Delano Herald Journal

Serving the communities of Delano, Loretto, Montrose, MN, and the surrounding area

Counseling services now offered in Winsted



WINSTED, MN – Whether it’s a difficult parenting situation, the loss of a loved one, or an ongoing struggle with anxiety, Transcend Therapeutic in Winsted offers support and coping strategies to navigate the tough times in life.

Licensed family and marriage therapists Corrie Merten and Sara Kaczmarek opened their counseling business at 181 Main Ave. W. a few months ago, after their research showed that the area was underserved for this type of resource.

According to the Transcend Therapeutic website, counselors can provide problem-solving skills and help for issues such as depression, relationship troubles, grief, body image issues, creative blocks, and more.

“Sometimes people are afraid to get counseling, but it can be helpful for a variety of reasons,” Merten said.

Benefits could include finding a resolution to concerns, gaining a better understanding of personal goals, developing skills for improving relationships, changing old behavior patterns, or enhancing communication skills, to name a few.

“Our approach is open, empathetic, and compassionate,” Kaczmarek said. “We’re very accepting, and there’s no judgement.”

Kaczmarek and Merten met while working together at a different counseling location, and found that they both viewed therapy the same way.

“We have more of a focus on maintaining wholeness, happiness and contentment,” Merten said. “We’re not focused on a diagnosis, and we’re not saying something’s ‘wrong.’”

Transcend Therapeutic serves adults, as well as children ages 3 and older.

“I have worked with both children and adults on the autism spectrum, along with other developmental issues,” Merten noted. “I have a special interest in helping restore and strengthen parent/child relationships and increasing the connection between them.”

Kaczmarek’s special interests include couple and family relationships, parenting, trust and attachment issues, anxiety and stress reduction, depression, grief and loss, self-esteem, and mind-body health.

Transcending challenges
Kaczmarek and Merten both had an interest in psychology and counseling early on, and solidified their career paths in college. Kaczmarek has a master’s degree from Capella University in Minneapolis, and Merten earned her master’s degree from Adler Graduate School in Richfield.

They each have three children of their own, and have empathy for the stresses of parenting, relationships, and work/life balance.

“We like to work collaboratively with families, and often schedule multiple family members at the same time between the two of us,” Merten noted. “We try to accommodate family schedules to make counseling appointments as easy as possible.”

They named their business Transcend Therapeutic to remind people that they don’t need to remain “stuck” in a problem.

“You can transcend it and get beyond it,” Merten explained.

Therapy isn’t just for people who have a major challenge, Kaczmarek added, noting that pre-marital counseling, for example, can strengthen an already good relationship.

How to get started
Services at Transcend Therapeutic may be covered in full or in part by a person’s health insurance plan. Potential clients are encouraged to contact their insurance provider to determine eligibility.

“We work with several insurance companies,” Kaczmarek said. “We will do a sliding scale for people who don’t have insurance.”

Transcend Therapeutic is open by appointment only. To learn more, call (320) 485-9041 or go to www.transcendtherapeutic.com.

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