St. Michael Business Offers Solutions in Tough Situations

It’s not hard to imagine or believe the need for counseling services these days but when families are hitting rock bottom where should they go or what should they do.

Many in our community may not realize that there’s a local solution to help. Solutions Counseling recently relocated 112 E. Central Avenue, splitting the Zahler Photography space, as its business has grown.

Director Craig Rens of St. Michael started Solutions three years ago after working for some time with Central Minnesota Mental Health. “I’d worked in business and marketing for 10 years prior to moving into this field.”

What prompted a career change from business to counseling?

“I went through a divorce, and decided I’d like to help others when they go through it,” Rens shared openly.

Solutions Counseling has six licensed clinicians that provide counseling and services in a variety of capacities. While most of the issues clinicians see are relationship based and regarding marriage and family there is a great array of clinicians and years of experience to help. Two clinicians provide play therapy for children ages 0-5, two clinicians hold dual licenses for marriage/family and also addiction counseling. Rens and another clinician also provide services for preteen/adolescences and also family and couples.

Sometimes there’s a stigma around needing counseling of therapy but there shouldn’t be. “I see every day people that you see in every day life in every aspect of community life,” Rens said.

What can one expect when they come to Solutions?

A phone interview with Rens so one can be set up with the right clinician. “I think it’s important that when someone calls and seeks help that they talk to a licensed clinician, not just a receptionist so they can be set up with the right clinician,” said Rens. Most sessions are an hour long and “the only ones laying on the couches are the kids.”

Rens shared that “it’s not like what you see on TV. It’s much more conversational. We are partnering with our clients to help find solutions to their problems.”

Expect to see more of Solutions Counseling in the community as they already provide pro bono services to the school, and do some community donations and service during the holidays.

Rens looks forward to adding his model of therapy to other like-communities down the road.

Editor's Note: This article has been clarified to indicate Zahler Photography and Solutions now share the site at 112 E. Central Ave. We apologize for any confusion a previous version of this story might have caused.