Biography:

Counseling has always held a special place in my heart. Pursuing this love, I graduated cum laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Theology at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio. I also earned my Master’s degree with honors in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a Concentration in Christian Counseling. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Colorado (LPC.0014517) and National Certified Counselor (NCC #628170).

I walk alongside teens, adults, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, scrupulosity, depression, postpartum depression and anxiety, trauma, self-esteem/body image, relationship and family issues, and general stress. In addition to my counseling background, I have instructed women and couples in a Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) called the Creighton Model FertilityCare System. This has informed my understanding of the wholistic view of sexuality and the theology of the body.

I have a heart for mothers and hold a certification in Perinatal Mental Health. I have personally experienced the joys and struggles of motherhood and want to help women who have gone through difficult and traumatic experiences receive healing. I treat perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and psychosis. I collaborate with your significant other, doctor, psychiatrist, or any other loved ones so that we can all help you feel like yourself again. Even if mothers just need a place to be themselves for an hour and talk about their daily life, I am here to hold this space for you.

I believe incorporating spirituality into counseling deepens healing of body, mind, and soul. I am Catholic and love my faith, and I will never advise anything that contradicts Church teaching. Whether you are a non-denominational Christian, agnostic, atheist, or somewhere in-between, you will never be judged and you are always welcome to discuss your faith however you are comfortable.

I know that seeking help can be so hard. But those who meet with a counselor are not weak but display true strength in prioritizing their own health and happiness. All sessions are confidential and judgement-free, so you can be at ease knowing this is a safe space. If you are unsure of what to talk about, not to worry—I lead and guide our sessions over a cup of coffee or tea and can provide structure depending upon your needs.

Specialties:

• Anxiety (Generalized, Social Anxiety, Phobias)

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

• Scrupulosity

• Depression (Major, Seasonal, Postpartum)

• Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome

• Sexual Addiction

• Vocational/Career Discernment

Certifications:

• Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist (PMH-C), Postpartum Support International

• National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board of Certified Counselors (#628170)

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (#0014517)

Treatment Methods:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Examining how thoughts affect emotions and decisions.

• Person-Centered Therapy: Helping the individual recognize their interior strength and their ability to make independent decisions.

• Art Therapy: Using creativity to process pain and to discover greater purpose and direction.

• Christian Therapy: Combatting commonly accepted lies and claiming the truths of Jesus Christ that bring freedom and joy.

• Brief Solution-Focused Therapy: Identifying current problems and implementing specific and concrete solutions in fewer therapy sessions.

Therapy Services

Adolescents:

Life can get especially hard in middle school and high school. Sometimes parents reach the end of their rope, or they aren’t sure how to best help their teen. Maybe your daughter has begun to isolate herself, your son has increasingly been gluing himself to his phone, you’ve noticed a change, or your son or daughter has specifically asked to see someone. This doesn’t mean you have failed as a parent! We all need some extra encouragement and help sometimes. This is where therapy can help.

As parents, you know best. Before Louise begins therapy with your child, she meets with you first to gather information about your son or daughter’s general history which provides context for the overall therapeutic relationship. Subsequent Parent Sessions are also available for parenting support. Since teens need to feel safe in order to open up in therapy, their sessions are confidential. You can rest assured, however, if your teen is going through a serious issue or if they are at risk of hurting themselves, Louise will inform you immediately.

Teens love having a trusted person to talk to in addition to their parents. Therapy provides that safe place for your son or daughter to discuss what is on his or her mind, learn tools to become more self-sufficient and independent, and to be challenged to become a better version of him or herself. It is a place where they can simply be loved and accepted for who they are.

Adults:

So often we take care of others and forget to care for ourselves. Giving ourselves the time and space we need is not selfish but rather makes us better sisters and brothers, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and friends. Whether you’re going through a dark spell in your life or simply want to bounce off some ideas about a particular issue, you will receive the support and tools you need to live an abundant life.

Counseling can take place over the course of a couple of sessions or for several months, meeting weekly, biweekly, or monthly—whatever you need. Some individuals prefer structured sessions where they can complete exercises and are given homework, others prefer a more relaxed time where they can bring up whatever has been on their mind. You can bring to therapy any unresolved trauma, current stressors, and life goals. Whatever the issue, Louise will help you discern the best treatment frequency and style for you.

Families:

Is your family going through a specific issue or are things tense at home? Coming to therapy can help your family get back on track. Having a facilitator guide discussions allows each member to voice what is on his or her heart in a controlled setting—without the chaos that normally ensues at home. An individual may start coming to therapy and then choose to bring his family for a session or two. Other times, families prefer to only meet together. In addition, family members may choose to pursue individual therapy in conjunction with family therapy. Louise will help you to determine what is best for all.

** Families find they typically accomplish their goals in about 3-5 sessions, but Louise is always open to additional sessions if desired.

Distance Counseling:

Louise offers Teletherapy, electronic distance counseling for Colorado residents similar to Skype communication. Teletherapy is for those who live too far a distance to participate in frequent face-to-face sessions. Teletherapy proves ideal for local mothers who prefer to stay home while their baby is down for a nap or nursing, or for clients who become sick the day of a scheduled session but still desire to talk.

No matter your location or circumstance, a face-to-face first session is fruitful before transitioning to electronic communication. But if an in-person meeting is impossible for whatever reason, one can still schedule a Teletherapy appointment on the “Contact” page of this website. Once you request an appointment, Louise will send a link directing you to the meeting page. You can access this link through phone or computer.

** Please note that Teletherapy is available for Colorado residents only. (If you are out-of-state, contact Louise and she will do her best to direct you to a good local counselor.)

** If you are in crisis, please contact the 24-hour National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to the nearest emergency room.