Gretchen Crites MA, LPC is a licensed clinical counselor specializing in children, adolescents and family therapy, and maintains a private practice in Black Forest, Colorado.
With over ten years experience as the founder and director of Helping Hooves Therapeutic Riding, Inc., a non-profit organization serving children with life-threatening illness, and youth at-risk, she utilizes equine facilitative psychotherapy as a median to discover and develop each client's core identity, confidence, character, and connections with others. A graduate of Ashland Theological Seminary specializing in clinical pastoral counseling, she is currently serving as private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. Among her areas of expertise are attachment disorders, sexual abuse, body image distortions, bereavement, divorce, and those struggling with behavioral and emotional issues.
Gretchen is an interactive, cognitive behavioral therapist. Her therapeutic approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. She integrates complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, she works with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Education
Ashland Theological Seminary – Ashland, Ohio
Master of Arts – 2007
Major: Clinical Pastoral Counseling
Otterbein College – Westerville, Ohio
Bachelor of Arts – 1996
Major: Equine Science
License & Certifications
- State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board, LPC
- State of Colorado, Licensed Professional Counselor
- PATH International certified riding instructional
Professional Activities and Memberships
American Counseling Association (ACA)
American Association of Christian Counselors (AACA)
Equine Facilitated Mental Health Association (EFMHA)
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH, Intl.)