Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Boulder, CO

I was born in Wyoming and raised in Colorado. I attended The University of Northern Colorado for my undergraduate degree in Psychology and then I completed my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy from Capella University.

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I have certifications in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectal Behavioral Therapy, and Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy.

I believe counseling is a collaborative process and starts in the first session as we work together to understand your concerns. My first intention for you is to feel empowered, nurtured, and strengthened by the work we do together. I will work with you to create a safe and trusting space in which you can explore challenges that have hindered your ability to take full advantage of your potential. Together we will work on resolving difficult issues to promote increased self-awareness, understanding, and connection.

I am a counselor and art therapist with 20 years of counseling experience and a Masters education. I am trained in EMDR, IFS, and Art Therapy and Mindfulness Exercises and Guided Imagery Meditations like the safe place to ensure your presence in our sessions.

My name is Ashley Abbott, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have a diverse background working with children and families who have experienced abuse/neglect, within systems such as the foster care system, the juvenile justice system, inpatient, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, and outpatient settings I have provided direct support services in group homes, court advocacy, and a variety of therapy services such as group, family and individual. These experiences have equipped me with valuable skills in crisis management, de-escalation, family conflict resolution, and supporting individuals facing complex and challenging circumstances. With training in evidenced-based modalities, I can treat anxiety, depressive disorders, life transitions, relationship problems, suicidal ideation, and behavioral challenges. I am also trained to treat trauma and PTSD with EMDR. I am passionate about partnering with clients who are committed to personal growth and willing to actively engage in the therapeutic process. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults and adults.

I’m a psychiatric nurse practitioner who works from the belief that people are not broken—and that many of the struggles we call “mental illness” make sense when we look at trauma, context, and lived experience. I’m especially attuned to the ways mental health systems, stigma, and labels can unintentionally cause harm, and I aim to practice in a way that feels respectful, collaborative, and deeply human.

My approach is unconventional and trauma-informed, influenced by perspectives like those of Gabor Maté, which emphasize compassion, curiosity, and understanding symptoms as meaningful responses rather than defects. I do not believe in rushing to pathologize the human experience. As Joni Mitchell once reflected about depression, sometimes what we’re feeling is not an illness to be fixed, but a signal—an honest response to pain, loss, or a world that has not been kind.

I offer virtual or in-person therapy sessions in Castle Rock, Colorado. I know what it's like to struggle with depression, addiction, and narcissistic abuse. I became a therapist and an energy healer after going through my own "dark night of the soul." Many clients tell me that they relate to me because I have been though similar experiences and know what it's like to push through depression, and overcome addiction and trauma. My goal isn't to help you merely mask symptoms, but to help you navigate through them while healing the underlying roots, staying grounded, and discovering your most authentic self and a life of fulfillment and thriving.

Welcome! I know reaching out for therapy can feel like a big step, and my hope is that from our first session you'll feel comfortable showing up exactly as you are. I'm warm, down-to-earth, and bring a sense of curiosity, humor, and authenticity into my work. I believe therapy doesn't have to feel overly clinical, it's a collaborative space where we can talk honestly about what's going on, celebrate your strengths, and work through the messy parts of being human together. I have experience supporting adults, couples, and teens through anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, stress, and substance use concerns, and I tailor our work to what feels most helpful and meaningful to you. Whether you're looking for practical tools, deeper self-understanding, or simply a place to exhale and be heard, I'd be honored to be part of your journey.

Hi, I’m Shannon. I bring over 20 years of experience in healthcare, including more than a decade as a nurse practitioner. I’ve worked as a family nurse practitioner since 2013, and over time my passion led me to focus my practice on mental wellness and emotional health. My path through many roles in healthcare—from nurse’s aide to NP—shapes a thoughtful, whole-person approach to care.

I often say “we” when talking to clients because I’ve lived through many of the circumstances they find themselves in . I know they need information to better understand what they are dealing with . Additionally , I believe they need empathy and patience as they move forward toward the best days of their lives .

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the State of CO. I have received my Bachelor of Science in human services from Metropolitan State University, and my Master of Arts in school counseling and clinical counseling from the University of Northern Colorado. I have spent 16 years in the mental health field working with diverse populations.

30+ years of clinical experience.

Master's degree from U. of Northern Colorado.

Extensive training/work in Brainspotting.

Perfect clinical protocol to quickly heal sadness, anger, anxiety, grief associated with trauma.

Results likely within 5-10 sessions.

I love helping people develop skills to improve their lives, communication and relationships. It is important to know that one theory does not meet everyone’s needs, therefore I use many different approaches to helping my clients to build their own best version of themselves.

When you are navigating the heavy impact of trauma, women's issues, anxiety, or PTSD, finding someone who truly understands your lived experience can be transformative. Over the past nine years of my clinical practice as a social worker, I have dedicated myself to helping individuals find solid ground during their most overwhelming moments. It is a profound honor to sit with you and help establish a safe, empowering space where you can begin to heal. My background includes working with at-risk youth and their families, including those involved in both the juvenile justice and foster care systems; crisis intervention; adults, both individually and as couples; active-duty service members and veterans; and law enforcement and other first responders. Whatever you are bringing to the table, my goal is to meet you with compassion and support you in rediscovering your strength.