Breathe Counseling
Helping You Reach Your Full Potential
About Breathe Counseling
Even the best mountain climbers need help to get to the top sometimes. The mountains of life look different for everyone but one thing remains the same: they feel impossible. Your mountain may be grieving someone (or something) you lost, wishing people would stop trying to get you “over it.” You might be lugging around ghosts of trauma from your past, wondering when you get to feel safe. Perhaps you’re puzzling out who you really are, searching for the passion deep within you. Maybe you’re plagued by gnawing panic, or stuck in the pit of hopelessness.
Imagine the bitter climb to the peak, full of scrapes and bruises, feeling like the steep twisting trail will never end. Picture yourself fighting your way up and stating at the summit, filling your lungs with the sweet air of victory. See the treacherous trail behind you, and think to yourself “I did it!”
No matter your mountain, you can feel that fresh breath filling your soul. At Breathe Counseling, we believe you are a conqueror, and we are honored to climb with you.
About Our Counseling
At Breathe Counseling, we focus on the benefits for our clients.
There are many potential benefits of counseling for individuals who seek support and guidance from a professional counselor. Here are some of the most common benefits we have seen.
Improved Mental Health
Counseling can help individuals manage and overcome a range of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress. By providing a safe and nonjudgmental space to express their feelings and concerns, counselors can help individuals develop coping skills, gain insight, and feel more in control of their emotions and behaviors.
Increased Self-Awareness
Breathe Counseling can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. By exploring their past experiences, beliefs, and values, individuals can develop greater self-awareness, which can help them make more informed choices and live a more fulfilling life.
Improved Personal Relationships
Counseling can help individuals improve their communication skills and develop more meaningful and satisfying relationships with others. By learning how to express their feelings and needs more effectively, individuals can build stronger connections with family, friends, and partners.
Increased Resilience
Counseling can help individuals develop resilience, which is the ability to bounce back from difficult situations and cope with stress and adversity. By learning how to manage their emotions and build healthy coping skills, our clients can better navigate life’s challenges and setbacks.
Personal Growth
Breathe Counseling can provide individuals with the support and guidance they need to achieve their personal and professional goals. By exploring their strengths and weaknesses, individuals can develop a greater sense of self-efficacy and take positive steps towards growth and self-improvement.
The benefits of counseling can be far-reaching and can help individuals improve their overall quality of life.
What We Believe In
Relationships
At Breathe Counseling, we’re partners. You are the expert of your life, and I’m not here to change that. I believe in the healing power of genuine, caring relationships between equals.
Integrity
Your trust and confidence are my utmost priority. The things you bring to session are safe and sacred in my confidential space.
Passion
I live for what I do. I love joining suffering and lost people on their journey, and helping them find their way to the summit. Celebrating your victory over the mountains of life is my joy.
Expertise
Dedication to learning and staying up-to-date with the latest standards sets me apart. If new information or promising research crosses my desk, I’m happy to jump on it.
Creativity
Counseling isn’t one-size-fits all. I work to find the out of the box solutions that fit your individuality.
Safety
When you come to Breathe Counseling, you’ll find comfortable, safe space to process the difficult things you carry with you. When you leave, you can leave your troubles at my door where they won’t weigh you down on your daily journey.
The Breathe Counseling Approach
At Breathe Counseling, we believe a healthy approach to counseling involves several key elements that are essential to a successful counseling experience. These elements are:
Openness and Honesty
It’s important to approach counseling with an open and honest attitude. This means being willing to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences with your counselor, even if they are difficult to talk about.
Active Participation
To get the most out of counseling, it’s important to actively participate in the process. This means engaging in the conversation, asking questions, and providing feedback to your counselor.
Realistic Expectations
It’s important to have realistic expectations about what counseling can and cannot do. Counseling is not a magic cure for all problems, and it can take time and effort to see results.
Collaborative Relationship
The counseling relationship is a collaborative one, where Breathe Counseling and client work together to achieve the client’s goals. It’s important to approach the relationship as a partnership, where both parties have important contributions to make.
Respect and Trust
It’s essential to approach counseling with respect and trust for the counselor and the process. This means being open to new ideas and perspectives, and trusting that the counselor has your best interests in mind.
Commitment to Change
Finally, a healthy approach to counseling involves a commitment to change. This means being willing to make changes in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, and taking active steps towards personal growth and improvement.
By embracing these key elements, individuals can develop a healthy and productive approach to counseling that can help them achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being.
Our Colorado Counselors
Ryan Smith, MA, LPC-S, NCC, CTP
Breathe Counseling Owner
As I started my journey to become a counselor, a friend discouraged me from going into trauma and grief because “those things are too heavy and too sad.” That day, I knew that’s where I belonged. My heart is in working with people carrying life’s heaviest burdens: suicide, grief, trauma, all the things you might feel are ‘too heavy’ to let someone else carry. I’m here to help you carry those burdens, and to put some of them down so you can walk a little lighter.
April Strohauer, LPCC
Colorado Counselor
I have a passion for helping people and I know how much mental health can impact one’s daily life. I am working toward licensure, and enjoy working with adolescents and adults struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem.
I was born and raised in Greeley, and I love our community. Before going into counseling, I was a kindergarten teacher, and I help out on my family’s farm as well!
Vickie Boggs, MSW, CSW
Counselor
My passion is working with people to understand how their mental health issues impact their daily lives. I have experience and certifications in addictions counseling, and am working toward certification as both Licensed Addictions Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Theadora Ballard
Student Intern
Born in Denver, CO, Thea relocated to Greeley in 2016. Presently pursuing her master’s degree in Military and Emergency Responder Psychology, she aims to obtain her LPCC accreditation. With extensive experience aiding individuals in crisis situations, Thea has a deep passion for working with children. Her background includes roles as a substitute teacher within the Greeley district schools and as a behavioral health technician at a residential treatment center for adolescents.
Jodi Martinez
Breathe Counseling Apprentice
I believe in the inherent goodness of people and hold a deep compassion for them. While some may struggle, I believe that everyone has the potential for growth and improvement with the right support. Everyone deserves care, help, and a voice. My goal is to assist people in becoming their best selves and overcoming their challenges. Though pain is a part of life, it doesn’t have to halt personal growth. Trauma, whether from natural events like family losses or more complex issues, needs to be addressed seriously for its long-term effects. I’m here to support you in healing and look forward to meeting you.
Kendall Staggs
Colorado Counselor
After earning a Bachelor’s in Music from Southeast Missouri State University in 2017, Kendall taught elementary music in Colorado. It was during this time that Kendall discovered a passion for listening to students during “share time,” which led to a shift in focus toward counseling.
Kendall is dedicated to serving the LGBTQ+ community but is open to working with anyone who feels they would be a good match. They are client-centered and use cognitive behavioral therapy in their practice.
Alexa Morzos
Breathe Counseling Apprentice
Originally from just south of Greeley, Colorado, I completed my bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of Northern Colorado in December 2023. I’m now working towards a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Adams State University, with the goal of becoming a licensed professional counselor and supporting as many people as possible.
My aim is to ensure you feel comfortable and understood as we work together toward your goals. Feel free to express yourself freely—cry, yell, or curse if you need to. You’re safe here.