Rising Hope Counseling is a group private practice agency that offers individual and couples counseling for a variety of issues, including: trauma, depression, anxiety, interpersonal and relationship problems (monogamous and non-monogamous), addictions, grief and loss, LGBT concerns, and life transitions. The mission of Rising Hope Counseling is to work with you on these issues and help you achieve a happy, healthy life.
Start the Journey.
Stacie J. Scheich, MEd, LPC, EMDR II
I started Rising Hope Counseling with the vision of helping adults work through issues that hold them back from being the people they want to be. I am most passionate about my EMDR work for a broad spectrum of trauma and working with couples unique relationship dynamics.
My clinical counseling practice focuses on anxiety & stress, trauma, depression, relational & interpersonal issues (monogamous and non-monogamous relationships), addictions, life transitions, LGBT issues, and grief & loss. My theoretical orientation includes integrative approaches such as EMDR, cognitive behavioral techniques, interpersonal therapy, and motivational interviewing.
On a personal note, I moved to Fort Collins in 2001 as I, like a majority of Coloradoans, enjoy most outdoor activities this area has to offer. I also spend my free time reading anything I can get my hands on, trying to stay current with my favorite TV series and new movies, playing piano, and hunting down the next best cupcake/cake recipe. Above all else, I love the awful/awesome experience of motherhood to three daughters and spending quality time with my husband, which includes often reflection of what a wonderful, crazy life we've built together!
Demonica Coleman, LMFT
As a woman of color, I understand and have experienced what it is like feeling on the outside wanting someone to understand. As a therapist, I step into your story and together we will help you take ownership of your story and cultivate desired change.
I am trained to work with couples, families and individuals. I have experience helping parents breakthrough to their kids and help them work through adolescent behaviors. My skills include working with anxiety, depression, complex trauma, identity issues, racial trauma, and substance use. I am also trained to work with couples looking for pre-marital counseling. Come in, take a break and rest and we will walk through this together.
Michelle Spirio, LCSW
As a clinical social worker I aim to meet my clients where they are at. I believe in working with clients not only on individual stressors but how those stressors are impacting life as a whole. I am trained to work with individuals, couples and families. My skills include working with victims of trauma, LGBTQ issues, anxiety, depression, bereavement, and interpersonal relationships.
I know that you are more than just what brought you here. Together, we will work on strategies that allow you to address the root cause of your difficulties, improve your relationships, and achieve your personal goals.
Brady Neely, LPC, EMDR
My approach is to create a warm, validating, and safe place in which we can explore your life’s challenges. We will work together to find ways to help you manage difficulties, calm your system, understand your patterns, improve your communication and relationships, and make more conscious choices. I will meet you where you are, and we will work on figuring out where you want to go and how to get there.
I enjoy working w/ individuals, couples, families; teens to adults; with issue including: anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, attachment issues, relationships, LGBTQIA+. I have an eclectic approach incorporating contemplative/mindfulness practices, EMDR, ACT, DBT, CBT, MI, and other acronyms.
My background is in fine arts, architecture, and steel fabrication. This gave me broad experience in seeing the big picture, clarifying goals, then finding practical and creative ways of dealing with challenges. I have also been meditating for many years which has helped me cultivate compassion and keeps me balanced, happy, and at peace. I moved to CO in 2012 to study Contemplative Psychotherapy, and feel this is truly my path. I enjoy playing music, hiking, and riding motorcycles in this beautiful area in my down time.
Preston Shelton, MS, LPCC
I view counseling as a unique relationship between a person trained in the process of change (the therapist) and a person who is an expert in their own experience (the client). Together, we collaborate to bring about change in your life. The therapeutic relationship is so unique because it is 100% focused on you— your goals, your needs, your values.
I work with individuals struggling with low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, interpersonal turmoil, and life dissatisfaction.
As an African American man, I understand that mental health has not been normalized within many minority communities. I’d like to aid those struggling with mental health disorders to normalize their experience— to understand you are not alone or weird, and that there are ways to feel better.
My goal for every session is to work myself out of a job. That means making meaningful progress each session, so you reach your goals and improve your life.
Kristin Hartman, MEd, LPCC
We all have so much to offer the world around us. I am passionate about connecting with others as they turn inward to explore themselves and identify what’s working and what isn’t. This process allows us to show up as the most congruent, authentic person that we were created to be. I use an integrative approach to tap into the issues that led you here- anxiety, depression, stress, interpersonal relationships, setting boundaries, finding balance, parenting, working through transitions, and grief/loss.
Personally, I grew up in Iowa but escaped the Midwest winters over 10 years ago and have lived in Colorado ever since. You can find me hanging out with my family, which includes my partner and 3 kids, out hiking, running, gardening, or listening to a podcast.
There is such beauty and wisdom that resides within, I will walk alongside you, meet you where you’re at, to be a reminder that you are bigger than your story.
Sarah Spurgat, MA, LPCC
I am an eclectic therapist who wants to help you find the right approach. I utilize multiple elements from modalities such as Person-Centered Approach, Cognitive Behavioral Theory, Solution-Focused Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Existential Approach, and Acceptance and Commitment theory. Together we can navigate uncertainties, life changes, past traumas, etc. We will also work on how you critically think about the world around you and develop coping skills.
A little about me, I enjoy the typical Colorado activities such as hiking, paddleboarding, and exploring the outside. I also enjoy cuddling up while reading a book or watching a TV show.
We can create a space that allows you to feel empowered to make changes in your life while living in a world that wants to put people in a box. My goal is to continuously help people navigate and adapt to whatever life throws at them while simultaneously working towards their goals. Are you ready to elicit the changes you want to see in your life?
Kate Shi, MS, ADDC
I’m a psychotherapist proficient in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, with basic Japanese skills. I specialize in depression, anxiety, mood disorders, trauma, and addiction across ages 3 to 65, I particularly focus on teenagers, young adults, and the LGBTQ community. I strive to provide compassionate and evidence-based interventions, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Positive Psychology. My interest in transpersonal psychology and play therapy adds depth to my approach.
In my journey, I’ve found a connection with international students, having navigated similar experiences myself. This shared ground allows for a humble and empathetic understanding, contributing to a therapeutic space that is warm and incluse for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Alea Acosta, MS, LPCC
Drawing from my experience as a Mexican American woman, I recognize the challenges posed by life experiences that may not be easily understood by everyone. I understand the significance of connecting with someone who can empathize with these unique struggles. As a therapist, my primary objective is to establish a safe and accepting environment where clients can embrace their true selves and begin the process of self-acceptance and healing.
My approach involves working collaboratively with clients to develop a tailored plan that fosters healing and encourages a harmonious existence within themselves and their surroundings. I specialize in working with young adults to adults dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, and interpersonal/relational issues, athletes (current or former), grief and loss, and individuals with marginalized identities. Employing an eclectic therapeutic style, I incorporate trauma-informed and culturally sensitive practices to guide my work. I firmly believe that we are more than our struggles and that healing is always within reach, regardless of the challenges we face.
I have a background in college sports, and my experience in athletics highlighted the importance of access and availability of mental health services and the normalization of mental health discussions, as we all encounter struggles at some point. In my therapy practice, I am accompanied by my service dog, Ryleigh, who joins me in every session. Ryleigh’s favorite activities include eating, sleeping, spending time with me, going on long walks, and bringing smiles to people’s faces. It would be an honor for both of us to be part of your healing and self-discovery journey.
Unique Blake, LPC, LAC, EMDR
I have a passion for working with people who are neurodivergent, such as people with ADHD and high-functioning autism. I also love to work with individuals who struggle with issues such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, anger issues, sex-related issues, and trauma and PTSD. I believe in meeting people where they are. There is no one size fits all approach and you owe it to yourself to work towards being your most authentic self. I prefer to get to know a person's individual needs and goals in order to collaboratively create a plan towards positive mental health.
I use evidence based practices, such as CBT, DBT, MI, and EMDR, to work with adults 18yrs and older to gain a better understanding of what is happening in their lives. I also use my lived experience and what I've learned from previous patients because I believe that sometimes people just need to know they aren't alone in what they are dealing with, and combining education and experience help us to grow beyond those experiences into what's next!
To work with me means to have a willingness to get uncomfortable enough to grow beyond where you are. One of my favorite quotes (author debatable) is "a comfort zone is a beautiful place, but nothing ever grows there." You deserve to grow and thrive, and I want to help you find your way to a better quality of health and wellness.
When I am not working with patients, I am traveling the world. I enjoy going to different countries and experiencing sands and beaches with my husband. At home, we have three big kids 28, 18 and 16, and an 8yr old furbaby. We love binge-watching shows, having fun game nights, hosting parties, and taking weekend road trips. primary objective is to establish a safe and accepting environment where clients can embrace their true selves and begin the process of self-acceptance and healing.
