I’m Shelby Opel, LCSW, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Parental Responsibilities Evaluator (PRE) in Colorado, passionate about fostering resilience and well-being in individuals and families. With a background in child welfare, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics, I take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy and evaluation. Over the years, I’ve committed my career to supporting clients through life’s challenges, drawing from my experience in child protective services, crisis intervention, youth treatment, private practice, and family court evaluations.

I hold a Master’s in Social Work, focusing on mental health and family systems from Walden University, and a Bachelor’s in Social Work from Metropolitan University. My professional journey has included roles as a crisis responder, behavioral lead in youth treatment centers, individual and family therapist, and Certified PRE, where I evaluate family dynamics and make recommendations in the best interests of children in family court cases.

As the founder of Gentle Giants Therapy and Consulting Center, PLLC, I specialize in helping clients navigate trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and strengthen family connections. I’m dedicated to using evidence-based practices, tailoring my therapeutic approaches to each client’s unique needs, and fostering growth, healing, and positive change. My practice is rooted in empathy, trust, and a genuine commitment to supporting clients and families in reaching their fullest potential.

Stitch is a therapy dog who works alongside Shelby Opel, LCSW, to support clients in a warm, calming therapeutic environment. Known for his gentle presence and intuitive nature, Stitch provides comfort and companionship that helps clients feel at ease, especially those dealing with trauma, anxiety, and depression. Through his presence in sessions, Stitch enhances the therapeutic process by creating a safe, non-judgmental space that fosters trust and emotional openness. Whether sitting quietly with clients or offering affectionate interaction, Stitch’s role as a co-facilitator enriches the therapeutic experience, helping clients of all ages connect, heal, and grow.

Hello there! I’m Courtney and I’m so glad you’re here! In my work as a therapist, I focus primarily on anxiety, depression, mindfulness, ADHD, ASD, and intergenerational/childhood trauma. My specialization of choice while pursuing my degree was centered around Trauma-Informed Practices and the treatment of Trauma-Focused disorders; helping folks find healing from trauma is an area of my work I have found incredibly rewarding. I also have lived experience with ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder and am eager to support those who are seeking a therapeutic space for themselves pre or post diagnosis. I wholeheartedly believe that the client holds the keys to unlocking their own solutions and therapy can simply be the process of helping you find your keys along the way there.

While I recognize that being in relationship with ourselves, or with others might feel draining or challenging, it certainly doesn’t have to remain that way. I focus on helping individuals safely unpack where their difficulties may have originated, allowing space for tough emotions to surface, and collaborating with each individual’s goals to tailor my approaches with care, specific to each person. I also practice from a Health at Every Size (HAES) informed approach.

Mikayla has always been driven by a deep passion for helping others. Initially torn between pursuing pre-nursing or psychology, she began her undergraduate studies at the University of Northern Colorado with a pre-nursing focus. However, during her practicum for her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license, she discovered that her true calling lay in understanding and supporting patients’ emotional well-being rather than solely providing medical care. This realization led her to shift her focus to psychology, where she found her purpose.

During her undergraduate studies, Mikayla gained invaluable experience as an intern at Hearts and Horses, an equine-assisted therapy center. This opportunity deepened her understanding of mental health support and solidified her commitment to a career in counseling. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado in 2020, she began her professional journey as a therapeutic mentor for children at a community mental health center. After two years in the field, Mikayla pursued advanced clinical training, earning her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) and is dedicated to providing compassionate, client-centered care.