Xavier Schmitz, MSW, LICSW (he/him)
Whether you’re a nature lover or nature avoider, love to move your body or can’t stand to break a sweat, this therapy is for you. With today’s stressors, we all need nature more than ever. Take your therapy outdoors and gain the benefits of moving your eyes off the screen, engaging your senses, and really feeling your body in nature, all while addressing your personal goals.
I use traditional and nature-based therapeutic techniques to support your healing. Issues addressed may include: depression, anxiety, fear of exercising outdoors, trauma recovery, climate distress, gender identity, relationship concerns, sexuality, identity development, chronic illness, and life transitions.
I have extensive experience working with transgender and LGBQ+ communities and feel empowered when people of color, immigrants, refugees, people with disabilities, people of all sizes, and others marginalized by the mainstream take up space in nature. We all belong outside.
My style is relational and collaborative, with a focus on empowering you to express the most authentic, actualized version of yourself. Integrating cognitive, emotional, somatic (brainspotting & sensorimotor psychotherapy), and ecologically-based strategies maximizes your ability to heal your wounds and live a fully engaged life.
With 16 years of clinical experience working with diverse individuals, couples, and families in Minnesota, California, and Oregon, I have found that your experience in therapy will be most helpful when you connect with the right therapist for you. In our first session, we will work together to assess fit and maximize the likelihood of getting you the support and results you need.
As engaging in therapy is a powerful and vulnerable endeavor, it may be helpful to know a bit about me. I am both a therapist and a human and in my free time enjoy spending time outdoors, often chasing my tireless dogs and chattering child through a local park; riding my fat-tire bike, hiking, and swimming. I love the rich Minnesota arts scene and connect well with artists working on their mental health. I’m no stranger to a night of binge-watching my favorite TV shows and will certainly validate your need for some screen time! On my own journey, I have benefited from working with many healers and look forward to supporting you with your journey.
612-428-2920
Clients often come to Xavier with these types of concerns:
- I am tired of COVID and want to see a therapist outside.
- I am overwhelmed by climate change and don’t know how to cope with my anxiety, fear, or anger.
- I want to go outside/exercise, but fear others will judge me (for my body size, lack of experience or skill, assumed gender, sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, religious/spiritual identity, and/or ability status).
- I experienced trauma and having difficulty letting go of the memories. I’m reactive and can’t feel joy. I wonder if I have PTSD.
- I am comfortable with my LGBTQ+ identity and need to work with a therapist on other issues.
- I am transgender/nonbinary and need support with gender exploration or transition.
- I am the loved one of a transgender/nonbinary person and need support understanding and adjusting to their identity.
- There were challenges in my family growing up that continue to impact me now.
- Since becoming a parent, I’ve lost part of myself and don’t know how to find balance.
- I’ve gone to a lot of therapy and want to try a new approach.