Education

Dr. Aalgaard earned his Master of Divinity (M.Div.) from Bethel University and his Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) from the University of St. Thomas, both in St. Paul, MN. In 2014, he obtained his Doctor of Social Work (D.S.W) in Advanced Clinical Practice and Leadership from the University of Tennessee.

Background:

Dr. Aalgaard has over a decade of clinical practice and consultation experience in the fields of adult mental health (including all stages of the ageing process), adolescent mental health, geriatric mental health, couples and family work, relationships, substance abuse issues, medical social work, and spirituality. He worked at Hennepin County Medical Center in both in-patient and out-patient settings for four years doing medical social work with a variety of populations. In addition, he has fifteen years of experience in pastoral ministry and has provided pastoral counseling for more than twenty-five years. He is currently an assistant professor at Minnesota State University, Mankato and teaches in the undergraduate generalist social work program.

Dr. Aalgaard believes that the therapeutic relationship is a meeting of experts. He brings his clinical expertise and those who work with him (i.e., individuals, couples, families, and groups) are experts in their own lives. He views therapy as a journey that is taken together, with each step intentionally being taken. It is important to remember that this journey doesn’t require many miles, because with change and inch is major. Dr. Aalgaard has worked with people from differing cultures and with diverse ideas about religion (or having no religion), spirituality, sexuality, gender identity, marriage, and love.

Specialties

 Areas of clinical expertise include couple/relationship therapy, family therapy, and individual therapy. Common referral issues include:

• Mood (depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsion, bipolar, trauma/stress issues, and substance use)
• Family & relationship issues
• Life transitions (unemployment, divorce, death, moving)
• Death/dying
• Grief/loss
• Spirituality
• LGBTQ² concerns