Michael Borowiak, MSW, LICSW
Therapist, Consultant, and Owner at Traverse Counseling & Consulting, GBC

Michael has been in private practice since 1997. He specializes in helping individuals and families out of stressful and challenging dynamics, such as divorce, trauma, substance abuse, depression, anxiety and significant medical conditions. Michael has an MSW (Masters of Social Work) and is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). He is trained in family systems therapy, chemical dependency, discernment counseling and child and adolescent therapy, with an undergraduate degree in psychology. Michael has been working with couples, families and children his entire career. Michael enjoys running, adventures, and spending time with his wife and family.

Michael's message to you: If you are looking for practical solutions to finding wellness for you and your family, this is the place to come. You will experience life-giving support and positive challenges that will empower you to reach the wellness you desire.

Michael's Why Statement: To journey with others with presence, passion and purpose, so that growth is catalyzed.

Additional Specialties: Reunification, Co-Parenting, Trauma, and Addiction Counseling, Parent Coaching, Parent Consulting, Mediation, Discernment Counseling, Presentations, Significant Medical Conditions, Training and Consulting with Schools,

Education: M.S.W., Augsburg College - Systems Theory, Family Practice, B.S., St. John's University - Psychology

Licensure: LICSW: Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Additional Coursework: St. Mary's University - Play Therapy, Argosy University - Psychological Testing and Interpretation, Child Inclusive Mediation, Rule 114 Qualified Neutral Mediator

Professional Activities & Memberships: AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court), Board of Directors YMCA Camp Menogyn, '98 - '04, Chemical Health Specialist, Hopkins High School, '00 - '04, Drug Free Community Coalition Coordinator - Hopkins School District

Clients say:

 "I couldn't be more grateful for Michael and his knowledge. He really changed the trajectory of our family. I will forever be grateful for him and his expertise."

MA, LMFT, Therapist, and Owner at Traverse Counseling & Consulting

Mathew has a background in youth and family ministry and is also a trainer and associate with Peer Ministry Leadership training faith communities all over the nation in "Good Samaritan Leadership".

Mathew is passionate about relationships and has a desire to help couples redesign their relationship so it suits both partners, improve communication and understanding for parents and children, and support parents in reasserting their parental authority when feeling as though they have lost control of their family.

Mathew also writes a blog, Relationships that Heal for professional and non-professional helpers and caregivers.

Matt says that he is passionate about his work because, “We heal ourselves through our relationships, we become ourselves in relationships, we are who we are because of those we love and are loved by. I can think of no greater honor than to assist families, couples, parents and children in working to repair, heal build and rebuild relationships.”

Matt's Why Statement: To co-create safe space for human beings to explore their pain and suffering so that they may come to know a sense of compassion for themselves and be able to extend that to others.

Additional Specialties: Video Gaming Addiction, Discernment Counseling, Marriage Counseling, Reunification, Co-Parenting, Parent Coaching

Education: B.A. University of MN, M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy at St. Mary's University

License, Certifications & Awards: Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist, MN License Number 2560, PREPARE/ENRICH certified Facilitator, Discernment Counselor, Approved Supervisor for Minnesota Board of Marriage and Family Therapy

Professional Activities & Memberships: AAMFT (National Association of Marriage & Family Therapy), MAMFT (Minnesota Association of Marriage & Family Therapy), DRI Alliance, Tonka Cares, AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court), NAADAC (The Association for Addiction Professionals), One Voice Coalition (Hopkins Drug Free Coalition), Minnetonka Digital Citizenship Committee

Clients say:

"Matt models transparency and vulnerability for his clients and I'm thankful for that."

Dana Baker, MS, LAMFT

Therapist, Traverse Counseling & Consulting, GBC

For 22-years in her career as a counselor Dana has had a deep passion for working with children, teenagers and their families. She cares deeply about children and teens and in supporting and guiding their parents to support their children when they are struggling. Some of the many issues she supports children, teens and families with are depression, social anxiety, school problems (such as school refusal), suicidality, peer conflict, sibling/family conflict, family changes, LGBTQIA, eating disorders, overuse of technology and various forms of trauma. She has witnessed beauty in adolescents and their struggle. Dana believes that they are trying to find their place in the world yet may need support. Dana helps families navigate these challenges.

Dana also works with individual clients to explore issues around anxiety, depression, relationships in all forms, self care/self esteem, career moves and trauma. She is honored to help individuals, parents, children and teens to see and to reignite their own strengths.

In her free time Dana loves to spend time in nature, travel and be with friends and family. She is married and has two children.

Dana’s Why Statement: To travel with you, discovering your strengths, your power and fire within you to lead the life you desire.

Education: LMFT licensure – Adler Graduate School. MS in Counseling- University of Wisconsin. BA in Psychology and Family Studies – St. Olaf College.

Licensure: LAMFT – License Associate Marriage and Family Counselor.  Minnesota School Counselor License.

Professional Memberships: AAMFT (National Association of Marriage & Family Therapy), MAMFT (Minnesota Association of Marriage & Family Therapy) AFCC (Assoc. of Family & Conciliation Court)

BA - Client Care Assistant and Supervised Parenting Provider

Alexis is an ambitious grad-student pursuing her M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Bethel Seminary. She is thrilled to be providing client-care in the evenings and supervised parenting when needed. After working as a paraprofessional following the completion of her undergraduate degree, Alexis gained a passion for working with children and a desire to look deeper within a family's system to uncover relational dynamics, and search for the "why" behind behaviors. Looking through a system lens, Alexis sees the problem as a symptom rather than a pathology. She is looking forward to learning and growing into her positions. Alexis is delighted to be able to bring knowledge from her studies into her roles here at Traverse.

In her future practice, Alexis aspires to specialize in behavioral intervention, childhood trauma, and ambiguous loss. She also has an interest in working with individuals in hospice and providing support to family members.

Education: B. A. Bethel University; Currently Pursuing an M. A. at Bethel Seminary in Marriage and Family Therapy (Expected Graduation 2022). "

Office & Outreach Manager

Carolyn has many years of experience in both office management and marketing. She has a passion for helping others and creating an atmosphere of warmth and dignity for all. She divides her time between managing our front office, client care, and providing information and resources about our services to the professional community.

Carolyn says that she does this work because: “Being part of the Traverse team is such a privilege. I get to share compassion and hope with our clients, witness lives being transformed, be part of a genuinely caring team of people, and share the good news about the work that we do with the community. Being part of something that is making such a difference in the lives of others gives me a great sense of fulfillment.”

Carolyn's Why Statement: To support others with care, kindness and grace so that they feel valued, and hope and possibilities are created.

Certified Therapy Dog, Traverse Counseling & Consulting, GBC

Beau is a gentle Bernese Mountain Dog. He has extensive therapy dog training and is certified to work in places such as hospitals, schools, airports and therapy offices. Beau believes that pet assisted therapy helps clients who experience anxiety, stress, forms of trauma and depression. He also loves lots of hugs and scratches behind the ears and knows he has the best job in the world. Beau belongs to Dana Baker, LAMFT. If you'd like to work with Dana and Beau please contact our office. Beau can't wait to meet you!

Beau’s Why Statement: To provide the most love and happiness to everyone around.

Additional Specialties: Eating Salami and putting up with my cat brother.

Education: Augusta Training Center and Pet Partners

Licenses: Therapy Dog. ID # 940012