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Gary Alexander, MS, LMFT, LAC

"My approach as a therapist is heartfelt, direct, engaging, and down-to-
earth.  I believe that the therapeutic relationship can be very powerful,
where emotional presence and human connection together are used as a
catalyst for personal revelation, insight, and change.  Beginning therapy
together we start where you are now, in the present moment.  As the
therapy process develops we will discover which techniques and styles of
therapy will work best for you."

Gary is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has been in practice for nine years. 

Please visit his website at www.acadenver.com for more information.

Susan Anderson, LPC

Susan Anderson, LPC, holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute where she is currently pursuing her PhD in the same field. Susan was drawn to Pacifica because of its interdisciplinary focus on literature, mythology, religion, and culture that accompanies the more traditional theoretical and clinical foundation. As a result, she brings a unique perspective to her practice and a deep reservoir upon which she can draw in her work with clients. Susan believes that everyone, either consciously or unconsciously, is on a journey of self-discovery. In her work with clients, she facilitates that journey, helping them uncover their authentic selves. In Jungian fashion, she encourages clients to explore their dreams and their unconscious and supports them as their path shifts to one of self-recovery. She specializes in individual work with adolescents and adults.

Kate Arellano, MA, LPC, LMFT                                                                              Back to Top

Kate Arellano holds an MA in Counseling Psychology from CU-Denver and has been a practicing counselor since 1993. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Licensed Marital and Family Therapist (LMFT). Kate works with individuals, couples and families, providing counseling in the areas of depression, anxiety, couples communication, family of origin work and parenting issues. As a Marriage and Family therapist, Kate also works with families dealing with family transitions, grief and loss, and communication difficulties.  Kate is a cancer survivor and so also does work around life threatening illness, as well as issues of living and dying.

Janet Borelli, MSW, LCSW                                                                               Back to Top

Janet Borelli, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 25 years experience, holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College and an MSW from the University of Denver. She has worked with a culturally diverse client base and can conduct therapy in Spanish and French, as well as in English. Janet provides counseling services to children, families, adults and couples. Her treatment areas include trauma, abuse, depression, ADHD, chronic mental illness, divorce issues, adoption issues, attachment and immigrant issues. Janet uses several different approaches including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theory, developmental theory and psycho education. She also combines art therapy, techniques, play therapy and sand tray, and EMDR when appropriate. Janet has a strength based philosophy and leverages clients' own strengths and talents to open new doors to improved functioning in their lives.

Jo Brilhart, RN, PsyD                                                                                     Back to Top

As a hospice nurse and a therapist, I have been helping people with physical and emotional challenges for many years. Many of the issues people face are connected to loss. It may be loss of a loved one, but it can also be loss of health, the break-up of a relationship, loss of a job, loss of a sense of safety after a trauma, or even the loss of a cherished dream. I believe there is goodness, strength and wisdom within every individual, and that each person has an inherent desire to be healthy, happy and whole. My approach is gentle and compassionate, and I help clients uncover their own wisdom. I help them understand how they may have been wounded in life, and how they unknowingly learned negative beliefs and self-criticism. With these insights, they begin to see how old wounds, losses, or beliefs influence their lives today. This enables them to make conscious choices instead of simply reacting out of lack of awareness. I am also the director of the Survivors Mental Health Program at MDS Counseling Center, a grant-funded program that provides mental health services to uninsured clients who are survivors of trauma or abuse.

Jo's website is: http://www.joannebrilhart.com

Clare Carr, MA, LPC                                                                                          Back to Top

The goal I hold in therapy is for personal wholeness and happiness. Clare Carr has spent the past 25 years caring for people through her work as Spiritual Director for churches in Colorado Springs and Denver. She holds a BS in Child Development from Colorado State University, an MA in Theological Studies from St. Meinrads in Indiana and an MA in Counseling from the University of Colorado in Colorado Springs. Clare practices cognitive-behavioral therapy, and uses EMDR for trauma, professional enhancement and reduction of cravings in cases of substance abuse. She holds Level II certification in EMDR and is certified as CAC II. The CACII is a certification in Alcohol and Drug Counseling.  She works with individuals in the process of recovery and in decision making and trauma.

Articles written by Clare Carr: Could Be, The Seasons are A'changin'

Peter Conti, LCSW                                                                                            Back to Top

Peter Conti has been involved in counseling and helping others for almost 30 years as a deacon. Peter counseled at his church and also worked for Boulder County in their alcohol recovery and mental health departments. Peter currently works with families, couples, individuals and groups using Family Systems therapy and Pastoral Care to help clients with personality disorders, depression, anxiety, addictions and domestic violence. He believes that the authentic presence of the therapist is a vital and primary element of good therapy. Peter has a BA in Religious Studies and Religious Education from Regis College, a BS in Human Services from Metro State College, and an MSW from Yeshiva University. Besides his licensure as a psychotherapist, he is certified in Pastoral Care, Certified Treatment Provider for perpetrators of domestic violence and a Colorado Addictions Counselor (CAC III).

Cindy Duckworth, MA, LPC                                                                               Back to Top

Cindy Duckworth has been in private practice at MDS for 10 years.  She holds a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education, with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy, from the CU-Denver. Cindy works extensively with children of all ages, as well as with adult individuals, couples and families who are having difficulties with all kinds of problems, including adjustment to divorce or other life transitions, coping with traumatic events, depression, anxiety, and all forms of abuse or domestic violence. She also offers reintegration therapy for parents who have been absent from their child’s life for a while but want to reestablish a relationship. Cindy is certified in Level II EMDR, is a member of the National Certified Counselors (NCC), and is trained to perform Custody Evaluations and is a Child Family Investigator (CFI).

Articles by Cindy Duckworth

Mary Ann Eagan, LCSW                                                                                    Back to Top

Susan Kamler, MA, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

Sue takes a holistic approach and helps clients heal emotionally, physically and spiritually. She will guide you in healing painful parts of your life and help you better understand how past experiences affect your present-day life. She works with adults experiencing depression and anxiety, traumatic effects of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse, sexual orientation issues, interpersonal relationship difficulties, grief and bereavement, as well as spiritual/spirituality concerns. She has been a psychotherapist for 13 years, and holds a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University, and a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry with concentration in Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Theological Seminary.

Beth Levin Kelley, MA, LPC                                                                            Back to Top

Jeanne Kiddney, M Ed, LPC                                                                            Back to Top

Jeanne Kiddney received her Masters Degree in Counseling from the University of Texas and is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas and Colorado. As well as being a therapist for over 20 years, Jeanne continues her education through participation in a variety of workshops, and has been an adjunct professor in a graduate counseling program. Her work with individual, couples and families has strengthened her understanding of the profound effect relationships have on every aspect of life. While utilizing many clinical approaches, her areas of specialization include: depression, anxiety, trauma, divorce and life transition issues, as well as helping individuals discover their authentic selves.

Karen C. Lenzi, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

Karen Lenzi holds a Masters Degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University, and is a licensed professional counselor. Using a Buddhist-based mindfulness approach integrated with attachment and psychodynamic therories, clients learn to experience and build on their inherent health. Ms. Lenzi helps clients identify and understand their most essential concerns, then supports their capacity to understand and improve the quality of their lives and relationships. She works with adult men and woman, children and older adolescents who are struggling with early life issues, trauma, self esteem, troubled relationships and complicated feelings of immobilization, anger, emptiness and sadness.

Ms. Lenzi is also the Director of the Children First program at MDS Counseling which places counselors into 15 Denver Public Schools and 5 Catholic Schools, serving more than 800 children each year. She brings a unique blend of warmth, compassion and humor to her work.

Articles written by Karen Lenzi:  Mindfulness in Therapy

                                               Kids and Trauma

Lorraine Lipson, LPC                                                                                        Back to Top

Lorraine’s  special interest lies in understanding and working through the troubling relationships  that  often  impact  lives negatively and  painfully. She provides a supportive therapeutic relationship where, with care and  insight,  exploration  of  difficult issues can  occur.  Her approach  to therapy with adults is to address the issues that get in the way of  forming healthy relationships, by understanding with them  the nature and dynamics of  their current and  past  relationships. Lorraine has worked extensively with depression, bipolar disorder and anxiety.  She also works with parents, providing a supportive forum where their concerns may be   addressed , and  helping them to more effectively manage their children's behavior. Lorraine has many years experience in supervising students, and consulting with colleagues. 

Articles written by Lorraine Lipson: Helping Your Child Weather Your Divorce

Linda E. McKinzie, MSW, LCSW                                                                       Back to Top

Linda E. McKinzie has a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Denver, 15 years of clinical experience and 20 years of experience in organizational management.  As Executive Director of MDS Counseling Center, she handles the administrative and organizational aspects of the agency, but also maintains a small practice of psychotherapy and supervision for licensure.  She enjoys teaching, both to students in the psychotherapy field and to clients through workshops or speaking engagements. Linda’s clinical work includes treatment for issues such as grief and loss, chronic illness, relationship issues and gay/lesbian issues.  She works with adults, both as individuals and couples.

Hazel Field Melmed, LCSW                                                                              Back to Top

Hazel has been a practicing psychotherapist for over 15 years, working with individuals, couples, families and young children. She provides counseling in the areas of depression, conflict resolution in relationships, stress reduction, grief/loss, sexual difficulties, chronic illness, trauma and parenting. Hazel’s approach is to establish a trusting, non-judgmental relationships with clients, listen to their unique stories and help them develop strategies to cope in healthier, more successful ways.  She also uses EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprogramming) a technique to help decrease the effects of trauma. She holds a Diploma in Early Childhood Education from Berkley House Teachers College in Cape Town, South Africa, a BA in Social Work from Metro State College in Denver, and an MSW from the University of Denver.

Articles written by Hazel Melmed: Parenting

Laura J. Pentoney, MA, LPC                                                                             Back to Top

Laura Pentony, M.A., LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) has been in private practice since 1995. Laura's expertise is in helping adults heal and grow from the effects of traumatic woundings suffered during childhood or adulthood. These traumas can range from chronic childhood neglect and criticism to physical and sexual abuse, and rape, and they often manifest as depression, anxiety, lack of self-worth, eating disorders, nightmares, flashbacks, trust issues and/or difficulties in relationship. Laura's therapeutic style is gentle, interactive and compassionate. She has been trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) since 2002. Laura also provides bilingual (English/Spanish) services.

Lisa Ransford, MA, LPC, CACII                                                                          Back to Top

Joel Silverman, MA, LPC                                                                                  Back to Top

Joel Silverman is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has been in private practice for ten years. He has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology/Marriage and Family Therapy from CU-Denver, and an undergraduate degree in Drama from Colorado College. Joel works with couples, individuals, families and adolescents. His treatment areas include self-esteem issues, anxiety, depression, issues relating to childhood, relationship problems, life transitions, and grief/loss. He is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), a tool used to reduce emotional distress and strengthen inner resources. He particularly enjoys working with couples to resolve conflict, increase communication and regain intimacy. Joel believes in creating a safe environment where clients can explore their innermost issues with warmth, humor, insight and depth.

Jane Stafford, MA, LPC                                                                                    Back to Top

“People can overcome adversity.  All of us may feel hopeless, anxious, or stressed from time to time, however, we do not have to face the tough times alone.  If you would like support, empathy or even new ideas regarding a problem or situation, then please contact me for a meeting.  Together we can help you achieve your goals."

Jane is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Colorado with over 10 years of experience as a therapist.  She received her Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and Art Therapy from Naropa University.  She holds a level two certificate in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) from the National Association of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapists.  Her specialty includes helping people with anxiety & stress.   Jane offers encouragement and solutions to people experiencing such things as panic attacks, worrisome thoughts, and sadness.  For more information please visit her website at www.janestafford.com

Karen Tillman, Ph.D.                                                                                       Back to Top

Karen Tillman, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who trained at University of Colorado’s Medical School.  She has extensive experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.  Dr. Tillman also holds a Certificate in Marital and Family Therapy.  She understands that the decision to seek therapy is often difficult and anxiety provoking, and she puts her clients at ease with a warm and compassionate approach.  Having worked in a variety of settings including hospitals, outpatient clinics, residential facilities, and the Cherry Creek School District, she is skilled at tailoring therapy sessions to the individual needs of each client.  She believes that psychotherapy can be highly effective for resolving a variety of concerns and, in addition, can foster the development of inner resources that can be relied upon for a lifetime. Her specialties include depression, anxiety, family and marital conflict, school-related problems, and life transitions.  She also provides therapy in Spanish.  

Please see her website at www.DrKarenTillman.com.   

Nancy Vega, MA, LPC                                                                                       Back to Top

Nancy Vega has been a therapist for over eight years and has a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver. She understands the importance and unique aspects of cultural differences and integrates this knowledge into her work with clients. Nancy serves a diverse population of children, teenagers, adults and couples and provides counseling in both Spanish and English. She addresses problems such as trauma, depression, anxiety and relationship issues through a variety of methods, which often includes art therapy, play therapy and family systems.

Susan Walker, MHR, LMFT                                                                                Back to Top

Susan Walker has a Masters Degree in Human Relations, is licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and is certified as an Addictions Counselor. She has been part of the MDS counseling team for over 15 years serving individuals, couples, and families as they work to find peace and harmony within themselves and within relationships.  She works with people moving through transitions, dealing with loss, searching for meaning and purpose, desiring to improve communication with others.  She is especially skilled in helping people set goals for themselves and then providing support as they move toward and meet those goals.  She very much believes that by taking action, we can often change the way we think and feel.  To keep the process of therapy moving between sessions, collaborative homework assignments are often suggested.

Judy Wilkinson, MSW, LCSW                                                                            Back to Top