Grief counselors and therapists in Grand Junction, CO

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 have been a counselor for 40 years, working with individuals, couples, families and groups with psychological as well as addiction issues. I have extensive experience in inpatient as well as outpatient settings. I am eclectic in my evaluation and treatment methods, which gives me flexibility to treat individual needs. Primarily, I use cognitive-behavioral techniques. Many of my clients suffer with depression, anger, and anxiety (panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder); all of which impact potential addictions. I also treat couples and families to better understand their dynamics and to improve their communication skills.

My background consists of psychological testing and understanding personalities. This has helped in my work with children, adolescents, & families. I enjoy working with gay and straight couples, to help them with empathy and communication. I do extensive cognitive work as well as teaching techniques with people suffering from anxiety, anger, and addictions.

I encourage self-awareness to stimulate one's potential. Understanding oneself is essential to reducing anxiety, depression & anger (and in improving relationships). I teach relaxation, meditation, & self-hypnosis techniques to improve personal balance. I guide couples and families to improve relationships through empathy, acceptance, and communication.

My ideal clients are seeking deeper connections but feeling held back by intimacy issues, relationship patterns, anxiety, depression, or trauma. You might feel disconnected from your partner, overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, or stuck in cycles that no longer serves you. In our work together, you don't have to hide any part of who you are. I provide a grounded, entirely non-judgmental space centered on authentic human connection. Together, we explore what is keeping you stuck and build practical, compassionate paths toward relational understanding, emotional stability, and personal healing.

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.

As a graduate of the University of Southern California and an active-duty Navy Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals and families around the world including children, teens, spouses, GS employees, retirees, and active-duty service members.

I am a licensed clinical therapist with experience working in both crisis settings and long-term trauma-focused therapy. Early in my career, I worked at a crisis center where I completed my internship and later worked for several years supporting individuals in high-stress and emotionally difficult situations. This experience helped shape a calm, grounded, and compassionate approach to therapy.

I specialize in EMDR-informed therapy, trauma, attachment wounds, codependency, grief, and relational patterns. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling stuck in repeating emotional or relationship dynamics despite having insight into their patterns. My approach focuses on helping clients move beyond survival-based coping and create deeper emotional healing and lasting change.

I use a collaborative, person-centered, and attachment-based approach tailored to each client’s needs. I work with adults from diverse backgrounds and strive to create a supportive space where clients feel emotionally safe, understood, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.

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

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.

Small town living is a special kind of living. I have lived in northeastern Colorado my entire life, except for a short 5 years in Olympia, WA. I understand small town life.

I decided to become a therapist 14 years ago and completed my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy at Northcentral University. My passion for helping families and individuals heal led me to specialize in Medical Family Therapy and to also receive advance training in EMDR therapy.

Sometimes life overwhelms us, but it doesn’t have to. I believe we all have the potential to control the way we react to situations we face.