Sexual Wellness Institute
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    • Sex Therapy >
      • Sex Addiction and Porn Addiction
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      • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
      • Gottman Method for Couples Therapy
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Our Therapists

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 Nicole Cardarella-Gasper MA LPCC
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Sex Therapist



​I have a Master of Arts degree in
Counseling and Student Personnel Psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and have been providing therapy for 5+ years. I am trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization reprocessing) therapy and Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy. I am currently enrolled in the Sex Therapy Certificate Program at UW-Stout to enhance my knowledge and experience in sex therapy.

Much of the work I do is with young adults who have never talked about sex with a professional before. I am passionate about helping destigmatize sex and support clients feeling content and healthy in their sexuality.
I have experience working with queer, poly, and trans adults and adolescents. I love helping people explore their sexual and gender identity. This can be a tricky time and I am happy to support folks as they figure things out such as who to share their new identity/identities with, how to share, and how to take care of themselves as they do this. 

I am unapologetically sex and sex working affirming, and pro comprehensive sex education. I believe the values we hold and were raised with influence how we experience our sexuality. I enjoy helping clients explore how these values have influenced them, and which values, if any, need to change. These values can be explored on their own, or how they impact common sexual concerns like: low/mismatched desire, out of control sexual behaviors, sexual pain, and more.
I have experience in helping clients work through sexual trauma and how this impacts sexuality. I use narrative therapy techniques, parts work, and EMDR therapy to help clients reprocess and heal. You don’t have to be defined by your experiences and I can guide you through the difficult but worthwhile journey to feel free and unburdened. 

I work from a trauma responsive, feminist, and anti-capitalist lens. What that means is I believe the white supremacist patriarchal society we live in oppresses many and is a factor in our mental health. I’m here to guide you through realizing and exploring how this impacts you. 
I believe in a strong therapeutic relationship and I offer a free consultation to get to know each other and make sure we are a good fit. I look forward to meeting you!


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James Chadwick, MSW LICSW
(He/Him)
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
Sex Therapist



​I am a licensed independent clinical social worker through the state of Minnesota and hold a master’s degree from Augsburg University, where I taught as an adjunct professor for three years. I also currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Society for the Advancement of Sexual Health.
 
My goal is to help you attain your goals regarding sexual health and relationships, whatever they are. I believe a foundational part of that is gaining comfort and confidence in discussing sexuality, emotions, and relationships. 
Before getting to the “work” of therapy we will focus on establishing a basis of trust and rapport. When applicable, I will gently challenge any cognitive distortions (“thinking errors”) that present themselves. You might be surprised both by how frequently these can surface and how readily you are able to identify them! My hope is that through the therapeutic relationship you uncover other supports that can help you actualize these goals and maintain fulfilling dialogues about your health and wellness.  
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I have worked extensively with the LGBTQIA+ population and enjoy working through a variety of areas including but not limited to sexual orientation, gender identity, kink, nonmonogamy, libido concerns, infidelity, adolescent sexuality, and out of control sexual behaviors, as well as general sexual health and relationship concerns. 
I also have extensive experience working with substance abuse disorders. I welcome any client who wants to discuss substance use both generally and how it intersects with sexuality. 

I look forward to meeting with you and beginning our work together!

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Sophia "Sophie" Pimsler, MA LMFT
(She/Her)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Sex Therapist
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT 200)


Finding the right therapist can be a daunting task. However, there is good news! As the saying goes… “We can’t pick our family, but we can pick our…” therapist!

I provide individual therapy for ages 10 & up and specialize in re
lational/couples therapy. I hold a Masters of Arts in Marriage & Family Therapy from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota and a Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy at University of Wisconsin-Stout. 

Before becoming a therapist, I completed my Bachelor's of Science in Dance with a minor in Alcohol & Drug Studies from Minnesota State University, Mankato. I continue to work in the performing arts, am a registered yoga teacher (RYT 200), and use somatic interventions in my therapy practice. As a sex therapist, rather than working from the brain to the body, I investigate where the body is holding past experiences and how that impacts one’s daily life. Clinical research has supported that our bodies have untapped information that our cognitions are unable to access as readily. Therefore, through body & mind treatment you will experience more rapid and long-lasting results. 
 
 When working with clients I enjoy providing space to discuss three subjects that we are told not to: money, politics, and sex. These three topics are often the key stressors in our relationships with others and essential to directly process. Growing up in a mixed religious and cultural household, I have a passion for helping people navigate differences. Some of these might be conflicting ideologies or values, differing cultural/racial identities, or spiritual practices.

By being encouraged to discuss various aspects of sexuality, we can see how it relates to our overall mental health. This may include the impact of life transitions on relational intimacy, libido concerns, performance anxiety, mismatched desire, sexual discomfort, sexual trauma, questions about sexuality or sexual identity, and/or past events that are affecting sexual connection. I enjoy helping people of all gender, sexual, and relational identities. I also have extensive experience working with survivors of religious trauma, including those recovering from the trauma of conversion therapy. 

I believe that trust is the cornerstone of the client and provider relationship. Therefore, I will make certain collaboration and connection are integrated in every session. I look forward to guiding your healing journey.
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Makenzie McMahon, MS
(She/Her)
Sex Therapist


I hold a Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy and a Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy from the University of Wisconsin- Stout. 

When I talk to people about my education and career, I’m often met with the question: “but why sex therapy?” The answer is simple really, “why not sex therapy?” Sex and sexuality are important, valid, and intregal part of our lives and as such, they should be normalized and celebrated. Through my work, I get the privilege to help others find and/or strengthen and empower the parts of themselves that are paramount to their being, their relationships, and their lives.

I am passionate about helping people connect with themselves through strength-based and collaborative approaches as I believe you are the expert on yourself. Through this work, I hold a safe, affirmative, and non- judgemental space where all are welcomed and celebrated as they are. My goal in providing services is to work collaboratively to find solutions while meeting you where you’re at and guiding you to where you want to be. 

I am passionate about helping all individuals and couples, including folx in the LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC communities. Some of my interests for all folx include BDSM/kink, sexual and gender identities and exploration, relationship orientations, adolescents, adjustment concerns, orgasm difficulty, and concerns surrounding libido. 

I look forward to working with you and being a part of your journey!
Makenzie is supervised by Amanda Holmberg MS LMFT


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Eric Anfinson, MS LMFT
(He/Him)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
Sex Therapist

I hold a Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy from University of Wisconsin- Stout, and continued on to receive a Graduate Certificate in Sex Therapy. I am also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a specialized way of working with trauma.

Sex & Sexuality can be a bright and healthy part of our lives and relationships, but when things go wrong it can feel like they're overshadowing everything else. I strive to help individuals and couples bring joy into their sex and sexuality through meaningful therapy in a supportive environment. My goal is to help you resolve the here and now concerns as well as feel confident and empowered to move forward after therapy.

I feel passionate about helping people work through a myriad of sexual challenges such as: Low or mismatched desire, erectile dysfunction, early or delayed ejaculation, difficulty with orgasm, painful sex, sexual trauma, and more. As a Sex and Relationship Therapist, I enjoy helping people of all gender, sexual, and relational identities, and have experience working with the LGBT+, BDSM/Kink, and Poly communities.

I utilize an eclectic approach to sessions, with focus on collaboration and solutions. I provide a welcoming, non-judgemental, and safe environment, so that you feel comfortable and assured that your story is heard and you are empowered to reach your goals.
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I am excited to meet with you for a free consultation appointment where we can look at first steps to improving your relationship or sex life.
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Amanda Holmberg, MS LMFT
(She/Her)
Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
AAMFT/Board Approved Supervisor
Clinic Director/Owner

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I hold a Masters of Science in Marriage & Family Therapy from University of Wisconsin-Stout, where I also enjoy teaching as an adjunct instructor. I have extensive training and experience in working with sexual concerns of any kind. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a specialized way of working with trauma. I also have over 15 years of experience working in the mental health field.

Much of the work I do involves helping couples or individuals who, for whatever reason, are not having the kind of sex life they want to have. This could be due to: recent life transitions that have put sex at a low priority, low/mismatched desire, erectile dysfunction, early ejaculation, sexual trauma, sexual pain, and more. I enjoy helping couples bring back sexual enjoyment who cannot quite identify why it got lost in the first place. One particular area I enjoy working with is individuals or couples who are struggling with sex after a cancer diagnosis. 
I am passionate about helping those with gender identity or sexual orientation exploration and those in non-traditional relationships (poly, swinging, open marriages, kink, etc).


Many couples also find themselves experiencing life transitions or issues unrelated to sex concerns. I can definitely help there too! I have special interest in working with: high conflict couples, couples considering divorce, and blended families. When appropriate, I utilize Emotionally Focused Therapy with couples.

I work to make everyone who enters my office feel comfortable and confident that we can work collaboratively to get to a better place for you. I am happy to answer any questions about beginning the process of therapy and also offer a free 30 minute consultation appointment to help you determine if we are a good fit.

Part of my work as a therapist has also been facilitating presentations and workshops on the topic of sexuality and sex therapy to the public, graduate students, and therapists. I have presented at the local and national level. I look forward to continue to do more of this in the future and welcome the opportunity to do so.
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I also offer supervision, internships, and consultation to therapists. ​I am an LMFT board-approved & AAMFT approved supervisor for those seeking their LMFT and LPCC licensure.


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Kailey Morien

(She/Her)
Masters Level Intern Therapist
I hold a bachelor’s of science in psychology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Minnesota. I am a current graduate school student obtaining my master’s in counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy track, from St. Thomas University. 
Sexuality requires vulnerability, which can be difficult to express individually and in relationship. I am passionate about aiding individuals and couples in exploring their masked vulnerabilities to better connect and create a fulfilling life partnership.  
I have a strong interest in all aspects of female sexuality. I enjoy helping women explore both it’s expression and constraints from cultural and societal ideals/norms.
I also enjoy working with couples or individuals who are going through the transition of becoming new parents and navigating their sex life postpartum.
I also work with sexual trauma, depression/anxiety, and teens.
Creating a safe space for self-exploration is crucial. I use a systemic lens when helping clients combined with evidence-based therapy practices such as mindfulness and CBT.

Due to Kailey being a supervised clinician in her masters program she is able to offer services at a reduced fee based on need.
Kailey is supervised by Amanda Holmberg MS LMFT

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Josalin Helmeuller, BA

 She/Her
Administrative Assisstant
Josalin is our fabulous administrative assistant who is also here to guide you through scheduling your first appointment. Starting therapy isn't always easy and Josalin looks forward to helping make the process easy and helpful! Joslin has a bachelors degree in Psychology and is a first year student at the University of St Thomas in the Counseling Psychology Program. 
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Sexual Wellness Institute, PLLC is a specialized sex & relationship therapy practice in Plymouth, MN. We serve clients all over Minnesota and Wisconsin and are located near Maple Grove, St. Louis Park, Wayzata, & Minnetonka.

This site is presented for information only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice. Presentation and Design ©2014-2018. SWIPLLC. All Rights Reserved.
  • Home
  • Our Therapists
  • Specialties
    • Sex Therapy >
      • Sex Addiction and Porn Addiction
      • Desire Concerns
      • Infidelity
      • Substance Use and Sexuality
    • Marriage Counseling & Couple Therapy >
      • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples
      • Gottman Method for Couples Therapy
    • EMDR/Sexual Trauma Therapy
    • Teens
  • Rates
  • Our Location
  • Resources
    • Sensate Focus Clients Only
  • Common Questions
  • Free Consultation
  • Supervision/Consultation
  • Online Therapy
  • Blog