Connie Toavs, LCSW, LICSW
Minnesota LCSW for trauma and relationships
- Trauma and anxiety
- Relationships and intimacy
- Aging and caregiver support
About Connie Toavs
Connie Toavs brings a decade of clinical experience and a multidisciplinary foundation in psychology, gerontology, and social work to her therapeutic practice. She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials - LCSW meaning Licensed Clinical Social Worker and LICSW meaning Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker - and has worked with families, individuals, couples, and more mature populations to address a wide range of concerns. Her practice includes support for PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, end-of-life issues, chronic illness and medical conditions, personality disorders, intimate betrayal, and attachment and family-of-origin concerns.
She emphasizes a mindful, nonjudgmental approach that honors individual differences and creates a welcoming, peaceful space for exploration. Through life-review work and careful reflection, she helps identify repeated patterns that undermine functioning and relationships, then collaborates with clients to deepen understanding of how those patterns affect them emotionally and physiologically. From that foundation, she and the client develop practical strategies to reduce symptoms, improve coping, and restore connection.
Calm and steady in presence, Connie aims to support people through transitions, caregiving and aging challenges, issues of intimacy and identity, and the stresses of chronic health conditions. Her work is grounded in compassion and practical tools to help clients move toward clearer purpose and healthier relationships.
She emphasizes a mindful, nonjudgmental approach that honors individual differences and creates a welcoming, peaceful space for exploration. Through life-review work and careful reflection, she helps identify repeated patterns that undermine functioning and relationships, then collaborates with clients to deepen understanding of how those patterns affect them emotionally and physiologically. From that foundation, she and the client develop practical strategies to reduce symptoms, improve coping, and restore connection.
Calm and steady in presence, Connie aims to support people through transitions, caregiving and aging challenges, issues of intimacy and identity, and the stresses of chronic health conditions. Her work is grounded in compassion and practical tools to help clients move toward clearer purpose and healthier relationships.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
Additional Focus Areas
Aging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsEmptinessGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSexualityTraumatic brain injuryWomen's issuesYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Method Mindfulness Therapy Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Connie Toavs have?
Connie Toavs has 10 years of experience in clinical social work and psychotherapy.
Is Connie Toavs a licensed therapist?
Yes. She holds LCSW and LICSW credentials. License details are WI LCSW 11792 - 123 and MN LICSW 25715.
In which languages does Connie Toavs provide therapy?
Connie Toavs provides therapy in English.
Where is Connie Toavs located?
Connie Toavs is located in Minnesota.
How can I work with Connie Toavs as my therapist?
You can work with Connie Toavs through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Connie Toavs work with international clients?
Connie Toavs does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Connie Toavs cost?
The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started with therapy is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Connie uses several evidence-informed approaches to tailor therapy to each person's needs. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns of connection and trust - it can be especially helpful for intimacy-related issues, relationship struggles, and responses to betrayal. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes the client's own experience and strengths, providing a respectful space for exploring identity, grief, or life transitions while the therapist follows the client's lead and values their expertise about their life. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) offers practical tools to identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress and build more effective coping skills.Choosing the right approach is part of the collaborative work. Connie will help assess goals, preferences, and the nature of the concern to determine which methods or combination of methods fit best, and she adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.
Online therapy with Connie is offered through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for different schedules and needs. These options make it easier to attend sessions from home, manage ongoing health or caregiving responsibilities, and maintain continuity of care during life changes, while working with licensed professionals and therapists who can support the therapeutic process.