Grace Climenhaga, BA, Intern 

I am currently a student at the University of Denver pursuing a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Denver in 2024. At this stage in my training, I’m still developing my identity as a counselor and my overall orientation. However, I hope to ground my approach in humanistic, strengths-based principles. I believe that each individual has inherent worth and the capacity for growth, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. I aim to meet each person where they are, honor their unique experiences, and help them build on their strengths as they work toward meaningful change. I am especially passionate about working with children and families, while also valuing the opportunity to support individuals across the lifespan. I am originally from Illinois, but was drawn to Colorado because of my love for all things outdoors. Outside of my clinical work, you can find me cycling, hiking, reading, cooking, and spending time with friends and family.

I am currently a student intern pursuing my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Northern Colorado. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in Human Development from the University of Colorado Denver, and I am deeply passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate life’s challenges, relationships, and transitions. I feel grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside clients as they make sense of their experiences and move toward growth and healing.

I aim to create a space where clients feel safe, understood, supported, and comfortable showing up exactly as they are. I approach therapy with curiosity, compassion, transparency, and a belief that each person’s story deserves to be heard and valued. I adapt my style to meet clients where they are and support them in a way that feels most helpful to them. I take an attachment-based and trauma-informed approach, especially when working with children and families. I work to help clients explore their emotions, better understand their relationships, and build a stronger sense of connection and security.

I am an advanced year MSW student with the University of Texas at Arlington, concentrating in work with Children and Families. My professional background includes extensive experience in global leadership, consulting, and organizational development, which has shaped my ability to listen deeply, build trust, and approach each person with curiosity, respect, and empathy.

I believe that every individual has immense resilience and deserves to feel safe, seen, and supported. My clinical interests include providing trauma-informed care through modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and play-based approaches, including Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), that support regulation, attunement, and connection.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our two daughters, and our three miniature dachshunds, who all bring a lot of energy and personality into our home. I also enjoy reading, traveling, and confidently saving Pinterest projects that I have no intention of ever completing. 

Hi, my name is Helen and I am currently pursuing my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of Colorado Denver. I was born and raised in Colorado and received my Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology with a minor in leadership from Gonzaga University.

I enjoy working with adults, adolescents, and children, but am drawn to working with teenagers. My approach to therapy includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), and narrative therapy. I strive to create a safe environment in which the client can be their true self and learn and grow.

In my free time, I love hiking, cooking, doing puzzles, and hanging out with my cat, Oreo. I look forward to connecting with you.