Centre for Sexual Wellness

I’m Dr. Courtney Padjen, PhD, LMFT. I’m a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (MN License No. 4041) and I am here to provide individuals with safety and support as they embark on their counseling and healing journey. I’ve been described as honest, compassionate, approachable and trustworthy, and in the same breath I am blunt and direct. Often, I tell clients I’m “a mover and a shaker” – – Growing up I bounced around small towns in the Northwoods. There I learned that being direct is a kindness. I have wanted to be a therapist for as long as I can remember and have always had an interest in human sexuality and trauma. Having taken the ACES Quiz and scoring an 8, I feel my trauma provides me with the ability to connect with clients with a deeper level of empathy and understanding. I am here to help you get comfortable with being uncomfortable to disrupt your own homeostasis and work as a catalyst to create the change you desire. I use an eclectic approach when working with clients and will often integrate solution-focused, motivational, cognitive-behavioral, and narrative interventions. I collaborate with the Institute for Integrative Therapies to provide Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy and am working alongside Dr. Manoj Doss, DO and Dr. Ranji Varghese, MD. If you feel you are ready to start your journey, let’s connect! You can email me at courtney@centreforsexualwellness.org or fill out the consultation request form provided on the website. Associations American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors & Therapists (AASECT) National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) Minnesota’s LGBTQ+ Mental Health Providers’ Professional Network Minnesota Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (MAMFT) Kink Aware Professionals (KAP) Sexual Health Alliance (SHA) The Alternative Sexualities Health Research Alliance (TASHRA) Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS) The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS)

The Process

STEP

1

Consultation: Begin with a free consultation with Dr. Courtney R. Padjen. During this initial meeting, potential patients can discuss their concerns and determine if Dr. Courtney’s expertise aligns with their needs. This is a no-obligation opportunity to get to know the therapist and understand her approach.

STEP

2

Services: Once both the patient and Dr. Courtney feel that they’re a good fit for each other, they will delve deeper into the therapeutic process. Dr. Courtney offers specialized treatments for individuals, couples, and families dealing with non-traditional relationship structures or sexual interests. Sessions are tailored to address specific concerns like mismatched desires, sexual dysfunctions, or trauma.

STEP

3

After Care: After the main course of therapy, Dr. Courtney provides aftercare support. This ensures that patients continue to integrate their learnings into daily life and have a resource to turn to if they encounter challenges. Aftercare can involve follow-up sessions, resources for further reading, or recommendations for supportive communities and groups. This ongoing support helps solidify the gains made during therapy and offers a safety net for patients as they continue their journey to wellness.

Session Types

Sex Therapy

Are you stuck in a sexless marriage? Do you and your partner have mismatched sexual desires? Are you having performance issues? Do you not feel emotionally connected anymore? Or maybe you want to spice up your love life, but your partner isn’t interested. If sexual issues are preventing true closeness between you and your partner, you may want to consider sex therapy. How does Sex Therapy work? As a sex therapist, I focus on the physical relationship between two people in a relationship, then identify the couple’s attitudes about sex and the sexual problem. From there, I’ll often recommend specific exercises to refocus the couple’s attention and expectations. Specific objectives may include the following: Learning to eliminate and relax distractions Learning to communicate what you’d like in a positive way Learning nonsexual touching techniques Increasing or enhancing sexual stimulation Minimizing pain during intercourse If you’d like to explore sex therapy, I want you to know that you aren’t alone in having sexual problems and that I can help. Please contact me today for a free consultation to see if we are a good match.

Sex Therapy

Are you stuck in a sexless marriage? Do you and your partner have mismatched sexual desires? Are you having performance issues? Do you not feel emotionally connected anymore? Or maybe you want to spice up your love life, but your partner isn’t interested. If sexual issues are preventing true closeness between you and your partner, you may want to consider sex therapy. How does Sex Therapy work? As a sex therapist, I focus on the physical relationship between two people in a relationship, then identify the couple’s attitudes about sex and the sexual problem. From there, I’ll often recommend specific exercises to refocus the couple’s attention and expectations. Specific objectives may include the following: Learning to eliminate and relax distractions Learning to communicate what you’d like in a positive way Learning nonsexual touching techniques Increasing or enhancing sexual stimulation Minimizing pain during intercourse If you’d like to explore sex therapy, I want you to know that you aren’t alone in having sexual problems and that I can help. Please contact me today for a free consultation to see if we are a good match.

Couples Counseling

Do you feel like your relationship is at a standstill? Are you and your partner stuck in the same argument loop every night? Do you feel like you and your partner are drifting away? Do you desire more intimacy between you and your partner? All things can be improved, changed and bettered, with just a little support, no matter how big or small. With couples therapy, you’ll learn how to communicate your feelings and needs, and get what you want out of your relationship. Some issues that bring couples to therapy are: Addiction/Partner Addiction Support Balance (Work/Life/Family) Blended Families Chronic Illness Divorce Extended Family Infidelity/Cheating Intimacy Mental Illness Pre-Marital/Readiness Pornography Sex In my couple’s therapy sessions, I help people develop the necessary skills needed to maintain sustaining love. If any of the above relate to your and your partner in your relationship, contact me today for a free consultation. I would love to speak about how I may be able to help reconnect and rekindle your love for one another.

Couples Counseling

Do you feel like your relationship is at a standstill? Are you and your partner stuck in the same argument loop every night? Do you feel like you and your partner are drifting away? Do you desire more intimacy between you and your partner? All things can be improved, changed and bettered, with just a little support, no matter how big or small. With couples therapy, you’ll learn how to communicate your feelings and needs, and get what you want out of your relationship. Some issues that bring couples to therapy are: Addiction/Partner Addiction Support Balance (Work/Life/Family) Blended Families Chronic Illness Divorce Extended Family Infidelity/Cheating Intimacy Mental Illness Pre-Marital/Readiness Pornography Sex In my couple’s therapy sessions, I help people develop the necessary skills needed to maintain sustaining love. If any of the above relate to your and your partner in your relationship, contact me today for a free consultation. I would love to speak about how I may be able to help reconnect and rekindle your love for one another.

LGBTQIA+ Individual Therapy

Stigma-free, affirming, affordable therapy for LGBTQIA+ Individuals Do you live outside of the heteronormative-cisgender box? Have you been to other supposed “LGBTQ-friendly” counselors who had no idea what you were talking about? Could you use a safe space to process your feelings and assess your goals? Are you seeking transition and need a letter for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Or maybe you’re seeking relationship counseling from someone who understands where you’re coming from. If you can relate to any of the above, then you’ve come to the right place. No judgments. No biases. Just a strong support system with open ears. Stigma, in any form, is an impediment to the well-being of those who experience it. Given the stressors that LGBT groups must confront, such as homophobia, prejudice, coming out, and discrimination, finding a therapist who is openly LGBT-friendly or who specializes in LGBT issues is crucial to your personal growth. As an LGBTQIA+ therapist, I am committed to helping clients of all genders, sexual identities and expressions feel not only safe but truly respected. If you or someone you know is seeking help from an LGBTQIA+ therapist, contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I can help.

LGBTQIA+ Individual Therapy

Stigma-free, affirming, affordable therapy for LGBTQIA+ Individuals Do you live outside of the heteronormative-cisgender box? Have you been to other supposed “LGBTQ-friendly” counselors who had no idea what you were talking about? Could you use a safe space to process your feelings and assess your goals? Are you seeking transition and need a letter for Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)? Or maybe you’re seeking relationship counseling from someone who understands where you’re coming from. If you can relate to any of the above, then you’ve come to the right place. No judgments. No biases. Just a strong support system with open ears. Stigma, in any form, is an impediment to the well-being of those who experience it. Given the stressors that LGBT groups must confront, such as homophobia, prejudice, coming out, and discrimination, finding a therapist who is openly LGBT-friendly or who specializes in LGBT issues is crucial to your personal growth. As an LGBTQIA+ therapist, I am committed to helping clients of all genders, sexual identities and expressions feel not only safe but truly respected. If you or someone you know is seeking help from an LGBTQIA+ therapist, contact me today. I would be happy to speak with you about how I can help.

Group Therapy

Are you having a difficult time handling the struggles in your life? Could you use a non-judgemental ear to listen, somebody who really understands what you’re going through? Do you really need to talk to somebody, but you don’t know who would be willing to listen? Do you wish you had more of a sense of community in your life, instead of feeling alone? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then group therapy could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Group therapy differs from individual therapy by holding therapeutic sessions in a group setting run by a therapist instead of in a private one-on-one setting with a therapist. In these group sessions, patients share their thoughts and experiences with the whole group, allowing them to support one another while being supported by a group of people who understand what you’re going through. If you’ve been feeling hopeless or alone lately, or struggling with a problem in your life that feels unsurmountable, group therapy could help you improve your everyday life. Group therapy helps you find a sense of community with others who are going through similar things as you while giving you access to valuable therapy that can truly help you feel better. So if any of these sound like you… You keep worrying about the same problem over and over You wish you could trust someone with your secret struggle You want to stop feeling so alone in what you’re going through You’re interested in therapy, but want to try something lower pressure than individual therapy You wish you felt more understood by others You’re looking for expert help improving your life …Then group therapy could be right for you. Group therapy’s effectiveness lies in its ability to help you find connections with other people and their experiences. These therapist-guided sessions will help you learn more about yourself and how to improve the way you feel while feeling support from others who understand your experience. If you’re looking for help in improving your everyday life – or for a more community-oriented therapy experience – you would be a great fit for our group therapy services. Please reach out to me today for an assessment for group therapy or to schedule your first appointment.

Group Therapy

Are you having a difficult time handling the struggles in your life? Could you use a non-judgemental ear to listen, somebody who really understands what you’re going through? Do you really need to talk to somebody, but you don’t know who would be willing to listen? Do you wish you had more of a sense of community in your life, instead of feeling alone? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then group therapy could be the solution you’ve been seeking. Group therapy differs from individual therapy by holding therapeutic sessions in a group setting run by a therapist instead of in a private one-on-one setting with a therapist. In these group sessions, patients share their thoughts and experiences with the whole group, allowing them to support one another while being supported by a group of people who understand what you’re going through. If you’ve been feeling hopeless or alone lately, or struggling with a problem in your life that feels unsurmountable, group therapy could help you improve your everyday life. Group therapy helps you find a sense of community with others who are going through similar things as you while giving you access to valuable therapy that can truly help you feel better. So if any of these sound like you… You keep worrying about the same problem over and over You wish you could trust someone with your secret struggle You want to stop feeling so alone in what you’re going through You’re interested in therapy, but want to try something lower pressure than individual therapy You wish you felt more understood by others You’re looking for expert help improving your life …Then group therapy could be right for you. Group therapy’s effectiveness lies in its ability to help you find connections with other people and their experiences. These therapist-guided sessions will help you learn more about yourself and how to improve the way you feel while feeling support from others who understand your experience. If you’re looking for help in improving your everyday life – or for a more community-oriented therapy experience – you would be a great fit for our group therapy services. Please reach out to me today for an assessment for group therapy or to schedule your first appointment.

Gender Affirming Therapy

What is Gender Affirming Therapy? Gender Affirming therapy takes the therapeutic stance of affirming an individual’s gender identity and not trying to “repair,” it. Individuals who identify as Trans, and want to focus on Gender Affirming Therapy, may seek out this type of care. Gender Affirming Therapy aids in psychological, social, emotional, and physical needs in which a person may be uncomfortable with aspects of their gender, body, or experiencing Gender Dysphoria. Gender Affirming Therapy is also for individuals who may question their gender, are seeking gender affirming medical and/or nonmedical interventions and support, and do not identify with their designated sex at birth. Our clinicians incorporate gender affirming therapy techniques through understanding the client’s history, assessing together if the individual is experiencing Gender Dysphoria, using correct pronouns and name, creating a safe space for processing and understanding, linking individuals to social supports, resources, healthcare providers, allowing for diversity, and integrating W-PATH standards of care. Gender Affirming Therapists will implement information regarding gender identity, diversity, and dysphoria, transgender rights, new research relevant to gender and help guide with gender in any situation in life. We understand that every person is different, no two people are the same when seeking out Gender Affirming Therapy, and we want to respect what you are wanting out of your individual goals. We support you, are committed to clients of all genders, and are here to help! If you or someone you know, is seeking out Gender Affirming Therapy support, then please give us a call and we would be happy to chat with you on how we can help!

Gender Affirming Therapy

What is Gender Affirming Therapy? Gender Affirming therapy takes the therapeutic stance of affirming an individual’s gender identity and not trying to “repair,” it. Individuals who identify as Trans, and want to focus on Gender Affirming Therapy, may seek out this type of care. Gender Affirming Therapy aids in psychological, social, emotional, and physical needs in which a person may be uncomfortable with aspects of their gender, body, or experiencing Gender Dysphoria. Gender Affirming Therapy is also for individuals who may question their gender, are seeking gender affirming medical and/or nonmedical interventions and support, and do not identify with their designated sex at birth. Our clinicians incorporate gender affirming therapy techniques through understanding the client’s history, assessing together if the individual is experiencing Gender Dysphoria, using correct pronouns and name, creating a safe space for processing and understanding, linking individuals to social supports, resources, healthcare providers, allowing for diversity, and integrating W-PATH standards of care. Gender Affirming Therapists will implement information regarding gender identity, diversity, and dysphoria, transgender rights, new research relevant to gender and help guide with gender in any situation in life. We understand that every person is different, no two people are the same when seeking out Gender Affirming Therapy, and we want to respect what you are wanting out of your individual goals. We support you, are committed to clients of all genders, and are here to help! If you or someone you know, is seeking out Gender Affirming Therapy support, then please give us a call and we would be happy to chat with you on how we can help!

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Centre for Sexual Wellness • Therapist

The Process

Session Types

Sex Therapy

Sex Therapy

Couples Counseling

Couples Counseling

LGBTQIA+ Individual Therapy

LGBTQIA+ Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Group Therapy

Gender Affirming Therapy

Gender Affirming Therapy

Price

Learn More

Am I codependent?

4 Reasons to Start Therapy in 2021

3 Reasons Why Men Should Try Therapy

Reviews

Locations

Price