I am interested in you and the stories you have to share.

I know first-hand that it’s not always easy to open up with someone. Oftentimes it can take some help to understand what you’ve experienced and how to move forward in a way that feels safe, comfortable, and understood. It can be scary and hard, but when you do, it can feel like a weight has been lifted.

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Elon University with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy which led to my interest in meditation and the study of Buddhist psychology.

As a graduate of Naropa University, I received my Master's degree in Contemplative Counseling Psychotherapy and Buddhist Psychology. My training at Naropa included 9 weeks of meditation retreats along with rigorous clinical placements in substance use treatment programs, hospice, and psychiatric long-term care.

I completed a post-graduate program as a family bereavement coordinator at Judi's House/JAG Institute before being hired as a full-time staff member.

How does your training and experience relate to your work with clients?

My certifications and specialized trainings were chosen to fulfill different branches of clinical needs. These skill trees were sought out after years of clinical practice where I recognized blind spots in my knowledge and wanted to learn more.

Specifically, I chose EMDR to help clients process trauma, ABFT to work with parents and families, and ISTDP to better understand the unconscious blocks clients may encounter when wanting to go deeper into their relational patterns.

My certification in synergetic play therapy is the foundation of my approach in working with children while also furthering my understanding of interpersonal neurobiology and Polyvagal Theory. As a certified group psychotherapist recognized by the AGPA, I have studied group dynamics and apply that learning to facilitating child and adult groups.

Do you continue to study and learn?

Yes, absolutely. Along with the required continuing education to uphold my license, I am a lifelong student of the science and craft of psychotherapy.

I actively participate in my own therapy, supervision, and peer consultation, as well as attending international conferences and continuing to deepen my study in psychoanalytic and psychodynamic theory.

Lastly, I continue to write and explore new concepts to engage practitioners and general readers.

Do you volunteer or take on other roles in the community?

I have previously volunteered as a board member with Camp Kesem at CU Boulder, the local chapter of the international non-profit Kesem, an organization providing support to children impacted by a parent's cancer.

Most recently I support a music non-profit that is advancing the education and accessibility of music along the Front Range of Colorado. I have found that this blends my interest in music and group dynamics in a way that brings the joy of music to others in as many ways as possible.

Let's Connect

I often work with adults, teenagers, and children who are new to therapy or have had a difficult time going deeper towards the places where they've been stuck.

Since 2015, I have been providing individual counseling and group support for children, adolescents, and adults. My experience has led me to be competent in working with many of the symptoms and challenges related to: grief and loss, depression, anxiety, stress, self-harm, suicidal ideation, and the impact of recent or past traumas. I have been told that my collaborative and accessible style helps patients feel comfortable, calm, included, and hopeful. My personal and professional experience serve as a guide for my passion in supporting people of all ages impacted by life stressors.

Credentials & Specialized Skill Set

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Colorado and previously worked as a professional musician for 12 years. I am grateful that my skill and appreciation for deep listening has been an asset in both fields. It is an honor to support you in your healing.

BA - Elon University (2001) - Major in Philosophy
MA - Naropa University (2015) - Contemplative Counseling Psychology
Post Graduate Training - Judi's House/JAG Institute - Grief Counselor Trainee
Licensure - Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado - DORA LPC.0014367
Certified Group Psychotherapist (CGP) - American Group Psychotherapy Association
Certified Synergetic Play Therapist (SPT) - Synergetic Play Therapy Institute
Attachment Based Family Therapy for Depressed Adolescents (ABFT) - Drexel University
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) - Maiberger Institute
Intensive Short Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) - 3 Year Program (2027) - New Washington School of Psychiatry

Presentations

I love being in front of people. The years performing music (not counting playing air guitar along with MTV) prepared me for the experiences of sharing my passion with others. As a mental health professional called to present, that intention has stayed the same: sharing what I value and believe in with a group of people. I often present and conduct workshops related to: grief and bereavement, the benefit of teleplay therapy, and using video games and Minecraft in therapy.

Brian W. Keating presenting on using Minecraft in play therapy at a bookstore workshop1.2.JPG

Multimedia Workshops

Live demonstrations of the intentional and therapeutic use of Minecraft.

Group Interaction and Engagement

Experiential learning moments to help integrate the felt sense of the material.

Practical Problem Solving and Information Implementation

Flexible formats prioritize audience learning and understanding.

Group Consultation and Collaboration

Drawing from the wisdom in the room, presentations and workshop are greater than the sum of its participants.

Previous Presentations

"Getting Unstuck: Using Group to Support Grieving Children and their Families" co-presented with Micki Burns PhD at the Four Corners Group Psychotherapy Conference (Denver, CO); November 2019
"Understanding Childhood Bereavement: How to Support Grieving Children and their Families" Parent Engagement Network (PEN) Boulder, CO; January 2020
"On Childhood Bereavement: Best Practices Supporting Grieving Children and their Families" Interface Presents (Online); May 2020
"Grief and the Nervous System: A Brain-Body Approach to Understanding Loss" in partnership with the Grief Support Network at the 2022 Let's Grieve! International Summit (International Online Participants); October 2022
"Using Minecraft in Play Therapy with Children and Adolescents" presented at the Colorado Counseling Association (CCA) 2023 Conference August 2023
"Demystifying Minecraft in the Therapeutic Space" PODCAST - Lessons from the Playroom #168 hosted by Lisa Dion (available on all streaming platforms) April 2024
"Providing Online Play Therapy: A Grief and Trauma Informed Approach to Supporting Children" presented online as part of the Luminary Lecture series hosted by the International Institute for Trauma Studies at the State Pedagogical University in Vinnytsia, Ukraine (Online)
May 2024"Using Minecraft to Support Grieving Children" presented at the National Symposium for Children's Grief hosted by the National Alliance for Children's Grief (NACG) in Denver, CO June 2024

I am interested in you and the stories you have to share.

I often work with adults, teenagers, and children who are new to therapy or have had a difficult time going deeper towards the places where they've been stuck. ​​

Credentials & Specialized Skill Set

Presentations

Previous Presentations

I often work with adults, teenagers, and children who are new to therapy or have had a difficult time going deeper towards the places where they've been stuck.