Northland Psychological Services-Duluth, MN-Dr. Heather Rose-Carlson

Get to know us

We're a diverse team of providers who expertise reaches across disciplines and specialties so you can find the right partner for your path

DR. Heather Rose-Carlson PsyD, LP

As a native Duluthian, I grew up learning to embrace all that the Northland has to offer. With my husband and two fantastic children, we enjoy kayaking, gardening, fishing, berry picking and a warm campfire with friends and family.

I provide integrative therapy in a coaching manner. Most clients can identify what is going wrong or what is missing in their lives, but need guidance on how to get back on track. People tend to be "stuck" trying what may have worked in the past and are frustrated that these same behaviors, expectations and coping skills are not working in their current life circumstances.

Outside of the office, it has been an honor to work with our veterans and our community. Through Project New Hope, I am part of a team that provides weekend retreats to veterans and their families at no cost including a female veterans retreat to the BWCA every summer. I also provide Critical Incident Response when traumatic events occur in our community.

Educational Background:

Doctorate of Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.); Minnesota School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University (American Psychological Association accredited program)
Bachelors of Arts, Psychology College of St. Scholastica, Summa Cum Laude

Alex Ross MA, LPCC

I currently enjoy and have experience with working with individuals of varying ages in providing services to address traumatic experiences with children, adolescents and adults as well as other life stressors that may result in depression, anxiety or other concerns. I am trained in evidenced based practices such as EMDR, CPT and TF-CBT and work with individuals to determine what is the best fit.

My approach to therapy is to use my knowledge to determine with clients and families what will be most helpful for the specific life circumstances and to meet them where they are in life. My hope is to support resilience and provide the ability for individuals of all ages to address stressful life experiences and challenges. I am interested in creating a therapeutic experience that is a good fit for all, across life experiences and circumstances.

When I'm not working, I volunteer with the Arrowhead Critical Incident Stress Management Response team for First Responders, spend time with friends, family and my dog, and am hoping to make it to every National Park.

Educational Background:

Masters in Counseling Psychology (Bethel University, St. Paul, Minnesota)
Bachelor's in Forensic Science, Minor in Psychology (University of North Dakota)

Specialty Work: Working with individuals who have experienced trauma and traumatic grief. I am nationally certified as a TF-CBT , ART provider with children and adolescents.

Christina Finlo MA, LFMT, SEP

One side of therapy may involve pursuing wisdom, guidance and support. The other, involves pursuing healing into our deepest self. Some concepts to explore are... How do you make sense of and think about your world and self? How do you experience and manage your emotional world, what are your survival styles and patterns in relationships, distress and behavior? In what ways do you carry emotional pain and trauma on a body level, impacting you in known and unknown ways? I'm trained as a Somatic Experiencing Practitioner to work with the release and resolution of trauma that can be trapped in one's physiology and nervous system.

I have been in practice for over 12 years, including private practice, community health, and residential treatment. I have worked with all sorts of teens, couples, families and adult individuals. I have experience working with numerous issues involving mood, behavior, trauma, relationships, gender/sexuality, and self-concept.

Educational Background:

BS Alternative Education and Art, MA Adlerian Counseling and Psychotherapy; Adler Graduate School

Specialty Work: Trauma, Shame, Toxic loved ones, Recovery from religion

Peggy Romero, MSW, LICSW

Peggy comes to Northland Psychological Services with 30 plus years of professional experience in the behavioral and physical health fields. Practicing mindfulness therapy, inner-child work, chakra balancing, guided and movement meditation (energy work), polyval as well as self compassion work, she believes people are the experts of their own lives and it is not what is wrong with people, it is what they have experienced and what they do with those experiences. Peggy is their professional companion, using a variety of person-centered approaches to help people address their challenges to become “unstuck” and reconnect to self by offering tools, resources and to hold space so they can move forward and live their lives to be their best selves.

Peggy works with adults aged 30 and beyond who live with chronic pain and illnesses, terminal illnesses, developmental trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief/ death and loss.

Peggy’s is trained in Eye Movement and Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR),Relational Cultural Theory (RCT), Grief Movement Guide, Nature-based Experiential Learning (Ecotherapy), and Usui Holy Fire III Reiki Master

She has great passion for animals and believes they are part of our healing process; animals are very attuned to the emotional health of their human companions. She is certified in pet loss therapy.

Peggy is also excited about future training(s) in the growing body of research surrounding plant medicine/psychedelic-assisted therapy, Shamanism, IFS (internal family systems) and Somatic training.

She has a quirky sense of humor with the belief that laughter is a universal language and a huge component of healing.

When she is not practicing as a psychotherapist and energy worker, Peggy enjoys planting flowers, communing with nature and trees, and sitting in Lake Superior. Above all else, she values and appreciates her precious family time with her beloved Yorkshire Terrier companion and husband of 38 years.

Specialty training: EMDR, EMDRIA-approved, Minnesota Reiki Center for healing and Training, Paul Denniston Grief Yoga

Nina Bussa, Clinic Manager

Kenai

Hi! My name is Kenai and I am a 3 year-old Norwegian Elk Hound. I am doing my internship under Tippen.

I have been coming to work since I was a puppy but then COVID happened and no one came to the office. Now that we are in the office again, I can't wait for people to come in!

I am currently through my first set of therapy dog classes and I also have my CISM certificate so I'll be working with our first responders too!

Therapy dogs provide an essential element to therapy and studies have shown that therapy animals provide the following benefits:

lowers blood pressure
improves cardiovascular health
releases calming endorphins (oxytocin)
lowers overall physical pain
the act of petting produces an automatic relaxation response, which is believed to reduce the amount of medication needed by some people
lifts spirits and lessens depression
lowers feelings of isolation and alienation
encourages communication
provides comfort
increases socialization
reduces anxiety
aids children in overcome speech and emotional disorders
creates motivation for the client to recover faster