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About Rachel 

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Welcome! I'm glad you found your way to this page, no matter the path that brought you here.

 

I've been working in the mental health field for the majority of my adult life (starting in undergrad circa 2002), and as a professional counselor since 2015, with most of my work experience centered around trauma and the difficulties that arise from it. My knowledge and understanding of trauma's impacts (as well as other forms of suffering that arise throughout our lives as humans) have evolved over the years and have increasingly lead me toward a more holistic and integrative approach. The mind-body connection, neurobiology, and our connections with ourselves and others have become foundational to my work as a therapist and my worldview as a person (more on that below).

 

Since pursuing additional training that aligns with these foundational elements and integrating them into my clinical approach, I've found that I tend to work best with clients who have already done a fair amount of traditional talk therapy and are looking for something more or different, or have clarity about what they want and need from therapy and are ready to dive into it. Similarly, as a late-diagnosed neurodivergent individual myself, I also seem to 'get' neurodivergent clients in a way that many other therapists don't, and which is helpful in their treatment journey. Although I don't specialize in ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder, I also don't shy away from bringing aspects of myself into our work, and sometimes my neurodivergence shows up in ways that can feel validating, supportive, or reflect a shared understanding of the lived experience of neurodivergence. Sometimes it shows up in missed details, non-linear or out-of-the-box thinking, minor inconsistencies, creativity, authenticity, and more direct forms of communication.

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I firmly believe that as humans, we genuinely put forth our best effort day to day and naturally gravitate toward healing and growth when enough safety allows. Our "best" varies substantially as our environment, circumstances, resources, supports, relationships, sense of safety, and understanding of ourselves, others, and the world vary. These (along with other factors) have a significant impact on our experience of life as a human and our ability to respond to its inherent ups and downs. Having a place to pause or slow down in order to cultivate awareness, choice, and cohesion within ourselves as it relates to our actions and our suffering in the broader context of our lives (and within a therapeutic relationship) can be highly beneficial, even transformative,  increasing clarity and purpose, healing and growth. 

 

I believe therapy to be immensely useful in this process within a holistic, neurobiological and relational framework, but doesn’t have to be the last resort when we've become desperate for relief from suffering. Instead, therapy can look a variety of ways, depending on the client and how they want to approach and utilize therapy. Breaking out of the traditional therapy mold provides ample opportunities for personalizing therapeutic work so that the format, frequency, duration, and modality better meet your needs as the client.

 

However you may wish to approach therapy, I am honored to develop a meaningful therapeutic relationship with you, supporting you throughout the process by offering my knowledge and expertise, providing guidance when needed, encouraging your connection with your body and helping you to cultivate your inner wisdom and strengths, empowering you with more autonomy so that you can more easily and effectively engage in the difficult, life changing work therapy can provide.

Credentials

Education

Rachel has earned the following educational degrees: 

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  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from Colorado State University, 2015.

  • ​Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado, 2006.

Professional Licenses & Certifications

Rachel holds the following credentials: 

  • Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado

  • Nationally Certified Counselor

  • Certified Addictions Specialist in the state of Colorado

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  • with a passion for helping others overcome challenges and live fulfilling lives. Her therapeutic approach is tailored to each client's unique needs, promoting self-discovery, resilience, and emotional well-being. ​​

Expertise

Through specialized training and ongoing professional development, Rachel stays updated with the latest therapeutic techniques and evidence-based practices. Her expertise includes advanced training in trauma and trauma-informed care, Somatic Experiencing, Interpersonal Neurobiology, Mindfulness, Shambhavananda Yoga, and Circlework facilitation.

Previous Experience

Rachel has over 20 years of clinical experience across 8 different agencies and organizations - in which she has served numerous roles providing comprehensive, quality care to diverse client populations in the treatment of trauma and other complex mental health issues. Prior to starting her own private practice, her professional experience has included Crossroads Safehouse, Mountain Crest Behavioral Healthcare, Poudre Valley Hospital, University of Northern Colorado Psychological Services Clinic, Sexual Assault Victim Advocacy Center, Colorado State University Health Network Counseling Center, and Polaris Partners Counseling & Consulting.   

Advanced Training

Beyond being a LPC, Rachel has the following credentials:​

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  • Beginning I-III, Somatic Experiencing International

  • Intermediate I-III Somatic Experiencing International

  • Advanced I Somatic Experiencing International

  • Interpersonal Neurobiology Training Certification, Mindsight Institute

  • A Deep Dive into ADHD: A Neurodiversity-Affirming Approach for Mental Health Professionals

  • Intensive Trauma Treatment Certification: EMDR, CBT, and Somatic-Based Interventions 

  • Registered Yoga Teacher, Yoga Alliance

  • 200 Hour Certification in Hatha Yoga 

  • ​Restorative Yoga Certification

  • Circle Facilitator Trainings 2021-2023, 2025

  • DBT Certification training, 2018

  • Master’s Degree Internship: the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate Center, Fort Collins, CO 2014-2015

Affiliations

Rachel is an active member of these leading professional associations in the field of mental health:

  • National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC)

  • American Counseling Association (ACA)

  • ​Association for Specialists in Group Work (ASGW)

  • International Association for Resilience and Trauma Counseling (IARTC)

  • Counselors for Social Justice (CSJ) 

  • Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities (SAIGE) ​

  • Yoga Alliance

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