Sarah McKelvey, MA, LPC
Lead Psychotherapist & Director
Sarah is an empathic and energetic psychotherapist blending formal training in classic therapeutic modalities with philosophy, spiritual teachings, and original insights from her own spiritual practice as a contemplative cyclist. Her clinical experience, desire to understand and work with human nature, and passion for life and this work, combines into a unique approach to psychotherapy, emotional health, and spiritual evolution.
Drawing from the humanistic-existential tradition that empowers us to courageously make choices rather than remain passive, inauthentic, or driven by our conditioning, the mindfulness meditation tradition that helps us stay centered, grounded, and present-minded, in touch with ourselves, self-regulated and self-accepting, and the Jungian and psychoanalytic traditions which offer profound analyses of the depths of the mind, the possibilities of our life's unfolding, and the troubles we get into with our defenses, complexes, issues, and hang-ups, Sarah shows up to the therapeutic hour ready for insight, connection, and powerful self-understanding that allows change to occur.
Learn more about working 1:1 with Sarah and Sarah's counseling approach here.
Sarah received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Colorado Denver in 2010. Her previous clinical experience includes an internship at the University of Colorado's Student & Community Counseling Center, where she focused on grief and loss counseling after pursuing advanced coursework in this area. She has operated a private practice out of her Centennial office for over a decade, obtaining licensure in 2013, and forming Center for Higher Consciousness in 2018.
Drawing from the humanistic-existential tradition that empowers us to courageously make choices rather than remain passive, inauthentic, or driven by our conditioning, the mindfulness meditation tradition that helps us stay centered, grounded, and present-minded, in touch with ourselves, self-regulated and self-accepting, and the Jungian and psychoanalytic traditions which offer profound analyses of the depths of the mind, the possibilities of our life's unfolding, and the troubles we get into with our defenses, complexes, issues, and hang-ups, Sarah shows up to the therapeutic hour ready for insight, connection, and powerful self-understanding that allows change to occur.
Learn more about working 1:1 with Sarah and Sarah's counseling approach here.
Sarah received her master's degree in Counseling Psychology and Counselor Education at the University of Colorado Denver in 2010. Her previous clinical experience includes an internship at the University of Colorado's Student & Community Counseling Center, where she focused on grief and loss counseling after pursuing advanced coursework in this area. She has operated a private practice out of her Centennial office for over a decade, obtaining licensure in 2013, and forming Center for Higher Consciousness in 2018.
Brian Thomas, MA, LPCC
Extern Counselor
Brian believes real change comes from creating a solution-focused mindset based on accountability and hope that change is possible. He is dedicated to facilitating forward progress and works to help his clients create a path towards becoming their best and most authentic self through committed action. Brian's approach helps clients create the life that they want which comes from building a foundational mindset based on purpose, values, and accountability.
Working with Brian will not only deepen your relationship with Self but with those around you as you develop the tools necessary to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and create deep lasting
connections.
Brian specializes in working with adults, couples, and groups at Center for Higher Consciousness and works from the
theoretical frameworks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Brian holds a B.A. in Music Performance from Alma College as well as an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Colorado Denver and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University.
Working with Brian will not only deepen your relationship with Self but with those around you as you develop the tools necessary to communicate effectively, resolve conflict, and create deep lasting
connections.
Brian specializes in working with adults, couples, and groups at Center for Higher Consciousness and works from the
theoretical frameworks of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Brian holds a B.A. in Music Performance from Alma College as well as an M.A. in Special Education from the University of Colorado Denver and an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University.
Melanie Hanson, MEd, LPCC
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Melanie is an enthusiastic counselor who loves to help people rewrite their story. Striving to guide people in becoming experts in their own lives and embracing their personal story, Melanie enjoys helping people understand themselves through symbols, themes, and common narratives. She brings creativity to session and encourages uninhibited expression.
She eclectically blends multiple therapeutic modalities, utilizing a collaborative, person-centered approach to encourage acceptance and self-esteem, believing in the power of unconditional positive regard and the creation a non-judgmental space. She utilizes an existential-humanistic approach to help challenge narratives, address common themes, and create a life of passion and purpose. And she employs Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in session to teach valuable skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. She has experience with the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities and strives to be an identity-affirming, culturally-competent therapist. Melanie shows up to session ready to understand and help clients make lasting positive changes.
Melanie has a Bachelor’s in English Literature with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in Studio Art. She first entered the professional world through library services and recognizes the importance of information and community. After getting her Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Development, Melanie worked for a private practice that connected with a LGBTQIA+ non-profit to offer sliding scale services to the local community. Melanie has also recently worked in community mental health, participating in a virtual drop-in clinic that offered wrap-around services. She has a certificate in Substance Abuse and works under a harm-reduction model as well as CAMS training. Melanie currently has her LPCC.
She eclectically blends multiple therapeutic modalities, utilizing a collaborative, person-centered approach to encourage acceptance and self-esteem, believing in the power of unconditional positive regard and the creation a non-judgmental space. She utilizes an existential-humanistic approach to help challenge narratives, address common themes, and create a life of passion and purpose. And she employs Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in session to teach valuable skills like mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. She has experience with the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities and strives to be an identity-affirming, culturally-competent therapist. Melanie shows up to session ready to understand and help clients make lasting positive changes.
Melanie has a Bachelor’s in English Literature with an emphasis on creative writing and a minor in Studio Art. She first entered the professional world through library services and recognizes the importance of information and community. After getting her Masters of Education in Counseling and Human Development, Melanie worked for a private practice that connected with a LGBTQIA+ non-profit to offer sliding scale services to the local community. Melanie has also recently worked in community mental health, participating in a virtual drop-in clinic that offered wrap-around services. She has a certificate in Substance Abuse and works under a harm-reduction model as well as CAMS training. Melanie currently has her LPCC.
Emir Karaketir, MA, LPCC
Extern Counselor
“The unexamined life is not worth living": this famous dictum of Socrates is one which guides Emir's approach to therapy.
Emir is passionate about the human condition and the challenges we face in confronting it. Emir hopes to examine your life alongside you in a collaborative process which cultivates perspective, resilience, and positive coping methods. With skills and knowledge in both philosophy and psychotherapy, Emir offers a unique approach to those dealing with things like trauma, depression, anxiety, and other life stressors. Emir has a history of working at an integrated care facility and has seen clients from all walks of life. Emir is oriented by an existential-humanistic approach, drawing inspirations from all sorts of philosophy. Emir is eager to hear your story and see if we can do what seems impossible: change the past (by changing our perspective on it) and cultivate a stronger awareness of freedom, responsibility, and the courage to take on the unknown that is the future.
Emir has two Bachelor's of Arts, one in Philosophy and the other in Psychology. Emir's initial professional role was a patient service specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado allowing firsthand experience navigating health and mental health systems and interacting with patients and parents alike. During his last year in his graduate program, Emir completed an internship at CU Sheridan Family Health Center, an integrated primary care center with an emphasis on underserved communities. Emir also holds his Master's in Counseling as well as his LPCC in the state of Colorado.
Emir is passionate about the human condition and the challenges we face in confronting it. Emir hopes to examine your life alongside you in a collaborative process which cultivates perspective, resilience, and positive coping methods. With skills and knowledge in both philosophy and psychotherapy, Emir offers a unique approach to those dealing with things like trauma, depression, anxiety, and other life stressors. Emir has a history of working at an integrated care facility and has seen clients from all walks of life. Emir is oriented by an existential-humanistic approach, drawing inspirations from all sorts of philosophy. Emir is eager to hear your story and see if we can do what seems impossible: change the past (by changing our perspective on it) and cultivate a stronger awareness of freedom, responsibility, and the courage to take on the unknown that is the future.
Emir has two Bachelor's of Arts, one in Philosophy and the other in Psychology. Emir's initial professional role was a patient service specialist at Children's Hospital Colorado allowing firsthand experience navigating health and mental health systems and interacting with patients and parents alike. During his last year in his graduate program, Emir completed an internship at CU Sheridan Family Health Center, an integrated primary care center with an emphasis on underserved communities. Emir also holds his Master's in Counseling as well as his LPCC in the state of Colorado.
Aurianna Dague, BA
Intern Counselor
“Remember that if you really want to motivate yourself, love is more powerful than fear.” – Kristin Neff
Aurianna believes that the human journey is a multifaceted experience which includes emotional hardships. She believes in the importance of identifying, acknowledging, and honoring each of the difficult situations faced within a lifetime to understand their impact on the present moment. Aurianna is inspired by the art of challenging our negative narratives, reshaping them into stories which foster optimism and gratitude.
Aurianna trusts that we each have the internal resources to create meaning and purpose within our lives. She believes in the therapeutic relationship as a safe space for creative and authentic collaboration and in each person as the expert of their own lives. It is Aurianna’s goal to explore each person’s world through their own lens using attentive listening and unconditional positive regard, as well as to use creative solutions to help each individual through the process of uncovering truths and fostering a compassionate, loving self-image.
Aurianna is passionate about the holistic human phenomenon that is self-love and believes that love and compassion can cultivate a variety of internal strengths and resources. She hopes to focus on griefwork.
Aurianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and is currently working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adam’s State University.
Aurianna believes that the human journey is a multifaceted experience which includes emotional hardships. She believes in the importance of identifying, acknowledging, and honoring each of the difficult situations faced within a lifetime to understand their impact on the present moment. Aurianna is inspired by the art of challenging our negative narratives, reshaping them into stories which foster optimism and gratitude.
Aurianna trusts that we each have the internal resources to create meaning and purpose within our lives. She believes in the therapeutic relationship as a safe space for creative and authentic collaboration and in each person as the expert of their own lives. It is Aurianna’s goal to explore each person’s world through their own lens using attentive listening and unconditional positive regard, as well as to use creative solutions to help each individual through the process of uncovering truths and fostering a compassionate, loving self-image.
Aurianna is passionate about the holistic human phenomenon that is self-love and believes that love and compassion can cultivate a variety of internal strengths and resources. She hopes to focus on griefwork.
Aurianna holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Affairs from The University of Colorado, Colorado Springs and is currently working towards her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adam’s State University.
