Natalie Hanks. LPC

 What a controversial topic within the field.. I can still remember speaking to my supervisor about a client who had DID and he told me "DID is not real." I very much beg to differ. While DID is NOT a common diagnosis or anything like you see in the movies, I have had the privilege of working with numerous DID clients. There is a direct correlation between trauma and DID which is probably why I have seen so many in my career compared to others.  What is DID? Let's first break down dissociation. Dissociation is a defense mechanism when we can't use fight or flight. It is our fail safe. Dissociation is also a continuum; on the low end we have daydream state. I think we can all relate to daydreaming in school or on a car ride. This continuum goes all the way up to black out/amnesia where client's report they don't remember their childhood or big chucks of time.  DID can happen as a result of severe abuse endured by a child. Essentially, what happens is the ego s...

 You don't have to be an artist to do art therapy🖌 Art Therapy is another experiential modality, which means the experience is what facilitates change. We don't focus on thinking differently or being different, but rather slowing down and noticing the body and the experience that it is having. Art therapy helps a client attune to their body and to release stored emotions + energy that is held there.  What does art therapy look like? Art therapy is pretty relaxed in my opinion. You as a client get a choice in mediums for the session. I have quite the variety and/or you are welcome to bring your own materials. We then check in and see how you are doing. If there are feelings or topics that you want to explore, we target them through art. I give you an activity in which you spend the session creating a piece of art. At the end we explore the piece together and notice how you felt before, during and after the creation of the piece. We explore how the body feels after creating the...

 I have a soft spot for foster care & adoption clients 💓 From the ages of 5-11, I lived in the foster care system. Five different homes over the course of six years. I was adopted at the age of 11. I was diagnosed with Reactive Attachment Disorder, PTSD & Depression. As a child, I saw a Play Therapist and was able to address all of my diagnoses.  My personal experience being in foster care and then being adopted brings a wealth of understanding, empathy and compassion for the client and their family.  I know what it's like to move from home to home. I know what it's like to have a garbage bag to take your belongings to the next home. I know what it's like hoping that someone will love you & adopt you. I know what it's like to struggle connecting with others after your experience in foster care. I know what it's like to wonder about your birth family. I know what it's like to feel different because you were adopted. There are so many things we can ex...

 Let's be honest, I'm kind of a nerd I can still remember my mother stating as a child "video games will rot your brain away." I have to laugh now as I get paid to play video games with kids, how neat is that? Granted, video games in general can cause quite the controversial discussion, but I'm a firm believer that video games can be therapeutic and foster growth and change within a client. Majority of children are playing video games, and this provides the "buy in" needed to begin therapy. This is often an immediate connection between me and then client and often times makes therapy enjoyable due to our shared connection.  What does Video Game Therapy look like? If your child is 8+, I offer Roblox & Minecraft as the platform to facilitate therapy. This becomes the playroom within therapy. We can play in-person together or virtually over a telehealth session making video games a perfect virtual option for therapy. We become friends on the platform an...

 What to expect- Our focus in therapy will revolve around the following: Stabilization- This is first priority in therapy, stabilization of the addiction. We cannot move forward in treatment until this phase is complete. We may bounce from other phases into stabilization if/as needed.  Root Problem- Addiction is a symptom of a problem. It is important in our work together to unearth what is underlying the addiction. By addressing the root problem this increases a client's likelihood of sobriety. If you have a dual diagnosis, we also address that here.  Codependency- There is a direct correlation between substance use and codependency. In this phase we foster autonomy & independence. Coping with emotions- Addiction comes down to our ability to cope. I teach you about your body, brain & emotions so that you can cope in a healthy way. Recovery- We explore what options are helpful to you in recovery both immediate and long term.  There are many different approach...

I accept additional funding sources for therapy! Your employer may offer Triad EAP benefits. This can be anywhere from 3-6 free sessions, per issue, per year. Contact your HR department to see if you have free counseling sessions. If you do have Triad and want to begin therapy, you need to submit an authorization through their website (you will see me as a provider on their list). Once I receive the authorization, we can schedule therapy.  Mental Health Fund Reside from Aspen to Parachute in the Roaring Fork Valley and Colorado River Valley Corridor Be referred for mental health services by a private practitioner Be uninsured, under-insured, and/or unable to pay out of pocket due to financial hardship Eligible services include private therapy, group therapy, and psychiatric assessment, not to exceed 10 sessions per request.  If you meet the above criteria and want to begin therapy but are unsure how to pay for it, please reach out. If you would like to learn more about the Me...