Meet Edwin Buys

Edwin Buys

Edwin is currently finishing an Master’s in Social Work (MSW) through the University of St. Thomas with dual licensure as a Licensed Drug and Alcohol Counselor, with additional areas of emphasis in integrated behavioral health care, and immigrant and refugee populations. His anticipated graduation and acquisition of his LGSW and LADC is June of 2025. Edwin’s credentials also include a B.A. and an A.S. in Psychology and a certificate in American Sign Language.

Edwin speaks English and Afrikaans fluently

As a South African-born, first generation immigrant, member of a multicultural relationship, bonus parent, neurodivergent individual, and a member of many of the communities he serves, Edwin has an unparalleled insight to many of the challenges his clients face.

Edwin is currently completing his practicum through Cedar Hill Therapy. He practices under the supervision of Christine Rushfeldt, LICSW (21952), LADC (303042).

Through Cedar Hill, Edwin is in-network for the following insurance companies: Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield / BluePlus, Cigna, FirstHealth, HealthPartners, Hennepin Health, Medicaid (all commercial and state-sponsored), Optum (Medica, UBH, UHC, UMR), Ucare, UCare IFP. Edwin also accepts uninsured or self-pay clients and is able to accept all major credit cards, debit cards, and HSA/FSA card.

“I am committed to helping individuals explore, embrace, and celebrate identities that are important to them, whether that involves navigating LGBTQIA2S+ experiences, exploring gender expression, processing relational stress and miscommunication, or overcoming challenges related to substance use and addiction. I also acknowledge that significant life transitions, such as immigration, financial instability, disability, relationship challenges, and child-rearing deeply influence our sense of self and the ways we connect with others.

I am deeply dedicated to creating a therapeutic space that honors and affirms the rich diversity of human experience. During therapeutic sessions, I incorporate evidence-based approaches such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), attachment theory, and the Gottman Method to support clients in deepening their self-awareness and healing relationships. I work with individuals across all age groups, as well as couples (including multicultural relationships and those practicing ethical/consensual non-monogamy), and families. I aim to cultivate empathy, respect, and genuine connection in every session, creating a safe and supportive environment where each person feels seen, heard, and validated. I am highly attuned to the impacts of inequity, oppression, marginalization, and various forms of discrimination that individuals may encounter in their homes, educational or professional settings, cultural or ethnic communities, and broader society. I belong to the communities that I serve, and I strive to provide a non-judgmental space My goal is to help clients feel empowered to navigate these complexities with greater confidence and self-compassion, so they can move toward a more fulfilling, authentic life on their terms.”

Clients I see..

  • Individuals
    • Adolescents (13-17)
    • Adults (18+)
  • Relational Couples/Partnerships
  • Family dynamics
    • Parents
    • Caregivers

Topics of Focus…

  • ADHD
  • Alcohol or Drug Use
  • Alternate Sexualities
  • Consensual/Ethical Non-Monogamy
  • Family Conflict
  • Gender Identity
  • Grief & Loss
  • Immigrants
  • Kink-Friendly
  • LGBTQIA2S+
  • Men’s Issues
  • Parenting & Parent-Child Relationships
  • Pre-Marital & Marital Issues
  • Relationships
  • Self-Esteem
  • Sexual Identity
  • Stress/Stress Management
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Trauma & PTSD

Modalities I work in…

  • Attachment Theory
  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Gottman Method
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS)
  • Polyvagal Theory
  • Psychotherapy

View my Therapy Profiles