Meet The Team

Therapists, Coaches, and Business Operations Team in Stillwater, MN

Darcy Stivland - LICSW, MA, Certified Physician / Executive Coach and Wellness Coach

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Darcy Stivland is a seasoned clinical psychotherapist and executive coach who helps adults identify their unique strengths and navigate life’s challenges with clarity and resilience. She works collaboratively with clients to uncover limiting thought patterns or behaviors and explore healthier ways of moving forward. While many clients appreciate her use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Darcy integrates a variety of therapeutic approaches to tailor treatment to each individual’s needs.

Darcy understands firsthand the journey of marriage, raising children into adulthood, and caring for extended family. She and her husband have raised five young adult children and share their home with beloved pets, including dogs, cats, and horses.

In her psychotherapy practice, Darcy often supports clients experiencing pivotal life transitions, with common challenges including anxiety, depression, relationship stress, career pressures, and health and wellness concerns. As an executive coach, she frequently partners with healthcare providers and business leaders seeking to build resilience, balance life’s demands, resolve workplace conflict, strengthen teams, and clarify personal and professional goals.

Darcy’s style is compassionate, non-judgmental, and action-oriented. She blends comfort and support with education, tools, and gentle accountability, encouraging clients to take meaningful steps toward growth. Her work is highly customized, ensuring each client receives an approach that honors their unique goals and experiences.

Darcy commonly works with healthcare providers, first responders, law enforcement professionals, aviation pilots, organizational leaders, and individuals navigating major life changes.

Education and Credentials

Darcy Stivland is a licensed independent mental health counselor and clinical psychotherapist (Minnesota/28711). She completed her graduate education at Augsburg University in Minnesota. Darcy achieved a masters of arts degree in multicultural clinical social work (MSW). Darcy has advanced mental health clinical education in the following areas: change and transition, anxiety, depression, trauma, health and wellness, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and insomnia CBT treatment.

Darcy holds certifications as an executive coach, wellness coach, and healthcare provider coach. She has extensive training as a leadership development coach, with a focus on emotional intelligence, relationship development, leadership assessment, organizational development, and career planning. Darcy earned a bachelor of science degree in Business/Human Resources with a minor in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.

Darcy L. Stivland, LICSW-MN, LCSW-WI

  • Licensed: Mental Health Counselor. Clinical Psychotherapist. Minnesota / 28711

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Minnesota/28711

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Wisconsin/12444-123

  • Certified: Executive Coach, Wellness Coach, Healthcare Provider Coach

Kate Auge - LICSW, MA, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, EMDR, CBT, DBT, Family Systems, Somatic Therapy

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Kate Auge is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with adults navigating anxiety, grief and loss, trauma, and life transitions. She values a collaborative approach to therapy, honoring each client as the expert of their own story. Kate integrates a variety of therapeutic modalities to tailor treatment and empower individuals on their path to healing.

Creating a safe and inclusive environment is central to Kate’s work. With training and experience in trauma-focused care, she views clients as whole people and places high importance on the therapeutic connection. She considers it a privilege to offer support, education, resources, and insight—guiding clients toward health, resilience, and greater well-being.

Kate’s professional background includes work in mental health clinics, hospice and palliative care, and rehabilitative health services. She understands that clients seek more than expertise – they seek authentic human connection.

Outside of her counseling work, Kate lives in Minnesota with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys running and spending time outdoors.

Education and Credentials

Kate is a licensed independent clinical social worker and clinical psychotherapist. She completed her graduate education at Augsburg University in Minnesota with a focus on multicultural and clinical practice.

Kate has training and education in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Kate is also a Certified Clinical trauma Professional.

Kate Auge, MSW / LICSW / CCTP

  • Licensed: Mental Health Counselor. Clinical Psychotherapist. Minnesota / 28357

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW), Minnesota/28357

  • Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Wisconsin/12398 – 123

Clare Beardsley - LPCC, MA, Certified in Art Therapy, Gottman Couples Therapy, Pet Loss and Grief Therapy

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Clare Beardsley is a licensed mental health counselor and clinical psychotherapist. She earned her Master of Arts in Art Therapy with a specialization in Counseling from Seton Hill University in Pennsylvania and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Concordia University, St. Paul. Clare is trained in Art Therapy and certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) through the TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program.

Clare specializes in adoption, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, and both adolescent and adult mental health. She integrates a variety of therapeutic methods—including Art Therapy, CBT, TF-CBT, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Play Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), and Attachment Therapy—tailoring her approach to best support each client’s unique needs.

Building on her expertise in grief and trauma, Clare also offers specialized support for pet owners. She works with individuals navigating the challenges of aging pets, illness, and difficult quality-of-life decisions, including surgery, rehoming, or end-of-life care such as euthanasia.

Grounded in both creativity and evidence-based practice, Clare is committed to helping clients heal, grow, and strengthen their connections with themselves and others.

Outside of her clinical work, Clare is an artist and nature enthusiast who enjoys spending time with her family and dogs..

Education and Credentials

Clare achieved her TF-CBT certification through the TF-CBT Therapist Certification Program. Clare earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Concordia University, St. Paul.

Clare L. Beardsley, LPCC-MN, LPC-WI

  • Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), Minnesota/4146

  • Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Wisconsin/LPC/11860-125

Profiles & Testimonials

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Melissa – Manager of Client Care Coordination

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to get to know me! I’m honored to serve as the Manager of Client Care Coordination at River Pines Counseling, where my role is to guide you through the process of establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with our providers. From your very first interaction with us, my goal is to make your experience welcoming, seamless, and confidential.

My professional journey began in the beauty industry, where I focused on business development and training programs. Over time, I felt called to return to my true passion – mental health – building on my background in sociology from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse. I value the opportunity to support clients during intake, helping lay the foundation for meaningful therapeutic connections and ensuring each client finds the right provider to meet their needs.

What I love most about this work is helping people feel cared for and supported from the very beginning of their counseling journey.

Outside of work, I enjoy time outdoors, tackling home projects with my husband, and relaxing by the water with my family. We love embracing all that Minnesota’s four seasons have to offer in the land of 10,000 lakes.

Welcome to River Pines Counseling – I look forward to helping you get started.

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Kerri – Insurance & Billing Manager

Hi, I’m Kerri! My goal is to make your health insurance experience at River Pines Counseling as smooth, clear, and stress-free as possible. As your dedicated liaison, I advocate for you in claims issues, ensure billing is accurate and aligned with your policy, and help troubleshoot complex insurance questions. I want you to feel peace of mind so you can focus fully on your care.

I hold an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Healthcare Administration. My professional background in corporate risk management and compensation has given me the tools to navigate complex systems – expertise I now bring into the mental health field.

What I appreciate most about River Pines Counseling is the warmth, kindness, and inclusive spirit shared by both our clients and team. This is a place that values individuality, fosters trust, and promotes well-being for all.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband, our three young children, and our two dogs. Fun fact: when I was a child, I had a pet turtle named Buttercup – and I’ve loved animals of all kinds ever since!

You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to River Pines Counseling – I’m so glad you’re here.

  • "Firefighting and repeated trauma exposure - I cannot speak more highly of Darcy Stivland. After 25 years in the fire service I began to have flashbacks to scenes from years ago and reliving the experiences again. I was at a regular Dr's office checkup and explained what I was experiencing and was referred over to psych for what sounded like PTSD. Well, I knew that I wanted to see if I could find somebody that was experienced with what firefighters deal with and I stumbled across Darcy Stivland. Darcy works in large part with emergency responders, as well as medical personnel in need of support. She has been great to work with in helping to work through the issues that I was dealing with. She then went above and beyond and came into our fire department and both her and Claire from River Pines Counseling put together and delivered a 2 hour presentation to our firefighters about things to look for and recommendations to help deal with the stress and trauma that we repeatedly deal with. They did that pro bono!"

    Client on Healthgrades

  • “1000 Characters is nowhere near enough to describe how amazing Kate is or how grateful and lucky I am to work with her. Kate is trauma informed and during our sessions I've always felt safe, validated, heard, seen and whenever challenged Kate has done so gently and non-judgmentally. Kate is a one of a kind, intelligent, compassionate, funny, perceptive, empathetic therapist who I feel is present in the room and who creates space for all feelings and thoughts. She is warm, caring and has a smile that brightens up the room. In addition Kate goes above and beyond to ensure that I'm comfortable and feel at home in her office.I've been working with Kate for nearly two years and if you're looking for a wonderful therapist look no further and book your appointment with Kate today!”

    Client on Healthgrades

  • "Clare is a phenomenal therapist. She is a compassionate, insightful, knowledgeable, and supportive partner in creating a lasting foundation to live my life confidently knowing I have the tools to adapt and thrive. River Pines Counseling is an amazing peaceful and safe place that provides the ideal environment to relax, rejuvenate, and heal."

    Client on Healthgrades

  • "The River Pines Counseling Facility is warm and inviting but my experience began with Melissa (Mgr of Client Care), who was great to work with. She responded to my emails (even on a Sunday and one other time well outside of business hours). Her emails make a person feel as though they really want to see you. My initial experiences have all been excellent with River Pines Counseling in part because Melissa has set an excellent tone!"

    - Scott G