Gary and Joy Hanson are graduates of Bethel Theological Seminary with Master’s Degrees
in Marriage and Family Therapy and are each in counseling practice with individuals
(including adolescents), couples and families. They are licensed by the State of
Minnesota as Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. Gary and Joy have been married
for over 30 years and have an adult daughter and son. Gary and Joy demonstrate a
heartfelt compassion for those who are struggling with emotional and relational
issues. They welcome the opportunity, upon request, to integrate a Christian worldview
with sound research-based clinical practice - while also working with individuals
who do not practice a personal faith. They offer a solution-focused, family systems,
brief therapy perspective, which provides practical solutions to personal and relational
challenges and problems. Gary and Joy’s professional interests span a wide range
of services - from individual and couple counseling to pre-marriage “coaching”;
from life coaching helping people overcome self-defeating habits to small business
consulting helping organizations achieve better performance through team building
and improved communications.

Licensed in Marriage & Family Therapy

According to one national survey, 80% of private practice therapists in the United
States claim to do marriage therapy. Of these, only 12% are in a discipline that
requires even one course or supervised experience in this area. Only Marriage and
Family Therapy as a profession requires coursework or supervised clinical experience
in marital and couples counseling.

Certification in PREPARE & ENRICH (Life Innovations)

PREPARE and ENRICH (by Life Innovations) are designed to provide feedback to couples
intending to get married or for those who want more information regarding their
current relationship. We work with couples using PREPARE and ENRICH to help them
plan or improve and maintain a satisfying and happy lifetime together.

Our Philosophy

We believe in the promise of restoration – emotionally, relationally, and spiritually.
Our goal is to provide individuals, couples and families with the tools necessary
to address beliefs and patterns of behavior, which prevent them from reaching and
maintaining their goals and dreams. This is accomplished through a respectful, collaborative,
solution-focused approach addressing the whole person in the context of past and
present experience and relationships.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you take insurance? Do you specialize? Is there any hope for our marriage? Is
counseling only about “how I feel”? Can people change? “Do you work with blended
families?”. Click here for more