LGBT therapists in Aurora, CO

I began this journey just seeking to learn about psychology and the nature of human behavior. The more I learned, the more I became fascinated with how resilient humans are in the face of significant challenges. However, what I found was that people will continue to live with underlying pain, because of the stigma previously put on people seeking help with mental health and trauma issues. I found that people created their own ways of coping and it often involved creating more harm. I knew at this time that I wanted to help people begin to face tough emotions and move toward healing the emotional pain.

I received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology in 1991 and a Master of Science Degree in General Psychology in 1993 from Pittsburg State University, Pittsburg, KS. I later went back for another Master of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology from Avila University in Kansas City, MO in 2014.

I have worked in the areas of domestic violence, at-risk youth, at-risk families, foster and adoption, and addiction. I specialize in working with trauma and addiction.

With more than 30 years of experience, I've helped individuals navigate anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and life's many transitions with compassion, understanding, and practical support.

I know reaching out for help isn't always easy. My goal is to create a safe, welcoming space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to move toward greater confidence, healing, and peace of mind.

I enjoy taking a person centered, strength based approach to therapy. I like to spend time getting to know my clients, their view of the world, and the experiences that have shaped them. On the surface, substance use has been my speciality, but I find that substance use is typically secondary to underlying mental health or trauma related concerns. Because of that, I have experience in a wide range of concerns and practice with varying approaches suited to meet the individual client's needs.

Example: "I have always wanted a job where I was of service to others, but I didn't know how to channel that into a career until I took an introduction to psychology course in college. We learned a lot about mental illness, what causes it and different ways to treat it, which inspired me to pursue my degree. I loved the idea of helping others overcome mental illness and helping them achieve their life goals."

Hi, I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with six years of experience supporting people through life’s challenges. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build helpful coping tools, and move toward the life you want.

Sometimes the hardest part is just deciding to reach out. I work with children, adolescents, and adults who are navigating anxiety, trauma, family stress, and the weight of experiences that are hard to carry alone. I am affirming and experienced in working with LGBTQIA+ and transgender individuals, and I welcome clients across a wide range of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whether you are dealing with the effects of trauma, anxiety that has become hard to manage, or stress that has quietly built up over time, I want our work together to feel like a genuine partnership.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who works primarily with children, adolescents, young adults, and families navigating emotional intensity, relational stress, and life transitions. My practice focuses on helping young people feel more regulated, understood, and confident in who they are, while supporting caregivers in strengthening connection and emotional safety at home.

I have training in attachment-based and experiential therapies, including Emotion Focused Family Therapy (EFFT), and I incorporate trauma-informed approaches to help clients build insight and resilience. I am especially passionate about supporting youth through nature-based therapy and providing affirming care for LGBTQ+ clients.

My background includes working with adolescents experiencing anxiety, depression, family conflict, identity exploration, and emotional dysregulation. I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and empowered to grow.

I am always honored when I am able to join my client's on their journey of discovery for a while