I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate. I attended the University of Kentucky where I received a Masters in secondary education in 2010. I graduated from Denver Seminary with a Masters in clinical mental health counseling in 2022. My professional training includes Internal Family Systems (IFS) and DBT, and I’ve found multiple disciplines to be beneficial depending on the need and history of the client. I have specialized in substance use disorders, anxiety, trauma, depression, grief and loss, and identity, and enjoy working with a variety of clients.
I enjoy mixing and matching modalities to suit the needs of the person sitting across from me, but I have found Internal Family Systems (IFS) to be the most effective in my work with clients. IFS is built on the idea that we are made of individual parts, and in response to the perils of life, certain parts over function or become a dominant force rather than a gentle nudge. The goal is to find harmony within the self rather than to eliminate the things we don’t like, which leads to incredible change and self love. I enjoy applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) as practical supplements to the emotional elements of therapy. Most importantly, my desire is to make sure each person feels safe, seen, and loved from the moment they walk into my office, and we will always go in the direction that you want.
I grew up in Pagosa Springs, CO and am proud and honored to call it my home again. I have been privileged to travel the world and live abroad, working as a teacher before I entered into the counseling profession. My greatest passion has always been sports, and I have been fortunate to work as a high school coach for girls basketball, soccer, and volleyball teams. Many of the skills used in coaching have value in the counseling sphere and vice versa, and I like to think that I have sharpened my skills as a professional from my time on the bench. I have a simple but vibrant life, and you will have the best chance of finding me in my kitchen or with my dogs, who would prefer to be with me in the kitchen above all else.
I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). I attended Fort Lewis College where I obtained my Bachelors in psychology and then I went on to the Four Corners Graduate School of Social Work through the University of Denver where I graduated with my Masters in Social Work (MSW). I am currently taking courses to become a certified addiction counselor, and will also soon be trained as an EMDR therapist. I will also continue to further my education in animal assisted therapy (K-9 and Equine), anxiety, depression, PTSD, trauma, crisis intervention and eating disorders.
I often use a person or client centered focus, tying in with mindfulness techniques as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), art therapy, play therapy, motivational interviewing and animal assisted therapy with my therapy dog Kaiya. I believe being able to offer multiple therapy techniques creates an environment in which the client can lead to what treatment method feels best fit for them and creates the most therapeutic and helpful environment for each individual client. Everyone is unique, and everyone needs something different.
Born and raised on a ranch in the Durango, CoO area, I was a 4-H member, competitive gymnast for 15 years and rode horses all of my life. I continue to enjoy staying active, training horses with my significant other and spending time at the lake paddle boarding, photographing wild horses, as well as spending time with my family. Growing up in the ranching community, I grew a love and passion for animals. Through every trial, trauma and hardship I faced, my animals were a constant that continued to create a strength, a sense of safety and calm within me, and I was able to rise up again. As a previous gymnast, gymnastics coach and animal lover, my goal is to build my clients up, build resiliency and help them feel supported and safe to help them become their best self.
Dr. Sarah Alsgaard is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who specializes in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, schizophrenia & other psychiatric diagnoses.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Sarah earned her Bachelor's of Nursing at the University of Wyoming before completing her Doctorate in Nursing Practice at George Mason University in 2017. Following, Dr. Alsgaard joined the Durango community and has practiced psychiatric services in a variety of settings. She specializes in working across the lifespan ages 12 and older.
NEW PATIENTS: Dr. Alsgaard is accepting new patients and is licensed in the states of Colorado and New Mexico. She is not accepting insurance at this time, however super bills are available upon request. She is available for televideo sessions. Once scheduled, you will be provided a patient intake packet to be completed prior to your first appointment
FIRST APPOINTMENT: In our first meeting you can expect a thorough assessment and individualized care plan created together to support your needs. When indicated, Dr. Alsgaard provides guidance and expertise in psychotropic medication prescribing and management.
Learn more about Wellness Coaching and Amanda:
W: www.blissfitwellnessdurango.com
E: amanda@blissfitwellness.com
@blissfit_wellness
I studied developmental psychology, human behavior, and elementary education at the University of California, San Diego, graduating in 2010. Recently I received my Wellness Coach Certification through the National Association of Sports Medicine and I am now pursuing the Nutrition Coach Certification, hoping to complete by May 2024.
I believe we all have what it takes to live a life of balance, wholeness, and fulfillment. Sometimes we just need someone on our side, cheering us on, holding us accountable, staying positive
through setbacks and leading with love.
That's why I'm here. If you need some extra help along your journey, let me know. I'd love to be by your side while you find your path to wellness.
As a wellness coach, I support clients in the ongoing process of building wellness through movement, nutrition, sleep, recovery and regeneration, SMART goal setting and stress management with a focus on holistic and sustainable lifestyle choices. It's a collaborative relationship, not a lecture. You are in charge of your goals, and how quickly you want to accomplish them. I'm here to provide support, answer questions, and keep you moving forward.
I hold a Master's Degree in Social Work and am a Certificated Animal Assisted Social Worker, all through the University of Denver.
Phi Alpha Honor Society Member
Full Member of EMDR International Association
Certified in EquilLateral Courses for EMDR Therapists and Equine Professionals
Continuing ongoing education in personality development, anxiety and depression, substance abuse , autism and crisis intervention.
I enjoy helping people through difficult issues, whether that be due to experiencing depression, anxiety, domestic violence, recovering from trauma, going through a divorce or seeking personal development.
I often work using mindfulness while drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) approaches and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) with a holistic framework. I believe in looking at the whole picture rather than one area. I believe in working together to make each session tailored for every individual to seek the highest level of wellbeing and joy in life possible.
I was born and raised in Pagosa Springs, Colorado where I was blessed to have animals throughout my life. I left the area for a few years to travel and live the city life in Denver, but soon realized the mountains and my animals are where my heart lives. I found myself coming back to this area every chance possible to snowboard, ride my horses, or hang out with my dogs.
As a young girl I helped my dad with his outfitting business and took care of any animals that were sick or injured. This experience gave me the gift of connecting with my horses and dogs at a whole different level than what I ever would have known—I could turn to them for support during difficult times. When I wasn’t with my animals, I worked in a salon and saw people come in, not knowing what their story was, but I could tell something changed when they left—they were lighter, brighter, more centered and able to enter the challenges and demands of life again. As an animal lover and former hairstylist, my goal is to continue providing a similar outcome for individuals I work with as a therapist.
“To journey without being changed is to be a nomad. To change without journeying is to be a chameleon. To journey and to be transformed by the journey is to BE…”--Adapted from Mark Nepo
1800 East Third Ave, Ste 110, Durango, Colorado 81301, United States
Copyright © 2024 Ustawi - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder