Rhonda Montavon, MSEd, Therapist

For me, counseling involves the collaborative effort of the counselor and the client to achieve personal goals that allow the client to live their best life.  It involves a therapeutic relationship that allows them to feel accepted, valued, heard, and seen.  We all face times of difficulty, and I believe that counseling can be a way of learning and growing personally to help get us through stressful or challenging times.  Counseling is also a way to increase levels of self-acceptance, self-awareness, and overall well-being.  Although my focus is DBT and CBT, my view of counseling involves an integrative approach using various evidence-based theories to create and provide a personalized treatment plan for each client while looking at individual needs, context, and the whole person to help reach personal therapeutic goals.   I strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and non-judgmental space for clients to share their stories and experiences, apply curiosity to behavioral patterns, and gain clarity in their own purpose and direction.

I received my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my master’s degree in counseling from University of Wisconsin-Superior.  Although I focused my studies on the treatment of eating disorders, I have experience working with depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder, and adjustment disorder.  I enjoy working with young adults who are trying to discover their purpose and meaning as well as finding hope for the future.   I also offer couples/marriage counseling to help with communication, intimacy, and parenting struggles.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time at the lake with family and friends, singing in my church choir, and volunteering for various community services. I am a member of the American Counseling Association and serve as a board member for the National Alliance for Mental Illness Lake Superior South Shore Chapter.  I’m also a cat mom to Winston who provides me with companionship, joy, and a zest for life. 

I utilize a variety of techniques based on the situation. Often my practice is heavily influenced by person-centered, relational (how relationships impact a person), and cognitive behavior therapy (focus on coping skills and behavior changes).

rhonda@trcduluth.com