Helping Families Grow, Together: Innova Counseling Is Here
At Innova Counseling Services, they combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a client-centered focus to meet you where you are. They believe therapy works best when it is tailored to each person’s strengths, challenges, and goals. In their supportive environment, clients work collaboratively with therapists to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting positive change
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Quick summary
Innova Counseling Services says its care is tailored to each client, with therapists Alissa DeCoteau and Anna Charboneau focused on helping children, teens, young adults, and families build coping skills, confidence, and lasting change.
- Focus on children, teens, young adults, and families
- Therapists emphasize client-centered, evidence-based care
- Play therapy and parent support are part of the approach
Did you know
- Alissa DeCoteau uses play, games, and creative activities to better understand younger clients.Alissa DeCoteau, quoted in article
- Anna Charboneau says play therapy helps kids process emotions at their developmental level.Anna Charboneau, quoted in article
- Anna Charboneau advises parents to praise effort over outcomes to help build a growth mindset.Anna Charboneau, quoted in article
At Innova Counseling Services, they combine evidence-based therapeutic approaches with a client-centered focus to meet you where you are. They believe therapy works best when it is tailored to each person’s strengths, challenges, and goals. In their supportive environment, clients work collaboratively with therapists to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create lasting positive change.
Meet the Therapists
Alissa DeCoteau MSW, LCSW
About Alissa
Alissa is a licensed therapist who specializes in providing behavioral health services to children, adolescents, young adults and families. Her mission is to assist individuals and families with improving their overall quality of life by addressing concerns related, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, trauma, attachment issues, behavioral struggles, parent/child conflict, grief/loss, school problems, peer problems, relationships challenges and more. With 15 years of experience in the behavioral health field, Alissa uses a variety of treatment approaches to meet the needs of each individual and family. She believes in a strength’s perspective and the value of establishing a trusting therapeutic relationship. As part of the therapeutic process, clients will experience a nonjudgmental environment where they will be treated with dignity and respect.
How did you end up in counseling?
I chose counseling because it blends my interest in human behavior with my desire to make a practical, positive impact in people’s daily lives.
What about the work drew you in?
I’ve always been interested in how people think, feel, and connect. Counseling felt like a natural path to turn that interest into meaningful work.
Who do you primarily work with?
A lot of my work is with kids and adolescents. You’re often helping the whole family system, not just the individual child, which adds another layer to the work.
What are some of the most meaningful moments you see in your work?
It’s often the small moments. A kid who starts speaking up when they used to shut down. A teen who begins to understand their emotions instead of feeling controlled by them. A parent who feels more confident in how they’re supporting their child.
How do you approach working with younger clients?
It’s a lot less about sitting and talking and more about meeting them where they’re at. That can be through play, games, or creative activities. Kids communicate differently, and when you adjust to that, you can get a much better understanding of what they’re experiencing.
What are some signs someone might need extra support?
When something shifts and doesn’t bounce back. That could be mood, behavior, energy levels, or relationships. Especially with kids, it might show up as irritability, withdrawal, or changes at school. If something feels off for a while, it’s worth looking into.
Anna Charboneau MSW, LMSW
About Anna
Anna is a licensed therapist specializing in behavioral health services for children, teens, and families. She is passionate about helping individuals and families find healing, personal growth, and resilience. With years of experience in the field of mental health, she utilizes a variety of therapeutic approaches to best support and address the unique needs of the individuals she works with. Her approach is grounded in a strong belief that everyone deserves a safe space to be heard, understood, and empowered. Some of her areas of focus include; anxiety & depression, selfesteem issues, behavioral struggles, and peer/family relationship issues. Anna strives to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages positive change.
How did you end up in counseling?
I didn’t really know what I wanted to do at first. I went to NDSU for my undergrad as an undecided major, but I knew I wanted to do something that involved helping people.
I ended up getting into the social work program during my freshman year, and from there I realized I wanted to go down the path of being a therapist. That meant getting my master’s, which I did through UND while working full-time.
I also had family members and family friends in similar roles, so I was able to see the impact they had on people’s lives, and that really solidified it for me.
What about the work appealed to you?
The opportunity to support people through meaningful change is what appeals to me most. I value helping others feel understood, emotionally regulated, and more confident in expressing themselves.
What population do you primarily work with?
Mostly kids, along with teens and young adults. And with that comes working closely with families and parents—doing a lot of parent support as well. I’ve worked with kids in different settings throughout college, so it’s something I’ve always enjoyed.
What kind of progress or success do you see with clients?
It looks different for everyone, but one of the biggest things I notice is growth in confidence.
Sometimes kids come in more reserved or struggling with self-esteem, and over time— through sessions and building skills—you can really see that transformation. That’s one of the most rewarding parts.
What approaches or modalities do you use, especially with kids?
We use a lot of play therapy. Talk therapy isn’t always effective for kids, so through play they’re able to process emotions and experiences in a way that fits their developmental level. Then we work with parents to help support those needs at home as well.
What advice would you give parents trying to build confidence in their kids?
One big thing is praising effort rather than just outcomes. When you focus only on results—like winning or being the best—it can create pressure. But when you recognize effort, it helps build a growth mindset. Kids learn that working hard matters, even if the outcome isn’t perfect. Also, trying not to expect perfection is important. Kids are still learning, and putting that kind of pressure on them can lead to stress and anxiety over time.
Any general advice for mental health—for parents or anyone?
Self-care is huge, and it looks different for everyone. It’s about finding what helps you decompress—whether that’s going for a walk, listening to music, or journaling. Journaling, especially, can be a great outlet for both kids and adults to process thoughts without judgment.
What do you see as your biggest strength as a therapist?
I’d say being easygoing and creating a comfortable environment. I try not to make it feel overly structured—more like a natural conversation where people feel safe opening up. I also think being closer in age to many of my clients helps with connection and relatability.
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Published May 21, 2026
