Lisa Ransford, LPC, CAC II
Licensed Professional Counselor
Certified Addictions Counselor
Hello & Welcome.
I'm glad to have the opportunity to share my background with you and look forward to hearing more about you.
I graduated from Regis University in 1997 with a masters degree in counseling psychology. I began my professional life as a generalist and became skilled in treating issues like depression and anxiety. I've gone on to pursue several areas of interest including working with individuals affected by addictions, helping survivors of trauma to move forward in the healing process and learning research-based techniques to assist in these processes. One of the techniques that is helpful in treating both addictions and trauma is called EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing). To learn more about this technique, click on the tab marked EMDR or visit www.EMDR.com Ask me if EMDR is right for you.
I have worked in a variety of settings over the last 12 years. One of the agencies that has been instrumental in my professional growth has been MDS Counseling Center (www.MDScounseling.org), a non-profit agency that is also a group of private practitioners working toward a common goal - to provide quality counseling to all individuals.
I have also worked at the Aurora Police Department providing crisis counseling to victims of crime, I have worked in the elementary school setting providing individual and group counseling to students, I have worked with the New Directions Program providing group counseling for individuals recovering from addictions and I have worked with the Survivors Mental Health Program providing counseling for trauma survivors.
I currently work with individuals and couples who are dealing with addiction and/or trauma, depression, anxiety, grief/loss, life transitions and relationship issues. I also provide supervision toward licensure.
I thank all of my past and present clients for allowing me the honor of being witness to their growth and achievement.
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- How does it feel to sit with the therapist? Research shows that the most effective counseling relationship is built from a place of comfort and trust. When you interview your potential therapist, do you feel safe and understood? Trust your instincts.
- What is the therapist's approach in the helping relationship? There are many different styles that allow for the effective treatment of various symptoms. Ask your potential therapist how he or she will work with you to provide relief of symptoms.
- How is the therapist qualified to practice counseling? The State of Colorado does not require an individual to be licensed to practice therapy. Therefore, find out about your potential therapist's qualifications. Also, be aware that holding a certification or license to practice does not, in itself, make a good therapist. It merely means the individual has fulfilled the requirements set out by the State of Colorado to practice therapy.
- Is the therapist skilled in treating the issues for which you are seeking counseling? Some therapists specialize in a particular area of mental health and some therapists are generalists. Ask questions about your potential therapist's specialties and training.
- Does the therapist adhere to the ethical guidelines established by the State of Colorado? Whether licensed or unlicensed, there are basic guidelines that every therapist must follow. Confidentiality is one of these guidelines. This means that you can trust that the personal information you share with your therapist will not be repeated except in very specific situations. Ask your potential therapist about these exceptions.
- Does the therapist engage in regular supervision and/or consultation? It is generally a good idea that a therapist have a clinical supervisor (a more experienced practitioner who serves as professional mentor). Therapists use supervision as a tool to ensure that you are receiving the best care possible. Even in supervision your identifying information remains confidential.
- Have there been complaints filed against the therapist? You can check this out by going to the State of Colorado website https://www.doradls.state.co.us/alison.php. Having had a complaint filed does not necessarily mean the therapist isn't someone you should use. You should ask about it and understand what changes your potential therapist has made to address the complaint.
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To assist you in protecting your privacy, I am a fee-for-service provider. At your request, I will provide you with a statement to submit to your insurance company. This will allow you to be reimbursed to the extent your policy allows. I also offer a sliding scale. Please call me at 303-756-9052, ext. 165 to discuss your personal situation.
