I am licensed in Colorado with 37 years of professional work experience. I know life can be difficult and feel overwhelming. In times of great challenge it can be hard to see a way forward. In my years of practice I have helped clients navigate these difficulties and find pathways to more fulfilling lives. I have assisted with issues of stress and anxiety, depression, addiction, parenting and relationships, grief and loss & coping with life transitions. I use a person centered solution focused approach and help clients in accessing strengths, addressing challenges and finding ways to move forward in the direction they choose. I believe in each individuals ability to tap into healthy resilience, healing and self-compassion, all practices which lead to wholeness and wellbeing.
About me... I graduated with my Masters Degree in Agency Counseling from the University of Northern Colorado and my Ph.D. in Counselor Education from Colorado State University. I have practiced in hospital and university settings and in private practice. Most recently I was Director of Mental Health and Wellbeing programs for the College of Veteinary Medicine at Colorado State University where I worked with students, interns, residents, and faculty. I have sailed as a Counselor on two Semester At Sea Voyages, one in Fall of 2019 and one in Fall of 2022 where I served students, staff and faculty.
I approach my work with compassion and curiosity, meeting each individual where they are and helping them discover what it is they are needing to move forward. In the therapeutic relationship I use skills of generous listening, and open exploration of issues and share insights, strategies and tools for both personal and professional development and growth.
As the mother of two adult sons, I value time spent with family and find connections to friends, community, and nature to be the foundation of my own health and wellbeing.
Additional areas of focus: Addictions, LGBT, Family conflicts, Grief, Eating disorders, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Depression, Coaching, Body image, Caregiver issues and stress, Codependency, Communication problems, Divorce and separation, Eating and food-related issues, Emptiness, Family of origin issues, Family problems, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Guilt and shame, Infidelity, Isolation / loneliness, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Postpartum depression, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Self-love, Sexuality, Women's issues, Workplace issues
Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy
CO LPC LPC.0000312
These quotes represent just a few of the many positive reviews that we have received for Dr. Laurie Fonken. We don't pay anyone to provide their review and they are all made voluntarily. Some people's experience receiving therapy with BetterHelp might be different.
Adore her! She has helped me address so many powerful events in my life and learned to navigate them without the immense negative effects that they placed on me prior. 10/10. Skills are unprecedented.
Written on Jul 29, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 6 months on issues concerning stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, self esteem, coping with life changes, and adhd
Listens, and Understands. She is overall an amazing person who genuinely cares and wants to help! I highly recommend her
Written on Apr 03, 2024 after therapy with Laurie for 2 months on issues concerning relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, self esteem, and coping with life changes