May We Introduce You To: Rachelle Morrison-Weseloh, MA, LPCC, ATR-BC, Creative Horizons Counseling

Lee: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, Creative Horizons, and why you became a counselor?

Rachelle: I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and board-certified art therapist. I primarily work with children ages 11+, teens, and adults. I have worked in various settings, including in-home and community-based, school-linked, and group private practice. I started my solo private practice, Creative Horizons Counseling, in 2018 as a part-time adventure and recently transitioned into it full-time.

I started my journey to become an art therapist during my undergraduate program in San Diego and learned about the field of art therapy from my art instructor. From there, I was intrigued by helping people and incorporating the arts into the therapeutic process. I graduated from St. Cloud State with a Bachelor’s Degree in Art Education K-12, then transitioned to Adler Graduate School for their Art Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Clinical Counseling programs and eventually graduated in 2013. I have always had a passion for helping people, a love for the arts, and learning.

In my undergraduate and graduate school practicums, I found my niche working with children and their families diagnosed with ADHD and other neurodivergent conditions. I was diagnosed with ADHD in high school, which propelled me to learn more about the condition, myself, and how to navigate life in general. This path has been very rewarding because it provides education, increases awareness, helps people navigate and overcome challenges, and celebrates their growth and accomplishments. It has been an honor to be part of people’s journey.

Lee: What do you see as the special needs of kids and adults with ADHD, as well as their families?

Rachelle: Kids and adults with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) have unique needs due to challenges with attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and emotional regulation. These needs extend to their families, who play a critical role in supporting them. Special needs for children may include: structure and routine, support in learning, positive reinforcement, emotional regulation, and social skills development. Adults with ADHD may benefit from time management and organization strategies, workplace accommodations, emotional and mental health support, relationship support, and financial management. Families of individuals with ADHD may benefit from education and awareness, emotional support, advocacy, communication and collaboration, and self-care.

Lee: What are the benefits of working with a licensed ADHD counselor?

Rachelle: Working with a licensed counselor with extensive training and experience in ADHD can provide numerous benefits for individuals and their families. ADHD impacts more than just attention—it can affect emotions, relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning. A licensed counselor understands these complexities and uses evidence-based strategies to help clients navigate challenges and build on their strengths. Counselors like myself create individualized plans to address the unique challenges of ADHD, such as time management, organization, emotional regulation, building self-esteem and confidence, strengthening relationships, promoting growth and accountability, providing guidance, and support for co-occurring conditions (anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, etc.).

Art therapy is particularly effective because it uses creativity to address challenges in a nontraditional and engaging way. In my experience, art therapy complements the therapeutic process by promoting emotional expression, improving focus and attention, encouraging problem-solving and flexibility, building self-esteem, engaging the whole brain, and increasing connectedness with families and others. Art therapy adds an experiential, hands-on element to traditional counseling, making it especially impactful for individuals with ADHD, who often respond well to active and creative approaches. It also helps break down barriers, allowing clients to access deeper emotional insights and create meaningful change in their lives.

Lee: Can you describe the services that Creative Horizons offers and what they involve?

Rachelle: I provide a variety of services including: individual counseling and art therapy for adults, teens, and children 11+, family counseling (parent(s) and child; and parenting support), and ADHD coaching. I have facilitated art therapy groups and creative workshops which will be something I will offer again soon. Creative Horizons takes several insurances and accepts private pay as well. My website has specific information regarding costs/fees.

Lee: How can our readers find out about your services?

Rachelle: Here is my contact information.

Creative Horizons Counseling
310 Lake Street South, Suite 102, Big Lake, MN 55309
(763) 333-7698 
creativehorizonsmn.com

Lee: What is the most important takeaway you want our readers to know about living with ADHD?

Rachelle: The most important takeaway I want others to know is that they are not alone. ADHD is not a limitation; it’s a different way of experiencing the world, full of unique strengths and challenges. With the right tools and support, individuals with ADHD can thrive and lead fulfilling lives.