Find a therapist in Denver, CO — covered by insurance

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with 18+ years of experience as a trauma therapist serving active-duty and veterans, and first responders.

I've specialized in play therapy with both trauma and neurodivergent populations and have a decade of work as a state-approved domestic violence treatment provider.

This work has equipped me with a lens to identify symptoms of trauma at all ages and stages of development, as well as an understanding of communication and relationship dynamics in couples and families.

I have experience with somatic and sensory work that applies to self-regulation and conflict resolution. I am also licensed in the State of Colorado as a natural medicine clinical facilitator in the use of Psilocybin.

I work with creative, self-aware adults navigating anxiety & overthinking, grief, ADHD & other neurodivergence, relationship struggles, and major life transitions and reinvention — people in the middle of real change.

Therapy with me is grounded, direct, and collaborative. We slow down enough to understand what’s happening beneath the surface — and then we figure out how to move you forward.

I have a master's degree in clinical mental health counseling and have worked in inpatient rehab, community mental health, and private practice. And I've had several other careers before this: massage therapist, editor and writer, writing instructor, park ranger, all of which inform how I show up as a therapist.

When you come to me for treatment with anything we will go at a pace that works for you and feels safe. I believe it is important to explore hostorical and potential root causes of issues in order to process through and understand unconscious impulses better. This means each person will have different needs regarding the duration of therapy, but people often see subtle positive changes between 30 to 60 sessions.

My introduction to helping people and psychology both came about, as a result of following my mom’s example and the Bob Newhart Show. My mother was a natural people person with a keen interest and background in psychology. My take-away from the Bob Newhart Show drove home the needs for humor and light-heartedness as well as a genuine love for what you do. I believe that those qualities: love for people and my passion and seeing the humor in things truly define me, both as a therapist and a person. My academic journey led me to both bachelors and masters degrees from The University of Northern Colorado and included intensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnotherapy during my sabbatical in between my degrees. With a strong theoretical base supporting me, I moved forward and was able to blend my education with twenty years of real-world experience. I went on and diversified my experience as I worked in community counseling, community corrections, Inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and private practice. Although our learning never ceases, I feel very comfortable and sincere in offering clients my wealth of experience, knowledge of human behavior, and most of all, a kind ear.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, University of Northern Colorado (1990) • Master of Arts in School Counseling/Community Counseling, University of Northern Colorado (http://www.colorado.edu/) (2001)

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) • Certified Addiction Counselor- Level 3 (CACIII) • Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt) • Neuro-Linguistic Programming- Certified Practictioner (NLP-P)

Specialties/Areas of Focus

• Anxiety • Addiction/Substance Abuse • Couples Counseling • Hypnotherapy/Trauma • Individual Counseling • Depression/ Grief and Loss • Life Transitions

Professional Affiliations

• International Hypnosis Association (IHA) • American Psychological Association (APA) • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCH)

A New Leaf Therapy is a group based practice specializing in helping helpers.

I have wanted to be a therapist since I was twelve years old after seeing a guru use his expertise to connect with a troubled child who had only known how to push others away. Over twenty five years later, I'm privileged enough to have found my own niche, working with individual adults address the impacts of trauma, anxiety, and depression. They have proven that the capacity to love and embrace life can be rediscovered, even for those who have lived through the unbearable.

• Master's In Counseling from Regis University
• National Certified Counselor
• Certified Gestalt Provider
• Level II Trained EMDR Provider
• Certified Trauma Therapist
• Certified Psychedelic Assisted Therapist

As far as me as a person, I'm a Colorado native who loves the outdoors, travel, dabbling in the arts, and spending time with those I love. Sometimes, I am blissfully content just curling up with my geriatric cat and a good movie.

My passion lies in instilling hope that recovery and wellness is possible – and worth it! I specialize in eating disorders, mood & anxiety disorders, grief, and the unexpected twists & turns of life. It would be a privilege to walk alongside you as you navigate this journey.

I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor and Resiliency Coach with over 19 years of experience helping clients navigate trauma, stress, and life transitions with clarity and confidence. My approach is direct, compassionate, and rooted in real-life experience—I believe in giving you practical tools, not just talk. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or ready for change, I’m here to help you move forward with resilience and purpose.

Two personal virtues I value greatly are learning and curiosity. I will bring these two attitudes to the therapy room and with you to ensure that we develop concepts and theory that fits your experiences. I am currently completing my PhD in Counselor Education with my dissertation focusing on neuroscience-informed treatment. Our internal signals are as powerful as our external reactions. Together, we can use these techniques to quantify treatment!