Grief counselors and therapists in Grand Junction, 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.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who welcomes clients ages 14 and older. I am a mother and retired Army veteran who served in military intelligence as a Chinese Cryptologic Linguist.

My work as a forensic interviewer for children who experienced abuse and neglect strengthened my ability to sit with difficult stories and provide safe, trauma-informed care. My lived experiences with trauma, abuse, and autoimmune illness have also shaped my understanding of the mind-body connection.

Talking about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences with anyone can be challenging, especially with a complete stranger. I strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and judgement free space for you to reflect and navigate through the various seasons of your life.

Whether you have specific goals or simply need a listening ear, I utilize a variety of approaches to assist clients in accomplishing their goals and navigating difficult situations. I use a holistic and collaborative approach, providing encouragement, accountability, and direct feedback to assist clients with their individual needs. Some of my areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal communication skills.

I hope to use my training and experience to help you overcome obstacles, identify your strengths, manage stress, and learn helpful coping skills to propel you forward. Like many things in life, therapy can be uncomfortable and scary at first, but I'd be honored to walk with you and encourage you along this journey.

Life isn't always about getting through a crisis. Sometimes it's realizing you've been carrying stress, anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional exhaustion for so long that it feels normal. You don't have to have everything figured out before reaching out. I believe therapy works best when you feel understood, respected, and comfortable being yourself. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, burnout, relationship challenges, or simply feeling stuck, we'll work together to help you move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

Hello, and welcome. I'm Christine Laster, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 21 years of experience helping individuals and families navigate life's challenges. Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of settings, including child welfare, school social work, and domestic violence services. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of trauma, resilience, and the unique challenges people face at different stages of life. I earned both my Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from Metropolitan State University of Denver. In addition to my clinical work, I am an adjunct professor at the University of Denver, where I have the privilege of teaching and mentoring graduate-level social work students.

Life can look successful on the outside while feeling disconnected, overwhelmed, or stuck on the inside. I work with adults, especially men, as well as boys and teens navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, questions of identity or purpose, and the pressures of work, school, or family life. Together we'll better understand what's keeping you stuck and build a path toward greater clarity, connection, and lasting change.

I am a multi-state licensed therapist across California, Colorado, Iowa, Nebraska, and Texas, specializing in helping adults navigate deep-seated mental health challenges alongside intense personal and professional transitions.

With vast clinical experience, I have served as a university career counselor, a specialist for healthcare professionals, and a dedicated clinician within both the US Navy Family Advocacy Program and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

My practice provides a highly supportive, practical space for college students, working adults at all career stages, healthcare workers, service members, Veterans, and the LGBTQIA+ community.

I blend empathetic listening with deep clinical insight to help you manage and heal from:

Core Mental Health & Neurodivergence:

Anxiety, depression, ADHD, autism, and identity exploration.

Trauma & Life Impact:

Complex trauma, PTSD, grief, loss, and managing chronic medical conditions.

Daily Survival:

Severe career burnout, relationship problems, and navigating life's overlapping pressures.

I’m bilingual in Japanese and English and bring a multicultural lens to my work with individuals and couples. I work with clients who are navigating trauma, relationship difficulties, emotional disconnection, or patterns they understand intellectually but have difficulty changing. Therapy is a process of building emotional, mental, and physiological safety; exploring how your experiences have shaped the way you relate to yourself, others, and the world; processing unresolved emotions; and moving toward becoming more whole.

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.