Our team

Sarah Cherwien Hoel, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with self-esteem, depression, anxiety, relationship concerns, and recovery from trauma or abuse. I work with many parents and collaborate with Minnetonka Early Childhood Family Education to offer supportive group space for parents who are feeling overwhelmed and seeking community.

I graduated from St. Olaf College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Family Studies. I went on to receive my Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, MN.

I have experience working in university counseling, community mental health centers, and substance use treatment centers. In these settings, I have worked with people struggling with a variety of concerns including, trauma, relationship difficulties, self-esteem, eating disorders, parenting concerns, life stressors, depression, anxiety, substance use, and bipolar disorder.

I have a passion for training, teaching, and supervision. I am an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas. I have taught and given presentations both in academic and community settings. I have over 14 years of experience providing clinical supervision to those pursing Masters and Doctoral level licensure.

Claire Mueller, MA

Doctoral Counseling Intern

You’re the one others lean on: reliable and strong. You show up, get things done, and on the outside, it might even look like you have it together. But inside, it’s a different story. You feel heavy, disconnected, numb. Like you're just going through the motions. The sadness creeps in quietly, or maybe it hits you all at once. Either way, it’s exhausting. You feel stuck in patterns you don’t fully understand and weighed down by things from the past that still feel painfully close. Some days, it’s hard to even name what’s wrong. You just know you feel off, alone, and deeply tired. If any of this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

I work with adults navigating the lasting impact of relational trauma: the kind that leaves you feeling isolated, misunderstood, and unsure of where you belong. My clients often say they struggle with feeling known, like no one really gets what they’re going through. They want to feel at peace and more like themselves, but they don't know where to start.

Therapy with me is a place where you don’t have to have it all figured out. We’ll move at your pace, making sense of the past while slowly inviting in new ways of being. I believe healing happens in connection: when you feel truly seen, accepted, and safe. If you're ready to begin (or are even just considering it), I’d be honored to be alongside you.

Emily VanStelten

Masters Counseling Intern

I am committed to creating a safe, supportive space where clients feel respected, heard, and understood. My approach is rooted in empathy and collaboration, with a strong emphasis on building a trusting therapeutic relationship. I believe meaningful growth occurs when clients feel supported in exploring their experiences, allowing them to move toward healing and deeper self-understanding.

I have a particular interest in working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and relationship challenges. I am especially drawn to exploring how early experiences, attachment dynamics, and unresolved emotional wounds can influence current patterns of thinking, feeling, and relating to others.

In my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, reading, and spending time outdoors. I deeply value balance, curiosity, and kindness, and strive to carry these qualities into both my personal and professional life.

Find the therapist that best suits your needs.