PRACTICING THERAPISTS
The Renew counseling staff brings over 80 years of experience together helping the community. Strengthen. Change. Renew.
Kim Questad
Looking for CHANGE? Wanting relief from anxiety, depression or needing direction? I am accepting new clients and available within a 1-3 of days for an appointment. I am a professional that can help guide you through goals that you identify as you come to therapy. I find each individual unique and believe you can be successful. I want to help you Strengthen, Change, and Renew. I accept preteen and above for services.
Myself and the Renew team has experience to provide quality services for your needs. A solid value system of caring for those that enter our office to work through difficult situations with empathy & an open mind without judging. We provide a safe, quiet, comfortable, and private space for therapy. We believe all those who walk in my door have the right to privacy.
“Just as a winding river changes the landscape with its rise and fall through time, so our lives can do the same. Taking a step of faith towards healing is a beginning to enrich your life.” K Questad
Kim graduated in 1982 with her Bachelor of Science in Child Development and Family Relations from South Dakota State University. She received her Masters in Counseling in 2010 from South Dakota State University. Kim holds a Master of Science, is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, and a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor. Kim is a certified facilitator for Prepare Enrich for marriage and couples counseling. I am a SD approved supervisor. I have many years of experience supervising individuals ACT, LAC, LPC and LPC-MH clinicians. I currently serve as the Clinical Supervisor for Renew Counseling Services.
Justin Nielsen
I have interest in a variety of psychological topics, including psychology/spirituality, addictions and co-occurring disorders, anxiety and depression, relational health/functioning and human sexuality. I have utilized my services at an addiction agency, working with a variety of men and women and families dealing with family dynamics, trauma, attachment injury, and group therapy. A favorite quote of mine, “No man can walk into the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.” Every interaction, circumstance and moment influence our interpretation of self and other. Allow the experience of therapy to help navigate life and relationship.
I believe it is my duty to offer a space for each individual, couple, or family to explore and learn more about their human experience, to feel both solidly themselves, and at peace connecting with others. Health and wellness must come from a holistic perspective; biological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual. I utilize systems theories, existential theories, attachment-based theory and CBT/DBT approaches to set the stage, allowing the individual to guide each session. I am excited to step into this journey with you.
Education:
BA in Psychology, Southwest Minnesota State University
MA in Counseling, Sioux Falls Seminary
Graduate Certificate in Theological Studies, Sioux Falls Seminary
Licensure:
Licensed Professional Counselor, License # LPC20290
Licensed Addiction Counselor
Michelle Pliska
Greetings! My personal approach to therapy is collaborative, solution focused and multi-culturally sensitive. I aim to provide a supportive environment for growth and healing; space in which you can honestly and supportively evaluate your life and personal stressors that you bring into the office. As your counselor, I hope to create a space that is comfortable, supportive, encouraging and courageous.
I earned my MA in Counseling and Psychology in Education from The University of South Dakota in 2005. My undergraduate major was Criminal Justice. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (2008) and Qualified Mental Health Professional (2017). I am a member of the South Dakota Counselor’s Association. My experiences have included both school counseling and clinical mental health settings. The primary focus of my work has been with youth that are struggling emotionally or behaviorally, Veterans, life transitions, trauma, crisis counseling, depression, anger, anxiety, and grief and loss. I am South Dakota born and raised, so most of my work has been with rural populations.
Although I have traveled the world some, my favorite place to be is SD, whether it be the serenity and adventure of the Black Hills, the wonder of the Palisades or the urban vibe of downtown Sioux Falls, I have 605 Pride! I believe healing and inspiration can come from a variety of sources: including creative outlets like music and art, the outdoors, spirituality and our relationships. I will honor our relationship we create with unconditional positive regard, safety, and confidentiality.
Much of my work and life is driven by three basic beliefs:
• Be love.
• Be the change you wish to see in the world.
• Be brave. To do the right thing takes courage. It also takes courage to ask for help.
I am excited to learn more about you and what you believe it is important for a person to be. I believe we will do good and meaningful work together.
Michelle Pliska, NBCC, LPC, QMHP
In process: LPC-MH, National Certified School Counselor
Barb DeVos
I use a person-centered and solution-focused approach meant to help create a network of support with the client’s needs at the center. It is important to enter a conversation through the lens of knowing trauma impacts both physical, mental, and emotional health. Through supportive listening and acceptance, a client can gain confidence to feel capable of change, growth, and to learn coping skills to deal with uncomfortable emotions and life events.
My credentials are as a School Counselor, Master’s level Licensed Practicing Counselor, and Licensed Addictions Counselor. I have 15 years of experience working with youth and families as a School Counselor and Prevention Counselor in public, private, rural, alternative, and city schools. During the past 25 years, I have worked with a variety of client populations, including: families with children with developmental disabilities, autism spectrum, and chronic illness; and at-risk youth. I obtained advanced threat assessment training by Sigma Threat Management Associates and do threat assessments for area schools to determine risk and if the individual is progressing along the pathway to violence. I also hold certifications in ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills training) and CAMS (Collaborative Assessment and Management of Suicidality). Treatment focus: Youth and Families, Trauma Informed Care, Threat Assessments, Addiction, Depression and Anxiety, Developmental Disabilities, Parent/Child Relationship Issues, ADHD, and Bullying.
We all have times in life when it is okay to seek support. I believe each one of us is truly doing the best we know how. It is through supportive counseling, self-advocacy, collaboration with medical providers, developing community and caregiver support, and accessing resources, we can develop grit and resilience. I look forward to walking with you and creating support in your life!
MS, NCC, LPC, LAC, SD Certified School Counselor
Gretchen Hartmann
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Carroll Institute Internship Coordinator Licensure:
- Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, #LMFT1218
- SD Approved Supervisor
Therapy for Individuals of All Ages, Couples, & Families:
- Parenting Strategies
- Couples Therapy – Including Intimacy and Sexual Concerns
- Family Resolution
- Child and Adolescent Behavioral Issues
- Psychological and relational concerns
- Transitions & Conflict
Internship Coordinator:
- Bachelor, Graduate, & Post-Graduate level internships offered for CAC, LAC, LPC, LPC-MH, & LMFT licensure pursuit
Education:
- DMin focus Marriage & Family Therapy, Sioux Falls Seminary
- MA in Marriage and Family Therapy, Sioux Falls Seminary
BS, National American University
Other Related Affiliations:
Assistant Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy, Sioux Falls Seminary
Director of Counseling Programs, Sioux Falls Seminary
Director of Community Counseling Clinic, Sioux Falls Seminary
Clinical Fellow, American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists (#119447)
Member, Christian Association of Psychological Studies
Katey Gerken
Life’s journey can be painful at times. Issues stemming from abuse, anxiety, violence, and emotional loss are often expressed in ways that make it difficult to function or remain healthy. These pains are felt by people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs systems. I promise to treat each child, adult, couple, and family with dignity and respect on their path toward healing.
I have been in the social work field since 2008, working with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, developmental levels, and in a variety of settings. Including child welfare, suicide and crisis counseling, hospitals and detoxification centers, mental health residential facilities, and public assistance. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (2018) and an Addiction Counselor in Training (2019). I am working toward my Private-in-Practice licensure and my M.A. in Addiction Counseling and Prevention to become a Licensed Addiction Counselor.
Educational background:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology – University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (2005)
Master of Science in Human Services with a Specialization in Social and Community Services (2009) – Capella University
Master of Social Work – University of South Dakota (2018)
Master of Art in Addiction Counseling & Prevention – University of South Dakota (in progress)
Certifications:
Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (2018)
Jessica Kaiser
Dr. Jessica Kaiser specializes in psychoanalytic psychotherapy. As the region’s only psychoanalyst, Dr. Kaiser uses the depth of psychoanalytic psychotherapy to look at both unconscious and conscious processes that lead to why we think act and feel the way that we do. Ultimately getting to the root of the issue which leads to lasting, long term relief. Dr. Kaiser treats depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, borderline pathology, DID, spiritual issues and a host of other diagnoses. Dr. Kaiser predominantly treats individuals aged 13 and above. Dr. Kaiser is willing to treat couples and families upon request. Dr. Kaiser looks forward to serving you!
Education:
MDiv 2013, Sioux Falls Seminary
DMin 2019, Sioux Falls Seminary
Certification:
Psychoanalysis, 2017 Brookhaven Institute for Psychanalysis and Christian Theology
Licensure:
#20251
Licensed Professional Counselor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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