Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathleen Massmann.
Hi Kathleen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into this work began through both professional training and personal experience. I earned my Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and later became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, but the path that shaped my career most profoundly was the unexpected loss of my son, Jacob, in 2011. Experiencing the death of a child changed every aspect of my life and opened my eyes to the gaps that often exist in grief and bereavement support, particularly for parents navigating pregnancy, infant, and child loss.
In the years that followed, I dedicated myself to learning as much as I could about grief, loss, trauma, and bereavement care. What began as a personal search for understanding evolved into a professional passion. I pursued specialized training in perinatal and infant loss, became a certified member of the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence (IPPE), a Fellow in Thanatology through the Association for Death Education and Counseling, and completed my doctoral research on stillbirth and posttraumatic growth.
Today, I am the owner and CEO of Healing Moments Counseling in Monticello and Byron, Minnesota, a practice that was created in memory of Jacob and out of a desire to ensure that no grieving family has to navigate loss alone. Through Healing Moments Counseling, I work with individuals, couples, and families experiencing grief, trauma, and life transitions. I also provide education and training for healthcare providers, counselors, and organizations through Psyche Counseling. In addition to clinical work, I am fortunate to speak and teach internationally on topics related to grief, bereavement, pregnancy and infant loss, and the intersection of grief and mental health.
One of the greatest joys of my professional journey has been watching Healing Moments Counseling grow from a vision into a thriving team of exceptional clinicians and support staff. What makes HMC truly special is not just the expertise our team brings, but the compassion, authenticity, and dedication they demonstrate every day. Each member of our team is committed to creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued. Together, we have built a culture centered on collaboration, lifelong learning, and a shared belief that healing happens through meaningful human connection. I am incredibly proud of the work we do and deeply grateful for the remarkable people who make Healing Moments Counseling what it is today.
As I reflect on this journey, I am continually reminded that some of life’s most difficult experiences can also become sources of purpose and connection. While I would never have chosen the path that brought me here, I am grateful for the opportunities it has given me to support grieving families, educate professionals, and advocate for compassionate care. Whether through counseling, teaching, writing, or speaking, my hope is always the same: that people facing loss know they are not alone, that their grief matters, and that healing can coexist with remembrance. It is a privilege to do this work, and I remain deeply committed to helping others find hope, meaning, and connection in the midst of life’s most challenging moments.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has certainly not been a smooth road. Like many people who find themselves working in grief and bereavement, my professional journey has been deeply intertwined with personal loss. After the death of our son, Jacob, Ron and I faced the same challenges that many grieving parents encounter—learning how to carry grief while continuing to show up in our personal and professional lives. Building a career and eventually a counseling practice while navigating my own grief required patience, the support of others, and a willingness to grow through difficult circumstances.
Professionally, one of the greatest challenges has been advocating for bereaved individuals and families within systems that do not always fully understand grief. Throughout my career, I have worked to increase awareness of the unique needs of those experiencing pregnancy loss, infant loss, and child loss, while also helping professionals better understand the distinction between grief and mental health concerns. Creating and growing Healing Moments Counseling came with the same challenges many business owners face—building a team, developing sustainable systems, and balancing leadership responsibilities with clinical work.
At the same time, those struggles have also shaped some of the most meaningful parts of my journey. They have strengthened my commitment to compassionate care, deepened my understanding of loss and resilience, and reinforced the importance of surrounding ourselves with supportive people. Looking back, the obstacles were significant, but they helped create the purpose-driven work and incredible team that I am privileged to be part of today.
We’ve been impressed with Healing Moments Counseling, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Healing Moments Counseling was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to provide compassionate, evidence-informed care to individuals and families navigating life’s most difficult challenges. While we specialize in grief, loss, trauma, and a wide range of mental health concerns, our team serves clients across a variety of needs, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life transitions, family challenges, and personal growth. We provide counseling services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families through our offices in Minnesota.
One of the things that sets Healing Moments Counseling apart is our commitment to combining clinical excellence with genuine human connection. We believe that healing happens within relationships, and we strive to create an environment where clients feel truly seen, heard, and understood. Our clinicians bring diverse backgrounds, specialties, and perspectives, allowing us to thoughtfully match clients with providers who can best meet their unique needs.
We are particularly known for our work in trauma, child based counseling, grief, postpartum issues, and pregnancy/infant loss. Many families throughout Minnesota and beyond have sought our support during some of the most heartbreaking moments of their lives. In addition to counseling services, we provide psychological testing, education, consultation, and training for healthcare professionals, organizations, and community groups seeking to improve bereavement care and support.
What I am most proud of, however, is not any particular program or accomplishment—it’s the culture we have created. Healing Moments Counseling has grown into a team of exceptional clinicians who lead with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to serving others. We work hard to ensure that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, respected, and valued.
If there is one thing I would want readers to know about our team, it is that we believe people deserve support without judgment and healing without having to face their struggles alone. Whether someone is navigating grief, trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or a major life transition, our goal is to provide a safe space where hope, growth, and healing can occur. We are honored to be invited into our clients’ stories and consider it a privilege to walk alongside them on their journey.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
People are often surprised to learn that while I am passionate about my work, my favorite role is being a wife and mom. Much of my professional life revolves around supporting others through loss and difficult life experiences, but my greatest joy comes from spending time with my family. Whether we’re traveling together, attending sporting events and school activities, sharing meals around the table, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, those everyday moments are what matter most to me.
I think people sometimes assume that because grief is such a central part of my work, it defines who I am. In reality, the loss of my son Jacob taught me just how precious family, relationships, and ordinary moments can be. It deepened my appreciation for the people I love and reminds me not to take life for granted. Some of my most treasured memories are not the big milestones, but the simple moments of laughter, conversation, and connection with my husband and children.
Another thing people may not realize is how much of Healing Moments Counseling has truly been a family journey. While I am often the public face of the organization, my husband, Ron, has been an incredible partner every step of the way. As my partner at Healing Moments Counseling, he has helped build and support the practice behind the scenes and has been a steady source of encouragement through both the challenges and successes. There is no way Healing Moments Counseling would be what it is today without his support, vision, and belief in our mission. Together, we have worked to create not only a counseling practice, but a place where people feel cared for, valued, and supported.
As I reflect on the journey of Healing Moments Counseling, I am filled with gratitude for the clients, clinicians, and community members who have trusted us along the way. As we continue to grow, I remain committed to fostering a practice grounded in compassion, excellence, and authentic human connection. It is a privilege to walk alongside others in their healing journeys, and I look forward to the work that lies ahead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.healingmomentscounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/healingmomentscounselingllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingmomentscounseling
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/healingmomentscounselingbyron/
