Overall philosophy:

For the 9+ years I have spent in service to people with chronic pain and illness, my philosophy and approach has been rooted in integrative health, placing the relationship with each unique individual at the center of our work together. I recognize the role of many factors contributing to chronic pain and illness, including genetic/inherited elements, as well as environmental elements such as trauma (personal and intergenerational) and societal stressors to name a few. Understanding that growth and healing take time and dedicated effort, and that there are a multitude of internal and external barriers to wellness, I have made it my mission to help others find their own way to health and well-being, whatever that looks like for them.

I aim first to help people develop kinder, gentler, and more compassionate relationships with their bodies and with themselves. From here, there is potential for liberation from suffering in finding where our power lies and taking control of what is within our reach. Recognizing also the very real impact our society has in the stress we experience, I take a more radical approach to healing in challenging our conditioned ideas of how and who we are SUPPOSED to be, to find liberation in leaning into, accepting, embracing, and finding empowerment in who we ARE as we are.

Clinical Approach:

(please click the hyperlinks to learn more and get a sense of what to expect when working together)

I realize we are all unique individuals with our own lived experiences, our own ways of learning, and our own preferences for pace and style of skill-building, as well as our own goals and expectations for our personal growth. Therefore, I tailor my approach and collaborate with people to use interventions of processing, skill development, education depending on the specific needs of the individual. I have intentionally developed a mixed and varied clinical toolbox to meet the needs of the individual, instead of fitting the individual to a specific modality. You will find that while laid-back and flexible, our interactions will be consistent and focused around your objectives and helping you develop your own insights.

I am a client-centered/relational and existential therapist.

My practice is Gestalt, transpersonal, psychodynamic, integrative, anti-oppressive, and trauma-informed.

Services offered may include: CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR (EMDR-trained), parts work, MI, MBSR, Somatic-based approaches

Active listening and Socratic dialog will be mainstays in session

Values of Inclusivity and Affirming Care:

People with chronic pain and illness contend with vast societal stigma around our conditions, trying to make our way in a largely ableist culture. This is one way in which individuals with chronic conditions and disability encounter marginalization and discrimination and is at the forefront of any work with chronic pain and illness. It is important to also highlight the very real ways in which other aspects of our identity intersect and create additional layers of stressors and barriers to wellness and compassionate quality care.

Members of marginalized populations, specifically those identifying as BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ among others, are disproportionally challenged not only by discrimination and disenfranchisement within society as a whole, but specifically within healthcare in lacking access to quality inclusive and affirming care. This reality must be named and honored, first and foremost, especially as these elements of one’s lived experience are primary concerns when considering strategies to healing and wellness. I am devoted to listening to you, learning about your values, culture, and perspective, and working together to help you find any bit of empowerment possible at this time and place.

I typically work with women between the ages of 25 and 60 who have experienced burn-out and debilitation from chronic pain. They have often lost a sense of identity linked to loss of function in the roles they valued and derived self-worth, such as academics, athletics, career and/or parenting. I work with them to develop a kinder relationship with their bodies, learn and practice healthy ways of coping with stress and pain, cultivate more realistic and fair expectations of themselves and others, learn to set boundaries, heal from trauma, find resources for connection, and adapt activities around limitations to to enjoy a quality of life once more.

Services I offer:

• Group Counseling online for chronic pain and illness management ($60/group session)

• Individual Counseling for deeper work toward healing mind, body, and spirit ($175/60-minute session). Online and in-person options for individual depending on the day and time.

  In an effort to make services inclusive, accessible, and affordable, I accept Medicaid, Medicare United Healthcare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and Cigna insurances and have a Sliding-Fee scale for self-pay.
  

Currently in development:

• Worksheets, guided meditation and other materials to purchase, download, and use on your own (access to these materials included at no cost to those receiving counseling services with me)

• Weekly drop-in Acudetox groups in person for chronic pain, stress, sleep, and opioid detoxification (contact Vickie for pricing and schedule) first come, first served

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology - Colorado State University - 2007

• Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling - Adams State University - 2015

License and Credentials:

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) - State of Colorado - LPC.0014107

• EMDR Trained - EMDRIA-approved training with Scaling Up and Elizabeth Legg, PhD, LPC, NCC (Working toward EMDRIA Certification)

• Certified Acudetox Specialist (ADS) - NADA #13702

Clinical and Professional Background:

15 Years experience in helping professions, including:

6 Years in supportive services for at-risk youth and adults, both in outpatient and host home settings, as well as residential treatment.

3 Years in integrated care as a therapist in community mental health (North Range Behavioral Health/Sunrise Community Health), bridging the gap between mental and physical healthcare systems, coordinating and providing individual and group counseling for Medication Assisted Treatment Program and chronic pain management programs.

6 Years in private practice with focus on development and delivery of integrated care through individual and group therapy for chronic pain and illness, and innovation of programs to further education and skill development for other therapists to learn best practices when working with the chronic pain and illness population.