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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 ÄŒANJI, 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 PAYTON MODIE, MA, LPCC
Self-compassion, Values, Depression, Anxiety, Substance Use & Addiction
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
payton@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0214
Ages 16+, In-Person & Telehealth
In our work together, my goal is to help you recognize and build on the strengths you already have. I believe many of the tools for growth and healing are already within you—sometimes it just takes the right support to access them. If you're feeling stuck or unsure about your next steps, we’ll explore that together. I see therapy as a collaborative process, where I have the privilege of riding in the passenger seat—offering guidance, encouragement, and curiosity—while you remain in the driver’s seat of your own journey.
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I deeply value hope, self-compassion, and actionable change. I believe that your past and present do not have to define who you are becoming. Our work may include clarifying what matters most to you—your values, beliefs, and priorities—as these can be powerful anchors and motivators for change. Aligning with your values can be a transformative and empowering process, and I’d be honored to support you through it.
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Finding the right therapist is a big decision, and it’s important that you feel a genuine connection. So, here’s a bit about me:
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I am no stranger to change and transition! I come from a military family and spent the first 18 years of my life moving frequently—12 moves across 8 states and 3 countries.
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I love traveling, baking, being near water, doing arts and crafts, and spending time with loved ones.
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I’ve been married to my wonderful partner for seven years, and we share our home with our energetic dog, Cooper—and we’re excitedly expecting our first child in the Fall of 2025!
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ABOUT MEL KEITH, MA, LPCC
LGBTQIA+ Issues, Inner Child Work, Self-Compassion, Creative Counseling, Life Transitions
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs​
mel@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0109
Ages 15+, In-Person & Telehealth
Your healing journey begins with safety. When we feel safe, we can be vulnerable and take risks - and that’s where transformation lives. In our work together, my goal is to help you feel safe, seen, heard, and supported so you can grow and begin to offer those same gifts to yourself, between and beyond our sessions. With a background in working with youth, creativity and play are core parts of my practice, regardless of age. I use a blend of CBT, to build real-world skills, and Narrative Therapy, to help you develop insight and self-compassion around your personal story.
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Whether you’re navigating anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, or seeking LGBTQIA+ support, I offer a collaborative space where your needs, curiosities, and healing can unfold. We can talk, walk, paint, journal, sit in silence—or do all of it. This is your journey. I’m here to walk alongside you.
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And I’m really glad you’re here. Taking the reins on your mental well-being starts with a single step—and even just being on this page shows your commitment to getting to know the best version of yourself. I am really looking forward to getting to know who that is and celebrating that with you!
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ABOUT CARL CROPP, MA, LPCC, CTRS, CDBT
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.
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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.
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I maintain my own mental health through regular exercise, mindfulness practices, music, nature, and meaningful interactions with family and friends.
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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 RACHEL HAYES, LPC,
EMDR Trained, Certified Brainspotting Practitioner, Adv. PIT, Masters Aromatherapist
Addressing Codependency, Boundaries, Narcissistic Relationship Healing, Borderline Personality Disorder, Eating Disorders and Trauma
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
hayes@northerncoloradocounseling.com
Ages 18+, Telehealth
My approach is open to what my clients identified needs are and I am able to provide psychoeducation and skills for life, communication, boundaries and more. I have worked with those struggling with eating disorders, anxiety, depression, codependency (poor boundaries), those married to or raised by someone with narcissistic traits, trauma in all its shapes and sizes, as well as grief and loss. I help to create a safe place to feel your feelings, have emotions, know that it is okay and that everyone has them. Most of the deep work and childhood traumas are best attended to through Brainspotting, EMDR, and Post Induction Trauma, therapies which I also fully discuss.
A little about me...
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I am a mother to many and a grandma to one
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We have 3 ducks, 7 chickens, and a beautiful garden to grow our own foods together.
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I run a girl scout troop for our youngest and her friends.
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As a family we enjoy sports and participate in the Fort Collins Bowling leagues, watch movies, enjoy art and museums, singing and spending time together outdoors.
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ABOUT COURTNEY OLSON, LPCC,
Coping with Pregnancy & Postpartum, Career and Life Transitions, Understanding & Voicing Your Emotions,
Developing Healthy Relationships, Building Emotional Intelligence & Resilience
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
courtney@northerncoloradocounseling.com
303-493-0118
Ages 18+, In-Person & Telehealth
Experiencing overwhelming change in life? I’ve been there! Whether you're navigating a major career shift, stepping into the unknowns of parenthood, or struggling in your relationships, I’m here to help you through it. Anxiety and depression often come up (or get exacerbated) during stressful periods and can feel impossible to deal with. Maybe you’re feeling stretched thin, emotionally overwhelmed, or unsure of how to move forward in life. 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. Most of all, you’re seeking a safe space to be welcomed, heard, supported, and gently challenged.
As a therapist, I aim to serve as a welcoming, understanding, and accepting support in your life. My goal is to help you find self-understanding, clarity, and the ability to embrace whatever stage of life you find yourself in. Together, we can develop skills, self-efficacy, and make positive changes in your life. I excel at helping you give a voice to your emotions and finding language and tools that work for you. I also work to gently challenge my clients to see new, healthier perspectives.
Ultimately, I want to help you find positive change and healthier perspectives in your life. 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!
