Family therapy and counseling in Lafayette, CO

I provide an open space to talk about any issue on your mind. Together, we probe deeper into patterns that affect your life and find ways to overcome those obstacles to your goals. I've worked in a variety of settings as a social worker and seen all manner of struggles and lives. I strive to understand your experiences and form a partnership on your healing journey.

If you've been told your anxiety, exhaustion, or emotional shifts are "just stress" or "just aging" — and something in you knows it's more than that — you're in the right place. I'm Kristal, a licensed therapist with over 15 years of experience supporting people through life's most challenging transitions. That career — rooted in crisis intervention, child welfare, and working alongside people experiencing homelessness — built in me a deep capacity to sit with complexity, pain, and change without flinching. That foundation now drives my specialized work with women navigating perimenopause and menopause. I bring both clinical expertise and lived experience to this work. I've walked this road myself — which means when you show up, you will be genuinely seen and heard, perhaps in a way you haven't been in a long time.

Check me out on the Grit to Growth Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTvAK4pRlkM

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, parent coach, and former educator with 36 years of experience helping children, teens, parents, couples, and families move from conflict and overwhelm to greater calm, confidence, and connection.

I specialize in working with families navigating autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, depression, emotional regulation, school challenges, and family conflict. I also help parents reduce daily power struggles, improve communication, and respond with greater confidence and consistency.

I believe lasting change happens by looking at the whole picture—not just the symptoms. My work considers the child, the parent, the family system, and the school environment to identify the patterns that keep families stuck. Together, we develop practical, individualized strategies that create meaningful, lasting change.

My goal in our first session is to help you feel comfortable, heard, and supported. We'll talk about what's bringing you in, explore the challenges you're facing, and identify what's keeping you or your family feeling stuck.

There is no pressure to have everything figured out. We'll move at a pace that feels right for you. Together, we'll begin identifying patterns, clarify your goals, and create practical next steps that feel realistic and manageable.

Whether you're seeking support for yourself, your child, your relationship, or your family, you'll leave our first session with a better understanding of what's happening and a clear direction for moving forward.

I’m glad you’re here — taking the step to look for support shows your strength, and I’d be honored to walk with you. I work with adults, children, and teens who are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply, life. In our work together, we’ll create a warm, collaborative space where you’re heard, seen, and your goals matter.

I'm Nicole Shelton, a double board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner (APRN, PMHNP, FNP). My experience in ICU and the ER informs my holistic approach to care. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, substance use, and trauma across the lifespan. As a military wife and mother, I emphasize lifestyle balance, encouraging patients to integrate nutrition and exercise. I am dedicated to breaking mental health stigma and advocating for veterans and those impacted by trauma, ensuring you feel seen, supported, and empowered on your journey.

I bring over two decades of professional experience to my work as a therapist, including roles as a preschool teacher, child and family therapist, special education provider, grief counselor, clinical supervisor, and nonprofit leader. Across all of these settings, my work has centered on supporting children, teens, families, educators, clinicians, and leaders through moments of growth, challenge, and transition. I have particular expertise in supporting clients navigating grief and loss, as well as individuals and families dealing with executive functioning challenges, ADHD-related struggles, parenting, and life overwhelm.

As a military spouse of more than 27 years and a former military BRAT, I understand what it means to navigate constant change, uncertainty, and rebuilding. Those experiences have shaped the compassionate, culturally responsive approach I bring to therapy today.

I provide virtual therapy for adolescents and adults in Texas, Colorado, and Florida, supporting individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, substance use, and major life transitions. I have a special passion for working with military members, veterans, military families, the BIPOC community, and parents and caregivers who have spent so much time caring for others that they've lost sight of themselves.

My goal is to create a space where you feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported—not judged. Together, we'll identify the patterns keeping you stuck, build practical tools for everyday life, and help you move toward healing, resilience, and lasting change at a pace that feels right for you.

Outside of therapy, you'll usually find me spending time with my family, exploring museums, trying new cuisines, baking from scratch, or working on a creative project. I believe healing happens through authentic connection, and I would be honored to be part of your journey.

I hold a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Social Work from Western Michigan University, equipping me with a strong foundation in clinical practice and social work principles.

My professional background as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker encompasses a diverse range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Biblical Christian Counseling, Problem-Solving Therapy (PST), Relational Therapy, Solution-Focused Couples Therapy, Strength-Based Therapy, Cognitive Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Family-Focused Therapy.

I am dedicated to providing tailored, compassionate care to male and female adults, as well as the geriatric population, addressing a wide spectrum of mental health, emotional, and relational needs to foster empowerment and well-being.

I am a bilingual therapist offering therapy in Japanese and English for individuals and couples. I specialize in trauma and relationship-focused work, using a somatic approach to help clients feel more grounded, connected, and supported as they navigate life’s challenges. I bring a multicultural lens to my work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Many of my clients are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, or relationship challenges. I offer a supportive space to slow down, make sense of these experiences, and find greater clarity and connection. I am currently accepting new clients.

I have wanted to be a counselor from a young age. I received my undergraduate BA degree in Psychology from the University of Colorado and my graduate degree M.Ed clinical/ school counseling from the University of Phoenix. I also spent two years studying at the Denver Seminary to learn how to incorporate faith into counseling. I started out as a middle school counselor and also worked as a therapist in a counseling clinic. My passions are parent coaching, helping with anxiety disorders as well as depressive disorders.

I hold a Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work from Walden University, with a concentration in trauma-informed care. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), as well as certified in Art Therapy, Play Therapy, and Sandplay Therapy. My early career centered on supporting children and families navigating trauma, substance use, and instability, as well as individuals transitioning from incarceration and reintegrating into their communities. These experiences continue to shape my person-centered, integrative approach to care.

In my practice, I support adults and children through an individualized, holistic lens. My therapeutic philosophy draws from Person-Centered, Holistic, and Psychodynamic therapies—approaches that value empathy, self-awareness, and exploration of the connections between past and present. I believe all people have an innate capacity for growth, resilience, and healing when they are met with safety, compassion, and curiosity.

It's not easy starting therapy and investing time in yourself, but you've already done the first step! My experience has primarily been focused in clients with eating disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. With that said, I also have extensive experience working with relationship challenges, anxiety, self-harm, and suicidality. I generally like to pull from my knowledge of various therapy modalities such as DBT, CBT, FBT and EFFT. I also really enjoy self-compassion work. Your goals are always my top priority, and I am here to support you every step of the way.

Outside of work, I enjoy live music, spending time with friends, and hanging out with my dogs, Nala and Toni. These personal interests help me stay grounded and bring balance to my life, which I believe is crucial for overall well-being.

If you're ready to take the next step, I'm here to help you navigate your journey towards healing and growth. Let's work together to achieve your goals!