My story
For nearly two decades I worked in leadership, about half of it at the executive level, leading large teams: big goals, public numbers, budget pressure, and the constant work of developing people while managing up. I loved a lot of it. I also saw, over and over, how high-functioning people can look successful on the outside while feeling anxious, exhausted, or emotionally stuck on the inside.
Watching that gap up close (including, if I’m honest, in the mirror some mornings) is what eventually pulled me into counseling. I wanted to work on the part leadership development rarely touches: the history and nervous system patterns that drive how we perform, and what that costs us.
My work today draws on trauma-informed, nervous-system-informed, and attachment-based approaches, with EMDR at the center. I bring the same direct, grounded presence that shaped my years in leadership into the therapy room, minus the mandatory team-building exercises.
Education and credentials
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Educational Leadership
- Master of Arts (M.A.), Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Master of Business Administration (MBA)
- Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Psychology
- Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC), Colorado
- National Certified Counselor (NCC), National Board for Certified Counselors
- EMDR-trained clinician
NCC, verified via CredlyExperienced clinicians behind the work
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, I practice under the clinical supervision of two experienced clinicians who specialize in trauma, attachment, and nervous-system-informed care. You benefit from my direct work with you and from their guidance behind the scenes.
Dr. Wildes is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 20 years of experience in trauma recovery and EMDR. She is an EMDRIA-certified therapist, approved consultant, and trainer with extensive experience supervising and training clinicians.
Chris Watney is an experienced therapist, coach, and practice owner with a background in individual, family, and couples therapy. Her supervision supports my development as a clinician in private practice.
A calm, private space in Wheat Ridge
My office is at 4251 Kipling St #230 in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, convenient to Lakewood, Arvada, Golden, and west Denver. I also offer secure online sessions to clients located anywhere in Colorado. I see a limited number of clients on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Evergreen through Insight Psychology; contact me directly for availability there.