Professional photo of Jennifer Apley, MSW, LICSW; founder and mental health therapist of Apis Mental Health & Grief Counseling in Minnesota

Meet Jennifer Apley, MSW, LICSW

Founder / Therapist

Jennifer Apley (“Jen” for short) is a down-to-earth mental health therapist who blends her small-town farm girl roots with authentic Midwestern values to create a warm, judgment-free space for healing.

Known by her clients, family and friends as genuine, grounded and compassionateSomeone who truly listens and helps you feel safe, supported, and seen.

What to Expect From a Therapist -

Jen’s Approach Explained

A Safe, Supportive Relationship
Therapy starts with trust. Jen creates a confidential, judgment-free space—delivered through secure video sessions—where you can be open, feel heard, and build a strong therapeutic connection from wherever you feel most comfortable.

Exploring Challenges Together
You’ll work collaboratively to identify patterns, explore root causes of emotional or relational struggles, and increase self-awareness—all from the convenience of your home or private space.

Learning Tools for Daily Life
Jen will help you develop coping strategies, set meaningful goals, and build skills to manage stress, emotions, and life transitions in a way that fits your lifestyle and routine.

A Personalized, Ongoing Process
Sessions are tailored to your unique needs and typically occur weekly via telehealth. Progress is regularly reviewed, and the pace is adjusted to fit where you’re at.

Growth That Lasts
Through this flexible, accessible approach to care, we aim to improve our client’s mental health, improve and strengthen one’s relationships, and cultivate a deeper sense of confidence, purpose and well-being.

Jen’s Clinical Style

  • Therapeutic Approach

    Jen’s work is grounded in empathy, collaboration, and respect for each person’s unique experience. She draws from several therapeutic frameworks to support clients in a way that feels personalized, empowering, and meaningful:

    Humanistic – Emphasizing personal growth, self-awareness, and the belief that every person has the capacity for change and healing

    Relational – Focusing on the importance of relationships, including the therapeutic relationship, as a space for insight and transformation

    Person-Centered – Providing a nonjudgmental, supportive environment where you are seen, heard, and accepted as you are

    Strengths-Based – Highlighting and building on your existing strengths and inner resources, rather than focusing solely on problems or pathology

  • Evidence-Based Frameworks

    Jen’s clinical work is grounded in evidence-based psychotherapy frameworks, including:

    Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),

    Psychodynamic Therapy

    Trauma-Informed practices

    These approaches guide her in helping clients navigate challenges with insight, flexibility, and compassion.

  • Individualized Counseling

    Depending on your unique needs and goals, Jen may also incorporate impactful mental health tools and psychological interventions or techniques from:

    Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

    Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

    Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)

    Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

    Internal Family Systems (IFS)

Jen’s Clinical Areas of Interest

Mental Health Specialities

Educational and Professional Background

Jen is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in the state of Minnesota. (MN Lic # 17926)

She received her:

  • Bachelor’s Degree from Winona State University

  • Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of St. Thomas

With nearly 17 years of experience in medical and hospice social work, Jen brings a deep understanding of the emotional, physical, and psychological challenges individuals and families face during times of illness, loss, and transition. This foundation has shaped her compassionate, client-centered approach to therapy. After many years supporting patients and families in healthcare settings, she transitioned into outpatient mental health therapy to focus more fully on long-term emotional wellness and mental health. Opening her own practice, Apis Mental Health & Grief Counseling PLLC, has allowed Jen to create a space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered to navigate life’s challenges with support and guidance tailored to their unique needs.

Jen’s Community Involvement, Memberships and Outreach—

Jen is an active member, supporter, and partner of several local and regional groups in Minnesota that align with her mission and values: supporting mental health awareness, reducing suicide and substance misuse, and promoting grief education. Through these community partnerships, she contributes both her professional expertise and personal lived experiences to advocate for meaningful, systemic change. In addition, Jen facilitates support groups (Coming Soon), speaks at mental health events, and develops custom workshops and educational outreach programs to foster healing, connection, and awareness within the broader community.

Black and white photo of two hands holding one another's hands in a supportive manner..
  • The Lake City Suicide Prevention Coalition works to improve mental wellness in the local community by promoting resources, awareness, and access to care. As a member, Jennifer Apley helps support initiatives that reflect the needs of the rural community—including the planning of at least one large-scale mental health awareness event each calendar year.

  • This Southeast Minnesota coalition brings together members from five counties to prevent youth suicide and substance misuse. Our focus is on building supportive communities, empowering young people, and shifting harmful cultural norms through education and collaboration.

  • Wabasha County AWARE is a coalition of mental health providers and residents working to build a stronger, more connected network of community resources. Our goal is to ensure that individuals and families know where to turn when they need help—no matter where they are in their journey.

    Website: Wabasha County AWARE

  • Aidan’s Light is a nonprofit dedicated to youth suicide prevention and mental health advocacy. Through local and national charitable giving and school partnerships, this organization provides vital resources that empower schools to raise awareness of mental health and protect young lives.

    Website: aidans-light.org

    Facebook Group: Aidan's Light In Loving Memory of Aidan Hegge

  • Support Groups

    Coming Soon

  • Mental Health & Suicide Prevention Speaking

  • Custom Educational Workshops and Outreach Events

Learn more about Jen’s “why” behind starting Apis Mental Health & Grief Counseling PLLC

Our Story

Jen’s Personal Interests —

Outside of online therapy sessions, Jen enjoys chasing sunsets, camping, snowmobiling, and spending time with her family. Whether she’s reading a good book, listening to music, or trying a new restaurant, Jen believes in embracing life’s simple joys—just like she encourages her clients to do.

Your story matters, and so does finding the right therapist. A free consultation is a safe place to begin that journey.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Jen