Sarah McKelvey, MA, LPC
Clinical Director / Owner + Operator
Not accepting new clients; phasing out of direct clinical work; supervises staff at Center for Higher Consciousness.
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 the approach Sarah engages in her supervision of staff at Center for Higher Consciousness 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 the approach Sarah engages in her supervision of staff at Center for Higher Consciousness 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
Accepting new clients.
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
No longer available.
“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
Accepting new clients.
“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, including inevitable emotional challenges and intimate connections. She recognizes the significance of exploring and honoring the difficulties we encounter in our lives, while understanding their impact on our present moment. Aurianna is inspired by the art of transforming negative narratives into empowering stories that cultivate optimism, gratitude, and intimacy.
With a firm belief in the inherent value and potential within each person, Aurianna views the therapeutic relationship as a sacred space for genuine collaboration, connection, and creativity. She places great importance on individuals discovering their own values and fostering meaningful relationships. Aurianna combines attentive listening, unconditional positive regard, and creative solutions to support individuals and couples in their journey of exploring their truths, nurturing intimacy, and cultivating loving self-images.
Passionate about empowering individuals and couples, Aurianna focuses on sex counseling, intimacy counseling, and relationship counseling. She believes that open and honest conversations about sexuality and intimacy can enhance personal growth, strengthen connections, and enrich relationships. Aurianna is dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment she clients can explore their desires, address challenges, and develop starters for creating fulfilling and satisfying intimate lives.
Through a compassion-focused lens, Aurianna strives to empower individuals and couples to build healthier, more satisfying relationships and to embrace their authentic selves.
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 Adams State University.
With a firm belief in the inherent value and potential within each person, Aurianna views the therapeutic relationship as a sacred space for genuine collaboration, connection, and creativity. She places great importance on individuals discovering their own values and fostering meaningful relationships. Aurianna combines attentive listening, unconditional positive regard, and creative solutions to support individuals and couples in their journey of exploring their truths, nurturing intimacy, and cultivating loving self-images.
Passionate about empowering individuals and couples, Aurianna focuses on sex counseling, intimacy counseling, and relationship counseling. She believes that open and honest conversations about sexuality and intimacy can enhance personal growth, strengthen connections, and enrich relationships. Aurianna is dedicated to providing a safe and non-judgmental environment she clients can explore their desires, address challenges, and develop starters for creating fulfilling and satisfying intimate lives.
Through a compassion-focused lens, Aurianna strives to empower individuals and couples to build healthier, more satisfying relationships and to embrace their authentic selves.
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 Adams State University.
Kenzie Lee, BS
Intern Counselor
Accepting new clients.
“What we don’t need in the midst of struggle is shame for being human” - Brené Brown
Kenzie firmly believes that everyone has a responsibility to create a life worth living and understands that this often requires change. While change can be terrifying and difficult, she believes there is great power in embracing uncertainty. She is passionate about providing clients with the necessary tools and support to navigate challenges and harness their immense potential for growth while building upon their strengths and practicing self-compassion.
Kenzie embraces integrative therapy by using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and humanistic-existential approaches to empower clients in their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. She values the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual she works with and tailors interventions to suit their specific needs and goals. Her person-centered approach fosters a safe and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly.
Kenzie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University of Idaho. She is currently earning her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University.
Kenzie firmly believes that everyone has a responsibility to create a life worth living and understands that this often requires change. While change can be terrifying and difficult, she believes there is great power in embracing uncertainty. She is passionate about providing clients with the necessary tools and support to navigate challenges and harness their immense potential for growth while building upon their strengths and practicing self-compassion.
Kenzie embraces integrative therapy by using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and humanistic-existential approaches to empower clients in their journey towards emotional well-being and personal growth. She values the unique experiences and perspectives of each individual she works with and tailors interventions to suit their specific needs and goals. Her person-centered approach fosters a safe and non-judgemental space where clients can explore their thoughts and emotions openly.
Kenzie received a Bachelor of Science degree in Marriage and Family Studies from Brigham Young University of Idaho. She is currently earning her M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Adams State University.