Noeticus Counseling Center  and Training Institute®     Innovative Approaches     to Counseling and Change™ COUNSELING STAFF STAFF MEMBER TITLE PROGRAM Volunteers and Practicum Students Nikki L. Exelbert, BA Administrative Volunteer Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Intern Practitioners Jocelyn N. Jenkins, BS MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Jean-Jacques Joris, Licentiate (Political Science and Law) MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Brad E. Metzler, BS MA Counseling Psychology Intern University of Colorado at Denver - Couple/Family Therapy Noeticus Staff James M. Millner, BA    MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Contemplative Psychotherapy Noeticus Staff Lee A. Scher, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Contemplative Psychotherapy Noeticus Staff Caitlin Y. Slutzky, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Stephanie A. St. Clair, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Joseph D. Valley, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern Argosy University - Community Counseling Noeticus Staff Extern Practitioners and Clinical Mentors Joseph R. Eiben, MA MA Counseling Psychology Extern Naropa University - Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Noeticus Staff Ari M. Hoffman, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern University of Colorado at Denver - Couple/Family Therapy Noeticus Staff Ellen A. McGuinness, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern University of Colorado at Denver - Couple/Family Therapy Noeticus Staff Lisa L. L. Schmidt, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern University of Colorado at Denver - Couple/Family Therapy Noeticus Staff Clinical Supervisors and DPCS Staff J. Ryan Kennedy, MA, LPC, LMFT, RN, ADTR, NCC, CACIII Executive Director/Clinical Director/Supervisor (Noeticus) CEO/Clinical Director/Approved Clinical Supervisor (DPCS) Noeticus Staff and DPCS Staff Francisca F. Mix, MA, LPC, ADTR Field Placement Coordinator/Clinical Supervisor (Noeticus) Staff Psychotherapist (DPCS) Noeticus Staff and DPCS Staff Paul J. Rakowski, MA, MS (Biology), LPC, NCC Program Coordinator/Clinical Mentor (Noeticus) Staff Psychotherapist (DPCS) Noeticus Staff and DPCS Staff Shannon M. Westermeier, MA, LPC, NCC Clinical Mentor (Noeticus) Staff Psychotherapist (DPCS) Noeticus Staff and DPCS Staff Deryk T. Standring, MA IT/PR/Marketing Coordinator (DPCS) Noeticus Staff and DPCS Staff COUNSELING STAFF BIOGRAPHIES MA Counseling Psychology Intern Practitioners Jocelyn N. Jenkins, BS MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University I am pursing a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and am a certified yoga instructor and nationally certified massage therapist. These two body-centered modalities very much influence who I am and how I work as a therapist. I believe life is a process of growth and opportunity that affects one’s body, mind, and spirit. I recognize that every person’s journey through life is different. As human beings we all face unique obstacles, personal victories, and ever-changing life circumstances. My role as therapist is to be there as a support and guide. In session we will use a variety of creative approaches, including Gestalt therapy, body-awareness, breath, mindfulness, and Existential therapy. It is my intention to assist you in discovering how the past informs the present, to deepen your connection to yourself by learning how to listen to the wisdom of your body, and to make choices in your life that support your growth and well-being. These tools can assist you in finding new ways to live your life. My focus is on relationship challenges, body image and eating disorders, addictions, attachment problems, difficult transitions, spiritual development, and personal growth. I also work with both couples and individuals of all ages. Jean-Jacques Joris, Licentiate (Political Science and Law) MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University I am pursuing a Master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University. "Transpersonal" sounds a little strange. What it really means is that there is more to the world and human beings than meets the eye. We're not just flesh and blood. Our heart and soul matter too, and need to be engaged if therapy is to be effective. Throughout my previous professional experience in the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa, I have come to realize how rich and resourceful we human beings are, however desperate our situation and present life circumstances may appear. Over a period of 20 years, I have learned to listen to, and engage with people of many different cultural, spiritual, political, and social backgrounds. As a husband and a father, I experience the many joys and challenges of family life on a daily basis – and I am passionate about family dynamics. Finally, having gone through a number of major transitions and witnessed extreme situations, I look forward to assisting you in developing acceptance and exploring the full depth of your own creativity and resources in order to meet life's major challenges - whether you speak English, Spanish, French, or German. Brad E. Metzler, BS MA Counseling Psychology Intern - University of Colorado at Denver I am pursuing a master’s degree in Counseling Psychology and Counseling Education from the University of Colorado at Denver with an emphasis in couples and family. I view myself as a catalyst for therapeutic change in my relationship with you as a client. I gravitate towards a systems-based approach, with an emphasis on existential and social constructionist theoretical orientations. I currently operate with a balance between cognitive and emotional techniques when approaching my therapeutic work. I have experience working with individuals with a variety of personal, psychological, and relational concerns. I have a foundational belief that each individual is the expert on her or his own life, and my role as a counselor is to assist in your therapeutic development. My areas of interest include trauma, sexuality, and individual and familial dynamics. James M. Milner, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University I am pursuing a Masters degree in Contemplative Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. I feel that we all possess the creative resources within to meet life, including the struggles and suffering that sometimes arises from being a human being. I believe that we all have what it takes to be whole, well, and happy. I’ve been a long-time student/teacher of poetry and meditation and hold a deep conviction that creative engagement with others in relationship (including the therapeutic relationship), with ourselves and our lives, is a source of personal enrichment, spiritual growth, and deepening understanding. I feel that all our life situations offer us tremendous opportunity for uncovering and living our creative/spiritual potential—even though it may not seem like it at the time—and this is particularly true of life’s painful encounters. I trust this process of creatively meeting life in myself and in you. When we meet and work together, my greatest hope is to hear you with all my being, in kindness and understanding, and maybe help you hear yourself in new or unique ways. I realize that this sounds simple, simplistic even, yet it remains my conviction that hearing each other, hearing ourselves deeply and clearly, is a profound step toward becoming free and whole. Lee A. Scher, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University I am pursuing a Masters degree in Contemplative Counseling Psychology from Naropa University. A contemplative approach to psychotherapy means that as a therapist I believe in the principle of basic sanity. This principle means that each of us, no matter how deeply ingrained or destructive our habits, is fundamentally wholesome, awake, and tender-hearted. With this in mind, a key part of my task as a therapist is to recognize and appreciate the deep resources of wisdom, gumption, and heart that you bring with you into therapy. By doing this, I can support you in connecting with your own ground of sanity and power. I have an eclectic, client-centered orientation to therapy, which means I believe in shaping my approach based on your individual needs. I have worked in clinical situations with individuals, families, and groups, and come to this position after several years as a meditation instructor. Caitlin Y. Slutzky, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University I am pursuing a Master’s degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University, with an emphasis in nature-based therapy, which is to say that we are who we are partly because of our interrelatedness – our relationships with everything including ourselves and the natural world. While wholeness is our natural state, many factors contribute to our sense of separation, isolation, and inadequacy, including family history, past trauma, and cultural context. I believe that in a safe, honest, accepting and contemplative atmosphere, we can learn to see clearly the roots of our destructive thoughts, feelings and behaviors and be with the painful emotions that may keep us stuck and begin to move with more ease into the life we want for ourselves. I draw on attachment theory, Gestalt training, and other expressive arts and somatic modalities; however, because our therapeutic relationship is fundamental, my sensitivity, compassion, and respect for you as a client and your innate wisdom provide the foundation for my work. Stephanie A. St. Clair, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Naropa University My belief in the basic goodness of human beings and my trust in the human capacity for healing, have led me to pursue a Master of Arts in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology at Naropa University. My education has equipped me with the skills to help you improve the way you make contact with others and aid you in becoming more aware of the thoughts and feelings that drive the way you relate to the world. Much of my theoretical orientation revolves around developmental theory, as well as Gestalt therapy. However, I believe that every person is unique, thus it is essential to incorporate techniques that will be most beneficial for your particular needs. As a therapist, I strive to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space for you to express your emotions, heal psychological wounds, and explore the truth that lies within you. Beyond my education, I bring to the counseling field experience working with at-risk youth who struggle with issues such as addiction, abuse, and neglect. In addition, two years in the Peace Corps strengthened my incorporation of multicultural perspectives into my work as a therapist. Joseph D. Valley, BA MA Counseling Psychology Intern - Argosy University I am pursuing a master’s degree in Community Counseling from Argosy University, which has brought me into connection with a broad range of great thinkers, teachers, and counselors that embody wholeness. It is my belief that we make our best decisions when we come to recognize the unity of all beings. What we do ripples through the world around us and beyond. My daily practice of yoga and bicycle commuting shows me to respect the flow of life, the nature of change, and balance. Also, I am very active in creating music as a therapeutic outlet and encourage my clients to use their creativity to find a meditative peacefulness.Chances are that you find yourself in a period of transition, and I believe that there is a knowledge and wisdom inside of you that knows what is best and can guide you to your highest potential with grace and swiftness. In our therapeutic relationship, we will work on awareness of the forces that pull you and influence you to disengage with the surrounding world. The opportunity is available for you to explore life from a narrative standpoint as you recount the characters in your life. Time will be spent focusing on what in your life needs to change in order to engage more deeply with who and what you love. I will always encourage you to embrace your new changes, to accept what is, and to be your best. MA Counseling Psychology Extern Practitioners and Clinical Mentors Joseph R. Eiben, MA MA Counseling Psychology Extern - Naropa University I have a master's degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from Naropa University and received a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Capital University in Ohio. Professionally, I have extensive experience with eating disorders, at-risk youth, crisis intervention, domestic violence, children with developmental disabilities, sexuality concerns, addiction/recovery as well as group facilitation. My intention is to work with you in developing positive ways of thinking to reinforce behaviors that serve your spirit as well as to provide you guidance with re-framing and re-directing behaviors that may perpetuate shame and distress in your life. I also integrate a Gestalt-style experiential approach by joining individual patterns with present moment awareness. Personally, I have an inherent belief that all individuals strive for acceptance, validation, and fulfillment. I subscribe to the approach that an individual's uniqueness and personal awareness will guide the therapeutic process and I feel honored to be a part of the journey with you.  I use a systemic and strength-based approach allowing you to flourish in a nurturing, healing, and empowering environment. Ari M. Hoffman, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern - University of Colorado at Denver I have a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in couple and family therapy, from the University of Colorado at Denver. In the course of my training I have accumulated clinical experience working with individuals, couples, and families who struggle with a variety of issues. Although my primary training is in recognizing and understanding the larger systems surrounding someone who is experiencing difficulty, I also feel comfortable exploring the spiritual and neurological aspects of an issue. I am particularly intrigued about exploring the value and significance of interpersonal relationships in a person’s life. I consider relationships to be important whether they are therapeutic, professional, familial, or romantic. My approach to therapy is like a seeing-eye dog which leads but does not guide. I will help you take control of the therapy experience so that we can travel together along the paths that you choose.  Ellen A. McGuinness, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern - University of Colorado at Denver I have a master's degree in Counseling Psychology, with an emphasis in couple and family therapy, from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition, I received a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Michigan. I work from a Client-Centered approach, which you will find is a nonjudgmentalforum for the exploration of issues of your choosing. I use Cognitive/Behavioral theory to help you identify the thought patterns that guide your life and assess the utility and validity ofyour thoughts. Lastly, I use Solution-Focused theory through which I work to empower you to draw upon your own wisdom and resources to aid you in the growth and recovery process. I group facilitation for the Living Better Skills group. Lisa L. L. Schmidt, MA, NCC MA Counseling Psychology Extern - University of Colorado at Denver I have master's degree in Counseling Psychology at the University of Colorado at Denver with an emphasis in couple and family counseling. I offer a client-centered approach to therapy and a commitment to tailor my sessions to your unique needs and goals. I believe therapy should be a collaborative experience whereby I respect your abilities, strengths, and life path while also reflecting upon or bringing forth new insights that can stretch your patterns of thinking, behaving, and feeling and that can open the door to a potentially richer life and more satisfying relationships. I use my intuitive skills, commitment in a 20-year personal relationship, expertise as a mother of three children, plus previous executive experience to ground my counseling work. In therapy my clients have a safe space to explore, balance, discuss, uncover, shift, examine, adjust, and grow. My areas of focus include trauma recovery, coping with childhood loss, navigating life transitions, relationship partnering, self-esteem, depression management, domestic violence prevention, spiritual centering, women’s concerns, LGBT issues, sexuality and intimacy, plus executive topics. I look forward to meeting with you! Clinical Supervisors and DPCS Staff Practitioners J. Ryan Kennedy, MA, LPC, LMFT, RN, ADTR, NCC, CACIII Executive Director/Clinical Director/Approved Clinical Supervisor Ryan Kennedy is the founder and executive director of Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute. He has been a psychotherapist since 1993 and has been on the faculty at Naropa University since 1996 where he currently serves as Co-Chair of the Department of Somatic Counseling Psychology. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Registered Nurse (RN), a member of the Academy of Dance/Movement Therapists Registered (ADTR), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), a Level Three Certified Addictions Counselor (CACIII), and an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). His clinical background includes extensive work with chronic and persistent mental illness, trauma and dissociative disorders, addiction and recovery,domestic/family violence, and living with life-threatening illnesses. He uses an integrated approach that draws on his expertise in trauma recovery, addiction recovery, EMDR, marriage and family therapy, human sexuality, domestic violence prevention/intervention, Gestalt psychotherapy, Jungian psychotherapy, existential psychotherapy, expressive arts therapies, and body-based psychotherapy. Francisca F. Mix, MA, LPC, ADTR Clinical Supervisor Francisca Mix has been a staff psychotherapist with DPCS since 2006 and serves as one of the Clinical Supervisors with Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), a member of the Academy of Dance/Movement Therapists Registered (ADTR), and is fluent in Spanish. Additionally, Francisca serves as adjunct faculty in the Department of Somatic Counseling Psychology at Naropa University. Francisca is interested in working with individuals, couples, and families as well as in using movement and the expressive arts as a therapeutic modality. In addition to these specializations, Francisca has a particular interest in working with families who are dealing with infertility and adoption as themes in their lives. Paul J. Rakowski, MA, MS (Biology), LPC, NCC Clinical Supervisor Paul Rakowski has been a staff psychotherapist with DPCS since 2006 and serves as one of the Clinical Supervisors with Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute. He has a master's degree from the University of Colorado at Denver in couple/marriage and family therapy, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). In addition to his clinical work, Paul has also served as adjunct faculty at both the University of Colorado at Denver and at Naropa University. Paul also has a strong interest in health psychology, body image and exercise, and couples counseling. Paul integrates a number of Experiential and Cognitive/Behavioral techniques into his therapeutic style in order to help loosen old beliefs and behaviors, which can often lead to destructive thought patterns and unproductive actions. Shannon M. Westermeier, MA, LPC, NCC Clinical Supervisor Shannon Westermeier has been a staff psychotherapist with DPCS since 2007 and serves as one of the Clinical Supervisors with Noeticus Counseling Center and Training Institute. She earned her master's degree in Counseling Psychology from Truman State University in Kirksville MO, is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). Shannon takes a psychotherapeutic approach that draws significantly from a Client-Centered Therapy perspective, a Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) approach, and a Reality Therapy approach. As a client-centered therapist, it is her belief that individuals thrive in settings where they are treated with an attitude of unconditional positive regard and where their therapy goals are centered around their individual needs. From the REBT theoretical approach, Shannon works with clients around the thought patterns they utilize to navigate their lives, as well as how to build stronger positive cognitive thought patterns for themselves and disprove their negative thought patterns. Finally, she also utilizes Reality Therapy in helping clients take responsibility for their lives and the choices they are making. Deryk T. Standring, MA IT/Business Consultation Deryk Standring has completed his master's degree in Transpersonal Psychology at Naropa University and has been on staff at DPCS/Noeticus since 2007. He has a strong background in organizational development, strategic planning, and public health working with marginalized communities that experience significant health disparities due to institutional oppression. He has done extensive work in the area of diversity education and working with multicultural issues from a systemic perspective. In addition to his consulting work he also has an aptitude for information technology and serves as adjunct faculty at Naropa University.

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