Ripple Effect Mental Health

Tanner Zimmerman, MA, LMFT

He / Him
Tanner Zimmerman wearing glasses and a button-up shirt against a faded background containing part of the molecular makeup of serotonin and a plant.
The Essentials

Services:

  • Individual therapy
  • Relationship therapy (couples, multiple partners, etc.)
  • Family therapy

 

Populations:

  • Adults (18+)
  • LGBTQ+ / Queer folks

 

Specialties:

  • Anxiety
  • Body image
  • Depression
  • Family of origin
  • Gender identity
  • Kink / BDSM
  • Relationships
  • Self-worth
  • Sex
  • Sexuality
  • Trauma / PTSD

Education:

  • Bachelor of Arts – Psychology  |  University of Minnesota
  • Master of Arts – Marriage and Family Therapy  |  St. Mary’s University of Minnesota

 

Licensure:

  • Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist  |  MN License #4080

 

Specific Trainings:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Gottman Levels I and II
  • AASECT certification (sex therapy) in progress
  • Certified Financial Therapist in progress
Want to know more about Tanner? Here's what he has to say:

With almost a decade of experience in the mental health field, I have been a practicing therapist since 2018. My journey started in a community-based mental health agency, where I supported a wide range of clients and got a firsthand look at the impact of therapeutic work. Over time, I transitioned into private practice, which has allowed me to focus on my areas of passion and work more closely with clients who align with my approach and specialties.

I wasn’t always set on being a therapist, although I’ve always felt drawn to helping professions. Early in my college years, I discovered my fascination with psychology and especially with relationships and systems theory. One of my first classes focused on the science of relationships and gave me an appreciation for the complexity of human connection. My teaching assistant, who was a marriage and family therapist, opened my eyes to the potential of the therapeutic profession, and from that point on, I knew this was the path I wanted to pursue.

At this point in my career, my therapeutic orientation is integrative, drawing from a range of effective models and theories that I find helpful for addressing the unique experiences my clients bring to our sessions. These include experiential, feminist, and queer theories, Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment and systems theories, and narrative therapy. I draw on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles when appropriate. In addition, I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which I frequently incorporate into my work, especially with trauma. Having a trauma-informed perspective is essential to my practice – I believe that understanding our experiences through a trauma lens provides invaluable insight and shapes the foundation for healing.

I work with adults, primarily individuals who identify as queer or who consider themselves part of “geek” culture. I specialize in working with people navigating areas like gender identity, relationships (whether monogamous, polyamorous, or ethically non-monogamous), self-worth, sexuality, and kink/BDSM. My work also addresses broader mental health topics, including trauma/PTSD, anxiety, depression, body image, and family-of-origin issues.

As a therapist, I would describe myself as warm, compassionate, and honest – I’m genuinely here to support you, and I’m also unafraid to name patterns or behaviors that might be getting in your way. My therapeutic style is direct but gentle; I often use humor and *ahem* strong language to create a relaxed environment. I prioritize creating a space where clients know there will be no judgement and they can freely express their whole selves. I come to each session with a general idea of what might be helpful, informed by our work together and your goals, but I also deeply respect each client’s ability to guide their own journey. I’ll use more structure when working with models that have specific protocol, such as EMDR, otherwise I often follow where you take us and employ an abundance of curiosity.

Currently, I’m working towards AASECT certification as a sex therapist and am also in the process of becoming a Certified Financial Therapist. I am trained in Gottman methods and, as mentioned, EMDR. Alongside these models and certifications, I stay current with research and find trainings to best serve my clients and continue growing in the areas I’m passionate about.

As for my personal life, I’m a gamer at heart and love playing video games as a way to unwind. I also enjoy card games and board games with friends. I have an adorable cat named Saba, who keeps me on my toes and provides plenty of relaxation and playtime. While I grew up in small-town Wisconsin, I’ve called the Twin Cities area home for almost a decade. I’m an advocate for social equity and am always open to learning from new perspectives; it’s something that enriches my life both personally and professionally.

The opportunity to get to know my clients and create a safe, judgment-free space for them to bring their whole selves is truly what I enjoy most about this work. I’m here to walk with you through whatever challenges or goals bring you to therapy, offering support, curiosity, and a space where you can feel fully seen and valued.

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