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
Breathe 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
Breathe 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.
At Breathe Counseling, We Believe In…
Relationships
Integrity
Passion
Expertise
Creativity
Safety
The Breathe Counseling Approach
At Breathe Counseling, we believe that a truly healthy and effective approach to counseling is built on a foundation of several key elements, each essential to fostering a successful and transformative counseling experience.
These elements work together to ensure that every client feels supported, empowered, and equipped to navigate their unique journey toward growth and healing.
Central to our approach at Breathe Counseling is the creation of a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where clients can feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We understand that vulnerability requires trust, and we are committed to building strong, genuine connections with our clients to facilitate open and honest communication.
We also place a strong emphasis on personalization. At Breathe Counseling, we recognize that every individual, couple, and family is unique, which is why we tailor our therapeutic methods to align with the specific needs, goals, and preferences of each client. From evidence-based practices to innovative and creative solutions, we adapt our approach to best serve you.
Another cornerstone of the Breathe Counseling philosophy is collaboration. We see counseling as a partnership where you are the expert on your life, and we provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you overcome challenges and achieve your goals. By working together, we can navigate life’s complexities in a way that feels empowering and productive.
Additionally, our approach integrates mindfulness and holistic practices to support the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. We believe that true healing involves not just addressing immediate concerns but also fostering resilience, self-awareness, and a deeper connection to oneself.
At Breathe Counseling, we are dedicated to continuous growth and learning, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of the latest therapeutic techniques and research. This commitment allows us to provide care that is not only compassionate but also effective and evidence-based.
Our approach is rooted in the belief that counseling is a journey—a collaborative process that helps clients overcome obstacles, discover their strengths, and build the skills they need to lead fulfilling lives. Whether you’re seeking to address specific challenges or embark on a broader path of self-discovery, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
![Colorado rock climber Colorado rock climber](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/colorado-rock-climber.jpg)
Openness and Honesty
Openness and honesty are foundational to a successful counseling experience. It’s important to approach counseling with a willingness to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, even when they are difficult to express or confront. This level of vulnerability allows your counselor to better understand your unique perspective and provide the support and guidance you need.
While it’s natural to feel hesitant or uncertain about discussing sensitive topics, creating a space for honest communication is key to fostering trust and connection in the therapeutic relationship. Remember, counseling is a safe and nonjudgmental environment where your emotions and experiences are met with compassion and understanding. By embracing openness, you can take meaningful steps toward personal growth and healing.
Active Participation
Active participation is a vital part of making counseling a meaningful and transformative experience. To get the most out of your sessions, it’s important to fully engage in the process. This means being present in the conversation, asking questions to gain clarity, and sharing your thoughts and feelings openly with your counselor.
Providing feedback is equally important, as it helps your counselor tailor their approach to better meet your needs and goals. Whether it’s discussing what’s working, addressing any concerns, or exploring new strategies, your involvement at Breathe Counseling ensures that counseling remains a collaborative effort. Remember, your voice is a powerful tool in shaping the journey toward growth and healing.
Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations is essential for a meaningful and effective counseling experience. Counseling is a powerful tool for growth and healing, but it’s not a quick fix or a magic cure for all challenges. It’s a process that requires time, effort, and a commitment to working through the issues at hand.
Progress in counseling often happens gradually, as new insights are gained, coping strategies are developed, and healthier patterns are established. While it may take time to see significant results, every step forward is a valuable part of the journey. Understanding this can help you stay patient and motivated, even when the process feels challenging.
By approaching counseling with an open mind and a willingness to put in the work, you can create realistic goals and celebrate the meaningful changes that occur along the way. Remember, the path to growth and healing at Breathe Counseling is not always linear, but every effort you invest brings you closer to the life you envision.
Collaborative Relationship
The counseling relationship is built on collaboration, where Breathe Counseling and the client work together as partners to achieve the client’s goals. This partnership is at the heart of the therapeutic process, fostering trust, open communication, and mutual respect.
It’s important to approach the relationship with the understanding that both counselor and client bring valuable contributions to the table. You are the expert on your own life, with unique insights into your experiences, values, and aspirations. Your counselor provides professional expertise, tools, and strategies to guide and support you on your journey.
Through this collaborative relationship at Breathe Counseling, goals are identified, challenges are explored, and progress is made together.
The partnership thrives on active participation and honest dialogue, ensuring that the counseling process remains dynamic and responsive to your evolving needs. By working hand in hand, at Breathe Counseling we can help you navigate the path toward growth, healing, and meaningful change.
Respect and Trust
Respect and trust are foundational to a successful counseling experience.
Approaching the process with an open mind and a willingness to trust both your counselor and the journey can make a significant difference in achieving your goals. This involves embracing the idea that counseling is a partnership, where mutual respect and understanding create a safe and productive space for growth.
Respect means valuing the expertise and insights that your counselor brings to the table while also honoring your own experiences and perspectives.
It’s about creating a balanced relationship where your voice is heard and your needs are prioritized. Trusting the process allows you to remain open to exploring new ideas, techniques, and perspectives that can lead to meaningful change.
It’s natural to feel uncertain or hesitant at times, but at Breathe Counseling we believe that building trust takes time and collaboration.
Trusting that your counselor has your best interests at heart—and that the process is designed to support your well-being—can help you fully engage and make the most of each session. By fostering respect and trust, you lay the groundwork for a transformative counseling experience.
Commitment to Change
A healthy and effective approach to counseling requires a genuine commitment to change. This means approaching the process with a readiness to explore and adapt your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Change isn’t always easy, but it’s through this willingness to grow that meaningful transformation can occur.
Commitment to change involves more than just attending sessions—it’s about actively engaging in the process and applying what you learn to your daily life.
At Breathe Counseling we believe this requires a courageous openness to self-reflection, a willingness to face challenges, and the determination to implement the strategies and insights gained in counseling.
Growth often happens incrementally, and setbacks can be part of the journey. What matters most is your dedication to taking those steps forward, no matter how small they may seem. With perseverance and support, the positive changes you seek can become a reality.
At Breathe Counseling, we are here to walk alongside you, providing guidance, tools, and encouragement as you embrace this process. Together, we can navigate the path to personal growth and create lasting improvements that enhance your well-being and overall quality of life.
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.
![Honest counseling in Colorado Honest counseling in Colorado](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/honest-counseling-colorado.jpg)
Our Colorado Counselors
![Ryan Smith Ryan Smith](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/ryan-smith-ma-lpc-s-ncc-ctp.jpg)
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 April Strohauer, LPCC](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/april-strohauer-lpcc.jpg)
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, LAC Vickie Boggs, MSW, CSW, LAC](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/vickie-boggs.jpg)
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 Theadora Ballard](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/thea-head-shot.jpg)
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 Jodi Martinez](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/jodi-martinez.jpg)
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 Kendall Staggs](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/kendall-staggs.jpg)
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 Alexa Morzos](https://breathecounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/alexa-morzos.jpg)
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.