A Different Kind of Mental Health Counselor in Longmont
My name is Faith Halverson-Ramos, and I am a mental health counselor and music therapist in Longmont. As such, I have a different approach to mental health.
Since graduating from Naropa University’s Transpersonal Counseling Psychology Music Therapy program, I have worked with people of all ages and life stages. My work has ranged from early childhood special education to in-home hospice care. Currently, I’m a PhD music therapy student at Colorado State University, where I’m researching the use of music in psychedelic-assisted therapy. All of these experiences deepen my interest in human development and inform the scope of care SoundWell Music Therapy provides.
Who I Work With as a Mental Health Counselor
Through SoundWell Music Therapy, I work with people seeking greater self-understanding. I support those struggling to identify who they are and what they want. Some may also find it hard to accept themselves and their current circumstances.
They are young adults new to the world of “adulting” in the 21st century. They can be adults of any age facing a difficult transition or change in their lives and struggling to move forward. Sometimes they are older adults who never really thought about what it would be like to get old, and they want to age as well as they can.
How I Work With People as a Mental Health Counselor
With clients, I use a holistic, client-centered, culturally-humble, trauma-informed, neuro- and gender-affirming approach that recognizes how complex experiences shape mental health. My training and my own challenges fuel my passion for working with young adults and others wanting to become their authentic selves.
Who I Am as a Mental Health Counselor
When choosing a counselor, you need to know if you can connect with them. Below are some traits I bring to the therapeutic relationship:
A Contemplative Approach
Valuing Mindfulness and Contemplation
I find mindfulness and contemplative practices to be personally valuable. That means I practice it for myself but also incorporate it into my work with clients. Practicing mindfulness helps me to be present with people and to be able to hold space for them amid their pain and confusion. And by incorporating mindfulness into our work together, clients can:
To learn more about how I incorporate mindfulness into my work, check out the blog posts I wrote on the topic here, here,here, and here.
A Transpersonal View
Recognizing that there's more to being human
Additionally, my training in transpersonal psychology influences my work and how I see people and their experiences. This view helps me to recognize how profound personal growth can come from pain. Likewise, this view acknowledges that there can be more to our lived experiences than just our bodies and minds. This transpersonal view also recognizes that there is value to transcendent experiences, which music can facilitate.
As well a transpersonal view allows space for discussions around personal spirituality and beliefs. Exploration of these topics can have a positive impact on a person’s health and well-being. That is because conversations about these topics can help people find greater meaning and purpose in their lives.
A Sense of Humor
Seeing the Humor in Life and Not Taking Myself Too Seriously
Humor is another tool I use in counseling and life in general. Sometimes life is absurd. It can be funny at times at just how life unfolds, and sometimes the only thing we can do is laugh about it.
Being able to find humor and lightness despite difficulty and pain is a valuable ability to have. After all, laughter is beneficial to health. Additionally, when we don’t take ourselves too seriously, we can open a door that allows for a different or expanded view of ourselves and our situation. Within this, we can then also better recognize our role in this dramatic comedy called “life.†Recognizing that we have a role to play gives us more power and control over what we want that role to be.
Professional Background
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work in various settings as a therapist and educator. These opportunities include working both here in Longmont and abroad.
Settings I have worked in include:
- Special education in public schools
- Early childhood education in both public and private schools
- Community mental health
- Residential mental health treatment programs
- Eldercare, including working with those with Alzheimer’s and other neurological or cognitive issues
- Palliative care and hospice
In each setting, I’ve worked with people from diverse ethnic, economic, gender, sexual, and spiritual backgrounds.
These experiences have deepened my appreciation for our shared humanity. As a mental health counselor and music therapist, I hear each person’s story. I am honored to help people find their voices, embrace themselves, and navigate life with greater self-acceptance and well-being.
Professional Interests
Here are other values and interests I hold as a therapist.
Community Involvement
Giving Back
Because community and culture can play a role in mental health, I believe in giving back to the community. Some of the ways I do this are through:
American Music Therapy Association (AMTA), Online Conference for Music Therapy (OCMT), Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG)
And in the past I have:
Public Speaker and Presenter
Educating the Public
In addition to my work as a therapist, I also enjoy presenting. As a public speaker, I have presented nationally and internationally on the topics of:
You can learn more here about the workshops and presentations I offer. Otherwise, contact me if you would like to set up a presentation or workshop for your organization.
Lifelong Learner
Continuously Learning
One thing is for sure, as long as I am alive, I will want to learn more. The world is a fascinating place, and there is so much to learn. I enjoy having a curious mind, and I hope to help foster that in others.
Some of the areas in which I continue to study and contribute professionally include:
Contact Me and Find Out More
If you have further questions about the counseling services I offer, feel free to contact me by email. Alternatively, I offer a free 15-minute phone or online consultation that you can schedule here. This consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss your needs in more detail, ask questions, and learn how my services can support your goals or address your concerns.