Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Castle Rock, CO

We all have a manual that I call a life manual. This life manual was created over time from childhood experiences, transitions, emotional reactions, attachments, and traumatic events that may have occurred. When we meet someone, whether it be a co-worker, barista, or significant relationship, we continually respond and react from the frame work of our own life manual. Sometimes, that manual has created unhealthy reactions and expectations; the patterns that emerge leave us feeling lost or unfulfilled. Good news: You can create new patterns and start re-writing that manual for a healthy future.

I have worked in the mental health and substance health field since 2008. I have experience working with clients with depression, anxiety, PTSD and substance use. I have worked in many settings from psychiatric hospitals, corrections to crisis settings and emergency room settings.

I believe meaningful change begins with feeling understood. As both a therapist and Air Force veteran, I value authenticity, resilience, and the importance of genuine human connection. Clients often describe me as approachable, thoughtful, and direct when needed. I strive to create a space where you can show up as you are and feel supported as you work toward your goals.

I work with adults and older teens navigating addiction, trauma, co-occurring mental health concerns, and life transitions. I am experienced in supporting veterans, first responders, and those impacted by a loved one's substance use. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for change, my goal is to help you better understand your experiences and move forward with greater confidence.

I am client-centered in my approach, and I believe that treatment should be tailored to the individual client's needs and goals. I have training in multiple theoretical approaches, and am dedicated to helping clients heal from past traumas, rebuild their confidence and self-worth, and find meaning in their lives. I believe that although seeking therapeutic help can be intimidating, when we work together to create meaningful change, we can achieve increased life satisfaction and happiness.

I have been practicing 25 years. I have walked the path of life and its difficulties through lived experience

You’re here because something in your life feels heavy, confusing, or just off. Maybe you’ve been strong for everyone else for years and you’re finally wondering, “Who’s taking care of me?” Maybe you’re in a season where you feel anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in patterns you can’t seem to break. You might look fine on the outside—but inside, you’re tired, disconnected, or longing for a real change.

I get it. Most of the client's I work with feel exactly that way before they reach out. They’re smart, capable, and resilient... but they’re also carrying a lot. Life transitions, relationships, trauma, people-pleasing, burnout, old coping habits—they add up. I help my clients' slow down, and understand what’s driving them.

I am a published researcher and licensed professional counselor with a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology.

I am trained in the scientist-practitioner model and strive to ensure my clinical approach to therapy is informed by up-to-date and cutting edge research. I strive to create a safe and judgement-free therapeutic relationship where we can collaborate to accomplish your goals.

I can help you to develop a warm, loving relationship with the parts of yourself that may get in the way of the healing and recovery you are interested in. With attention to how pain, loss, and suffering can be held in the body and through cultivating compassion and attention, together we can work to move these experiences through to completion and create space for something new.

My approach to therapy is guided by something my Grandpa Ted Ross said:

"When you are with something and try to understand it, you learn to love it."

I aspire to provide a compassionate and intuitive presence (with 16+ years of experience) to support your journey to contact, connect with, and express your Core Self while understanding + learning to love the obstacles and challenges that come with being human.