Robert Wagner

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.