Hello and Welcome, In my experience, people seek counseling for many different reasons. Although life can be challenging and sometimes difficult, I believe that with support and effective strategies, we can all find a way to thrive in any situation at any stage of life. There are times when we need help processing losses and painful situations as well and I believe therapy can help anyone find relief from pain in these distressing situations. Through non-judgemental and supportive listening it may be possible to help you identify the causes of your distress as well as to explore strengths you can use to improve your overall sense of well-being when life’s difficulties confuse and overwhelm you. The use of long term and short term goals can also be very helpful for anyone in determining treatment strategies and the direction of therapy. I have found Dialectical Behavioral Therapy to be very effective in strengthening self-esteem and confidence, as well as increasing independence, and in improving decision making, relationship health, emotion regulation, and a more positive mood. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be very effective in helping you to identify and replace damaging, distressing and ineffective thinking patterns with those that can help you achieve your goals in life and improve your emotional health. My name is Toni Kooy and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado. I have been working in the substance abuse and mental health field since 2004. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Counseling, both, from the University of Colorado. I have worked with clients primarily, in the rural and urban community mental health center setting and have worked with a variety of clients from the age of 4 years old to the age of 80 years old . I have extensive training and experience with clients who struggle with problems related to mood and emotions as well as trauma and grief. I have received extensive training in trauma, which included EMDR. Thus, I have worked with many clients who were experiencing the symptoms of trauma in my past employment. In the past, I have worked as a musician, a construction worker, a nanny, a home-maker, and an assembly worker as well as my current 16-year career as a therapist, so I bring a varied and non-judgmental life perspective to the therapeutic process as well as a flexible schedule. You have already gained insight into your situation and have utilized strength to seek help. If you would like to continue in your journey toward a life in which you can thrive, I would be honored to join you in your walk.