About Me

 There’s a better way to mental & relationship health

And I help people looking for change create a better way through empathy, support, encouragement and tangible skills for maximum benefit and fulfillment. At the core of my practice,

I help people create their solutions and I help couples build tools for improving their relationships.

I implement practical skills, common language, tangible goals, and effective coaching to make fulfillment possible.

I understand that finding a counselor that you feel comfortable with and can trust is the most important step in seeking support. As a result, I work diligently to create a safe and empowering environment that integrates empathy, compassion, and humor into every session. I support clients in their change process with thoughtful reflection, building on skills and successes, and empowering action through accountability and support. If we agree to work with each other, we can bring about real and lasting change in your life and relationships as a team. 

 

Why work with me?

Because a better way is possible for you too

Professional Qualifications

I’ve spent the last 20 years learning and distilling the most effective tools and resources for the maximum benefit of my clients. The benefits from incorporating the science of mental health and healthy relationships are truly life-changing. 

I am a licensed psychotherapist and couples counselor. I have been counseling and coaching women, men, couples, families and groups, ages 15+ since 2009. Many years ago, I found my passion for helping people as an outdoor educator and wilderness therapy guide in wilderness therapy programs in Colorado and Utah. I have worked extensively with children, youth, adults, couples, and families in outdoor education programs, public and alternative schools, day treatment schools, community-based mentoring organizations, substance abuse facilities, and outpatient counseling centers. I completed a two-year trauma study between 2014 and 2016 with high-conflict families experiencing mental health needs, substance use and addictive behaviors, educational differences, active trauma experiences, intergenerational trauma, abuse, and neglect. This focus on trauma and the impacts of trauma on our brains, nervous systems, quality of life, and relationships has substantially influenced the approach that I implement with clients and couples. As a result, 

my therapeutic approach integrates various evidence-based models to support clients and couples through

practical skill-building, productive & effective interventions, and sustainable changes.

These techniques include applied neuroscience education and training, humanistic and existential thought philosophies, trauma-informed care, right-brain activation and survival-brain education, solution-focused brief treatment, and acceptance and commitment therapy. Some of my couples therapy interventions incorporate the Gottman method, emotion-focused therapy, neuro-dynamic couples therapy, Stan Tatkin’s Pyschobiological Approach to Couples Therapy (PACT), attachment-based therapy, conflict management and conflict resolution skill building, and non-violent communication education and training. I specialize in a growing field called InterPersonal Neurobiology (IPNB) and Adult Attachment in relationships. IPNB incorporates the latest neuroscience research, mindfulness training, and the last 100 years of psychotherapy practice to help improve happiness and wellbeing within clients and their relationships.

While I have extensive knowledge and experience of human behavior, psychology, sociology, and neuroscience; I partner with my clients’ inherent knowledge of themselves and their challenges to facilitate sustainable changes. 

Personal Experience

I got tired of the same-old, same-old.

I believe every therapist chooses this field because of their interest, education, training and their own lived experience. This is definitely true for me. I have always been a helper but I’ve also always been analytical in my approach. I spent a lot of time looking for something meaningful and enjoyable in my work and I tried a lot of different roles on as a result. I attended art school to find I didn’t fit well there and then I found the same in business school. I found passion for education in my youth but found that I enjoyed connecting, relating and helping people more.

Over the years, helping others connect deeply with themselves and address their relationship issues became my focus.

So I committed to my own personal growth, then graduate school and a license in mental health counseling to help others find what’s most important to them and their relationships. I started my private therapy practice as a way to help others help themselves and their relationships. I know that mental health and relationship health is a journey of self-discovery and at times this can bring difficult truths. I also know that counseling and therapy provides a safe, healing space for trauma recovery and personal transformation. 

20 years ago I thought happiness was the goal but I’ve come to find that fulfillment and contentment are much more practical and sustainable.

As a result of my research and experience, I want to help others create fulfillment and contentment in their lives and their relationships. That’s what I’m most passionate about and that’s what many of the clients and couples I’ve worked with report experiencing. 

That’s my promise to my clients and to you…..

I help people create a more fulfilling future, develop the skills and tools to make it a reality, and support them as they achieve their goals and objectives.

Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Colorado

CO-LCSW #09925317

Certified 4 Gateways Coach and Facilitator

Visit 4 Gateways Coaching Website

Master of Social Work (MSW), Children, Youth & Families Concentration

Metropolitan State University of Denver
2013-2015

Bachelor of Science (BS), Business Marketing

Winthrop University
2003-2007

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Are you ready for

better

from your life and your relationships?

I admire the strength it takes to seek counseling services and will always treat you with respect and care. I truly enjoy supporting people discover for themselves more fulfillment and more enjoyment in their lives and in their relationships.

Let’s see what better looks like for you

About Lohwater Counseling

Mission

Lohwater Counseling’s mission is to facilitate a holistic approach to mental health and relationship wellness through practical neurobiological tools for self improvement and enhanced relational satisfaction.

 

Vision

The vision of my practice is for individuals and couples to learn the tools of healthy self management, the science of healthy relating, and the experience of healthy relationships.

Core Values

We value approachable mental health and tangible skills for relationship satisifaction and personal fulfillment

We believe in compassion, empathy, focus, clarity, transparency, authenticity, relatability, health, wellness, healing and the healthy evolution of relationships. 

Benefits to Previous Clients

See the Client Testimonials page for first-hand accounts of benefits

  • Choice in making decisions again

  • Trust in self and in relationships

  • Fulfillment in life, work & family 

  • Better and healthier relationships

  • Renewed hope and healing

  • Renewed peace of mind

  • Freedom from pain and suffering

  • More depth in relationship with self

  • Applicable tools & resources

  • Clearer communication & dialogue

Issues Addressed

I have extensive experience addressing the following issues:

ADHD

Addictive behaviors

Anger management

Anxiety

Betrayal and infidelity

Coping skills

Conflict management

Conflict resolution

Depression

Family conflict

Fear and insecurities

Grief and loss

High Functioning Neurodiversity (Autism & Dyslexia)

Learning differences

Life transitions

Men’s issues

Parenting challenges

Relationship challenges

Resistance and apathy

Self-doubt and self-criticism

Self-esteem issues

Sadness and shame

Stress and overwhelm

The enso symbol

“To me, the enso symbolizes our human striving for more conscious awareness while fully embracing and accepting ourselves as imperfect human beings. This is the heart and soul of my therapy practice.” – Jake

The enso is an ancient art in Japanese calligraphy. A circle made from one free-hand brushstroke expresses a moment in time when the body creates free from the mind. According to Zen, the enso symbolizes strength, elegance, the universe, absolute enlightenment, the beginning and end of all things, and the circle of life. It is widely interpreted as the acceptance of imperfection as perfect.

Sourced from: https://www.modernzen.org/enso/

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Get Help Today

 Finding a therapist you trust and respect is important. I offer a free 20-minute online virtual consultation to determine a good fit without making a financial commitment. Click the button below to schedule your free no-obligation consultation.

 

Call me at 970-438-0870 or 720-340-3201 to talk about how I can help.

You can also easily send me a message using the form below.