Grief counselors and therapists in Fort Collins, CO

I have been a practicing clinical social worker since 1995. During my graduate school training, I learned a lesson about clinical work with children, teens, and adults that psychiatrist Dr. Meeks reinforced in his book "The Fragile Alliance." The lesson was about the gift of trust that people give their therapist and how we, as clinicians, must honor and keep that trust to strengthen the fragile alliance of therapy. I have cherished this gift of trust each time it has been offered by someone in my practice.

Many clients share that therapy with me feels comfortable, safe, encouraging, and even fun. We’ll move step by step, combining reflection, insight, and practical tools. Along the way, you will uncover new perspectives and recognize your own resilience. My hope is that each session leaves you feeling seen, supported, and more empowered than when you arrived.

As both a mental health and addiction professional, I bring a compassionate and holistic perspective to my work with clients. I understand that each person’s experiences are unique, and I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable exploring challenges, building on their strengths, and working toward meaningful change.

My educational background reflects my commitment to understanding the connection between mental health, trauma, and overall well-being. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Health Promotion with a minor in Psychology from Colorado State University–Pueblo, followed by a Master of Social Work with a concentration in Mental Health and Trauma from the University of Denver.

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.

Hello, I'm Janet. I believe we hold the power and intuition to change our lives and live more joyfully. As Joseph Campbell said, “We cannot cure the world of sorrows, but we can choose to live in joy.” Sometimes we just need some guidance to move forward. If you are struggling to feel better about yourself and life or to heal from past experiences, you are not alone. I would like to offer my knowledge and empathic therapeutic style to empower and support you in your journey towards more peace, understanding, and healing.

I help people create meaningful, lasting change in their lives—on their terms. My work is rooted in real-life experience. I know what it’s like to explore different paths, question who you are, and search for something that truly fits. Before I could guide others, I had to do the work myself—gaining clarity, growth, and alignment with who I really am.

I'm Nicole Shelton, a double board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP, FNP). My experience in ICU and the ER informs my holistic approach to care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma across the lifespan. As a military wife and mother, I emphasize lifestyle balance, encouraging patients to integrate nutrition and exercise. I am dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and advocating for veterans and those impacted by trauma, ensuring you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works from the belief that people are not broken—and that many of the struggles we call “mental illness” make sense when we look at trauma, context, and lived experience. I’m especially attuned to the ways mental health systems, stigma, and labels can unintentionally cause harm, and I aim to practice in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and deeply human.

My approach is unconventional and trauma-informed, influenced by perspectives like those of Gabor Maté, which emphasize compassion, curiosity, and understanding symptoms as meaningful responses rather than defects. I do not believe in rushing to pathologize the human experience. As Joni Mitchell once reflected about depression, sometimes what we’re feeling is not an illness to be fixed, but a signal—an honest response to pain, loss, or a world that has not been kind.

Healing from trauma is not a straight path and you don’t have to walk it alone. I specialize in supporting people of all ages, from youth as young as 10 to older adults, in processing and healing from difficult experiences. I believe therapy works best when it’s a partnership, and I show up with authenticity, compassion, and respect for your unique journey. My approach is eclectic, drawing on a variety of evidence-based tools, with a foundation in a client-centered philosophy. I adapt each session to meet you where you are, at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

Choosing a therapist can feel like a daunting and vulnerable step, and I want to honor the courage it takes to begin. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with adults ages 25 to 85, bringing a long, richly lived life experience that allows me to meet you with steadiness, perspective, and compassion. My approach is grounded in unconditional positive regard—I believe you are worthy of respect and understanding exactly as you are. I can’t fix anyone, but I am very good at helping people heal themselves from the wounds life brings and to navigate the changes that shape us all.

My priority is to provide a safe, compassionate, and non-judgmental space where you feel heard, respected, and supported. With over 40 years in healthcare—including service as a former Navy Nurse Corps Officer and retired military veteran—I bring values of resilience, trust, and teamwork into every therapeutic relationship. I view care as a partnership and work to empower you to take an active role in your mental health.

Clinical Focus & Services

I provide pharmacotherapy (medication management) motivational interviewing, and other therapeutic modalities. We can assess during the first meeting if your treatment requires additional therapeutic support. I will provide a referral to a licensed therapist to ensure you receive comprehensive care. My practice supports:

• ADHD (I am an ADHD Certified Clinical Support Provider)
• College students with focus/concentration concerns,school overload, or interrelationship difficulties
• OCD
• Anxiety & Stress
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Trauma
• Mild to Moderate Depression
• Interrelationship issues
• Smoking cessation
• Gambling addiction
• Shop lifting addiction
• Smoking Cessation
• Alcohol Addiction