated behavioral health with an emphasis on addiction and changing repetitive behaviors

“What we do matters. I will work with you to identify and find solutions to the mental and physical habits which may be harming your relationships or efficacy. Our actions construct our lives, regardless of our inner experiences. Be ready to learn and grow through action!”

 

Chris Heise

Position: LICSW

Specialized training: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)

Chris is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has been providing therapeutic services for the past 18 years. He works with children, adolescents and adults with a number of therapeutic needs. He is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Theraplay. Chris has experience in a variety of areas with a focus on trauma, attachment disorders, depression, anxiety and ADHD.

“Everyone has their own personal stories and experiences that have led them to seek support. It’s my role as a therapist to meet clients where they are to begin the journey of healing. A trusting relationship is key to helping people make positive change in their lives. I believe that therapy is a partnership where health and wellness are the goal.”

Connie Toavs

Position: MSW, LICSW, LSSW, CSAT

Specialized training: Comprehensive Clinical Neurofeedback, Advanced Training for Problematic Sexual Behaviors (ATPSB), Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT)

Connie is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with a background in psychology, gerontology and social work. She specializes in providing psychotherapy for families, individuals and mature populations. Connie supports people with and through PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, loss, end-of-life, chronic illnesses, medical conditions, personality disorders and intimate betrayal. She helps people move beyond problematic sexual behaviors and specializes in helping individuals who have experienced betrayal trauma.

“Our work here matters in such a big way. Building strong relationships with my clients to help them on their journey’s is a powerful experience. While they process through challenges, I am fully present to listens to, support and assist them in developing healthy skills.”

Corrie Cordova

Position: Office Assistant

Corrie has 12 years of experience in customer service. Before coming to Alliance for Healing, she spent the last two years working in a recovery facility for men, focusing on substance abuse as well as mental and behavioral health. In her spare time, she helps out with a local community theatre group. She loves to write and enjoys meeting others where they are and helping them feel seen.

“I have a passion for people, and I’m a caregiver at heart. I want to make a difference and help people in the little ways you don’t often think about. A smile and a personalized greeting can go so far.”

Iris Heieren

Position: MA, LAMFT

Specialized training: Comprehensive Clinical Neurofeedback

Iris is a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist. With a background in counseling and psychotherapy, Iris also holds a PhD in biology which, she believes, is of value in bringing the concepts of the science and psychology closer together. Iris specializes in neuro/biofeedback, used in conjunction with traditional counseling, to promote the long-term effectiveness of treatment outcomes.

“Albert Einstein is credited with the saying that it is impossible to solve a problem from within the same consciousness that created it. I help clients break out of old patterns to communicate and work together more effectively, and to avoid replicating patterns in future relationships. I offer personalized care that is meaningful, optimistic and encouraging, giving you tools to move beyond discouragement and frustration.”

Kelly Ryan

Position: LPCC

Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor whose work is informed by cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, art therapy, mindfulness and neurofeedback. Her experiences include in-home family therapy, day training and habilitation for adults with intellectual disabilities and behavioral concerns, and art therapy in a psychiatric DBT program.

“I’m passionate about creating a positive therapeutic environment to help you get where you want to be in life. My goal is for you to feel empowered and carry the healing from your sessions into your daily life. My sessions are strength-based and structured to give you coping tools, increase emotional awareness and develop healthier communication strategies.”

Lydia Garcia

Position: Intern

Lydia is in the final year of her graduate program for social work. She has spent several years in roles throughout the mental health continuum of care. Lydia has worked with individuals in Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services (ARMHS), supporting families with care coordination to help them access community resources, and most prominently, working with adults with Severe and Persistent Mental Health or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders at longer-term housing facilities.

“I enjoy working collaboratively with individuals and looking at the whole picture when discussing factors of stress, like cultural or systemic barriers. I aim to create and hold space for clients to explore their authentic selves and empower them with the strategies and tools needed to ‘grow through what they go through’.”

Shannon Himango

Position: MA, LMFT

Specialized training: Certified Prepare-Enrich Premarital Assessment Facilitator, Certified Sexual Relational Trauma Therapist (candidate)

Shannon is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with 30 years of experience. She works with adults and older teens, utilizing a straight-forward yet approachable systemic (individual as well as relational) and trauma-informed focus. Her areas of interest and training include couples and individual therapy with a focus on relational trauma and infidelity; premarital counseling; parenting; divorce transition; eldercare; sexuality; anxiety; depression; grief and loss; assertive communication; and mindful, healthy self-care practices. She is LGBTQIA+ affirmative.

“I like knowing that my work makes a difference in the lives of others in a personal way—that these changes may make a difference for generations. I help my clients form (and guard) a reliable routine for self-care, boundaries with the people or practices that diminish self, and tools to slow down when feeling escalated.”

Tara Burke

Position: LMFT

Specialized training: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), PREPARE/ENRICH couple’s inventory

Tara is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who enjoys working with teens, adults and couples. Tara has been providing therapeutic services since 2014 and has experience helping people with a wide range of concerns including addiction, trauma, financial crisis, anxiety, depression, adolescent behavioral and emotional struggles, parenting concerns, family/relationship conflict, and marriage difficulties. Tara is passionate about helping people work through past traumas and relationship struggles to form strong, healthy attachments.

“It takes courage to ask for help! I love working collaboratively with people to find what has been missing and to bring healing to what has been hurting. I also love helping people learn and experience what safe and healthy relationships look like, so they can go on living with healthy relationships in their lives. My goal is to enlighten, empower and equip you to face and overcome your current challenges, to live out your values and to experience life-giving connections with others”.

 

(651) 493-8150 Phone

(651) 493-9335 Fax

AAMFT Clinical Fellow
IITAP
SASH Certified Distinguished Sex Therapist

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