Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Colorado Springs, CO

You've probably tried talking about it. And talking helped, until it didn't.

Maybe you think deeply, feel everything intensely and still can't figure out why you keep ending up in the same patterns. You don't want another list of coping skills. You want to actually get yourself and understand where these patterns came from, why they stick, and how to finally move differently.

That's the work I am so passionate about.

I'm Caitlin! Therapist, art therapist, and someone who knows what it's like to carry a lot. Anxiety, self-doubt, patterns inherited from people who came before you, a creative inner world that doesn't always fit neatly into everyday life. I didn't just study this, I've lived it.

I work to meet clients wherever they are at emotionally and identify their goals so that we can work together to create the best life possible for them. I have experience working with all ages and walks of life, from first responders and caretakers to teenagers and families. I come from a family of helpers and have a deep understanding of how traumatic experiences can destabilize people's well-being. I am here to work as a guide, not a teacher, and believe that all healing is done by the patient. I seek to empower my patients and show them their inner strength that was there all along.

I earned my doctorate degree in clinical psychology from the University of Denver and have been in private practice for over ten years. I consider it an honor to be in relationship with my clients and to help them better understand themselves and change their lives. I strive to celebrate and create a safe space for all aspects of your identity.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a passion for guiding others in unlocking their full potential. I approach the therapeutic relationship with genuine intrigue and compassion, as I believe empathy & curiosity are two of the most important human values and essential for an effective therapeutic experience. Through balancing creativity with evidenced-based practices, our collaboration will create sustainable & meaningful progress in becoming the person you wish to be.

I bring warmth, humor, and clear guidance to therapy. Cognitive techniques help uncover how thoughts shape emotions and actions, while mindfulness fosters calm and focus. We’ll also explore your values to guide our work. Humor keeps things light, and directness ensures we stay on track. Together, we’ll work toward lasting growth and confidence.I earned my Master’s in Counseling from Wake Forest University.

Many of the people I work with are going through some kind of transition.

Sometimes that looks like anxiety that’s getting harder to manage, feeling stuck in the same patterns, or navigating changes in relationships, identity, or life direction. Other times it’s grief, stress, or a sense that something just isn’t working the way it used to.

You might find yourself overthinking, shutting down, or reacting in ways that don’t quite make sense, even to you. You may understand things logically, but still feel stuck emotionally.

My background is in clinical mental health counseling, and my work is grounded in approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). I also have advanced training in working with relationship dynamics, which often show up even in individual therapy.

Before becoming a therapist, I worked as a journalist. That still shapes how I work today. I pay close attention, listen for patterns, and help you make sense of your story in a way that feels clear, grounded, and meaningful.

I'm a licensed therapist dedicated to supporting WOMEN, CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, and COUPLES through life’s challenges. Whether you're navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, chronic stress, or emotional pain, you're not alone—and healing is possible.

My approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique needs. I work with clients on a range of concerns, including emotional self-regulation, life transitions, trauma recovery, and the everyday difficulties that can feel overwhelming.

Therapy is a space for growth, understanding, and healing. Whether you're seeking support for yourself or a loved one, I’m here to help you move forward with strength and clarity.

Let’s begin the journey together.

My aim is to support people to live a present, engaged and fulfilled life. My clients feel stressed out to the point of feeling collapse; unworthy of love, overwhelmed and unheard. Many have PTSD from abuse /neglect as a child, impacts of generational/cultural/religious patterns, or traumatic events. My clients symptoms show up as anxiety, changes in mood, inability to regulate and/or navigate life. unresolved trauma, fear, depression, anger, grief, physical pain and chronic health issues.

Melissa Muggli, LPC, is prior service turned mental health professional. She served in the army as a combat medic from 2009-2012, with one tour in Iraq that led to her medical retirement. After her service, she worked as a medical assistant and psychiatric nurse assistant while attending university. She has an associate’s of health science, a bachelor’s of psychology focusing on addictions, a master’s of clinical mental health counseling and a master’s of addiction counseling. Melissa has been a practicing counselor since 2019 and is constantly pursuing higher education. She is a certified EAGALA provider.

Stimulants, Suboxone and Benzodiazepines are prescribed in this practice with DEA guidelines. Dr. Padilla is a Doctor of Nursing Practice from the New York tri-state area and has over 30 years of experience in healthcare. He treats children from 6 years old through adulthood, focusing on psychiatric medication management. He specializes in mental health and has extensive experience in the field of psychiatry. Dr. Padilla takes a “start low and go slow” approach to prescribing, paying special attention to medication potency and potential interactions with other medications prescribed by other providers. Dr. Padilla earned his Doctorate in Clinical Practice Nursing from Rutgers University–New Brunswick. He also holds bachelor’s degrees from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, and the University of Miami, as well as an associate’s degree from Bergen Community College.

I am a therapist that welcomes all, humbly, and strives to build community with those I encounter. You are welcome here, however you may be.

I help clients navigate life's challenges with practical guidance and a supportive, down-to-earth approach. Together, we explore goals, develop strategies, and build confidence. I aim to create a safe space where you feel understood, empowered, and ready to make meaningful change.

I communicate with empathy, clarity, and practicality, blending warmth and humor. Sessions are down-to-earth and collaborative, giving you tools to manage stress, set boundaries, and navigate emotions. My style is supportive, non-judgmental, and focused on helping you feel understood and empowered.