New to Grow
Hi, I’m Angela, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Addiction Counselor with a Master’s degree from the University of Denver. I support adults who are navigating substance use, behavioral addictions, anxiety, trauma, grief, and significant life transitions, including the emotional and physical changes that can occur during perimenopause and menopause. Many of the clients I work with are functioning and managing a lot on the outside, while internally feeling overwhelmed, stuck in unhelpful coping patterns, or disconnected from themselves. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space to slow things down, understand what is driving these patterns, and begin building healthier ways of coping. My goal is to help clients create meaningful and sustainable change—whether that involves reducing substance use, working toward moderation, or choosing abstinence based on their personal goals. I integrate evidence-based approaches with a compassionate, person-centered style so clients can develop insight, strengthen coping skills, and feel more emotionally grounded and in control of their lives. The impact I aim to have is helping people move from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to feeling more intentional, stable, and aligned with their values. I walk alongside clients as they rebuild trust in themselves and move toward a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling.
Your first session with me is really about getting to know you and beginning to build a sense of safety and trust. It’s completely normal for the first session to feel a little awkward. We’re strangers at first but I work to create a comfortable, supportive space where you can show up just as you are. Since sessions are offered through telehealth, you’ll be joining from the comfort and privacy of your own home or another safe space where you feel at ease. We’ll start by talking through what brought you to therapy and what feels most important for you right now. I’ll also gather some background information about your history, current challenges, and what you’ve tried so far. A significant part of our first session will focus on your goals and what you hope to gain from therapy and what change would look like for you. From there, I’ll begin to share how I typically work, including the therapeutic approaches I use, so you have a clear understanding of what our work together may look like moving forward. My goal in the first session is for you to leave with a sense of clarity, direction, and whether this feels like the right fit for you, along with the beginning of a collaborative plan tailored to your needs.
One of my strengths as a therapist is that I take a whole-person approach. I look at not just what someone is struggling with, but also what’s going on in their life; things like stress, relationships, work, health, and the environment they’re living in because all of these things affect mental health. Clients often tell me they feel comfortable with me pretty quickly because I work in a warm, nonjudgmental, and caring way. I try to create a space where people feel safe being honest, even when things feel messy or hard to talk about. I also don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. I use different tools and therapy methods depending on what each person needs, and we figure that out together. When it’s important to a client, I can also include faith in a respectful way, but only if that’s something they want. What I think really stands out about my approach is that I help people both understand what’s going on underneath their struggles and also learn practical ways to cope day-to-day. So it’s not just talking but it’s also working toward real change that feels doable. Overall, my goal is for clients to feel supported, understood, and encouraged as they make meaningful changes in their life at a pace that feels right for them.
The individuals I tend to work best with are adults who are noticing that alcohol, substances, or other coping behaviors have begun to play a larger role in managing stress, emotions, or life demands than they would like. Many are high-functioning and outwardly managing responsibilities, yet internally feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from their usual sense of balance. This often includes people navigating major life transitions such as work or relationship changes, caregiving stress, burnout, or shifts in identity and purpose. I also frequently work with women in perimenopause and menopause who are experiencing changes in mood, stress tolerance, sleep, and coping patterns, including increased reliance on alcohol or other unhelpful strategies during this stage of life. The clients who tend to benefit most from my approach are those who are open to reflection and interested in understanding the “why” behind their patterns, even if they feel uncertain or ambivalent about change at first. Many are seeking a space where they can talk honestly without judgment, while also beginning to build healthier coping tools and more intentional ways of responding to stress and emotional discomfort. I support clients in clarifying and working toward their own goals, whether that involves reducing use, moderation, or abstaining completely. The focus is on honoring each person’s autonomy and supporting the path that best aligns with their values, readiness, and desired quality of life. My work is a good fit for individuals who value a collaborative, grounded approach. Together, we focus on increasing emotional awareness, strengthening coping strategies, and moving toward more sustainable patterns that support long-term well-being.
Christian Counseling
I integrate Christian counseling into my practice for clients who desire a faith-based approach to their care. As a Christian, I bring a foundation of biblical values such as grace, compassion, forgiveness, and hope into the therapeutic space when it aligns with the client’s preferences and goals.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and maladaptive behaviors. Through cognitive restructuring, thought challenging, and behavioral activation, I support clients in developing healthier perspectives and more effective coping strategies.
EMDR
I use Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) to support clients in processing and healing from trauma, distressing life experiences, and negative core beliefs. EMDR helps the brain reprocess stuck memories so they become less emotionally intense and no longer interfere with present-day functioning. Through a structured, evidence-based approach, I guide clients in safely accessing past experiences while using tapping to facilitate adaptive resolution. This method can reduce symptoms such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and emotional reactivity, while promoting resilience, self-awareness, and a more positive sense of self.
Motivational Interviewing
I use Motivational Interviewing (MI) to support clients in resolving ambivalence and strengthening their intrinsic motivation for change. This client-centered, collaborative approach helps individuals explore their values, goals, and readiness for change in a nonjudgmental and supportive environment.
Faith based therapy
I offer faith-based therapy for clients who wish to incorporate their spiritual beliefs into the therapeutic process. This approach integrates evidence-based clinical practices with the client’s faith values to support healing, growth, and meaning-making. When desired by the client, I may explore spiritual beliefs and support reflection on scripture or spiritual principles as they relate to emotional health, identity, and coping. Faith-based therapy is always client-led and respects each individual’s beliefs and level of desired spiritual integration.