Buddhist Therapists in Crestone, CO
I am a practicing Buddhist and yoga student who embraces all world views that promote kindness, health, and growth.
Look at birds: they make great sky circles of their freedom. How do they learn to do that? They fall, and in falling, they are given wings. -Rumi ...In the course of being human, we all face losses and traumas of different degrees and in the process, find ourselves abandoning parts of ourselves in order to survive emotionally and interpersonally. Therapy is about reclaiming those parts and finding our way home to who we truly are.
I am a practicing Buddhist and yoga student who embraces all world views that promote kindness, health, and growth.
Look at birds: they make great sky circles of their freedom. How do they learn to do that? They fall, and in falling, they are given wings. -Rumi ...In the course of being human, we all face losses and traumas of different degrees and in the process, find ourselves abandoning parts of ourselves in order to survive emotionally and interpersonally. Therapy is about reclaiming those parts and finding our way home to who we truly are.
I approach therapy primarily through the lens of contemplative psychotherapy, a modality that emerged in the 1970's through a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and western psychologists like Ed Podvoll.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck in repeating patterns, or facing constant self-criticism? You’re not alone. I work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, high stress, and life transitions.
I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where we focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s improving relationships, easing emotional distress, or finding a greater sense of clarity and direction.
I approach therapy primarily through the lens of contemplative psychotherapy, a modality that emerged in the 1970's through a dialogue between Tibetan Buddhist master Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche and western psychologists like Ed Podvoll.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck in repeating patterns, or facing constant self-criticism? You’re not alone. I work with individuals and couples navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, high stress, and life transitions.
I offer a grounded, nonjudgmental space where we focus on what matters most to you—whether that’s improving relationships, easing emotional distress, or finding a greater sense of clarity and direction.
Some of life's dilemmas require a conversation to resolve. A conversation that weaves past and present, fantasy and reality, desire and inhibition to form a detailed understanding of one's life. An understanding that allows us to think decisions through so we can decide what we want and how to go about getting there. This often starts with a stronger ability to say no to what we don’t want, but then transforms into a confidence to say yes to what we do want. Sometimes it’s trauma. Sometimes it’s how we think and feel. Sometimes it’s just putting ourselves last through self-destructive behavior.
Some of life's dilemmas require a conversation to resolve. A conversation that weaves past and present, fantasy and reality, desire and inhibition to form a detailed understanding of one's life. An understanding that allows us to think decisions through so we can decide what we want and how to go about getting there. This often starts with a stronger ability to say no to what we don’t want, but then transforms into a confidence to say yes to what we do want. Sometimes it’s trauma. Sometimes it’s how we think and feel. Sometimes it’s just putting ourselves last through self-destructive behavior.
Online Therapists
To help you get to know me, I go by my nickname "Sam". I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals over the age of 14 and families. I specialize in helping families avoid and survive high conflict divorce. I coach parents about parental responsibility as part of divorce. I have a major area of interest working with individuals with Dissociative Disorders. I enjoy working with adults who want to improve their quality of life through personal growth. I have experience and special training to work with the GLBTQ+ community. I have additional training working with Veterans of all services .
To help you get to know me, I go by my nickname "Sam". I have over 30 years of experience working with individuals over the age of 14 and families. I specialize in helping families avoid and survive high conflict divorce. I coach parents about parental responsibility as part of divorce. I have a major area of interest working with individuals with Dissociative Disorders. I enjoy working with adults who want to improve their quality of life through personal growth. I have experience and special training to work with the GLBTQ+ community. I have additional training working with Veterans of all services .
As a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience, my work revolves around helping individuals overcome addiction, emotional challenges, and mental health disorders. I employ evidence-based interventions and a holistic approach to provide clients with coping mechanisms, relapse prevention strategies, and a supportive environment.
As a licensed professional counselor with over a decade of experience, my work revolves around helping individuals overcome addiction, emotional challenges, and mental health disorders. I employ evidence-based interventions and a holistic approach to provide clients with coping mechanisms, relapse prevention strategies, and a supportive environment.
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and CPTSD, people-pleasing behaviors, men's issues, ADHD-related symptoms, and anger management challenges. My approach focuses on helping clients rebuild their relationship with their inner world by fostering self-compassion and developing new responses to life's stressors. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, managing intrusive thoughts, or breaking free from social pressures, together, we work to craft your unique healing narrative. We gradually approach what feels frightening as you build confidence that it's safe to explore these areas.
I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD and CPTSD, people-pleasing behaviors, men's issues, ADHD-related symptoms, and anger management challenges. My approach focuses on helping clients rebuild their relationship with their inner world by fostering self-compassion and developing new responses to life's stressors. Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, managing intrusive thoughts, or breaking free from social pressures, together, we work to craft your unique healing narrative. We gradually approach what feels frightening as you build confidence that it's safe to explore these areas.
I offer walking sessions and am especially passionate about Buddhist psychology and Mindfulness.
Weather permitting, I am happy to offer outdoor walking or sitting sessions at Memorial Park/Prospect Lake. I find that walking while talking adds great therapeutic benefits, increases feelings of connection, and provides the added bonus of exercise. Otherwise, I also offer telehealth virtual sessions online.
I offer walking sessions and am especially passionate about Buddhist psychology and Mindfulness.
Weather permitting, I am happy to offer outdoor walking or sitting sessions at Memorial Park/Prospect Lake. I find that walking while talking adds great therapeutic benefits, increases feelings of connection, and provides the added bonus of exercise. Otherwise, I also offer telehealth virtual sessions online.
Chris Wurster
Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate, MA, LPCC, NCC
3 Endorsed
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
Are you feeling trapped in cycles of anxiety, depression, or anger? Perhaps you are struggling to maintain healthy relationships, manage stress, or to find direction in life. These are common human struggles that have have specific causes. Whether from specific trauma, challenging circumstances, or an unhealthy attachment to your primary caregivers, healing is possible for you! I offer practical tools and a compassionate presence to help you heal from old wounds, regain confidence and move forward with purpose.
Are you feeling trapped in cycles of anxiety, depression, or anger? Perhaps you are struggling to maintain healthy relationships, manage stress, or to find direction in life. These are common human struggles that have have specific causes. Whether from specific trauma, challenging circumstances, or an unhealthy attachment to your primary caregivers, healing is possible for you! I offer practical tools and a compassionate presence to help you heal from old wounds, regain confidence and move forward with purpose.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before you’re not alone & it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Opening up can feel overwhelming. Trust, vulnerability, & meaningful change are not easy, especially when past therapy experiences have been discouraging. Effective therapy requires the right approach, applied with skill and intention.
My work focuses on identifying and moving through the barriers that keep clients stuck, creating meaningful and lasting change. With advanced training in a wide range of evidence-based and holistic modalities, treatment is precisely tailored, so you feel understood & supported with steady progress.
If therapy hasn’t worked for you before you’re not alone & it doesn’t have to stay that way.
Opening up can feel overwhelming. Trust, vulnerability, & meaningful change are not easy, especially when past therapy experiences have been discouraging. Effective therapy requires the right approach, applied with skill and intention.
My work focuses on identifying and moving through the barriers that keep clients stuck, creating meaningful and lasting change. With advanced training in a wide range of evidence-based and holistic modalities, treatment is precisely tailored, so you feel understood & supported with steady progress.
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” – bell hooks The healing journey can be an intimidating path, and you don’t have to travel it alone. I believe that the role of a therapist is to walk beside you on your healing path. My top priority is to create a safe, accepting space where you can explore your inner landscape and develop skills to navigate your outer world. I am a trauma-informed, intersectional feminist who cares deeply about helping clients reclaim their power and reconnect to their voice.
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.” – bell hooks The healing journey can be an intimidating path, and you don’t have to travel it alone. I believe that the role of a therapist is to walk beside you on your healing path. My top priority is to create a safe, accepting space where you can explore your inner landscape and develop skills to navigate your outer world. I am a trauma-informed, intersectional feminist who cares deeply about helping clients reclaim their power and reconnect to their voice.
Maybe you seem to everyone else like you’re doing well enough, holding it together, but in reality you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in old patterns. I work with thoughtful adults dealing with ADHD and other neurodivergence, anxiety and overthinking, grief and loss, major life transitions. Many of my clients are used to being the ones who figure things out—but that's not working the way it used to.
Our work isn’t just talking; I help you get your nervous system to settle, make sense of your patterns, and find ways to actually feel and be different in your day-to-day life—not just understand things intellectually.
Maybe you seem to everyone else like you’re doing well enough, holding it together, but in reality you feel overwhelmed, exhausted, or stuck in old patterns. I work with thoughtful adults dealing with ADHD and other neurodivergence, anxiety and overthinking, grief and loss, major life transitions. Many of my clients are used to being the ones who figure things out—but that's not working the way it used to.
Our work isn’t just talking; I help you get your nervous system to settle, make sense of your patterns, and find ways to actually feel and be different in your day-to-day life—not just understand things intellectually.
Jennifer L.
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LICSW, LCSW
Pueblo, CO 81003
Waitlist for new clients
I hope to be a healing presence on your emotional journey. My twenty years in the helping profession can help you manage feelings, face emotional pain and reframe life experiences. The hallmark of my practice is compassion; creating a safe space for you to share. I tailor my therapeutic approach to adults; Women and Men's concerns, Queer issues, abuse in both hetero and same-sex relationships, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, oppression, substance abuse and family childhood dysfunction.
I hope to be a healing presence on your emotional journey. My twenty years in the helping profession can help you manage feelings, face emotional pain and reframe life experiences. The hallmark of my practice is compassion; creating a safe space for you to share. I tailor my therapeutic approach to adults; Women and Men's concerns, Queer issues, abuse in both hetero and same-sex relationships, depression, anxiety, personality disorders, oppression, substance abuse and family childhood dysfunction.
Many of my clients come to me with questions surrounding relationships, communication, work/life balance, problems with attachment and past trauma, anxiety and depression. The work we do in treatment is often focused on building self awareness, understanding how past experiences, including family of origin dynamics, impact well being, and building tools and strategies for improved functioning. Each person is different, and I work to tailor the work we do to your specific goals and needs.
Many of my clients come to me with questions surrounding relationships, communication, work/life balance, problems with attachment and past trauma, anxiety and depression. The work we do in treatment is often focused on building self awareness, understanding how past experiences, including family of origin dynamics, impact well being, and building tools and strategies for improved functioning. Each person is different, and I work to tailor the work we do to your specific goals and needs.
If you are struggling regulating your emotions and trapped with unhelpful thoughts, or feeling like life is hard to manage or simply you are not sure who you are and what you want out of this life or if you are a parent struggling to support your teen or seeking help for your teen, I am here to help you explore these issues in more depth and teach you practical skills to feel more empowered to find your joy and to cope with life challenges.
If you are struggling regulating your emotions and trapped with unhelpful thoughts, or feeling like life is hard to manage or simply you are not sure who you are and what you want out of this life or if you are a parent struggling to support your teen or seeking help for your teen, I am here to help you explore these issues in more depth and teach you practical skills to feel more empowered to find your joy and to cope with life challenges.
Life can leave marks — especially when the systems meant to protect you became sources of harm. Many of my clients are survivors of childhood or adult trauma who are tired of just managing symptoms and ready for something deeper. In our work together, we slow down, get honest, and build something real: stability, self-trust, and a life that feels like yours again. I've walked my own healing path, and I bring that lived experience into the room. My approach is warm, direct, and nonjudgmental — and I'm not afraid of the hard conversations. You shouldn't have to be either.
Life can leave marks — especially when the systems meant to protect you became sources of harm. Many of my clients are survivors of childhood or adult trauma who are tired of just managing symptoms and ready for something deeper. In our work together, we slow down, get honest, and build something real: stability, self-trust, and a life that feels like yours again. I've walked my own healing path, and I bring that lived experience into the room. My approach is warm, direct, and nonjudgmental — and I'm not afraid of the hard conversations. You shouldn't have to be either.
As someone deeply connected to both the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, I am passionate about providing care that is affirming, knowledgeable, and tailored to the unique experiences of queer and neurodivergent individuals. It has been a privilege to work with many individuals, couples, and families within this community. I am particularly passionate about addressing issues related to gender and sexuality inequities, anxieties, life transitions, depression, neurodivergence, self-esteem, as well as many other life challenges.
As someone deeply connected to both the LGBTQ+ and neurodivergent communities, I am passionate about providing care that is affirming, knowledgeable, and tailored to the unique experiences of queer and neurodivergent individuals. It has been a privilege to work with many individuals, couples, and families within this community. I am particularly passionate about addressing issues related to gender and sexuality inequities, anxieties, life transitions, depression, neurodivergence, self-esteem, as well as many other life challenges.
Hi, I’m Heather, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern who is passionate about creating a warm, person-centered, and affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and respected. I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, substance use recovery, trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, and times when it can feel hard to know who you are or where to go next. I am especially committed to LGBTQ+ affirming care and supporting clients as they reconnect with their voice, strengths, self-trust, and sense of self.
Hi, I’m Heather, a Clinical Mental Health Counseling Intern who is passionate about creating a warm, person-centered, and affirming space where clients feel seen, supported, and respected. I work with teens, young adults, and adults navigating anxiety, substance use recovery, trauma, life transitions, identity exploration, and times when it can feel hard to know who you are or where to go next. I am especially committed to LGBTQ+ affirming care and supporting clients as they reconnect with their voice, strengths, self-trust, and sense of self.
Life is full of inevitable difficulties, and how you approach them matters. In sessions, I work to provide a supportive environment where you can feel safe to untangle your thoughts and feelings. As I work alongside you, I aim to use feedback, honesty, compassion, empathy, and humor to help you find healing and a better understanding of yourself. I apply my cultural background, education, and experiences with trauma-informed care to create my own unique philosophy in helping others; the main pillar of that philosophy being self-awareness.
Life is full of inevitable difficulties, and how you approach them matters. In sessions, I work to provide a supportive environment where you can feel safe to untangle your thoughts and feelings. As I work alongside you, I aim to use feedback, honesty, compassion, empathy, and humor to help you find healing and a better understanding of yourself. I apply my cultural background, education, and experiences with trauma-informed care to create my own unique philosophy in helping others; the main pillar of that philosophy being self-awareness.
Do you feel like your world has flipped upside down? Most people in your life probably don't know what you've really been dealing with. Some days you can barely get off the couch, much less shower. You are exhausted, but can't sleep .In pain, but disbelieved. From the outside your life may look great, but you feel you are invisible. Many women with Chronic Illness and/or PTSD feel this way most the time. Often we are afraid of being disbelieved not only by our loved ones, but by our doctors as well. It can take years before women are correctly diagnosed with rare diseases. Chronic pain plus unusual symptoms means we are dismissed.
Do you feel like your world has flipped upside down? Most people in your life probably don't know what you've really been dealing with. Some days you can barely get off the couch, much less shower. You are exhausted, but can't sleep .In pain, but disbelieved. From the outside your life may look great, but you feel you are invisible. Many women with Chronic Illness and/or PTSD feel this way most the time. Often we are afraid of being disbelieved not only by our loved ones, but by our doctors as well. It can take years before women are correctly diagnosed with rare diseases. Chronic pain plus unusual symptoms means we are dismissed.
Freedom from Your Past, a Path to the Future! I offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in-person at my private office in Colorado Springs, and online throughout Colorado. In our sessions we will ride the line between spirituality and psychology. You will learn to be comfortable with discomfort. I will help you connect with yourself on a deeper level. We will uncover your patterns, learn how to implement boundaries, and develop a relationship with yourself. From the minute we meet we will be building a relationship based on trust and authenticity. I strive to create a place where you can be yourself.
Freedom from Your Past, a Path to the Future! I offer individual therapy and couples counseling both in-person at my private office in Colorado Springs, and online throughout Colorado. In our sessions we will ride the line between spirituality and psychology. You will learn to be comfortable with discomfort. I will help you connect with yourself on a deeper level. We will uncover your patterns, learn how to implement boundaries, and develop a relationship with yourself. From the minute we meet we will be building a relationship based on trust and authenticity. I strive to create a place where you can be yourself.
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Is buddhism beneficial for mental health?
While Buddhism itself is not a treatment for mental health conditions, its practices can greatly enhance mental well-being by introducing coping skills and ideas that promote overall wellness. Key Buddhist practices, such as mindfulness, have been shown to alleviate symptoms of various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Moreover, Buddhism's focus on self-compassion, non-judgment, and acceptance can benefit individuals with particularly negative or self-critical thought patterns.
What are the concepts and principles of buddhism as a therapeutic approach?
Core Buddhist principles are often used in therapy to help clients gain insight into their thoughts and emotions. Concepts such as suffering (dukkha) and impermanence (anicca) are applied to help clients recognize that common forms of suffering, like repetitive negative thought patterns, can be accepted and viewed as impermanent. The Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path are additional core concepts utilized frequently in Buddhist therapy sessions. The Four Noble Truths highlight the existence of suffering as an inherent part of the human experience—an insight frequently used to move clients toward greater acceptance. The Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right concentration, and right mindfulness, offers practical skills to alleviate suffering.
What is the buddhist approach and practice during a therapy session?
Therapists informed by Buddhist principles often integrate mindfulness and meditation practices into therapy sessions to help clients cultivate greater acceptance, compassion, and non-judgment toward themselves and others. Typically, Buddhist therapists guide clients through mindfulness exercises, such as breathing exercises or body scans, and encourage them to practice similar exercises outside of sessions. Additionally, many Buddhist therapists utilize elements of Positive Psychology or Compassion-Focused Therapy, which can help reduce symptoms of self-criticism and shame common among clients with various mental health conditions. In general, Buddhist therapists strive to embody the compassion and non-judgmental approach they promote, often incorporating exercises aimed at developing compassion in session, such as loving-kindness meditation (Metta).
Is mindfulness the same as buddhism in the context of therapy?
While Buddhist therapists frequently integrate mindfulness practices into therapy sessions, the terms mindfulness and Buddhism are not synonymous in the context of therapy. Therapists may use mindfulness techniques, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) or Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), without identifying as a Buddhist therapist. In contrast, those practicing within a Buddhist belief framework typically encourage mindfulness therapies, in addition to foundational Buddhist beliefs, such as the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path. These therapists may also guide clients toward a deeper understanding of Buddhist philosophy, unlike those who use Buddhist mindfulness principles without the broader spiritual context.