Dusty Powell MA LPC CAS
Therapist & Founder
I used to describe myself based on my degrees but the longer I do this work the more I realize my degrees are the key to the door, but it’s my personal history that makes me who I am as a therapist.
I was raised in Southern California but left as soon as I could, realizing at age 13 that Colorado was where I belonged. I spent my youth in activities including Boy Scouts (earning the rank of Eagle), church and school band activities. Yes, I was a band geek. I left California as quickly as I could, attending undergrad initially in Colorado Springs and then Lakewood, Colorado where I met me wife. I have been a Park County resident since 2003 where I reside with my wife, Sarah, and our two children.
Through my many activities and experiences I came to realize that life may be lived outdoors, such as kayaking down one of our many great rivers, or indoors, enjoying a fire on a snowy day, but what really brings contentment in life if having meaningful relationships. Intimacy is best spelled Into-Me-You-See. I am most content when spending time with family and friends who see through the exterior and understand my deeper passions, desires and interests.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Addiction Counselor Level III in the State of Colorado. I have a Master’s in Professional Counseling from Denver Seminary and BA in Psychology from Colorado Christian University.
I have been in practice since 2002. In the early to mid 2000s I worked in Juvenile Residential Treatment, Out-Patient Treatment and In-Home Services. I opened my current business, Family Integration Counseling in Bailey and Fairplay in 2009. My training and expertise ranges from Sexual Abuse and Offending, Substance Use, Abuse and Addiction, Co-Occurring Disorders, Juvenile Treatment to Spiritual Issues, Psychological Testing and Child Development. I also have experience treating issues related to Adoption, ADHD, Trauma/PTSD, Child Abuse, Foster Care, Depression, Anxiety and Relationships.
These days I find my work divided between individuals with severe trauma, individuals and families with substance use problems and marriage therapy.
I have sought specific training to differentiate myself from an over-flooded market of counselors. I trained in EMDR to work with trauma and PTSD. I use biofeedback to teach clients emotional regulation, stress relief and as a support addition to other therapies that may be used. I continue with ongoing clinical training with the Couples Institute to further my expertise in working with couples at various stages of life.
I no longer work with the court system however I years past I have been both an Approved Treatment Provider for Domestic Violence and Sex Offenders in the State of Colorado. I have testified as an expert witness in child development in Jefferson County Courts. I participated in the Park County Specialty Courts and worked collectively with all levels of government in numerous counties.
I approach counseling with the awareness that you, the client are ultimately responsible for the changes that you make and choose to make during therapy. This focus guides the therapy process from goal setting to completion of therapy. Changes are not “prescribed” but cooperated upon according to a your desires, values and abilities.
The start of treatment is often very focused and we get down to business. Once we have clear goals, I create a light and often humorous environment while challenging you, the client to take more responsibility and self control in your life and the therapy process.
Rebecca Frazier MA, LPCC
Associate Therapist – Master of Arts in Counseling at Colorado Christian University
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle” Ian MacLaren
Hello, I am so pleased to be completing my internship here in Bailey and Conifer. My family and I have lived in Bailey since 2005. I enjoy the wildlife and the serenity of the mountains, and I am looking forward to supporting the community of individuals, couples, kids, and families. I spend my spare time enjoy quality family time, hiking, biking, camping, and road trips.
I joined the US Marine Corps at 19 where I functioned in a support role to the those entering the battlefield. While I never saw combat I supported those who entered battle. This is exactly what a therapist does with every client.
Life can be a hard battle, and each of us has a unique story. I will walk alongside you and support you through the hard battle you are going through. I believe that we all have strengths to get through the battles we face, and sometimes it just takes someone walking alongside for you to see your own strengths. Once you do this you can thrive, not just survive.
After discharge from the Marine Corps I went to work for the State of Colorado where I have been for 19th years, in the Department of Corrections. In this setting I worked to help people in various ways. I enjoy how I have been able to support the client, family, and the citizen of Colorado.
I returned to school after fighting my own battles and recognizing my passion and desire for being with others as they fight their own. I graduated with my Bachelors of Science in Psychology in 2017 for Colorado Christian University and began working on my Masters program immediately, graduating with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2020. I also have an undergraduate minor in Communication and a certificate in Criminal Justice.
Due to my passion for families and marriages I began specialized training in the Gottman Method of couples counseling, completing Level I training. After recognizing the needs of teens in Park County I got additional training in Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and facilitate groups for teens as well as using the skills with my individual therapy clients.
I will work with all age of adults and children 5 and over at Family Integration Counseling. I am continuing my specialized education and training in addiction counseling and working toward my licensure as an addiction counselor. In addition to my work at Family Integration Counseling I also work at a drug and alcohol rehab facility in Denver, facilitating both individual treatment and group therapy.
