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I'm Chelsea Yamaguchi, a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado with over 12 years of experience supporting adults through life’s challenges. I specialize in working with individuals navigating transitions, depression, anxiety, family dynamics, and financial stress. Over the past five years, I’ve developed a deep focus on binge eating, chronic dieting, body image concerns, and bariatric counseling, using an intuitive eating and Health at Every Size® approach to foster a healthier relationship with food and body.

My introduction to helping people and psychology both came about, as a result of following my mom’s example and the Bob Newhart Show. My mother was a natural people person with a keen interest and background in psychology. My take-away from the Bob Newhart Show drove home the needs for humor and light-heartedness as well as a genuine love for what you do. I believe that those qualities: love for people and my passion and seeing the humor in things truly define me, both as a therapist and a person. My academic journey led me to both bachelors and masters degrees from The University of Northern Colorado and included intensive training in Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnotherapy during my sabbatical in between my degrees. With a strong theoretical base supporting me, I moved forward and was able to blend my education with twenty years of real-world experience. I went on and diversified my experience as I worked in community counseling, community corrections, Inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and private practice. Although our learning never ceases, I feel very comfortable and sincere in offering clients my wealth of experience, knowledge of human behavior, and most of all, a kind ear.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, University of Northern Colorado (1990) • Master of Arts in School Counseling/Community Counseling, University of Northern Colorado (http://www.colorado.edu/) (2001)

Licenses/Certifications

• Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) • Certified Addiction Counselor- Level 3 (CACIII) • Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt) • Neuro-Linguistic Programming- Certified Practictioner (NLP-P)

Specialties/Areas of Focus

• Anxiety • Addiction/Substance Abuse • Couples Counseling • Hypnotherapy/Trauma • Individual Counseling • Depression/ Grief and Loss • Life Transitions

Professional Affiliations

• International Hypnosis Association (IHA) • American Psychological Association (APA) • National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCH)

I specialize in supporting adolescents and young adults as they navigate the unique challenges of growing up, finding identity and new roles, and building resilience. Therapy with me is collaborative and supportive, and my approach is grounded in warmth, curiosity and genuine care for your story.

As a licensed therapist in Alabama, Colorado, Iowa, Massachusetts, and Virginia. I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and workplace stress. I have extensive experience working with young adults, midlife individuals, and older adults facing transitions and personal growth opportunities. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I'm committed to providing personalized, evidence-based support tailored to individual needs and experiences. Drawing from a decade of clinical experience, I offer a warm, collaborative approach that empowers clients to understand themselves more deeply and make meaningful life changes.

If you’re here, you may be carrying a lot—burnout, compassion fatigue, or the weight of always being the strong one. I work with people who give a lot to others, including military members, veterans, first responders, hospital staff, and helpers who have seen too much. Together, we slow things down, make sense of what you’ve been through, and focus on practical steps that help you feel steadier, safer, more grounded, and more like yourself again over time. This is a space to breathe, regroup, and build skills that support healing, balance, and sustainable change

I believe in empowering people through a strength-based approach to therapy. I specialize in psychotherapy for depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, trauma and PTSD, eating disorders and substances use issues.

I specialize in treating families, individuals, and children (ages 5+) who struggle to connect with others, solve problems, or understand different perspectives. This often creates feelings of loneliness, sadness, or hopelessness. I have extensive experience working with those who have Autism and other disabilities. My mission is to help you develop the crucial skills of self-worth and insight. It's important to remember you don't have to navigate the struggles in life alone; I am here to walk alongside you in a supportive, judgment-free space.

It is an honor for me to work with people who have courage to reach out for support. My service is really unique because we offer, besides in person and virtual counseling, my herd of 6 equines to support you in finding peace of mind and quality of life . I specialize in a number of evidence-based psychotherapeutic techniques .