Hello!
I'm Laura Karns, MA LSC LPC (she/her) and I'm a licensed school counselor and licensed professional clinical counselor serving clients in Colorado.
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My passion lies in working with diverse groups of people in the areas of trauma, gender identity, and neurodiversity. I hold space for others to assist them in gaining self-awareness and discovering tools to help heal or accommodate various aspects of life that present challenges. I believe in holding space with unconditional positive regard, devoid of judgment, so that people may feel safe to begin a journey of discovery and healing, actualizing their authentic selves.
Phone
Call or Text: (720) 432-5777
Telehealth Link
Simple Practice - Link sent via email for before appointment
Rates
Out-of Pocket: $125-$175
Insurance Accepted:
Medicaid, Medicare
My Approach to Therapy:
I believe that counseling is a gradual healing process, which is possible for any person; it is just about finding the unique mode that works for the individual. Healing begins with awareness and finding creative ways to accommodate ourselves, and often, it is more about the process than the outcome.
Improving your mental health doesn't happen through a "one size fits all" approach. It is something that happens when you are ready for it, are willing to do the work, and have an individualized treatment plan designed to help you overcome the unique challenges in your life. I see therapy as an invitation for a conversation to listen to the parts of self that are surrounded in shadow or may not be pretty, parts that have been crying out in silence, or parts that have been shamed or forgotten. We are all born of light, and in actualizing these lost parts of self, we give them a voice and allow them grace.
My Ideal Client:
I specialize in helping people to process complex trauma and dissociative tendencies. I enjoy helping people overcome obstacles that arise with neurodiversity and sensory processing, such as feeling overwhelmed when going grocery shopping due to all of the fluorescent lights or other people's energy. I am also passionate about working with people who may be struggling with gender dysphoria to explore their identity and embrace their true selves.
Consider: Are you struggling with distressing memories or dreams, having difficulty navigating your daily life, or feeling negative about yourself? Perhaps you are struggling to feel support around your gender or identity and want to increase your connection with others. Maybe you are feeling confused or hopeless about life and your relationships. Do you find setting healthy boundaries almost impossible and typically challenging in communication? If so, I'm the therapist for you! It is time to ask for support, and I am here to begin this journey with you.
The Concerns I Specialize in Treating:
Counseling for Women's Issues
Many women face unique challenges that impact their daily lives and overall well-being. You may find yourself overwhelmed by concerns related to health, relationships, career, or personal expectations. Whether it's managing the mental load, coping with societal pressures, or navigating life transitions, these challenges can often lead to stress, uncertainty, and emotional strain. I provide empathetic support tailored to address these specific concerns and offer a safe and nurturing environment where you can explore and understand your experiences fully.
My Story:
Healing and empowerment are two themes that define my life. I experienced moments of darkness as a young woman in college and later in my twenties. It was a counselor who helped me guide me from the abyss that consumed my mind. She helped me to remember who I was. The feeling therapy provided me was encapsulating; it was a gift of hope. Hope that I could heal, find happiness again, and look in the mirror and love who is looking back at me. With this personal experience benefiting from therapy, I set off to get a counseling degree so that I may also help others in their journeys to find their inner power and hope. I graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 with a dual specialization in both school and community counseling. Upon graduation, I was honored with the Exceptional Practitioner Award and the Excellence in Diversity Award.
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After working for a short time in substance abuse treatment, I spent a year in private practice doing holistic healing modalities, including massage therapy, energy work, and hypnotherapy. In 2011, I moved to Colorado and worked as a school counselor for many years, specializing in trauma-informed therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. My initial focus was on working with elementary-aged children, particularly those with autism and neurodiversity, providing classroom support. Later, I worked in the Roaring Fork Valley with at-risk teenagers and victims of human trafficking in schools, coordinating support systems for students with learning disabilities.
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I am a native of Michigan but currently live and serve clients across Colorado. I enjoy working in private practice, drawing from all my experiences to meet people where they are and offer tools for healing and guidance. I have two daughters, aged 11 and 2. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, learning, growing things, and maintaining my fish tanks.
Education & Professional Training
2014 - 2016
Graduate Program, Administrative Leadership
Adams State University
2007 - 2009
Master of Arts, Counseling—Dual Specialization in School and Community Counseling
Michigan State University
2001 - 2004
Bachelor of Arts, Interdisciplinary Peace Studies
Antioch College
Additional Training
Certified Autism Disorder Clinical Specialist coursework, in progress
"Dissociative Identity Disorder: Diagnosis, Stabilization and Complex Trauma Treatment in Clients with DID" Training, 2024
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills Training, 2017
Certified Hypnotherapist coursework, 2009