Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Monger.
Hi Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I grew up the son of a Child Psychologist in Perth, Western Australia. At 18 I left Australia to study Social Work in a small private university in Iowa; later to pursue my Masters in Clinical Counseling. While completing my graduate work in Springfield, MO, I served as the Emergency Room Intake Coordinator for a 110 bed Children’s Psychiatric Hospital. Following this, my wife and I moved to Minnesota in which I completed a short stint as a case manager in a dual diagnosis residential treatment center in the Hopkins area. In 2003, I became the first fulltime mental health counselor at North Central University in downtown Minneapolis. During my 17 years I built and became the clinical director of the Student Success Center overseeing Academic Support, Disability Services, Career Development, and Mental Health Counseling in a one stop shop format. Such a program was designed out of my Social Work training, my time serving in the emergency room setting, and my passion to help students reach their full potential. The motto my team served under was: “Seeking to advance the success of ALL students in ALL areas.” In 2015 I stepped into a senior administrator role at the university becoming the Executive Director of Student Development which I served for 5 years before stepping away to pursue community mental health through private practice. During my time at the University, I maintained a small private practice in the evenings – first in a standard counseling office format and then for 6 years providing equine assisted psychotherapy in a farm setting. When I first moved into private practice fulltime it was serving in the equine assisted setting with a specialized focus on those who grow their families through adoption. Using animals and the natural environment is a powerful tool for families needing extra support learning about bonding and attachment. In 2023, I stepped away from the farm setting and into the standard practice model where I am now. I serve children and adults providing clinical mental health counseling, in addition to my passion for teaching and lecturing in the community on a variety of leadership and relationship issues.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I am a visionary and creative person therefore I would say the road has been a smooth. That is not to say that road has not brought with it adventure, mystery, unpredictability and setbacks. The famous saying “everything worth achieving is uphill” is a true statement in my experience. No one ever grows in the comfort zone, it takes the novelty of risk and the testing of our confidence to build resiliency and self-efficacy. But to answer this question, the road has been smooth because of the struggle it takes to form and smooth out that path I have been fortunate to travel.
It also goes without saying, that when traveling a road those you choose to bring along and surround yourself with on the journey will often determine how “bumpy” it will be when the bumps and potholes do present themselves. My traveling companions are the reason I find joy in every new day.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Originally from Perth, Australia, I am is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, National Certified Counselor & Approved Clinical Supervisor operating my own private practice in Wayzata, MN, serving children & adults. My approach is a creative blend of attachment theory with Reality Therapy incorporating clinical insights through the use of story, metaphor, practical insights, and activities delivered in a coaching style format. With specializations and extensive experience in suicide and risk management, mood disorders, and the educational intersection of mental health and student success, I also have a niche market in sports psychology having the opportunity to work with professional athletes in the PGA, MLB, FIDE (International Chess), along with many junior athletes pursing elite status.
In addition to clinical counseling services, I value the opportunity to provide entertaining and insightful presentations to organizations looking to provide continuing education or professional development in the domain of mental health or leadership development. My ability to bring creative and engaging exercises within the large group setting have made me a sought-out speaker both locally and beyond. Participants have found my presentations informative, thought provoking, applicable and memorable.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I published my first book in 2024: https://www.amazon.com/Windows-Story-Power-Horse-Relationships/dp/1635221056
Pricing:
- $165 per session
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/todd-monger-wayzata-mn/74836?msockid=2b72350be1226c203aea2781e52262e3
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-monger-lpcc-ncc-6092351a/
