Brent Dixon, LPC
So many messages in the world tell us that we are defined by our behaviors. Being a trauma informed therapist, I could not disagree more. I partner with my clients and work toward healing and empowerment to undo that message. I strive to help people move through shame and into a place of understanding that we are all trying really hard to be and do good. I use many tools to help people understand how our experiences, emotions, and behaviors are all related. Sometimes our past haunts us and sometimes we just need new skills. I help my clients do both, heal from the past and grow in skills and knowledge. I believe the therapeutic relationship is incredibly important and I work to build this through humor and empathy.
I am originally from Texas. I went to college at the University of North Texas and received my undergraduate degree in Social Work. I moved to Colorado as fast as I could and attended Denver Seminary for my Masters in Community Counseling. I have been practicing in a variety of settings. I received most of my training working with teens (and their families) who were in and out of jail and in the foster care system. Most of these families struggled with mental illness, significant trauma and/or addictions. I then transitioned into private practice where I have thoroughly enjoyed working with individuals and couples.
I am also EMDR Level 1 Trained.
Renee Dixon, LCSW
I enjoy helping to empower families and individuals to overcome past and present struggles in order to live healthy, full, hope filled lives. I believe in the importance of finding the root issues in a persons life in order to find true healing. I offer therapy to help address issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and loss.
I attended Texas A&M University and received my Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. I then went on to receive my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Texas at Arlington. I spent the first years of my career working with children, teenagers, and families in the child welfare system who had experienced trauma and abuse. I also have several years of experience working with the elderly and people diagnosed with chronic illness and pain.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) which is a therapeutic method for processing trauma. It is a useful and powerful tool for overcoming trauma and false beliefs about oneself. For more information visit the EMDRIA website at EMDR International Association.
I am licensed in Colorado and New Mexico and can provide telehealth therapy in both states.
Sierra Williamsen, LPC
I believe in the power of building a therapeutic relationship with my clients wherein I can support them through life’s difficulties, and challenge them to grow in areas of interest to them. As a therapist, I seek to to help those that I work with to gain courage and confidence to continue to navigate through life and live more harmoniously with the world around them.
I found my desire to work in the counseling field when I was pursuing my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology specialized in Mental Health from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania. I later achieved my Master’s degree in Community Counseling specialized in Addictions from Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania where I honed in on my passion to help those struggling with addictions and addictive or habitually problematic behaviors. In addition to working with those affected by addictions and related behaviors, I have significant experience working with a variety of mental health issues as well as familial and relational difficulties. In my perspective, counseling is a collaborative relationship where I can offer validation, empathy, perspective, and new skills so my clients can expand their ability to cope with life’s challenges. Although the foundation of my work lies in the strength based and person-centered theoretical approaches, I tend to draw from a variety of therapeutic approaches to meet the needs of each individual client, couple, and family.
Chelsi Hower, LPC
Do you ever feel like your past experiences, relationships, and losses have impacted your day to day life and how you relate to people? Knowing that there are tons of aspects that are pulling us down throughout life, I am here to explore those and help to decrease the severity of the ups and downs we experience daily. As a therapist I believe in the importance of building relationship, resilience, and supporting you in facing this world with the belief that you can thrive.
I grew a passion for this profession while in Undergraduate school at Shepherd University in West Virginia.I then went to Naropa University in Boulder to obtain my masters in clinical counseling, concentration in wilderness therapy. Since I graduated, I have worked in a Wilderness therapy program, residential treatment program, and an outpatient mental health and addictions program. I specialize in trauma related struggles, relationship issues, addiction, family therapy, and anxiety across the board. I am a warm and inviting therapist, advocating for you to feel connected and heard within our sessions. In the over 3 years of practicing I have gained experience in attachment based therapeutic approaches, trauma informed care, CBT/DBT, and much more, I tailor my approach to best fit you and your struggles. This means I work in collaboration with you to explore the best way to work as a team to process through the hardest parts of life.
Sometimes it seems like the world asks us to hold everything together and carry all of our burdens by ourselves. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, research supports that healing and growing are most effective when they are done in the context of relationship. Call or email me now & set yourself on the path toward your integrated and authentic self.
Paige MacKenzie, MA
I have had a lifelong passion for the wild outdoors and adventure. I found my passion for people and counseling in high school and went on to get a degree in Psychology at San Diego State University. After a detour of working and playing in beautiful, wild places around the world, I got my MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Saybrook University and landing in my forever home of Durango, finally combining my life passions in one beautiful place. I help each of my clients navigate difficult challenges with a sense of curiosity and self-compassion.
My approach to therapy involves a holistic and collaborative process; we will work together through your personal journey of healing, growth, and empowerment. I offer practical tools and help you achieve your goals, tap into your inner resources, and build resilience to take on all of life’s challenges. For some, this may mean addressing current stressors such as grief, trauma, and loss. For others, exploring earlier relationships will lead to understanding how patterns have developed. You may be dealing with PTSD from a traumatic incident, loss, anxiety, depression, shame, family and relationship issues or the effects of childhood trauma. These things can affect all areas of your life, including self-esteem, health, relationships, and career. As a trauma informed therapist, I strive to be a collaborative, supportive presence walking with you on your path to healing. I work with teens, adults, and couples.