The Blue Couch - Mankato
You'll find our office conveniently located inside the
Madison East Center, 1400 Madison Avenue
Finding us is a breeze! We recommend parking on the northeast side of the Madison East Center, near Handi Medical Supply. Then, enter the mall through door 3. Head down the hallway and you'll see a large blue sign above our door.
Meet the Team.
The Blue Couch is proud to have a team of talented therapists who are passionate about guiding individuals towards mental and emotional well-being. Our therapist team provides a safe and supportive space for clients to process their concerns and develop strategies for growth and self-improvement. Click a team members name to learn more about their experience and approach.
Meet the Team
Dr. STACI BORN, EdD, LMFT, RPT-S
Staci Born, EdD, LMFT, RPT-S
I always knew I wanted to work with children. Growing up with a parent who was an early childhood educator, I deeply understood the critical purpose of childhood - to learn and play. As a result, my career has evolved in many beautiful ways that led to the development of The Blue Couch, LLC.
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I have worked clinically as a therapist and supervisor for more than ten years. However since 2014, I have primarily worked for a university as a tenure-track faculty member instructing graduate students in counseling, play therapy, and marriage and family counseling techniques. In this role, I have the honor of mentoring and educating the next generation of helpers.
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In the wake of the impact of the pandemic, I felt called to dedicate a portion of my time to clinical practice to serve children, families and communities; thus The Blue Couch was formed. The Blue Couch, LLC is designed to be a safe and therapeutic space - where clients may choose to seat themselves on, you guessed it, a blue couch. Here, I create space for clients to explore their experiences and develop skills to improve their well-being.
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​As a clinician, I specialize in treating child trauma (sexual abuse, physical abuse, maltreatment and neglect) utilizing play therapy that is child-centered and informed by neurobiology and regulation. In addition, I often provides help for anxious, angry or depressed children and teens, as well as parents who want to strengthen their attachment relationships or develop new parenting strategies.
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In addition to offering clinical services, I also provide trainings and workshops for adults on a variety of topics, including self-compassion, early childhood development, supporting children in grief, clinical supervision, and positively supporting parents. Visit my Consultation & Training page to learn more.
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As a counselor educator and supervisor, I am enthusiastic and competent to support other professionals who are working towards their licensure or registration as counselors and play therapists. I offer individual, triadic, and group supervision experiences with counselors and therapists in Minnesota and South Dakota. Visit my Supervision page to learn more.
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EdD - Doctorate of Education in Counselor Education & Supervision, Minnesota State University, Mankato
LMFT - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (SD #1230 & MN #2566)
LMFT - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (SD & MN)
Alicia Sifuentes, MS, Clinical Trainee
In my work, I believe clients are the experts of their own lives, and I strive to create a playful, transparent, and collaborative space rooted in curiosity and compassion. I approach therapy through a family-of-origin lens, helping clients explore how early experiences and relationship patterns continue to shape present struggles and connections. I also support clients in processing their stories through play and sandtray therapy. Additionally, I have completed DC:0-5 Certificate Training, as well as trainings in Adlerian Play Therapy and Sandtray Therapy.
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My experience includes working with youth ages 0–17 and families impacted by foster care and adoption, complex trauma and abuse, emotional and behavioral disorders, complex grief, and blended or separated family dynamics. I also have a special interest in supporting pregnant and postpartum families as they bond and connect with their baby.
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I have always felt deeply committed to supporting youth and family systems as they navigate their unique journeys. Through both professional and lived experience — including foster care involvement, being a first-generation college student, and my roles as a wife and mother — I understand the importance of connection, belonging, and the powerful space the therapy room can become for healing and growth.
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Alicia is a clinical trainee and is under the direct supervision of Dr. Staci Born​
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M.S. - Marriage and Family Therapy, Nortwestern University
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B.S. - Alcohol and Drug Studies, Minnesota State University, Mankato
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EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Nancy Altmann, MSW, LICSW
Welcome to the Blue Couch! I believe a strong therapeutic relationship is important in learning and growing throughout the therapy process. My work has largely stemmed from over 20 years as a coach, where I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with athletes through goal setting, resilience and perseverance of injuries and setbacks. I also work with K-12 grade students as a Social and Emotional Learning Interventionist. In this role, I help students and their families reduce social, emotional, economic and environmental barriers to learning along with teaching students self-management skills and building healthy relationships with others.
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) that uses client centered strengths to ground my work. I use solution-focused, behavior modification, trauma informed, reframing techniques and cognitive behavioral theories. I work to create a space for you that is both comfortable and safe. I have extended work with 5-18 years old. My goal is to help you get what you need out of our time together and support you through your life experiences.
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​Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (MN)
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EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Melissa Edel, BA, RN, PHN
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Hello! My name is Melissa Edel, and I am a counseling intern currently completing my Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling at Walden University. I am completing my practicum and internship under the supervision of Dr. Staci Born, EdD, LMFT (MN, SD), RPT-S.
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I have a special interest in supporting children, adolescents, and families and am pursuing additional training and experience in play therapy, expressive arts interventions, and trauma-informed care. I believe in the healing power of strong therapeutic relationships and strive to create a warm, supportive, and collaborative environment where clients feel seen, heard, and valued.
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Prior to entering the counseling profession, I spent over 10 years working as a Registered Nurse in a variety of healthcare settings. This experience strengthened my commitment to advocacy, compassion, and whole-person care, and continues to inform my work as a counselor-in-training. I am passionate about helping individuals and families identify their strengths, build resilience, and navigate life's challenges with confidence and support.
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I may incorporate techniques and interventions from:
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Child-Centered Play Therapy
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Expressive Arts and Art-Based Interventions
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
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Narrative Therapy
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Solution-Focused Therapy
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Motivational Interviewing
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Adlerian Therapy, with an emphasis on encouragement, belonging, and social connectedness
I welcome the opportunity to work with clients from diverse backgrounds and is committed to providing a compassionate, respectful, and empowering therapeutic experience.
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M.S. Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health and School Counseling, Walden University​
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B.S. in Nursing via Post-Baccalaureate Program, The College of St. Scholastica
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Registered Nurse (MN, CA)
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Public Health Nurse, The College of St. Scholastica
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B.A. in Psychology, Winona State University​
Nancy Altmann, MSW, LICSW
Alicia Sifuentes, MS, Clinical Trainee
Melissa Edel, BA, RN, PHN
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 322
Mankato, MN 56001
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staci@thebluecouchcounseling.com​
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We are located in the Madison East Center. For easiest access, park and enter the mall near Handi Medical Supply (door #3). Our office is just past the seating area and Emerald Travel.