Find Your Way Forward to
Hope and Healing
Compassionate, evidence-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adults in all stages of life in Northern Colorado. I offer a supportive, genuine space where you can slow down, feel heard, and work through life’s challenges while reconnecting with what matters most to you.
Acceptance Commitment Therapist (ACT)
Do you feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward in your life? Life can feel heavy at times, and it is not uncommon to feel stuck or isolated when navigating difficult experiences.
At Brightness of Hope Counseling, I offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to support you in working through these challenges with compassion and care.
ACT is an evidence-based approach that helps you shift from feeling stuck and overwhelmed to building a more flexible way of relating to life, your thoughts and emotions. Together, we focus on what matters most to you so you can move forward with greater clarity, purpose, and self-compassion.
In our work together, you can begin to reconnect with your values, strengthen resilience, and create space for hope and healing in your life. If you are ready to take the next step, I invite you to reach out to begin your journey.
MEET THE COUNSELOR
Susan C. Merrill, LCSW
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care in a supportive and collaborative environment. I believe that meaningful change begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship and strive to create a space where clients feel safe, heard, and empowered.
Outside of my practice, I enjoy spending time with my husband Ron and our blended family, which includes eight adult children, their spouses, and several grandchildren. We also love traveling and are certified open water scuba divers who enjoy spending time at the beach and in the ocean.
Professional Qualifications
Education
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW), University of Louisville
Specialization in Psychosocial Oncology
Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSW), Weber State University
Minor in Health Promotion with an emphasis in Stress Management and Mindfulness
Professional Credentials
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
My Therapeutic Aim is to Build Skills That Support Overall Wellbeing:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches six evidence-based skills that help you respond more effectively to life's challenges, build resilience, and create a life guided by what matters most to you.
● Be Present: Engage fully with what is happening here and now.
● Acceptance: Make room for difficult thoughts and emotions without struggling against them.
● Diffusion: Step back from unhelpful thoughts rather than getting caught up in them.
● Self-as-Context: Develop a steady perspective that observes experiences without being defined by them.
● Values: Clarify what matters most and use it as your guide.
● Committed Action: Take meaningful, values-guided steps toward the life you want.
The Holistic Approach Includes:
● Psychological: Building emotional resilience and psychological flexibility.
● Social: Strengthening healthy, supportive relationships and boundaries.
● Physical: Promoting wellbeing through values-guided goals and healthy habits.
● Spiritual: Cultivating hope, compassion, and gratitude through a Christian perspective.
Offering the Support You Need
I provide a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. Whether you're navigating anxiety, life transitions, hidden abuse, caregiver fatigue, depression or other challenges, I will work alongside you to help you gain insight, build resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone. Reach out today to begin your journey toward healing and hope.
Navigate Life's Challenges with Greater Resilience, Clarity, and Purpose
Life can bring many challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, grief, caregiver fatigue, difficult relationships, psychological abuse, and major life transitions. While these experiences can deeply impact your well-being, they do not define who you are.
At Brightness of Hope Counseling, I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where we can explore your experiences, recognize your strengths, and identify what matters most to you. Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), I help you develop skills to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions, increase psychological flexibility, and take meaningful steps toward a life aligned with your values. My goal is to support you in gaining a new perspective on your challenges while building confidence, resilience, and a deeper connection to the life you want to create. If you are ready to begin this journey, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Our Services
Helping you navigate life's challenges, find healing, and move forward with purpose.
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Anxiety
Anxiety can feel like a constant, unwelcome passenger in your mind.
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Care Givers Support
Pouring your heart and energy into caring for a loved one is a profound act of love.
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Depression
Depression is more than just feeling sad; it can feel like a heavy, gray fog that disconnects you
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Grief & Loss
Grief is one of life's most profound experiences. Whether you have lost a loved one
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Life Transitions
Life is a series of constant shifts, but certain changes shake up our entire sense of identity and routine.
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Psychological Abuse
Relationships should be a sanctuary a place where you feel safe, valued, and heard.
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Stress Management
Modern life moves at a relentless pace. Between work demands, family obligations, and societal pressures
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My office is conveniently located in Windsor, Colorado, and I provide in-person counseling for clients throughout Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Johnstown, and surrounding communities. I also offer secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Colorado.
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Brightness of Hope Counseling offers compassionate, individualized care grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we work together to help you navigate life's challenges, while taking meaningful steps toward healing, growth, and a life guided by your values.
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I see clients by appointment Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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Scheduling an appointment is simple. Call or text me at 970-232-1999 or complete the contact form on my website. I'll work with you to find an appointment time that fits your schedule.
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I specialize in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach that helps you develop psychological flexibility, navigate difficult thoughts and emotions, and take meaningful action guided by your values. Together, we'll focus on building the skills to help you respond to life's challenges with greater resilience while creating a life that reflects what matters most to you.
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I offer both in-person counseling at my Windsor office and secure telehealth sessions for clients throughout Colorado. Together, we can choose the format that best fits your needs and circumstances.
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You can reach me by phone at 970-232-1999, by email at susan@brightnessofhopecounseling.com, or by completing the contact form on my website. I look forward to connecting with you and answering any questions you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions? We've answered some of our most common inquiries below.
Price and Policy
Insurance
In-network provider for most insurance companies.
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross
Kaiser
Medicaid
Medicare Part B (and supplementals)
United Medical Resources (UMR)
United Health Care
Canceling appointments
Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule, please provide at least 48 hours' notice. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice will be subject to a $100 cancellation fee.
Confidentiality
Your privacy is important to me. I am committed to maintaining the confidentiality of our work together and protecting your personal information in accordance with professional ethics and applicable laws.
What our Clients Say About Us
Ready to Take the First Step?
Reach out today for a free phone consultation to see how we can support you on your journey toward hope and healing.
Blogs
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What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidenced-based therapy that has been scientifically studied for over 30 years through hundreds of randomized controlled studies. ACT has been found to be very effective in treating anxiety, depression, grief, stress and trauma along with many other conditions.
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Stress Management
Stress is part of life and comes in response to minor challenges or major crisis. While we can't always control our circumstances, we can control how we respond to them.
Get in Touch
If you have questions or are interested in beginning counseling, please reach out. I would be glad to connect with you and explore how I can support you.
