Therapists serving clients in Ault, CO

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been working with a variety of client issues for over 7 years. I specialize in treating teens and adults who experience a variety of roadblocks in life. I take a collaborative approach to counseling and therapy, in that you and I will together determine your best treatment, and I have a deep respect for your choice in seeking help. Issues may include: anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, relationship concerns, substance abuse and other addiction issues, disordered eating and poor relationship with food, family of origin difficulties, attachment issues, low self-esteem, communication problems, life transition, personal growth, codependency, disordered personality traits, women's issues, grief, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anger management, problems with work/career, sexuality concerns, low resilience, or concerns with intimacy. I take a holistic view of problems in our lives and work with you as the expert of your own experience. I believe compassion, understanding, and the therapeutic relationship are valuable as the framework within which change will occur. I use a combination of approaches that will be catered to your individual needs, including cognitive-behavioral strategies, acceptance and commitment principles, mindfulness exercises, existential theory, a psychodynamic understanding of the development of problems, and other approaches that may be most useful. Asking for help is difficult. Taking that first step to do so is courageous and strong. "Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity, and change" - Brene Brown I look forward to working with you!

Chuck specializes in working with relationships and family conflict, including blended family, money, intimacy, and communication issues. He finds working with distressed couples especially rewarding. As a veteran of the United States Air Force, Chuck understands the stressors military and dependents face. He is also familiar with the law enforcement community. In addition to a Master’s in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling, Chuck holds a Master’s in Business Administration, which helps when working with the “business side” of marriage & family. Chuck uses a curriculum that he developed over time designed to facilitate communication (exchanging listening and respect), understand differences, meet needs, identify strengths, define roles, build intimacy, resolve conflict, and set boundaries with internal and external threats to the relationship(s). Given the stressors couples face today (technology, social media, etc.) as never before, managing these threats has become essential to “tipping the scale” in favor of marriage. He will almost always assign homework. Chuck requires that at least the first session be conducted via videoconferencing, and may want to continue that modality until the “therapist-client relationship” has been established, per telehealth best practices. As a family-systems therapist, Chuck enjoys having the whole family present for the first session whenever possible. He likes to learn all the members, their roles in the family system and the family story. He has found that generational legacies can be very powerful. Chuck believes that we must be the authors of our own stories and choose our paths. Many people instinctively know the path that they want to be on, but are stuck in maladaptive patterns rooted in the past. As a counselor, Chuck is more directive than most and uses Milan Systemic theory as a framework. As a first step he will ask you to fill in the blank “The problem that I’m having in my (family, life, relationship, etc.) is…” The more brief and specific you can be in this “problem statement” the more likely you and Chuck will be to resolve that problem. Next, you and Chuck will write a “better statement.” Again filling in the blank “The problem will be better when…” As with the problem statement, the more brief and specific you can be, the more likely you will be to resolve the problem. As insight is gained and progress made toward the “better,” the problem and better statements are refined as a work-in-progress. Chuck incorporates “mindfulness” from Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and lessons learned from practicing yoga into his work. Mindfulness teaches observing emotions as a scientist observes phenomena in nature without judgment, and living in the moment. Chuck was married for 29 years, divorced, and is now engaged to the woman of his dreams. So, he can probably relate to whatever you (and your family) are going through. As a blended family-to-be, they have a 28 year-old son who served in the United States Navy, and is currently living on the east coast. Chuck has a four year-old son in heaven, giving him the empathy for those who have suffered a loss, which can only come from personal experience. Chuck holds a Master’s degree in Marriage, Family & Child Counseling from the University of San Diego, and is independently licensed as an LPC in Colorado (2400), and in Texas (77267). He is also licensed as an LPCC in New Mexico (0734). Currently, Chuck’s “office” day for Telehealth Video sessions is on Tuesdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, only. He can respond to Messaging on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, only. Chuck does not use Chat or Phone.

My background is fairly broad having lived in a number of states in the United States and abroad. I have a positive regard for many cultures having lived abroad as well, recognizing that diversity is a part of the world we live in now and our many cultures create a mosaic of life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed in the state of Oklahoma and Colorado. I have a Masters degree in Counseling. My career has included work with families and youth, individuals and couples along with those struggling with serious mental health issues as well as leading organizations and dealing in this capacity with personnel and ways to lead staff and motivate leadership in these settings always striving for positive outcomes. I have had training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and have been a counselor for 20 plus years. I am typically eclectic when working with individuals and families, as well as couples and youth. It is my belief that you can use a socratic approach of questioning and exploring, and challenging gently when working with survivors of trauma, when exploring misconceptions, as well as challenging belief patterns that may be challenging to the day to day coping that we need to have. I believe that we can also explore our patterns of functioning and adapt adding new skills and patterns, traditions and celebrations for example, to place ourselves in a better place to thrive, not only survive in this experience we call life. We have the honor as counselors to travel with you and those you care about on your journey briefly, and this we do with the utmost respect for who you are and for how you wish to see yourself and your family and loved ones succeed and overcome the current challenges you are facing.

Hello! My name is Melanie Hotz, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) licensed in Colorado with over 10 years of experience working with adults. I have a Bachelors's degree in General Psychology with a minor in Criminal Justice; I graduated with a Master's degree in Clinical Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado in 2008. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) with a Person-Centered approach; I utilize mindfulness techniques along with CBT to help one learn tools to help manage uncomfortable emotions. I strive to meet clients where they are and adjust therapy to meet the needs of my client. I have experience with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, and adjusting to changes in life. We all have a dialogue going on in our minds every day, many times we are not aware of how this "self-talk" affects our mood and choices in life. Using CBT I help clients become more aware of what they are telling themselves, how it affects them, and how to shift negative thoughts to be more neutral or positive. Therapy is hard, but I am here to help you achieve your goals. I can't do it for you, but I can be here to support you as you journey through the rough roads in life and hopefully help you get to the smoother road ahead, or find better equipment for the rough spots. I look forward to meeting you! Melanie

Hello! Please Note: I would like to extend my expertise in treating trauma to those who have been affected by recent shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. Please reach out for help, you don't have to go it alone. I am a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, a certified addictions counselor, and Licensed Professional Counselor with over 35 years of experience working in a variety of clinical settings and diverse populations. As of recent, I have been incorporating into my traditional practice, alternatives to treatment as a Preparation and Integration Specialist. I have a very special interest in assisting our Veterans, First Responders, Law Enforcement and their families regarding trauma informed care/PTSD. I sincerely believe that addressing any trauma struggles in a manner that the client finds beneficial, will also assist with anxiety, depression, relationship and addiction issues. I work to provide a safe space for my clients to address issues in order to feel better and to promote the acquisition of a skill set for future problem solving. I would love to work with you if you are a resident of Colorado, USA. My therapeutic approach is a mix of philosophies, techniques and styles which I feel have been effective in my 35 years of experience as a clinician. I believe that something unique to my practice is the idea that education around what is troubling us is valuable; for example, becoming familiar with how PTSD effects our Central Nervous System and so forth. I believe knowledge is power and I hope to empower my clients to live happier, fuller lives.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Colorado and New Mexico. I specialize in grief, loss and life transition counseling. I have worked in acute care hospital settings, plus palliative and hospice care organizations for many years helping families and individuals at pivotal points in their life. I have a special interest and experience in older adults as they face difficult challenges and decisions regarding advanced care planning, and downsizing. Often people face isolation, loss of independence and increased independence on others, all at the same time. I understand these life transitions can happen in a moment, and are often paired with a traumatic life event. I start by learning your story, in your words, at your pace. Curiosity leads the conversation and often results in feeling heard and seen as you truly are, not as you think others expect you to be. Through greater understanding of ourselves and what motivates us, we can often find new or renewed interest and joy in our life. It takes courage to acknowledge the range of feelings that accompany loss, grief and life transitions. Feelings of overwhelm can mix with feeling dull and unable to find joy in our lives. I understand these feeling first hand and know the value of seeking help with moving through uncomfortable, painful times in our lives. I look forward to hearing your story and helping you as you work through difficult, sad or confusing times in your life.

Hello! I am Dr. Tecii. I am an LPC based in Oklahoma but also licensed in Florida and Colorado. I have experience in helping clients with life transitions, stress, anxiety, self-esteem, building confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I aim to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I believe I am just a helping hand in your journey. The real work is completed outside the session. Hope to hear from you soon!

I am licensed in Colorado and Ohio with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

I am licensed in Colorado and Illinois, with experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I offer you an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My clients have described my approach as patient, warm, empathetic, affirming, humorous, and challenging, when necessary.

Dr. Jamaal “Doc J” Fortner is a south Louisiana native who combines his sense of home-spun Southern wisdom with evidence based practice. He brings an extensive clinical background that includes inpatient psychiatric care and outpatient clinical practice focused on members of the LGBTQ+ population and populations of color. Additionally, he holds specialties in substance abuse and domestic violence. Dr. Jamaal “Doc J” Fortner is an alumnus of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Health Administration. He is also an alumnus of the University of Southern California with a Master of Social Work and a Doctorate of Social Work. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Texas, Colorado and Nevada.