Dr. Holthus brings a blend of extensive training and heartfelt dedication to her practice. 

She embarked on her professional journey in 2012, graduating with a PsyD from The Minnesota School of Professional Psychology, an esteemed program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). 

She further honed her skills during her pre-doctoral internship at an APA-accredited program and has been a Licensed Psychologist (LP) in Minnesota since 2013.

Dr. Holthus is a member of the American Psychological Association and is actively involved with the Minnesota Board of Psychology and the Association for Play Therapy. 

These affiliations underscore her commitment to staying at the forefront of psychological practices and developments.

Her certifications are particularly noteworthy. In 2015, Dr. Holthus earned the title of Registered Play Therapist (RPT) from the National Association for Play Therapy. 

Achieving this credential wasn’t easy – it required years of intensive training, education, and supervision. 

Dr. Holthus specializes in experiential play therapy, particularly for treating trauma, an approach that requires her to engage in ongoing education.

Additionally, Dr. Holthus is a certified Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), a qualification she obtained from the International Somatic Experiencing Training Institute. 

This involved three years of intensive trauma training and a personal commitment to understanding the somatic experience, profoundly influencing both her personal life and professional approach.

Dr. Holthus’ professional journey has taken her through various impactful roles. 

She’s worked in shelters for abused and neglected children, community mental health centers, and outpatient clinics for individuals with severe mental illnesses. 

Her expertise extends to psychological testing, evaluations, and special education assessments. 

Notably, she has served as an Assessment Coordinator, Supervisor, and trauma specialist for individuals aged three and older.

A significant focus of Dr. Holthus’ practice is her work with individuals and families affected by narcissistic abuse. 

With both personal and professional experience in this area, she has dedicated herself to this field for over a decade, making it a primary focus of her practice since 2022.

Dr. Holthus combines her diverse expertise and personal experiences to provide compassionate, informed, and effective therapy, making a real difference in the lives of those she works with.