Welcome to Elephant In The Room!
"Living doesn't have to be difficult. Addressing Trauma and Anxiety doesn't need to be painful or repetitive. Negative emotions are not choices!
I have been there! This is my number one credential. "
Zina Ortiz, MA, LPC, EMDR

Zina Ortiz,
MA, LPC, EMDR
Certified, RRT
Practitioner
ABOUT ME
I am a trauma survivor! I also hold a Masters degree in Counseling Psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Santa Barbara. My trainings include completion of trainings and certification of EMDR at the Maiberger Institute in Boulder, CO, REBT at the Albert Ellis Institute in New York, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Rapid Resolution Therapy with Dr Jon Connelly. I have enhanced my knowledge and education with therapeutic methods I have experienced, and have achieved a successful degree of recovery. I use them in my practice because I believe in their efficacy. Please see my Resource page for more information. I have walked the walk and it is relatively painless. This also does not need to be a lengthy process. Truth be told talk therapy is not an effective method for addressing trauma, anxiety and depression.
It is common for trauma survivors to struggle with strong emotions, it makes sense that we would focus on our emotional mind which is also called the subconscious. The conscious part of our mind is the thinking part of our mind, and the subconscious part of our mind the more primitive, emotional part of our mind. That’s why you will often hear yourself say “I can’t help but to feel this way.”
RRT is rooted in the belief that we must go beyond our thinking mind to access our subconscious mind in order to heal. Using altered states of consciousness the subconscious becomes aware a traumatic event is over and no longer needs to spend time focusing energy on protecting ourselves, more space is created for living a life with an increase in clarity and peace. It is as if subconscious mind is finally getting the news that everything is ok, all threats are gone, and there is no need to revisit these memories like a broken record. Don't just imagine breaking free from the ghosts of your past, be ready to experience it because it is possible!
I enjoy the work of facilitating transformation in people's lives. It all started as an 8 year old child playing to help my playmates and listening to their stories. It is my life's work! I continue to expand my knowledge with trainings and readings on new material on trauma and its effects on people. I am licensed in the state of Colorado as an LPC # 0011828.
It takes an outsider, and I am an outsider! someone with fresh eyes to see conditions in an objective fashion, to point out the elephant in the room. Without shaming, blaming, magnifying, or minimizing the main challenge, my goals as a psychotherapist are based on the belief that people want to be happy, effective and successful in their lives and they have within themselves the resources to achieve these goals. I help my clients most effectively by accessing their internal resources to increase self-understanding, to improve decision-making, to solve problems, and to create paths to the lives they want.
My areas of knowledge include:
* Complex Trauma (domestic violence, childhood/physical, mental, sexual abuse)
* Anxiety / Panic
* Depression
* Grief & Loss
* Transitions
* Women's Issues
I am originally from Mexico, and have been living in the US for more than 30 years. Therefore my education and training has been here in this great country of ours. It has been my clinical experience and observations that we women face similar issues, regardless of culture! Insecurities, low self esteem, shame, perfectionism, and disconnection, to name a few. I have faced these issues myself. I feel privileged in my line of work because my career/journey of self healing have exposed me to different therapy methods, education and trainings that have helped me resolve all trauma and its symptoms to then help others, including but not limited to uncomfortable feelings, emotions, and internal self critic (the little monster that tells us we're not good enough). I have determined that the world needs more empowered women, with impeccable boundaries.
Are you ready to be fearless?
Lately, there has been an increased need for help in treating anxiety disorders for people who have chronic use of THC. If this is the case for you, I can help decrease the intensity of these symptoms, without taking away the joy of its use. Call me to schedule a free half an hour consultation to see if we can work together. It is important to remember consistency in treatment is key to progress.
Fees
My fee for a standard 50 minute session is $120.00. I accept personal checks, PayPal, cash and credit cards. All transactions are kept confidential and private. I have a 24 hour cancellation policy. Most clients come in 1 time per week though if circumstances warrant, I see clients 2-3 times weekly or bi-monthly, and also do one-time consultations. I also offer video sessions through Theranest, which is HIPAA compliant.
Insurance
I am now accepting Beacon Health, Kaiser, Humana and ACI. I also accept insurance as an out of network provider, please inquire. I am a Victim's Compensation provider.
Counseling services may be covered in full or in part by your health insurance or employee benefit plan.
Privacy
It is important to know that Insurance companies require diagnoses in order to authorize treatment and payment. They also have access to your therapeutic records, and your history of diagnoses. Paying out of pocket keeps your information private and away from insurance companies. I will be happy to provide you with information shared to your insurer if you choose to use your .
I approach my work as solution-based on the particular needs and current life situation a person is experiencing. Trained as a depth psychotherapist I believe that one's values, personal beliefs and core beliefs are formed during our very early years, throughout our childhood and these determine individual perceptions of reality. Examining our lives, knowing who we are and understanding our origins is a life's journey. Throughout this journey challenges may trip us up. At these times we can experience our lives as chaotic and out of control. Given whom we are, and where we come from, the coping mechanisms we have developed may become overburdened.
I believe that human beings have various challenges in life which give us the opportunity to examine ourselves more closely, seeking clarity and a deeper understanding of our purpose in living. At these crossroads we can become overwhelmed, confused and have difficulty dealing with strong emotions. It is at this point that many of us can benefit from psychotherapy, and explore these deeply rooted issues within the safety of a therapeutic relationship. It is also my belief that most behaviors are habits that have been formed and based on one's core material. My goal is to work with you within the therapeutic relationship, in an environment of acceptance and understanding, to address various issues, develop clarity, and a sense of contentment.
Using an eclectic approach I am able to draw on my training and experience in the workings of the personality, keeping in mind the client's personal history, family of origin, personal strengths, always maintaining a deep and constant curiosity in their life story. I have found that the commonality of humanity binds us together, weaving our own paths which lead to growth. There are times we must stop on that path and look inward, reexamining ourselves and our purpose. I work with a client, to create an environment in which looking inward is encouraged, paced by the client and their particular needs, always mindful of their autonomy and uniqueness. You are worthy of contentment!