Lighter Minds Counseling
Hello!
Welcome to Lighter Minds Counseling! We are excited to get to know you and tell you a little about us, and the work we are passionate about!
My Story
My name is Alyssa Thomas, and I am the founder of Lighter Minds Counseling. I received my Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Olivet Nazarene University in 2014, where I then went on to work with at-risk youth and their families. I graduated with my Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Indiana Wesleyan University in 2019. After graduating, my family and I moved here to Delta, CO where I have spent the last few years providing therapy for high-risk students in the school setting.
Lighter Minds Counseling came to life after realizing my passion working with youth in the outpatient setting, and gaining a desire to work with individuals who don't have much access to therapy services. By starting Lighter Minds Counseling, I am able to work with various populations in this community in a space that feels comfortable and inviting to everyone.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and specialize working with youth and adolescents who struggle with anxiety, depression, severe trauma and emotional regulation. If you, your child, or someone you love is looking for therapy, feel free to submit a contact request and I would love to reach out and see if Lighter Minds Counseling would be a good fit for you!
Alyssa Thomas, LPC
Practice Owner
​Communication is a passion of mine. Dr. Steven Hayes, the creator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy often points to the use of language as a source of suffering for humans. I truly agree that the way we talk to and about ourselves and others has a deep impact on our worldview and thus our interactions with world around us. I love working with teens and adults, from all walks of life, to improve mental wellbeing by helping them to find the roots of distress and working together to find improved ways of coping and engaging with stressors.
I utilize an eclectic therapy style that pulls from Dialectic Behavior Therapy (DBT) which focuses on emotion regulation, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for improving psychological flexibility and distress tolerance, and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) which is useful for learning to interact with thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a more productive way. I am also trained in EMDR.
Holly Brooks, LCSW
Practice Owner
Reyna Carroll, LPCC
Therapist
My name is Reyna. I am so excited and honored to be a part of your journey. I am deeply passionate about supporting the mental health of adolescents and adults. My specialty lies in working with members of the LGBTQ+ community. Before becoming a counselor, I spent several years as a teacher, which gave me a deep understanding of the unique challenges young people face today.
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I specialize in working with clients ages 12 to 30 who are navigating depression, anxiety, identity exploration, and life transitions. My background in education allows me to connect with teens and young adults in a way that’s compassionate, nonjudgmental, and grounded in real-life experience.
As a proud advocate and member of the LGBTQ+ community, I strive to create an affirming and inclusive space where all clients feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you’re facing emotional struggles, questioning your identity, or simply need someone to talk to, I’m here to help you find clarity, healing, and strength.
Amber Rodriguez, SWC
Virtual Therapist
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I have always enjoyed working with children and adolescents. I have experience working as a caregiver in childcare, youth summer camps, after school programs and school summer daycare programs, as well as babysitting and nannying. I graduated in 2022 with my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. Since starting my therapy career, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I have worked with children with ADHD, ODD, Depression, Anxiety, Attachment Disorder, and Grief.
Adults with Anxiety, Depression, Panic Disorder, Personality Disorder and Grief. I have also worked with teens in JDAP programs and with clients on probation for substance abuse and anger management. I personally understand the pain and disappointment that comes with childhood adverse events and the importance of every person’s mental health. My preferred therapy style is a strength-based perspective, that emphasizes self-determination and resilience which takes a positive focus to a person’s strengths. I also enjoy incorporating art therapy with children, as well as cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness for teens and adults. I have found that I enjoy working with a wide spectrum of age groups from young children to the elderly. Providing therapy requires good listening skills and compassion, which allows me to help find what may help my clients through life’s challenges.
Michelle Taylor
Peer Support Specialist
Bilingual | Trauma-Informed | Family-Centered | Culturally Responsive
I provide compassionate, trauma-informed Peer Support Services for youth, adults, and families navigating emotional stress, anxiety, trauma, or major life changes.
As a first-generation American, I’m fluent in both Spanish and English, with lived experience bridging cultural and language gaps. Having lived in Mexico for many years, I bring deep cultural awareness and understanding to the emotional and relational needs of Hispanic and Latino communities.
With over 23 years of marriage and as a mother of nine (soon to be a
grandmother!), I specialize in supporting family dynamics, parenting
challenges, and developmental transitions. I’ve homeschooled for most of the past 20 years and understand the complex realities many families face.
MEET OUR INTERN
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Hello, my name is Budimir or "Buda" for short. I am a first-year Practicum student with Lighter Minds Counseling. I am currently enrolled in the Master of Social Work program at Colorado Mesa University, and I received my Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in 2015, where I then went on to work with at-risk youth as a Teaching Assistant in Wichita, Kansas. Working with at-risk youth gave me the opportunity to see first-hand how valuable interpersonal and intrapersonal communication can be.
Therapy to me represents a brave space in which everyone is welcome to enter, free of judgement, to work through trauma. I am excited to gain the skills necessary to serve as an advocate for mental health by integrating a comprehensive variety of counseling techniques. After graduating, I hope to continue serving the community here on the Western Slope. I look forward to continuing my professional development by working with Lighter Minds Counseling
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Buda is able to provide short term therapy services. If you are interested in 8 to 12 weeks of brief therapy, please reach out via the contact/referrals tab above.
Contact
We are always looking for new and exciting opportunities. Let's connect!
970.765.8559