Lori Evenson, PhD, LPC-MH, NCC, QMHP, CCTP

 
 

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor–Mental Health (LPC-MH) in South Dakota. I completed my master’s-level training at the University of South Dakota in 2011 and earned my PhD in Counseling and Psychology in Education from USD in 2016. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, with additional training in EMDR and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). I have also completed advanced training in the Gottman Method for working with couples.

A large part of my practice is centered on working with adults who have experienced trauma and the lasting impact it can have. Trauma can show up in many ways—feeling numb or disconnected, overwhelmed by emotions, or stuck in patterns that don’t feel like they’re fully in your control. In therapy, we work together to better understand those experiences, gently process what you’ve been through, and begin to shift how you see yourself. You are not responsible for what happened to you. At the same time, healing can help you regain a sense of control, rebuild trust in yourself and others, and move toward a life that feels more steady, connected, and your own.

I also work with individuals across a wide range of identities, including those within LGBTQ2S communities. Whether identity is something you want to focus on directly or simply part of who you are, I aim to create a space that feels respectful, inclusive, and genuinely supportive. I approach this work with an understanding of how experiences like stress, stigma, and identity development can shape people’s lives, and I strive to meet each person in a way that feels real, collaborative, and responsive to their experience.

I care, and I’m here to help.

 
 
Contact Lori

  • I have over ten years of counseling experience as an LPC. My counseling career began at The Compass Center in Sioux Falls where I worked with clients who had endured domestic violence, had a history of childhood trauma, and were victims of sexual, physical, and psychological abuse. Next, I was a counselor at the Student Counseling Center at the University of South Dakota. There I provided counseling to numerous students who coped with issues such as body image, relationships ending, suicidal thoughts, and issues related to identity, including sexuality, gender identification, and personal values that conflicted with family and peers.

  • Licensed Professional Counselor - Mental Health (LPC-MH)

    National Certified Counselor (NCC)

    Qualified Mental Health Provider (QMHP)

    Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (International Association of Trauma Professionals)

    EMDR Training Level 1

    American Counseling Association (ACA) Member

  • PhD, Counseling and Psychology in Education - University of South Dakota

    MA, Clinical Mental Health Counseling - University of South Dakota

    MA, Early Childhood Special Education - University of South Dakota

    BA, Elementary Education - Mount Marty College