Life Transitions Counseling and Therapy

Embracing Calm & Peace


What is life transition counseling?

Life transition counseling is a type of therapy that focuses on helping individuals navigate significant changes or transitions in their lives. These transitions can include events like starting a new job, going through a divorce, dealing with the loss of a loved one, retiring, or facing significant health changes. The goal of this counseling is to provide support and guidance as you adjust to these new circumstances. It offers a space to explore feelings, develop coping strategies, and build resilience. During sessions, we work on understanding the impact of these changes, managing any associated stress or anxiety, and finding positive ways to adapt. This type of counseling can be a valuable resource in helping you move through life's changes in a healthy and constructive way, ultimately leading to personal growth and new perspectives.


MEET THE COUNSELOR

Susan C. Merrill, LCSW

My husband Ron and I have a blended family consisting of 8 adult children, their spouses and several grandchildren.  We love spending time with our family, and we also enjoy traveling.  We are both certified in open water scuba diving and spend most of our vacations on the beach or in the ocean.

Professional Qualifications

Education

  • Masters of Science in Social Work (MSSW) - University of Louisville
  • Specialization in Psychosocial Oncology
  • Bachelors of Science in Social Work (BSW) -Weber State University
  • Minor in Health Promotion with an emphasis on
  • Mindfulness and Stress Reduction

Professional License

  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
  • Specialization in Psychosocial Oncology

Professional Affiliations

  • National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
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Offering the Support You Need

At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we believe that every individual has the potential for growth, healing, and empowerment. Our goal is to provide a safe and non-judgmental space where our clients can feel heard, supported, and validated as they work through life’s challenges. We understand that seeking help can be difficult, but we want to reassure you that we are here to support you every step of the way. Reach out today and get started on the path to healing.


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Why Choose Brightness of Hope Counseling?

Brightness of Hope Counseling is a professional life transition counseling service dedicated to helping individuals overcome various mental health challenges. Our experienced life transition counseling provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. 


We offer a range of life transition counseling under the umbrella of Grief and Loss, Anxiety, Depression, Death, Divorce, Family Caregiver Support, Illness, Stress Management and Trauma therapy. Our life transition counseling works closely with clients to identify their strengths and resources, then creates a personalized plan for their unique needs. 


At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we are committed to companioning with our clients as they work through their anxieties. 

. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our qualified and skilled life transition counseling.

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Helping You Find Hope and Healing:

Grief Counseling & Therapy

At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we take a holistic approach to therapy. Our therapist works with you to identify your strengths, values, and goals. From there a tailored treatment plan is created to meet your individual needs. We understand that therapy is not a one-size-fits-all solution and that each person's journey toward healing and growth is individual.

If you're struggling with emotional challenges and would like to learn more about how we can support you, we encourage you to reach out to us. We offer a free phone consultation so you can determine if Brightness of Hope Counseling is the right fit for you. So don't wait, get in touch today.

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Holistic Healing for a Healthier Mind, Body, and Spirit

Our practice is dedicated to helping individuals overcome a wide range of challenges under the umbrella of grief and loss. This includes family caregiver fatigue, depression, anxiety, divorce recovery, life changes and trauma. We believe in a holistic approach to mental health and well-being by focusing on the mind, body, and

spirit of each individual.


Our therapist is highly trained and experienced in various therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Strengths-based therapy (SBT), Solution Focused Therapy (SFT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills. We strive to create a safe environment where clients feel comfortable

discussing their concerns and working towards their goals.

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More About Our Services

Our Therapeutic Aim is building skills to:

  • Be Present - Being intentional in your here and now experience.
  • Open Up - Noticing thoughts and feeling while making room for them.
  • Do what matters - Setting goals, committed action, guided by your values.

Our Holistic Approach Includes:

  • Psychological - A values focused perspective to life’s challenges.
  • Social - Nourishing relationships set within healthy boundaries.
  • Physical - Committed life-enhancing action, guided by one's values to optimize wellbeing.
  • Spiritual - Compassion and gratitude for self, others and the world around you.
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Grief and Loss

Life transitions mean change. With change, intense feelings of fear and uncertainty often arise as one of life's chapters closes and another one opens to a new beginning.


Grief and loss come in many shapes and sizes. The process of working through these emotions is an individual one, yet the necessity of walking through the grief, and not simply around it, is universal to healing. At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we understand that navigating through grief and loss can be difficult. With our compassionate assistance, we can help you move forward toward healing.

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Learn to Embrace Your Strengths and Values to Navigate Anxiety, Depression and Stress

It's important to remember that Anxiety, Depression, and Stress are challenges you may face, but they don't define who you are as a person.

At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we believe that externalizing these challenges while focusing on your inherent strengths and skills, will help you move past these hurdles and start embracing the life you truly desire.

Our goal is to help you gain a new perspective of your challenges, so you can build on your strengths and feel empowered to take control of your life. Please don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to support you.

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From Trauma to Triumph

Experiencing trauma can leave you feeling like your life is out of control. However, at Brightness of Hope Counseling, we believe that utilizing your values and strengths, to guide your goals, will help you heal and realize post traumatic growth, advancing toward the future that you choose.


Our approach is focused on helping you recognize your values and strengths, providing you the resources to overcome the adverse effects of trauma and actually grow from past painful experiences to realize the future you choose. If you're ready to take the first step toward healing and growth, please contact us to schedule an appointment.

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Pricing and Policy

Insurance

Provider for most insurance companies through our partnership with SonderMind and am happy to bill your insurance for you.


Approved Kaiser Provider.


Approved Medicaid Provider for certain plans. Call for more details.


Canceling appointments

The time scheduled for your appointment is assigned to you and you alone.  If you have to cancel an appointment please give a 48-hour notice.


Confidentiality

Confidentiality is an absolute on my part and is honored as such.

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Blogs

What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

26 February 2024
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidenced-based therapy that has been scientifically studied for over 30 years through hundreds of randomized controlled studies. ACT has been found to be very effective in treating anxiety, depression, grief, stress and trauma along with many other conditions. The focus of ACT is to develop the ability for intentional, values-guided action. The more we cultivate this ability, the potential for living a fulfilling and meaningful life increases. ACT is about taking action: to solve problems, and do things that make life better and more fulfilling. ACT is acceptance focused, not just on the presenting problem, but a whole life approach focus. ACT is about being present, and more flexible with thoughts. ACT teaches skills to handle difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively, so they have less impact and influence over you. ACT focuses on your values: what matters to you , what you want to stand for, how you want to treat yourself and others, what gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. ACT is teamwork, you and I working together to cultivate skills and values-guided action toward a fulfilling, meaningful life.
Brightness of Hope Counseling

Stress Management

24 April 2023
Strategies for Effective Stress Management
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Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions? We've answered some of our most common inquiries below.

  • What Communities Does Brightness of Hope Serve?

    We are conveniently located in Windsor, CO and serve all of Northern Colorado including Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Johnstown, Firestone, Longmont and surrounding towns.

  • Why Choose Brightness of Hope Counseling?

    Brightness of Hope Counseling is a professional Grief and Loss counseling service dedicated to helping individuals overcome various mental health challenges. Our experienced therapist provides a safe and supportive environment where clients can share their thoughts and feelings without judgment. 


    We offer a range of therapeutic services under the umbrella of Grief and Loss. Anxiety, Depression, Death, Divorce, Family Caregiver Support, Illness, Stress Management and Trauma therapy.   Our therapist works closely with clients to identify their strengths and resources, then creates a personalized plan for their unique needs. 


    At Brightness of Hope Counseling, we are committed to companioning with our clients as they work through their individual grief process. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with our qualified and skilled grief therapist.

  • How can I schedule an appointment with Brightness of Hope Counseling?

    Scheduling an appointment with Brightness of Hope Counseling is easy. You can either call us

    directly at 970-232-1999 or fill out the contact form on our website to request an appointment.

    Our team will work with you to find a time that works best.

  • What types of therapy does Brightness of Hope Counseling offer?

    Brightness of Hope Counseling offers a range of evidence based therapeutic services to address a variety of mental health concerns. They include Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Strengths-Based and Solution Focused Therapy. We tailor our approach to each individual's unique needs and work collaboratively with our clients to help them achieve their goals.

  • Do you offer online treatment?

    At Brightness of Hope Counseling our philosophy is that in-person sessions are the most effective. We are located in Windsor and convenient to many surrounding towns in Northern CO. However, we are able to offer online sessions as needed. Call today to book your next appointment.

  • How can I contact you?

    I understand the need for accessibility when dealing with grief and loss. You can email me

    at susan@brightnessofhopecounseling.com or call me at 970-232-1999. You can also simply

    contact me through my website's contact form. I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Contact Us

Unit D, 631 Birch St, Windsor, CO 80550

Or send us a message and we’ll be in touch.