The Blue Couch - Mankato
You'll find our office conveniently located inside the Madison East Center
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.
Our Team.
Meet the Team
Dr. STACI BORN, EdD, LMFT, RPT-S
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
I completed by doctorate of education at Minnesota State University, Mankato. Here, I advanced my studies in mental health counseling, play therapy, marriage and family counseling, consultation, and supervision. My dissertation explored women's' experiences of infertility-related stress and has been published in the Qualitative Report.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in South Dakota (#1230) and Minnesota (#2566).
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LMFT - Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (SD & MN)
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RPT-S™ - Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor™
I am credentialed by the Association for Play Therapy as a Registered Play Therapist - Supervisor™. This designation recognizes my play therapy clinical skills and experiences and also allows me to supervise novice play therapists.
Patrick Clark, MSW, LGSW
Hello, my name is Patrick Clark and welcome to The Blue Couch! I am a Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW) and I am currently working toward my licensure as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). The majority of my social work experience is in Children’s Mental Health case management. I am passionate about supporting youth and families in their journey toward wellbeing through achieving their hopes and goals.
As a clinician I am strength-based, solution-focused, and I will provide you unconditional regard that compassionately affirms your dignity as a person. I believe you are the true expert of your life and I am here to help provide supportive skills and collaboration to help you achieve your goals. I am particularly focused on utilizing play-based therapy with children and trauma-informed, solution-focused counseling skills in my practice while working with youth and families.
I personally enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog “Bear”, going on adventures of any kind, playing sports, and spending time outside when possible.
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Licensed Graduate Social Worker (LGSW)
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Master’s of Social Work, Minnesota State University Mankato
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Bachelor’s of Psychological Sciences, Gustavus Adolphus College
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Jess Jost, BA, CLINCAL TRAINEE
As a master’s student in the Mental Health Counseling program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, I am in the process of gaining clinical experience for my degree. I am passionate about working with adolescents and adults who may be experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, or stress from a variety of challenges. My therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, client empowerment, and collaboration. Along with developing a positive and trusting counselor-client relationship, I strive to adapt my therapeutic interventions to fit the needs of each client. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their inner world, discover new perspectives, develop awareness, and face challenges openly.
My goal in therapy is to support you as you cultivate the knowledge and skills to make changes pivotal to your personal development. As a proponent of collaboration, I view my client and I as a team, and as such, we will work together to define your goals and navigate a fulfilling way forward. For whatever challenges you may be experiencing at the moment, I am here to help and support you.
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Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology and Family Services, University of Northern Iowa
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Patrick Clark, MSW, LGSW
Jess Jost, BA, Clinical Trainee
1400 Madison Avenue, Suite 322
Mankato, MN 56001
staci@thebluecouchcounseling.com
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.