Willow Tree Counseling Team

Education:
MSW - New Mexico Highlands University
 
Experience:
18 years of mental health experience, including working with individuals living with developmental disabilities, addiction, depression, and chronic illness.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Kim is grounded in the idea that understanding ourselves is an empowering component to change. Kim is a CBT, Mental Health Intergrative Medicine, Acudetox and EMDR trained therapist. 

Favorite Quote:
"There is no way to Happiness, Happiness is the way." - Thich Nhat Hanh

Accepted Insurance:
United Healthcare, Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Kaiser

Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Offices and via Telehealth

Education:
BSW - 2012
MSW - Newman University - 2016

Experience:
She has been doing psychotherapy for over 5 years, and has been in social work for almost 10 years in various other fields helping the community. Alex has helped many people with many different struggles from general support, anxiety, depression, bipolar, trauma and personality disorders.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Alex prefers a person-centered approach with her clients while helping them gain insight into their lives. She helps clients work on acceptance and change, develop skills in problem-solving coping with life's struggles. She been intensely trained in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) which works on acceptance and change. Alex also works with clients on mindfulness skills, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and developing interpersonal skills. 



Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Office and via Telehealth

Education:
MSW- Colorado State University-Pueblo.

Experience:
Jenni has 2 years of clinical experience working in the mental health field with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, grief, and major life changes. She enjoys working with all ages and demographics.Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
It is important to Jenni that her clients experience ownership of their therapeutic journey. Her objective is to guide clients to a healthier way of thinking so they can find joy and fulfillment in their lives.  Treatment approaches include CBT, DBT, BST, and strength-based therapy. Her approach is eclectic and trauma-informed, getting to the root of the issue while coping with the symptoms at hand.


Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Office and via Telehealth

Education:
MSW - Colorado State University-Pueblo 

Experience:
Christy is a Colorado native who is passionate about serving the Pueblo community. She has been with Willow Tree Counseling since her graduate internship with Colorado State University-Pueblo. Christy enjoys working with both teens and adults. In addition to her work with clients, Christy is also the Intern Coordinator for the Willow Tree intern training program. She oversees the interns who are completing their school requirements with a commitment to growth and development. Christy works in collaboration to foster an atmosphere of inclusivity, enthusiasm, and education in multiple therapeutic modalities. 
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Christy offers a compassionate, empathetic, and safe environment for her clients to heal and thrive in. Her approach to therapy is strengths-based as she works with the client to help them to identify personal strengths and then work to expand upon them. Christy believes that people are better equipped to handle challenges in their lives when they view themselves in terms of their strengths and not their weaknesses. She is fascinated by the human mind/body connection and the inherent ability humans have to heal themselves. Christy is trained in multiple therapeutic modalities including CBT, DBT, BST, and Acudetox. She is also an Addiction Counselor Candidate and is trained to work with people struggling with substance use disorders and other addiction disorders.

Favorite Quote:
“What you think about activates a vibration within you” – Abraham Hicks



Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo and via Telehealth

Education:
BSW - Colorado State University, Pueblo
MSW - Colorado State University, Pueblo

Experience:
During his bachelor's program (BSW), Patrick helped develop and implement Campus Connections, which is an at-risk youth mentoring program at Colorado State University-Pueblo. Patrick is also a trained Restorative Justice facilitator, who's worked in various elementary schools in Pueblo.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Patrick likes to use an integrative approach that includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and motivational interviewing (MI), to help clients overcome negative thoughts and behaviors which inhibit us from actualizing our goals. Patrick views therapy as a collaborative effort that offers clients tools to develop a strong sense of well-being for lasting change.

Favorite Quote:
"True life is lived when tiny changes occur" - Leo Tolstoy


Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo and Rocky Ford Offices

Education:
MSW - Newman University

Experience:
Stephanie has been working in the mental health field for 8 years. She has worked in crisis intervention and prevention in various roles and in private practice therapy for 2 years. Stephanie completed her graduate internship with Willow Tree Counseling. She is EMDR trained by an EMDRIA trainer. 
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Stephanie's therapeutic approach is eclectic to include solution-focused, person-centered, and trauma-informed. Modalities utilized include CBT, DBT, play therapy, and EMDR, primarily. Stephanie's specialty is trauma and working with children, though she enjoys working with people of all ages. 

Favorite Quote:
"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending." - C.S. Lewis


Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo and via Telehealth

Education:
BSW, Colorado State University-Pueblo

MSW-Currently attending Grand Canyon University ​

Experience:
Alex has many years of working with children, families, and individuals. She has experience working as a caseworker for clients who have experienced sexual abuse providing solution-based work. Previous undergraduate experience providing advocacy for familes and children who have experienced abuse.

Therapeutic Approach and Specialties: 

Alex provides compassionate, strength based, and client-centered therapy to help clients heal and build resilience. Alex's approach combines trauma-focused methods, CBT and strength-based practice to support clients through life challenges, offering advocacy, empowerment, and a safe space for growth. Currently traing in KAP.
Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Office and via Telehealth

Education:
BSW - Colorado State University, Pueblo
MSW - Colorado State University, Pueblo
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Experience:
Claudia loves working with children, adolescents, and adults helping them to reach their goals. Claudia volunteers with the Pueblo Mentoring Collaborative focusing on youth services.. She also volunteers making connections between organizations and agencies throughout Pueblo. 
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Claudia works with clients to increase self-awareness, self-actualization, and goal-making. Claudia uses Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Sand Play Therapy, Art Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy. She is also fluent in English and Spanish. 

Favorite Quote:
“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.” - Maya Angelou

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Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Office and via Telehealth

Education:
MSW- Colorado State University- Pueblo

Experience:
Niesha has been working in the mental health field for 4 years and is currently a Master's Level Clinician. She is actively working toward earning her LCSW and LAC certifications. Throughout her career, Niesha has acquired a variety of licenses and certifications, including her CAT, BST, AAT, and is most recently working toward EMDR. She has also participated in numerous trainings to expand her skills and knowledge in the field, such as KAP, CBT, DBT, MI, etc…Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
With a strong background in working with individuals suffering from co-occurring disorders, Niesha has extensive experience in treating clients with substance use disorders, as well as more chronic mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorders, and PTSD. Her expertise lies in providing comprehensive care that addresses both mental health and substance use, helping clients navigate complex challenges that have occurred in their lifetime and that continue to occur for them daily.
Niesha's approach is grounded in empathy, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based practices. She most often utilizes DBT, BST and Acudetox (AAT) in her practice to aid clients in processing their experiences and reduce distressing emotions so that they may begin to move forward in their healing.

Education:
Bachelor of Social Work - Colorado State University-Pueblo
 
Katherine is currently completing a Master of Social Work degree at Colorado State University-Pueblo, with an emphasis on Behavioral and Art Therapy. 
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Experience:
While completing the BSW program, initially starting in Fort Collins, Katherine volunteered to work with persons with developmental disabilities by taking them out into the community for a few hours a week to participate in varying activities. In returning to Pueblo to be closer to family, Katherine worked with older adults with developmental disabilities as a Behavioral Coordinator.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Growing up, Katherine experienced several complex challenges within her family that were countered by her community pushing her for success. Now to give back to the community that took care of her, Katherine hopes to use art therapy, with other therapeutic activities alongside talk therapy to assist individuals. Katherine's treatment approach will also include CBT, DBT, and strengths-based therapy with an end goal for clients to regulate their emotions and begin building a toolbox of coping skills to ground themselves. 
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Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo Offices and via Telehealth

Education: Bachelors in Sociology - AMU Currently pursuing MSW - GCU

Experience: Allie is a passsionate advocate for the Pueblo community, bringing her unique expertise to Willow Tree Counseling. She has joined the team as an MSW intern and has since dedicated herself to providing compassionate care. Allie offers marriage counseling, family counseling, and individual therapy for both adults and children. She is committed to helping clients navigate their unique challenges, fostering healthy relationships and healing within themselves.

In her previous work experience, she has privided family preservation services to the Pueblo community, focusing on strengthening family bonds and preventing seperation during challenging times. As a military veteran, Allie understands the unique challenges faced by active-duty military members and veterans as well as their families, which enhances her ability to provide support and resources to those impacted by military service. Her commitment to empowering clients and enhancing community well being is at the heart of her practice, allowing her to foster resilience within families and help them navigate difficulties with confidence.

Therapuetic Approach and Specialties: Allie employs a hollistic approach to provide comphrensive care, focusing on client-centered and strength-based methodologies. She is trained in various therapuetic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviorial Therapy (CBT), Brain Synchronization Therapy (BST), and Acudetox, allowing her to tailor her techniques to meet each client's needs. With signifigant experience, Allie brings a compassionate understanding of the complexities faced by vulnerable populations. She is dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing enbiorment where clients can explore their strengths. 

Favorite Quote: "This is anything but easy, but you are anything but weak."

Available for appointments In-Person at out Pueblo office and via Telehealth. 

Education:
Bachelor of Psychology – Colorado State University-Pueblo
Bachelor of Sociology with an emphasis in criminology – Colorado State University-Pueblo Amber is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Social Work at Colorado State University-Pueblo. 

Experience:
Amber has 14 years of experience working within the mental health field. Her background comes from working in acute inpatient and outpatient psychiatric services. Amber has had the opportunity to help many individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, bipolar, substance abuse, schizophrenia, and grief. She enjoys working with adolescents, adults, and seniors.
 
Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Amber views the therapeutic journey as a team collaboration. She is passionate about empowering others and aims to help her clients feel more grounded and fulfilled in their everyday lives. Treatment approaches include CBT, strengths-based therapy, and group therapy. Amber understands we all express ourselves differently; she sometimes utilizes creativity/art and music therapy in sessions to support healing, insight, and experiences.  

Accepted Insurance:
Medicaid, Aetna, Kaiser, United, and Private Pay

Available for appointments In-Person at our Pueblo and Rocky Ford Offices

Education:
 
Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Sociology - Colorado States University-Pueblo
Master of Social Work - Colorado States University-Pueblo (Intern)

Experience:
Emily has 7 years of working with children. She has worked in crisis intervention as a peer support specialist.

Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Emily uses an eclectic approach utilizing modalities such as direct play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused brief therapy (BFST), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Emily works with children and teens, but also works with adult clients. 

Accepted Insurance:
Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Private Pay
 
Emily is available for appointments In-person at our Pueblo Offices and via Telehealth.

Education:
 
Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology-Colorado State University Pueblo. Bernadine is pursuing her Masters Degree in Social Work at the University of Massachusetts.
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Experience:
Bernadine has worked in the mental/ behavioral health field for the past 14 years. Her experience stems from previous work in an inpatient substance use disorder treatment facility as well as working in an outpatient psychiatry office. Bernadine has experience working with diverse populations who have struggled with depression, grief, substanse abuse, and anxiety.
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Therapeutic Approach and Specialties:
Bernadine utilizes an eclectic approach to meet each individual's unique needs. With a deep sense of empathy and compasssion, she strives to create a safe space where the individual feels supported and understood. She is comitted to guiding clients toward positive growth and self-actualization. Bernadine utilizes interventions utilizes interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivayional Interviewing, Strength-Based therapy, and Acuederox. Bernadine aims to collaborate with the client to help them achieve their goals.  

Accepted Insurance:
Aetna, Cigna, Medicaid, United Healthcare, Kaiser, and Private Pay
 
Bernadine is available for appointments in our Pueblo office or via telehealth