News - River Pines Counseling

Art Therapy – Monthly Newsletter – May 2025

Unlocking Healing Through Creativity

Many people struggle with speaking about how they are feeling any people are looking for new ways to express themselves, manage emotions, and find inner peace. One powerful approach that’s gaining recognition is art therapy—a unique blend of creativity and psychology that helps people explore their feelings without having to find the “right words.”

What Is Art Therapy?

Art therapy is a form of psychotherapy that uses creative expression as a tool for healing and self-discovery. It’s facilitated by trained art therapists—mental health professionals who combine researched knowledge of psychology with art techniques to help clients communicate and process their emotions.
You don’t need to be “good” at art or have an art background to benefit from this therapy. It isn’t about creating masterpieces—it’s about using lines, color, shapes, and images to express what’s going on internally.

How Expressive Arts Therapy Helps

Expressive Arts therapy offers a different route into the emotional mind. It allows people to express things that may be too difficult, confusing, or painful to talk about directly. Through drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage, individuals can:

Explore emotions
Relieve stress and anxiety
Process trauma or grief
Improve self-awareness and self-esteem
Strengthen problem-solving skills
Promote mindfulness and focus

For many, creating art in a supportive setting opens the door to conversations, realizations, and growth that might otherwise stay locked away.

Who Can Benefit from Expressive Arts Therapy?

The beauty of expressive arts therapy is that it’s versatile—it can support people of all ages and backgrounds, including:

Children who have difficulty verbalizing emotions
Teens struggling with identity, anxiety, trauma, or peer pressure
Adults dealing with stress, depression, or trauma
Seniors facing memory loss or loneliness
Veterans processing PTSD
Anyone looking for a nonverbal way to heal and connect

It’s is a gentle, powerful way to get in touch with your inner world. It meets you where you are—no pressure, no judgment—and gives you tools to understand, heal, and grow. Whether you’re navigating big emotions or simply seeking a new outlet for self-care, Expressive arts therapy can open a door to healing that words alone sometimes can’t.

Art Therapy Resources

Art Therapy Toolkit
American Art Therapy Association PDF explaining it
Art Therapy in Action (shown in action from renowned art therapists)
15 Expressive Therapy Activities & Ideas for Kids
Stepping Into the Circle: Inviting Spirit Through Medicine Wheel Teachings in the Expressive Therapies Continuum
6 Steps to Mindfully Deal With Difficult Emotions

For more information on how Expressive Arts Therapy can benefit you, contact us at:
info@riverpinescounseling.com or call: 651-383-6054
“Take a deep breath and relax. River Pines Counseling is ready to support your development journey.”

Real Health Score and River Pines Partnership

Unlocking Holistic Wellness: River Pines Counseling Partners with Real Health Score

At River Pines Counseling, we believe true healing happens when we treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Dr. Nicholas Meyer and the inspiring team at Real Health Score.

A Shared Vision for Whole-Person Wellness

Real Health Score is redefining how we think about health. Their approach goes beyond check-ups and test results—they focus on giving people a deeper understanding of their overall well-being, combining lifestyle, emotional wellness, and physical health into one easy-to-understand score.
This mission aligns beautifully with our work at River Pines. We know that mental health is inseparable from physical and emotional health. Whether you’re managing stress, anxiety, trauma, or just trying to build a healthier routine, understanding your full health picture is a powerful first step.

Why This Partnership Matters

Through this collaboration, we’re opening the door to even more integrated care. Here’s what we’re excited about:

Holistic support: Real Health Score empowers clients with a simple way to understand how daily habits impact their well-being—something we talk about all the time in therapy!
Shared values: Both of our organizations are committed to empowerment, accessibility, and healing at every stage of life.
New resources: Clients at River Pines Counseling will have access to tools that deepen their self-awareness and support long-term health—not just emotionally, but physically too.

Get to Know Real Health Score

We encourage you to check them out, give them a follow, and explore their resources: 🔗 realhealthscore.com
📘 Follow on Facebook
💙 Dr. Nicholas Meyer – Health Grades profile
We’re excited about where this partnership will lead—and most importantly, how it will help us continue providing compassionate, whole-person care to our clients and community.

For more information about your Real Health Score, contact us at:

info@riverpinescounseling.com or call: 651-383-6054
“Take a deep breath and relax. River Pines Counseling is ready to support your development journey.”

River Pines Monthly Newsletter – March 2025 – EMDR

Understanding EMDR Therapy

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (commonly known as EMDR) was developed by American psychologist Dr. Francine Shapiro in 1987. EMDR is a groundbreaking therapeutic approach designed to help individuals process and heal from traumatic or challenging life experiences.
EMDR utilizes the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model to assist individuals in becoming unstuck from distressing memories.Through guided bilateral stimulation, which activates both hemispheres of the brain, EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories reducing their emotional intensity and enabling healthier cognitive integration. It’s is a highly researched and effective treatment for addressing psychological trauma, with long-term positive outcomes. Many individuals experience sustained improvements in emotional regulation and overall well-being.

EMDR is not limited to trauma treatment & can treat a variety of mental health concerns including

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Mood disorders
Phobias
Addictions
Chronic Pain
Personality Disorders
Eating Disorders

EMDR has been shown to improve

Emotional regulation and arousal
Attention flexibility
Memory association and processing

Common sources of trauma

Bullying
attachment trauma
childhood trauma
Natural disaster
Discrimination, stigma, or opression
Medical trauma
Physical abuse
Sexual trauma
Neglect

For more information on how EMDR can benefit you, contact us at:

info@riverpinescounseling.com or call: 651-383-6054
“Take a deep breath and relax. River Pines Counseling is ready to support your development journey.”

Happy Holiday Greetings from the River Pines Counseling Team!

Happy Holiday Greetings from River Pines Counseling Team!

The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and togetherness, and we at River Pines Counseling are grateful for the opportunity to support you throughout the year.

As we celebrate this special season, we want to wish you and your loved ones happiness, peace, and good health. May your holidays be filled with love and laughter, and may the new year bring hope and growth.

Thank you for letting us be a part of your journey. Here’s to a wonderful holiday season and a bright new year ahead!

With warmest wishes,
The River Pines Counseling Team

River Pines Welcomes Clare Beardsley

River Pines Counseling welcomes provider Clare Beardsley to the team! New services that Clare adds to our practice include couples counseling, 14+ teens, and art therapy. Meet new provider Clare!

River Pines Counseling team members support the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce fellow businesses on the River.

The River Pines Counseling team had a fantastic time at the annual mixer hosted by the Stillwater and Washington County Chamber Coalition Chambers aboard the Majestic Star Riverboat. This lively event, which took place on the beautiful Saint Croix River, was the perfect opportunity for our team to connect with fellow professionals and enjoy the vibrant local community.

We were thrilled to meet so many wonderful business owners and staff from neighboring Chambers of Commerce, all coming together to celebrate the spirit of collaboration and support that defines our region. The scenic riverboat ride offered not only breathtaking views but also the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about how we can all uplift each other in our shared goal of serving the community.

It’s always a joy to support local businesses, and this mixer was a reminder of the incredible talent and dedication within our area. We’re proud to be part of a network that values growth, connection, and the well-being of the community. A big thank you to the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce for organizing such a memorable event! The River Pines Counseling team looks forward to many more opportunities to engage with our local business community and continue building strong relationships.

The entertainment on the Majestic Star cruise was exceptional, with live local talent on every level of the boat. Monique Smaz, a talented singer-songwriter from St. Paul, graced us with her unique blend of country, rock, and soul. Her powerful vocals and impressive versatility on multiple instruments brought a lively energy to the evening, as she performed both original music and beloved covers from across genres and decades. You can check out more about her at Monique Smaz’s website.

We were also treated to the soulful sounds of Josh Quinn, another Saint Paul native, whose bluesy piano riffs and emotive vocals had the crowd captivated. Josh’s ability to tell a story through his music made each song feel personal, whether it was an original composition or a fresh take on a classic. Discover more of his work at Josh Quinn’s website.

Adding to the stellar lineup was Vinnie Rose, Minnesota’s premiere acoustic guitarist and vocalist. With a repertoire spanning everything from Buddy Holly to John Mayer, Vinnie entertained guests with both classic hits and his own original songs. His seamless transitions between styles kept the energy high throughout the evening. Find out more about Vinnie at Vinnie Rose’s website.

This variety of live entertainment truly enhanced the fun and celebratory spirit of the mixer!

Here’s to supporting each other and creating a thriving, connected region!

River Pines Welcomes Kate Auge

We are excited to welcome new therapy provider, Kate Auge, to River Pines Counseling! She’s an absolute gem. Spread the word – she has immediate openings for adults struggling with trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, relationships and life changes. EMDR. CBT. In-person and telehealth.

Stillwater MN Snow Sculpting Championship Competition 2024

River Pines Counseling Joins the World Snow Sculpting Championship 2024 in Stillwater, Minnesota

In the picturesque town of Stillwater, Minnesota, nestled on the banks of the Saint Croix River, the spirit of community and collaboration recently took center stage at the World Snow Sculpting Championship 2024. Among the local businesses that enthusiastically participated in this event was River Pines Counseling, a dedicated mental health support center led by owner Darcy and a compassionate team of professionals.

Beautiful Stillwater Minnesota

Stillwater, a charming small town in the eastern Twin Cities metro area, is renowned for its scenic beauty, historic charm, and vibrant community spirit. Every year, it hosts the World Snow Sculpting Championship, a global celebration of art and winter festivities. The event brought together 12 snow sculpting teams from around the world, each showcasing their creativity and skill in transforming blocks of snow into breathtaking sculptures.

River Pines Counseling Volunteers

At the heart of this year’s championship was the meaningful participation of local businesses including River Pines Counseling. Darcy Stivland and the compassionate team at River Pines volunteered their time and expertise to contribute to the success of this remarkable event. Their involvement not only demonstrated a commitment to community engagement but also highlighted the importance of mental health support in fostering a resilient and vibrant community.

The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The World Snow Sculpting Championship 2024 was made possible through the sponsorship of The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation. This partnership reflects the collaborative efforts of local businesses, organizations, and community leaders in creating a positive and enriching environment for residents and visitors alike.

The Snow Sculpting Spectacle

The championship featured awe-inspiring snow sculptures, each a testament to the skill, creativity, and teamwork of the participating artists. Visitors to Stillwater marveled at the intricate details and artistic expressions captured in the frozen masterpieces. The event not only brought joy to the community but also attracted visitors from near and far, contributing to the town’s cultural and economic vibrancy.

River Pines Counseling’s Commitment to Community

River Pines Counseling’s involvement in the World Snow Sculpting Championship goes beyond a weekend of volunteering; it reflects their ongoing commitment to community well-being. Mental health support is crucial in maintaining a healthy and resilient community, and River Pines continues to play a vital role in fostering emotional well-being among Stillwater residents.

The World Snow Sculpting Championship 2024 provided an opportunity for Stillwater, Minnesota, to shine on the global stage while fostering a sense of community pride. River Pines Counseling, with its dedicated owner Darcy and compassionate staff, showcased the importance of community engagement and mental health support in creating a thriving and resilient town. As Stillwater continues to embrace the spirit of collaboration, events like these become a cornerstone of community building and celebration.

River Pines Counseling

River Pines Counseling offers both professional counseling and physician & leadership coaching programs. The majority of their clients are healthcare providers, first responders, caregivers, pilots, professors and leaders. Their top niche is supporting those who care for, develop, and lead others. If that’s not you, River Pines Counseling noted that they are very welcoming of you too! Common client challenges relate to anxiety, depression, career stress, trauma, relationships, wellness, and gaining clarity of personal and business priorities.

The location is easy to find and the decor inside is breathtaking. The nature themed office with pine and birch tree wallpaper and a crackling fireplace lays way to a relaxing and trusting environment. If you are looking for someone to learn, grow or heal with, please consider River Pines Counseling today!

Stay tuned for new specialties and personalities joining soon. The River Pines Counseling team is quickly expanding. If you are a licensed therapist, interested in growing and promoting mental health as a provider for River Pines Counseling, they invite you to reach out.

River Pines Counseling
105 New England Place #150
Stillwater, MN 55082
info@riverpinescounseling.com
(651) 383-6054
River Pines Counseling

We are Hiring W-2 Licensed Therapists

Our small group practice is growing and adding contractors to provide mental health therapy to
adult clients. We are searching for W-2 Licensed Therapists!

River Pines Counseling Provides

Upscale boutique clinic professionally designed and newly established. Nature-themed retreat atmosphere. Prime location in Stillwater, Minnesota.
Flexible work arrangements, including telehealth, in-office therapy, or hybrid.
Flexible work schedules. Contractors bill a minimum of 16 sessions weekly and choose their own practice days and hours.
Production-based pay model offering a tiered level based on session numbers.
Experienced support staff that handles client intake and insurance verification.
Diligent billing and collections procedures by experienced billing staff.
Electronic health records (EHR): Clinical charting, telehealth platform, patient portal messaging, online patient scheduling, mental health evaluations, diagnosis tools, assessments, treatment plans, and Wiley Treatment Planning tools. Contractors can schedule sessions as well.
Microsoft 365 subscription: Email, MS Office Software, OneDrive File Storage, Teams, advanced healthcare security platform.
High-end professionally designed website. Dedicated contractor provider profile page to drive referrals.
Owner’s highly experienced credentialing vendor will complete applications, follow-up with insurance companies, and track and manage annual renewals. Owner has insurance contracts with Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, Cigna, Health Partners, Humana, Mayo Medical, Medica, PrimeWest Health, South Country Health Alliance, United Health Care (UHC), Optum, UMR, UBH, Bind-Surest, and PreferredOne.

W2 Contractors Will

Demonstrate a strong background of clinical practice working with adult clients.
Hold an exclusive relationship with Owner for practicing therapy.
Complete clinically sound mental health evaluations, treatment plans, progress notes, and PHQ-9, GAD-7, and ACES assessments for all new client intakes.
Maintain up to date DSM-5 clinical diagnosis knowledge and follow industry standards.
Utilize evidence-based practices and principles which align to industry best practices.
Demonstrate that Minnesota license is maintained, active, in good standing, and not under Investigation, with no penalties and practice exclusions.

This job listing on Zip Recruiter.

This job listing on Indeed.

*Fully licensed therapists only*
River Pines Counseling
105 New England Place #150
Stillwater, MN 55082
info@riverpinescounseling.com
(651) 383-6054
River Pines Counseling

Stillwater Chamber Welcomes River Pines

GREATER STILLWATER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / PRESS RELEASE

Chamber Welcomes River Pines Counseling to the Chamber and Community

Darcy Stivland, co-owner of River Pines Counseling, cut the ribbon at the Chamber welcome celebration on September 7th, 2023.

Stillwater, MN. The Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce welcomed local business River Pines Counseling to the Chamber and the community with a ribbon cutting celebration on September 7th, 2023. The event took place at 105 New England Place, Suite 150 in Stillwater, MN with owners Darcy Stivland (ranked by Healthgrades as “Best Therapist in Stillwater”) and her father Rod Stivland along with healthcare industry partners, personal supporters, Greater Stillwater Chamber ambassadors and staff.

River Pines Counseling was founded by the father/daughter provider team in 2022 with a vision for creating a nature-inspired, boutique-style mental health therapy option for adults seeking support with life changes and challenges. Their purpose is to help their clients find a deep sense of peace, joy and hope. Their typical client is looking for a life with less stress, anxiety, depression and relationship struggle. They want new perspectives, greater insight, and coping skills with practical tools.

River Pines Counseling offers both professional counseling and physician & leadership coaching programs. The majority of their clients are healthcare providers, first responders, caregivers, pilots, professors and leaders. Their top niche is supporting those who care for, develop, and lead others. If that’s not you, River Pines Counseling noted that they are very welcoming of you too! Common client challenges relate to anxiety, depression, career stress, trauma, relationships, wellness, and gaining clarity of personal and business priorities.

The location is easy to find and the decor inside is breathtaking. The nature themed office with pine and birch tree wallpaper and a crackling fireplace lays way to a relaxing and trusting environment. If you are looking for someone to learn, grow or heal with, please consider River Pines Counseling today!

Stay tuned for new specialties and personalities joining soon. The River Pines Counseling team is quickly expanding. If you are a licensed therapist, interested in growing and promoting mental health as a provider for River Pines Counseling, they invite you to reach out.

River Pines Counseling
105 New England Place #150
Stillwater, MN 55082
info@riverpinescounseling.com
(651) 383-6054
River Pines Counseling