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As a mental health clinic and training center, our therapists are trained in EMDR, trauma therapy, and attachment disorders.
Anthony Todd Nichols, PhD, LP (email, 952-234-4632) works with individuals of all ages who have experienced physical and sexual trauma, and has worked extensively with males with sexual and other addictions. Dr. Nichols has extensive experience working with adults and children with attachment disorders and related diagnoses. Dr. Nichols has served as an expert witness when an attachment disorder diagnosis was part of the case. He has received specialized training in trauma therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as well as other methodologies. Dr. Nichols is also the clinic’s Executive Director. Psychology Today profile
Melissa Grace Nichols, MA, LMFT (email,952-475-2818 ext. 1010) is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She specializes in working with children, adolescents and their families who have suffered early childhood trauma including abandonment, neglect, and abuse. Ms. Nichols came to FACC in 1997 and has received extensive training in attachment theory, post- traumatic stress disorder, parenting, Eye movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Trauma-Focused CBT, Neurological Reorganization, and equine assisted therapy (EAGALA). She is the lead author of Parenting with Stories, originator of the First Steps for Strengthening Adoptive Families program and DVD, and co-author of Connecting with Kids through Stories. She holds graduate degrees in theology and counseling in psychology. Ms. Nichols also presents nationally on topics of attachment and Family Attachment Narrative Therapy.
Denise B. Lacher, MA, LP (email, 952-475-2818 ext. 1014) is the Family Attachment Center’s Director of Attachment Programs. Ms. Lacher has received extensive training in attachment theory, post-traumatic stress disorders, and parenting. Ms. Lacher came to the Center in 1994, and specializes in EMDR and Family Attachment Narrative Therapy. Ms. Lacher has presented nationally on attachment and treatment of attachment disturbances.
Connie Dummer, MA, LP, LMFT, RPT-S (email, 952-475-2818 ext. 1022) joined the Family Attachment Center in August 2008. Previously she worked for the Christian Recovery Center from 1993 until 2008. Connie is trained in EMDR and works with adults, families, and children. She has been a Registered Play Therapist since 2004 and is registered at the supervisor level. Psychology Today profile
Stephanie Zimmerman, MSW, LICSW (email, 952-475-2818 ext. 1012) joined the Family Attachment Center in 2006. Ms. Zimmerman worked as a social worker in a school setting for approximately eight years and as a clinical social worker in an outpatient clinic prior to joining the Family Attachment Center. She provides therapeutic services to children, adults and families and is also a lead therapist in the Family Attachment intensive outpatient program.
Christina Paulsen, MA, LMFT, joined the clinic September 2022. Christina works with families, couples and individuals to foster meaningful relationships, overcome adversity and experience greater joy in life. Christina received her masters in marriage and family therapy from Wheaton College and has received additional training in EMDR, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and ADHD. Christina is a Prepare/Enrich and Hold Me Tight Retreat Facilitator. Clinical interests include relationship difficulties, trauma recovery, anxiety, depression, parenting, grief/loss and life stage transitions.
Anna Ludowese is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. Dr. Ludowese provides holistic psychiatric services both in person at Family Attachment and Counseling Center located in Chaska, MN and online. She works with a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, ADHD, and other psychiatric illnesses in individuals aged 6 to 65. Psychology Today Profile
Joanne May, PhD, LP, LMFT is the Family Attachment Center’s founder. Now retired, Dr. May was in the mental health field for over 40 years.