Dr. Teresa Christensen
LPC, NCC, RPT-S
​I have provided mental health counseling to clients affected by abuse/trauma, divorce, and various mental health conditions for the past 25 years in Idaho, Louisiana, Virginia, and now Colorado. In addition, I offer professional training and clinical supervision in the US & Internationally. I have been a Full-Time professor of Counseling and Clinical Supervision since 1999. I am an Approved Provider of Play Therapy Education (APT Provider #07-197) by the Association for Play Therapy. I facilitate play therapy institutes and workshops throughout the United States and Internationally in Italy and Ireland.
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Candace McLuskey
MA, LPCC, MSJ
I work with individuals (15+) who are experiencing symptoms of depression, grief, anxiety, ADHD, and other personal, work or school-related challenges. Through a holistic, trauma- and attachment-informed lens, I tailor my approach to each client’s need with compassion in a judgment-free environment. The tools I utilize may come from evidence-based practices including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and/or Sand Tray. Together we can challenge unhelpful patterns, clarify values, and reframe your story, all with the goal of fostering awareness, resilience, and innate strength. I graduated from Regis University with a master’s in clinical mental health (Hon) and am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC). At Regis, I completed a year internship working with more than 300 clients at the Jefferson Center for Mental Health in Evergreen.
Payton Rae
MA, LPC
I graduated from Regis University with a Master’s in Counseling in 2020. I have extensive background working with children and adolescents in various treatment levels including residential, inpatient psychiatric, and in individual capacities. I can offer a judgment free space where kiddos can explore their inner worlds and work through their toughest obstacles. I approach each client differently depending on their needs and interests. Clients can expect to feel listened to and understood in a world that often dismisses or belittles their experiences as a child or adolescent. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship and work hard to allow clients to feel comfortable and welcome. I am credentialed with Aetna, Cigna, Oxford, United Healthcare, Oscar Health, and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Colorado.
Ted Nelson
MA, LPCC
As a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) with a Master of Arts in Counseling from Regis University, I am deeply committed to supporting individuals in overcoming emotional and psychological challenges. My passion lies in utilizing play therapy and person-centered approaches to create a safe and empathetic therapeutic environment where clients can explore and heal. With experience in conducting assessments, developing personalized treatment plans, and providing individual and group counseling, I am dedicated to meeting the unique needs of diverse client populations. In addition to my role at Evergreen Play Therapy Institute, I serve as a part-time Kids Success Behavioral Therapist with Jewish Family Services in Denver. My proficiency in Spanish at a B1/B2 level allows me to connect with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds. I am committed to ongoing professional development and continual learning to ensure that I provide the highest level of care and support to those I serve.
​Jill M. Thorngren,
PhD, LCPC, LMFT, & BCC
Hi! I’m Dr. Jill Thorngren and I’m thrilled to be part of the Evergreen Play Therapy Institute. Our work at EPTI is all about relationships, and that is my passion. For the past 25+ years, I have had the opportunity and honor to work with numerous couples and families as well as businesses and organizations in strengthening the greatest asset we have-relationships.We all have a fundamental need to connect with others. At the same time, we have an equally strong need to be uniquely individual. In balancing (and communicating about!) this core relational conflict lies the opportunity for growth. Increasing awareness of ourselves and becoming even more of ourselves through relationship. This is the work I love and what I call Responsibility Centered Relationships. Together, we'll increase your ability to take responsibility for yourself and to your relationship. You'll feel empowered as an individual at the same time you learn to connect more deeply in your relationship.
As a licensed professional clinical counselor and marriage and family therapist, I have been fortunate to work with couples in Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, and now Colorado. My tagline is 'Leveling up in LIfe by Leveling up in your Relationships. I hope I get to work with you soon!