Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships
Hello! My name is Bob and I am a Licensed Psychologist in the state of Minnesota. I have 30+ years’ experience providing services in Chemical and Mental health as well as disability services. My early years were serving individuals with the co-occurring disorders of chemical and mental health. They are still my “people”. The past 20 years I have been serving individuals with intellectual disabilities as a supervisor and manager.
I believe everyone wants to feel good about themselves and can solve their problems. Sometimes, solving our problems involves others. That’s part of being independent and resourceful, knowing when we need others.
I like people and will be curious about you as well as your issues. I’ll believe in you! You’ll feel that caring and curious spirit.
If you work with me, this is what I’m most confident about:
• You’ll like and accept yourself, with all your beauty, current struggles and flaws.
• You’ll learn to manage your feelings so they don’t manage you. Doing so will help you be successful.
• You’ll rediscover your purpose and become more hopeful.
• You’ll discover gifts and strengths that you didn’t know you had. But, you’ll also have realistic expectations of yourself as well as life itself. Being human is beautiful and hard, even sometimes terrible but oh so worthwhile and wonderful.
On December 26, 2004 I was body surfing off the Puerto Vallarta. It was the day of the tsunami which devastated Indonesia. A large wave beyond my skill level broke my neck and damaged my spinal cord. That savage gift and personal walk with disability has enhanced all of my skills and knowledge. So, I’m also personally and professionally well-versed in loss, life transitions and transformation. Mental and chemical health have been part of my personal journey.
My approach to therapy is person centered: you’re the expert on your life and will determine the direction and depth of therapy. There is no substitute for your wisdom, intuition and the steps you’ve already taken to solve your problems. We will work together but like physical therapy most of the work will be accomplished outside of our sessions. I lead with empathy and warmth but once you know and trust me, I won’t shirk from compassionate, respectful honesty. Compassion without honesty is enabling.
We will work together in a positive manner. I’ll be honest with you I don’t think we’re a good fit.
I primarily use evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and relapse prevention approaches. I tend to take a solution focused approach but some individuals may need significant time to process and heal from childhood pain, trauma or previous relationships. Dialectical behavior therapy can help you develop skills such as emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness. CBT can help you see the connection between thoughts, feelings and behavior. Motivational interviewing will help you increase your motivation and focus on your progress. Relapse prevention takes a positive approach to learning from your current and past journey to chemical health.
As referenced in the opening paragraph, I have worked with individuals who have a wide range of concerns including addictions, depression, anxiety, disability, grief and loss as well as trauma.
Most of us are ambiguous about change and it takes courage to seek healing and wellness. If you are ready to take further steps, I’m here to support and empower you.
I look forward to working with you,
Bob (Robert) Wagner LP
PS: Outside of work, I’m passionate about my family, both the biological as well as the family I’ve chosen. I love to read, be involved in my community and sports.
Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime
Robert Wagner is a licensed psychologist practicing in Minnesota with 20 years of experience providing therapy services.
He began his career working with individuals facing co-occurring chemical and mental health challenges, a population he continues to prioritize. For the past 20 years he has also worked with people who have intellectual disabilities, serving in supervisory and managerial roles.
He believes most people want to feel better about themselves and have the capacity to solve their problems. Part of that process is recognizing when help from others is needed – a practical expression of independence and resourcefulness.
Robert brings curiosity, warmth, and a steady belief in the strengths people already possess. He aims to help clients build self-acceptance while learning ways to manage emotions so feelings do not dictate behavior. Through therapy he helps clients reconnect with purpose, uncover abilities they may not have noticed, and set realistic expectations for themselves and life.
On December 26, 2004, he sustained a spinal cord injury while body surfing off Puerto Vallarta. That personal experience with disability and loss has informed his clinical perspective and deepened his understanding of life transitions, grief, and transformation. Mental and chemical health have also been part of his own journey.
His approach is person-centered: clients are regarded as experts on their own lives and guide the pace and focus of therapy. Much of the therapeutic work takes place outside sessions, similar to progress in physical therapy. He leads with empathy and warmth, and once a trusting relationship is established he offers compassionate, respectful honesty. He will be direct if the therapeutic fit is not right.
He primarily uses evidence-based methods such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, dialectical behavior therapy, and relapse prevention. He often employs a solution-focused stance while also allowing time for processing deeper childhood pain, trauma, or past relationship wounds when needed. DBT skills support emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness. CBT helps clarify links among thoughts, feelings, and behavior, motivational interviewing boosts motivation, and relapse prevention emphasizes learning from one’s recovery journey.
Robert has experience addressing a wide range of concerns, including addictions, depression, anxiety, disability-related issues, grief and loss, trauma, relationship and family conflicts, sleep difficulties, anger management, self-esteem, career challenges, and coaching needs. Outside of work he is passionate about his family – both biological and chosen – and enjoys reading, community involvement, and sports.
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