Aaron Mink

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate

Supervised by Claudia Thompson, LMFT-S, LPC-S

Aaron Mink is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist-Associate who sees couples and individuals experiencing issues of addiction, infidelity, life transitions, sex and sexuality. In his undergraduate career, Aaron researched effective communication in romantic dyads. Now, Aaron hopes to bring his knowledge of and passion for relationships and communication into his counseling. Relationships are not linear; over time, we experience difficulties, moments of triumph, fighting, making up, sadness, joy, and so much more. When life circumstances drive a wedge into our relationships communication can break down, and the path forward may seem unclear. Aaron hopes to help couples take their first step toward healing by restoring communication and vulnerability in their relationships.

Through his work as a Group Therapist in Intensive Outpatient Programs, Aaron has developed a passion for working with individuals struggling with substance use. Difficult circumstances that we face in our lives often lead us to cope in whatever ways we have available to us. However, sometimes those coping methods lead us into shame and disconnection. Aaron lends a compassionate ear to his clients struggling with addiction, and meets them where they are in their journey. Over time, Aaron helps his clients find compassion for themselves, as well as learn tools and skills that help them feel more in control of their lives. Aaron also works with relationships in which one or multiple members are struggling with substance use. By fostering open dialogue and mutual empathy, Aaron hopes to give his clients a space to have difficult conversations, and regain trust and vulnerability in their relationships.

Approach to Counseling

Aaron believes that his clients are the experts of their experiences, and hopes to help each of his clients tailor their experience to something that works for who they are and what they are bringing into the room. Generally, Aaron uses an Emotionally Focused Therapy lens in his counseling. Emotionally Focused Therapy allows us to get deeper than what we are experiencing on the surface, and to really start understanding our feelings and our needs. By developing a deeper understanding of our emotions and the emotions of those who are important to us, we are able to have more effective communication.

Along with Emotionally Focused Therapy techniques, Aaron uses principles of Somatic Therapy in his practice which help clients develop a more holistic understanding of their emotions by noticing what they experience in their bodies. Furthermore, Aaron often uses Internal Family Systems techniques with his clients in order to help them understand themselves as multifaceted persons. Aaron is also familiar with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, which he uses with clients when appropriate.

Aaron practices sex-positive, gender- and sexuality-affirming therapy, in order to provide a safe and welcoming space for his clients. Aaron recognizes that therapy can be a daunting and sometimes uncomfortable process, but through humor, kindness, and empathy, Aaron hopes to develop a positive and trusting relationship with his clients that serves as a cornerstone for therapeutic growth and healing.