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Dr. Mark Thelen

Dr. Mark Thelen, MN Psychologist 2992

Therapist · Minnesota · 40+ years of experience

Experienced Minnesota psychologist for midlife concerns

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  • Practical goal focus
  • Strengths based
  • 40 years experience

About Mark

Dr. Mark Thelen meets people where they are when midlife changes feel heavy or confusing. He listens for what matters most and helps people name what they want to be different. Conversations focus on practical steps that can be tried between sessions so progress feels real and grounded.

He has worked in Minnesota settings for 40 years, including community mental health centers, hospital units, small group clinics, and a private practice. That range shaped a straightforward style aimed at clear goals rather than long explanations. He sees stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, ADHD, addictions, grief, intimacy struggles, sleep problems, parenting strain, and other midlife concerns.

Dr. Thelen believes people are the experts on their own lives. He helps people use their strengths to face challenges and try new behaviors. Sessions often include talking through choices, testing small changes, and reflecting on what worked.

His work draws on several approaches depending on the need. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy offers tools for shifting unhelpful thinking and behavior. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes listening and building on the client's priorities. Solution-Focused techniques help set clear, short-term goals.

People often come for help with coping during transitions, relationship struggles, or recurring patterns that no longer fit. He supports clients in exploring meaning, making decisions, and restoring balance during midlife shifts. The first step is a practical conversation about goals and next steps.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD

Also works with

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issuesSleeping disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigue

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAvoidant personalityBlended family issuesCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesDivorce and separationFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersNarcissismPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPost-traumatic stressPrejudice and discriminationSelf-loveSexualityTraumatic brain injuryWorkplace issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Existential TherapyNarrative TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused Therapy

Experience

40+ years

Credentials

Minnesota

Languages

English

Approaches that translate well to online conversations

Client-Centered Therapy focuses on listening and responding to what the client says matters most, helping people set the pace and topics for change. It can be useful for midlife concerns by giving space to sort values and priorities.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings, and actions, then tests small experiments to change unhelpful patterns. CBT is practical for anxiety, depression, and sleep issues because it gives clear tools people can try between sessions.

Solution-Focused Therapy zeroes in on short-term goals and small steps that lead to visible change. It can help when someone wants quick, concrete shifts during a life transition.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. He will collaborate with each client to choose methods that match goals, needs, and personal preferences. That process may include trying an idea for a few sessions and adjusting based on what feels helpful.

Confirm current session options before booking so you know what formats are offered. Online therapy can make it easier to fit appointments into a busy life, allow shorter check-ins when schedules are tight, and reduce travel time. It also makes it possible to continue work through career moves or family changes while keeping a steady therapeutic relationship.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of concerns does Dr. Thelen address?

He works with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger, depression, ADHD, addictions, relationship and family issues, grief, intimacy concerns, sleep problems, parenting strain, self esteem, bipolar, and coping with life changes among other topics.

How would you describe his therapeutic style?

He uses a pragmatic, listening-first approach that emphasizes clients' strengths. Sessions focus on clear goals, testing small changes, and tracking what helps between meetings.

What is his professional background?

He has 40 years of professional work experience across community mental health centers, hospital units, smaller group clinics, and private practice settings in Minnesota.

What credential does he hold and where is he based?

He is listed as MN Psychologist 2992 and practices in Minnesota.

Can people meet with him in languages other than English?

Sessions are offered in English.

Does he work with international clients?

International clients are not currently accepted.

How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?

Cost varies with location and therapist availability; sessions use a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

How do I start working with him?

Select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule according to therapist availability.

Dr. Mark Thelen Online therapy options on BetterHelp

Continue with Mark