Meet Our Team

Kelsi Stricherz, MS, RPT-S, LPC-MH

Owner/Therapist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

License Professional Counselor – Mental Health — Registered Play Therapist- Supervisor

PRACTICE AREAS

Play Therapy for ages 4-12 & individual counseling for children, adolescents and adults.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield | Avera | Health Partners | Sanford | Midland’s Choice | Meritain Health | United Healthcare | Medicaid | Private Pay

ABOUT ME

Hello! I am Kelsi and I founded True Reflections Counseling and Play Therapy in March 2020.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MH) and Registered Play Therapist (RPT), I work to provide individuals of all ages with feelings of value, courage, and connection to overcome challenges and move towards healing. I believe in building an authentic relationship in a comfortable, safe and supportive setting for all to be both seen and heard. I work with people across the lifespan, however, I specialize in working with children ages 4-11 utilizing Play Therapy to meet and communicate with children in their world and in their primary language of play. I also have completed level 1 Theraplay training and will incorporate the relational-based activities, accordingly, throughout sessions.

I graduated from South Dakota State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development. All of my continuing education and supervision for the specialization in Play Therapy as been through South Dakota State University as well. Go Jacks!

Some areas I work with include adoption, foster care, child attachment challenges, grief, divorce, trauma, and neurodiversity (Autism/ADHD). In working with adults, I want to come along side and support the process of self-development and understanding through life transitions, loss, anxiety, depression, and childhood trauma.

Questions? Please don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. When looking for a counselor, it is important to know you have a choice–I look forward to hearing from you!

Ashley Lindgren, MSW, CSW-PIP, QMHP

Therapist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Master’s of Social Work- Private Independent Practice — EMDR trained — Qualified Mental Health Professional

PRACTICE AREAS

Individual therapy across the lifespan (4 and up) with a specialization in trauma informed approach and attachment; EMDR; Animal Assisted Play Therapy (R)  (Level 1), play therapist in training

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield | United Healthcare | Sanford | ChampVA | Avera | Health Partners | SD Medicaid/Medicare | Private Pay

ABOUT ME

For as long as I can remember I have had a passion and drive to help and serve others. My enthusiasm led me graciously to my career in Clinical Social Work where I have been providing mental health therapy within our community for approximately eight years. I graduated with a Master of Social Work degree from the University of South Dakota in 2016. I have had the privilege of serving on the South Dakota National Association of Social Work (NASW) board of representatives in a variety of positions, previously as the board president.  

Therapy is vulnerable and I recognize the strength it takes to walk through the door and start the process. My years as a therapist have allowed me to understand the dynamics of mental health and how everyone’s journey is unique.  I have experience working across the lifespan and use an integrative theoretical approach, which allows me to meet each person where they are, providing a safe and nonjudgmental space. Working right alongside me is my loving and gentle therapy dog, Loomis. Loomis has completed positive reinforcement obedience training and AKC Canine Good Citizen. Both Loomis and I are in the process of becoming certified in Animal Assisted Play therapy (R). Additionally, I work with trauma and abuse, attachment, PTSD, anxiety, depression, suicidality, grief and more. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), completed Level 1 training for Animal Assisted Play therapy (R) and have started the process of becoming a Registered Play Therapist. 

In my spare time I surround myself with family and friends. I am a lover of the outdoors and nature- camping, hiking, and traveling speak to my love language.  I have two sons who keep me busy and an even busier husband. Sharing in our love for the outdoors are our two golden retrievers, Loomis and Rapala.

Gretchen Nassen

Therapist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy, LMFT- in training, EMDR trained

PRACTICE AREAS

Pre-Marital Counseling, Marriage counseling, counseling & parent support for school-age children, and counseling for teens, adults and families.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Sanford | Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield | Avera | Private Pay/HSA

ABOUT ME

I made the decision to join the counseling world after completing pre-marital counseling with my husband prior to our marriage. I found myself naturally curious and excited about listening and helping people navigate through difficult times in their life. I completed my Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Sioux Falls Seminary and worked in community mental health before joining the True Reflections team. I am trained in EMDR which is a therapeutic technique used to alleviate the stress from traumatic events by helping the brain re-process trauma using bilateral stimulation. EMDR is helpful for individuals who have a PTSD diagnosis but can also be used with severe anxiety or depression to decrease the severity of symptoms experienced. I use a wholistic and integrative approach with each child, teen, adult or family I work with–no two people are the same and each person’s therapy process is different. You bring the honesty and openness, I’ll bring the safe and non-judgmental space and together we will conquer the world! (Not really, but wouldn’t that be fun?!)

I address issues relating to depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, relational conflicts, life transitions, stress management, PTSD, and spiritual issues. I offer premarital counseling through the Enrich/Prepare program to help create a strong foundation for marriage. I also enjoy working with couples to enhance their marriage by identifying key lapses in communication, rebuilding connection, and having hard conversations. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, going on walks, gardening, and re-charging my battery with friends and coffee!

Kellie Nielsen

Therapist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Master’s in Counseling – Nationally Certified Counselor, LPC- in training

PRACTICE AREAS

Counseling for couples, older teens, college age/young adults, and individual adults.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Sanford | Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield | Avera | Private Pay/ HSA

ABOUT ME

Before joining the team at True Reflections, I had the privilege of working as a counselor at a local college for eight years, where I’ve dedicated my time to helping clients navigate life transitions, anxiety, depression, spirituality, boundary issues, career challenges, and relationship dynamics. I am particularly passionate about working with teenagers and young adults, and I look forward to continuing this meaningful work.

While I enjoy supporting individuals of all ages, I am especially passionate about working with couples. I am certified in Gottman Couples Therapy, Levels 1 and 2, and I look forward to the opportunity to explore the complexities of relationships with my clients.

In my office you will find a working therapy dog named Teddy. Teddy provides comfort and support in the counseling office. His gentle nature and wagging tail create a safe space for clients to feel at ease. Whether resting by their side or snoring away on his pillow, Teddy loves to help client’s feel more at ease.

I graduated from South Dakota State University in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Development and Family Studies, followed by a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Human Development in 2016—Go Jacks! In 2023, I achieved the title of National Certified Counselor and began the journey toward licensure in South Dakota.

Outside of work, my life is filled with activity as I chase after my three kids, dog, and cat—there’s never a dull moment in our household! When my husband and I get a chance to unwind, we love going for long walks, working out, and enjoying dinners out together.

Heather Sieh

Therapist

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Master’s in Counseling, LPC in training

PRACTICE AREAS

Counseling for pre-teens, teens, young adults, and adults.

INSURANCES ACCEPTED

Sanford | Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield | Avera | Private Pay/HSA

ABOUT ME

It is my belief that one of the bravest things you can do is to ask for help when you need it. As a therapist I aim to create a safe environment and build a trusting and supportive relationship where you can start your journey of healing and growth.  

I graduated from Northern State University with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology and Sociology with specializations in Human Services and Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree in School Counseling. I have experience working with people across the lifespan but have specialized in working with adolescents aged 10-14 for the last eight years providing individual and group counseling to help them navigate academic struggles, explore and create goals for future career opportunities, and address personal challenges.  

I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in a variety of areas including anxiety, depression, life transitions, divorce, grief, parenting and trauma. I use an integrative approach to counseling that allows me to provide an individualized experience for each client while taking into consideration their unique needs, experiences, and goals.  

As a therapist I value the importance of exploring the unique strengths and resilience in each individual to help encourage hope, confidence, healing, and growth. Through our collaboration, I hope to help you become the healthiest and happiest version of yourself.