Crystal King
My journey in this profession started with a love of stories.
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Carl Jung once said, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.” I believe that; until we speak our stories with words, we will act them out with our actions. Through grieving our original losses, we can often gain a capacious freedom from avoidance behaviors we use that seem to help us cope short term yet compound our trauma long-term.
M.A., LPCC, NCC
After attaining my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, I spent 15+ years teaching middle school English (because I love stories) and working with Sources of Strength (a suicide prevention program in schools). I then went back to school to complete my Master of Arts degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Colorado Christian University (ca-crep accredited). I love studying Attachment Theory, Mindfulness, Internal Family Systems, Reality Therapy, and Narrative Therapy.
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Shame causes us to hide. Hiding can be destructive to our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, and it does no favors for our relationships either. Working through our stories can create substantial growth and change in the neural pathways of our malleable mind. My desire is to be a compassionate witness to your story so your shame can recede, your freedom abound, and the neuropathways in your brain can chart a new course, creating paths of healing patterns. In my personal journey attending counseling, Al-Anon, and grief groups, I have been able to broaden my perspectives on my own story and make meaning from my connection to suffering.
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It is difficult to heal pain we don’t allow ourselves to feel. Observing our intense emotions with curiosity rather than shame can open up doors of healing that have been blocked and deepen our relationship to ourselves and to others. Authenticity prevails and internal conflicts can relax when our body, mind, and emotions are telling the same truths. “Truth or reality is avoided when it is painful….Mental health is an ongoing process of dedication to reality at all costs.” –Scott Peck -The Road Less Traveled. Dismissing core emotions can create a buildup of anxiety and depression that we struggle to get out of. Having the support to process these emotions in a non-judgmental environment can produce growth, freedom, insight, and actions which can take the lid off of years of destructive beliefs.
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Through a gentle, eclectic, and practical approach, I invite you to share your story with me, whether it be what is coming up for you in the here and now of your everyday life or unraveling the patterns from your past.
While I have lived in five different states, I have mostly been in Colorado since I was 12. This is home to me. Seeing mountains and the incredible cloud formations we have are my solitude. My hobbies are teaching, book clubs (I am usually in 2-3), yoga, walking while listening to podcasts, hiking with friends, and gardening.
Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will rule your life and you will call it fate.
Carl Jung