ABOUT ARIEL FRIESE, MC, LPC, ACS, EMDR Certified
Practice Owner, Clinical Supervisor
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
ariel@northerncoloradocounseling.com
970-239-1320
Ages 18+
Independent, self-sufficient, overachievers. You are my people.
We all have days where we are not the best version of ourselves. But when your "don't-worry-I-got-it" part is in the driver's seat too often, your relationships start to suffer and you start to feel alone. Probably because this part is so good at its job, that you ARE alone.
I teach creative, successful adults how to connect with all of themselves. I do it well because I get it. You need communication skills, which is perfect because I'm a crafter of words. You need to let go of unhelpful negative self-talk, which is awesome because I am a trauma-processor-lover. And you need self-compassion, which is amazing, because I'm a therapist...and you don't pay me to care for you, you pay me to teach YOU how to care for you.
I'm here to help you get back to you. And if you were hoping to learn about ME in this section, here's some oh-so very brief information...
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I have a very sweet dog with a mohawk, named Penny
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I moved a lot after going off to college, about 17 times to be exact. But am so happy to now call Fort Collins home!
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I have a husband, daughter and son who are pretty awesome. Together we like to explore the outdoors, do crafts, watch movies, go for bike rides and visit every playground in Northern Colorado.
Crafting your best self is a creative process that occasionally involves a supportive heart to come alongside. My primary goal is to understand your core values and personality, and make efforts to support you in aligning your actions with who you are.
I teach motivated, sensitive, and engaged individuals to cultivate a growth mindset, gain clarity, and develop next steps to move forward with greater self-compassion and intention. Overcome limiting thoughts and beliefs and navigate change and uncertainty. Gain new insights and develop skills to work through the tough stuff and lean into the good stuff.
Ready for a positive strengths based approach to living? I believe individuals are brave and able to generate hope and confidence in managing life's challenges, and I would be privileged to work with you.
ABOUT MARTHA ČANJI, Ph.D., LPSC, LPC, HNCP, EMDR Trained
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
martha@northerncoloradocounseling.com
970-829-1345
Ages 18+, Telehealth Only
Amplifying Meaning, Generating Hope, Developing Skills & Strengths, Crafting New Stories
ABOUT MORGAN FREED-STRAIT, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR Trained
Trauma, Own your Power, Improving Communication, Chronic Pain & Emotion Regulation
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
morgan@northerncoloradocounseling.com
970-541-0914
Ages 18+, Telehealth Only
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a graduate from the University of Northern Colorado. When working with people, I primarily work from a person-centered lens. The therapy room is your judgment-free space for navigating your thoughts, expressing yourself, and talking about it all: the good, the bad, and everything in between. I believe you are the expert in your own life, and I am merely here to shine the light on the darker paths of your journey and help you along the way.
Going to therapy might seem intimidating at first, and maybe you're unsure of where to begin. Often, we are not given the language to communicate how we truly feel. From a young age, we are taught that certain emotions are perceived as weak, not okay, or should not be talked about. However, this doesn’t stop us from feeling them deeply or craving validation for the way that we feel. Each and every emotion, even the uncomfortable ones, is a critical part of being alive and makes us human. I will sit with you in the uncomfortable, and together we can work to clear the path.
ABOUT RACHEL WEEKS, MA, LPC, NCC, EMDR Trained, SE Student Intermediate Year
Somatic Exploration, Trauma, Abandonment, Anxiety, Empaths, Finding Your Voice/Meaning, Reconnecting With All Parts of Yourself After Kids
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
rachel@northerncoloradocounseling.com
720-378-8525
Ages 18+, In-Person & Telehealth
I believe that you are the expert on you and your life. I am here as a guide. Together we will create a relationship that embodies safety, zero judgment, and respect for your journey. I will help you explore your thoughts and emotions, acquire greater awareness about your experience, create new meanings for difficult times in your journey, and determine how you want to move forward in a way that best aligns with who you are.
If you are feeling anxious about going to therapy, that is normal.
Therapy can be frightening at first, but I will sit with you in the uncomfortable as we build our relationship. Let us work through it together! I value building rapport with people and have witnessed how powerful the therapeutic relationship can be for everyone, especially those who are initially unsure.
I look forward to helping you reach your goals and foster the healing and growth you seek!
ABOUT MEADOWS KEITH, MA, LPCC, EMDR Trained
LGBTQIA+ Issues, Inner Child Work, Depression, Trauma
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs
mel@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0109
Ages 15+, In-Person & Telehealth
Are you craving change? Are you struggling to engage with life? Are you wanting to reconnect with joy, other humans, or yourself? I’m glad you’re here.
Many of us live our lives in our heads. Consumed by anxious thoughts, worries, past trauma scars and societal expectations that bog us down. Therapy with me is the process of coming out of your head and into the world. We can explore your inner landscape, understand it and maybe even befriend it. And, we can find ways to re-engage with the life around you, the life outside of your head. We do so by learning to regulate, goal setting, and building courage and support to allow you to feel safe in the pursuit of your own true living.
My personal joy is found in a mix of yoga, hiking, tarot reading, running, and community building. One of the greatest joys this life gives me is in helping others discover, design and begin acting in accordance with their own concoction of what joy is. That is what led me to pursuing this career, and what fuels me every day.
Humans who do not fit the mold, who are dreamers, creatives, and empaths- I invite you to reach out. Let's find the courage needed to be fully you, for you are a gift the world needs. All parts of who you are are not only welcome here, but truly celebrated. I cannot wait to get to know you.
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ABOUT CARL CROPP, MA, LPCC, CTRS, CDBT, EMDR Trained
Depression, Anxiety, Managing Life Transitions, Improving Relationships, Managing Trauma Responses, Men's Issues
Pronouns: He/Him/His
carl@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0198
Ages 18+, In-Person & Telehealth
Welcome! With decades of experience in acute behavioral health settings, I have worked with individuals from diverse cultures, ages, and backgrounds. My journey has been profoundly influenced by personal experiences with mental illness and addiction within my community, friends, and family. These experiences, along with raising teenage daughters and being married for over 20 years, have deeply shaped my understanding and approach to therapy.
I believe we are fundamentally emotional beings with the unique ability to think. Maintaining a positive emotional threshold is crucial for personal growth and overall well-being. I liken this to an emotional bank account that requires a positive balance to achieve optimal health.
My academic background is rooted in Systems Theories, Person-Centered, and Analytical or Jungian-based theories, all emphasizing personal growth and wholeness. My specialized training in Trauma-Based Relational Interventions, Collaborative Problem-Solving, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Recreational Therapy equips me to effectively support individuals dealing with Anxiety, PTSD, Depression, and Bipolar Disorder and use nature/recreation as valuable therapeutic tools if desired.
I maintain my own mental health through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, music, nature, and meaningful interactions with family and friends.
Deciding to get counseling can be challenging and at the same time, extremely rewarding. If you are ready to make that decision and work on making yourself better, I want to help you become that better version of yourself.
ABOUT COURTNEY OLSON, MA LPCC, EMDR Trained
Developing Healthy Relationships, Anxiety, Trauma, Career and Life Transitions, Understanding & Voicing Your Emotions, Building Emotional Intelligence & Resilience
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
courtney@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0118
Ages 18+, In-Person & Telehealth
Struggling in your relationships? Feeling unsure of how to effectively communicate (or even identity) your feelings? I’ve been there! Whether you are working toward building emotional intelligence and resilience, trying to make impactful change in your life, or simply hoping for some self-exploration, I can help you through it. Anxiety, depression, and trauma responses often come up during stressful periods, and can feel impossible to deal with. Maybe you’re feeling stuck, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure of how to live in alignment with the best version of you. You may be carrying stories from your past that you haven’t quite made peace with, or you're looking for tools and language to express what you’re feeling in a healthier way.
My priority is to be a welcoming, understanding, and accepting support in my clients’ lives. I work to gently challenge my clients to make change and see healthier perspectives. I can help you find self-understanding, clarity, and the ability to embrace whatever stage of life you're in. I excel at helping you give a voice to your emotions and finding language and tools that work for you.
Together, we can develop skills, self-assurance, and make positive change in your life. I find that every client I work with has incredible resilience and is capable of achieving contentment and joy. You are no different! If this sounds like something you need, I’d love to work with you!
Apprentice Graduates
Our Post-Masters Apprenticeship Program is a 2-year commitment for newly graduated therapists. We accept a handful of clinicians every 2 years and those who are admitted carry a full caseload of clients, participate in monthly clinical trainings to expand their skills, monthly business trainings to help them create their own practice, and regular supervision to facilitate growth and allow for oversight. The clinicians below are graduates of this program and have since created their own practices. Please visit their websites below to learn more!
