Grief counselors and therapists in Woodland Park, CO

Hi, my name is Austin and welcome to my private practice. As a man who has been deeply affected and healed by counseling, I get the need and role of counseling firsthand. This is why I love counseling: I believe humans were created to share their stories and to work through difficulties together. Counseling is my life’s passion. I am truly honored and delighted to now walk alongside others in dark places toward durable hope and lasting change.

I am personally acquainted with the pain of grief. After the loss of my mother to suicide, I began a counseling journey that revealed many unexplored areas in my life that needed compassion and care. These experiences have brought me face to face with life’s difficulties.

I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the United States Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO) in Foreign Area Studies (Russia and Eastern Europe). After graduation, I worked as a military aviator and US Air Force Officer in domestic and international locations. I returned to graduate school to pursue a Master’s of Arts in Counseling and a Master’s of Divinity at Covenant Theological Seminary. Over the years, as a counselor, I have worked in a community-based counseling center, as a staff counselor for a church counseling center, and I am now in independent practice, working with men, veterans, couples, and families navigating trauma and PTSD, and the many ups and downs of life.

I have traveled throughout the world during my Air Force career. Seeing the many ways humans experience the world, in all its pain and joy, has only increased my passion to care for others. From working with teenagers and their struggles to individuals seeking hope to the married couple with decades of experience to everyone in between. I love working with people who are struggling and want change.

I'm Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist & Supervisor, and am trained in EMDR trauma therapy. I use Synergetic Psychotherapy and Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT) to help clients get real change without spending years in therapy. The average number of SPT sessions is 15!

As a licensed clinical social worker, it is my honor to offer safety, support, and understanding as you bravely step into the exploration of a richer, more fulfilling life. I practice primarily Internal Family Systems to address life challenges with trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief.

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

I am excited to work with folks 12+ who don't want therapy to feel like a doctor's office. I have experience working with anxiety, low self-esteem, disconnection, and trauma, as well as folks navigating difficult diagnoses and changing life circumstances that leave them feeling stuck, afraid, or alone.

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.