Supporting Our Minnesota Community

Debbie Locketz • January 27, 2026

You Don’t Have to Carry It Alone — Therapy Openings Available Now in Minnesota

The past weeks have brought deep pain and unrest to communities across Minnesota. Many people are feeling overwhelmed by fear, anger, grief, uncertainty, and emotional exhaustion in the wake of ongoing unrest that has affected our neighborhoods and sense of safety. Recent events in Minneapolis have left many Minnesotans struggling with anxiety, stress, and trauma that can feel hard to manage alone.


If you’re finding it hard to sleep, feeling constantly on edge, overwhelmed by emotions, or simply “not yourself”  you deserve support, care, and a space where your experience matters.


I Have Immediate Therapy Openings

I am currently offering immediate appointments for individuals in Minnesota who are struggling emotionally with the impacts of the unrest, community trauma, and heightened stress in the region. Whether you are:

  • feeling overwhelmed,
  • struggling to cope with stress or anxiety,
  • navigating trauma reactions,
  • grieving losses or shaken by recent events,
  • trying to make sense of intense emotions,

…therapy can be a supportive space to help you find grounding, clarity, resilience, and healing.


Why Talk to a Therapist Now?

Times of collective trauma and unrest can trigger deep emotional responses: anxiety, hypervigilance, sadness, anger, sleep problems, fear for the future — all of which are normal reactions to abnormal stressors. Talking with a therapist can help you:

  • process your emotional response without judgment
  • learn skills to manage anxiety and stress
  • strengthen your sense of safety and resilience
  • build routines and coping tools that support your daily life


You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough” your emotional well-being matters.


How to Schedule

If you or someone you know could benefit from support, I invite you to reach out for a consultation. Early support can make a meaningful difference in how you navigate ongoing stress and uncertainty. Sliding scale and pro bono session are available if needed.

Contact:

Debbie Locketz, LICSW
(952) 208-6700
debbie@corementalwellness.com

www.corementalwellness.com
to schedule:https://debbie-locketz.clientsecure.me/

Please share this with others who might be struggling — reaching out can be a powerful first step toward feeling better.

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Parents Supporting Their Students

By Debbie Locketz • January 20, 2025
Tips to help you provide meaningful and effective support during this pivotal time:

Easing the Transition: Returning to College After Winter Break

By Debbie Locketz • January 16, 2025
For many college students, winter break is a welcome pause—a time to rest, reconnect with family and friends, and enjoy the comforts of home. However, the transition back to campus life after the holidays can bring its own set of challenges. Whether it’s adjusting to a new routine, managing academic pressures, or simply navigating the emotional shift, returning to college after winter break can feel overwhelming. Here are some tips to help make this transition smoother and more intentional for students: Reflect on the Past Semester Take time to evaluate the highs and lows of your previous semester. What worked well for you? What challenges did you face? Reflecting on these experiences can help you set realistic goals and identify areas for improvement. Consider journaling or talking with a trusted friend or mentor to process your thoughts. Set Intentions for the New Semester Instead of diving back into college life without a plan, take a moment to set clear intentions. These might include academic goals, self-care habits, or social aspirations. For example, you might aim to attend more professor office hours, join a new club, or prioritize consistent sleep. Reconnect with Your Support System Returning to campus can sometimes feel isolating after spending time with family and friends. Reach out to roommates, classmates, or members of your campus community to reconnect and rebuild your support system. Having a network of people who understand your experiences can make a world of difference. Create a Balanced Routine The start of a new semester is the perfect time to establish healthy habits. Balance your schedule by allocating time for classes, studying, exercise, socializing, and relaxation. Don’t forget to leave room for flexibility, as unexpected opportunities and challenges may arise. Prioritize Self-Care Winter’s shorter days and colder temperatures can impact energy levels and mood. Combat the winter blues by prioritizing self-care. This might include staying active, eating nourishing foods, and seeking out natural sunlight whenever possible. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so don’t hesitate to seek support if needed. Ease Into Your Academic Workload The temptation to hit the ground running can be strong, but it’s important to pace yourself. Review your syllabi and create a plan to manage your assignments, readings, and exams. Start with small, manageable tasks to build momentum without overwhelming yourself. Embrace New Opportunities A new semester offers a fresh start. Be open to trying new things, whether it’s taking on a leadership role, attending campus events, or exploring different study techniques. Embracing change and growth can lead to unexpected and rewarding experiences. Practice Gratitude As you transition back to college, take a moment to appreciate the opportunities and experiences ahead. Practicing gratitude can shift your mindset and help you approach challenges with resilience and optimism. Returning to college after winter break can feel like a whirlwind, but with a little preparation and mindfulness, it can also be a time of renewal and growth. By reflecting on the past, setting intentions, and taking care of yourself, you can create a meaningful and successful semester. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on your support system as you navigate this transition. Here’s to a fresh start and a fulfilling new chapter! Please reach out to me at debbie@corementalwellness.com if you need support during the semester.

The Election, Your Vote and The Anxiety We Are All Feeling

By Debbie Locketz • November 5, 2024
With election day upon us, many people are feeling a whole array of emotions. I have talked to a lot of people over the past few weeks that are all expressing a sense of fear and anxiety. Election anxiety is common, especially during a high-stakes election. Often it can feel overwhelming to manage the social media posts, T.V. ads and campaign rhetoric leading up to election day. This anxiety can spill over after the first Tuesday of November depending on the election results and your personal viewpoints. I am hoping this blog post will help you identify your anxious thoughts and give you some tools to ease your emotions. Strategies that may help ease your anxiety: Limit Your Triggers : Constantly checking for updates can heighten anxiety. Consider setting specific times for news and social media, rather than refreshing throughout the day. Set Boundaries in Conversations : Talking about politics is inevitable, but it can become exhausting. It’s okay to set boundaries with friends, family, or colleagues if you need a break from political discussions. Focus on the Present: Anxiety often stems from worrying about the future. Practicing mindfulness can help keep you present. Simple techniques, like deep breathing or a five-senses grounding exercise (Find and name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can feel, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste.) can reduce stress. Vote or Volunteer : Taking productive action, such as volunteering, making calls, or donating to a cause you support, can give you a sense of control and purpose. Take Care of Yourself : Make sure you’re eating well, sleeping, exercising, and engaging in activities that bring you joy. These simple routines can help keep your mind and body resilient. Seek Community and Support : Connect with others who understand how you’re feeling. Having conversations in a supportive environment can provide relief and validation. Practice Gratitude : Focus on things you’re thankful for each day. This helps shift your attention away from anxiety and toward positive aspects of life. Be Gentle with Yourself : It’s normal to feel stressed during intense times. Remind yourself that this is temporary and allow yourself to feel what comes up without judgment.  If you want to talk more about the anxiety you are feeling, let's talk! Reach out to me at debbie@corementalwellness.com