Our Team
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Kelly Elise Ulmer, LPC,
CEDS-S
Founder & Clinical Director
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: kelly@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Kelly is a licensed counselor, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist - Supervisor, Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, and the founder of Bloom Counseling & Nutrition in Fort Collins, Colorado. She specializes in eating disorders as well as a wide array of co-occurring mental health disorders such as PTSD, complex trauma, OCD, anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and personality disorders, among others.
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Kelly's own experience in eating disorder recovery fueled her commitment to the field of mental health and eating disorder treatment. Kelly studied at the University of Florida where she received her Education Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling. She is currently a licensed counselor in Colorado, Utah, Florida, and Michigan. Throughout her career, Kelly has specialized in the treatment of eating disorders, and she has gained experience in a variety of settings including both outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment. With a foundation in Health at Every Size principles and a trauma-informed approach, Kelly is currently one of the only Certified Eating Disorder Specialist - Supervisors in the Fort Collins area.
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Kelly has a passion for healing, growth, and embodiment – that is evident in both her professional and personal life. She is someone who truly personifies the work she is so passionate about.
My Therapeutic Lens
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Entering therapy is courageous. As a counselor, I aim to honor my clients’ courage through cultivating a deep, authentic connection that encourages safety, openness, and trust -- elements essential to the process of healing and growth.
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You have always had all the answers within you. I believe that we all have innate body wisdom and an authentic, true Self that wants to help guide us-- we just need a little help connecting and listening to it.
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Our inner human experience of thoughts, emotions, and sensations can provide us so much information if we tune into it and respond with compassion. Subsequently, my practice is grounded in compassion, mindfulness, and acceptance.
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Health is a complex web, that involves way more than what we eat and do. I believe in defining health holistically; tuning in to our internal wisdom to determine what health means when it’s defined by our inner experience rather than what a magazine cover tells us health is supposed to look like.
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I intend to do more than just practice what I preach and have dedicated my life to challenging systems in power that perpetuate fatphobia, diet culture, and the oppression of marginalized bodies, even if that change occurs one person or organization/magazine at a time.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Licensed Counselor in Colorado (LPC.0014452), Utah (12227485-6004), Michigan (6401018473), and Florida (MH 15714)
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Ed. S. in Mental Health Counseling
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Certified Eating Disorder Specialist - Supervisor, International Association of Eating Disorder Professionals
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Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor
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Health At Every Size® (HAES®) Expert, Association for Size Diversity and Health
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Certified Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Counselor
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Trained in Family-Based Therapy (FBT) for Anorexia Nervosa with Stanford Medicine
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Level I Practitioner, Sensorimotor Psychotherapyā for Affect Dysregulation, Survival Defenses, and Traumatic Memory
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Level 2 Practitioner, Sensorimotor Psychotherapyā for Developmental Injury
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Level 1 IFS Clinician, Internal Family Systems (IFS) Institute
Brianne Renley, LPC, LAC
Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email:
brianne@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Brianne is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Addiction Counselor. At Bloom, Brianne specializes in eating disorder treatment and has extensive experience and training supporting those with co-occurring addiction and other disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and trauma.
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Brianne received her undergraduate degree in psychology and evolutionary anthropology through the University of New Mexico and completed her M.S. in clinical mental health counseling through Walden University. Brianne has experience working in acute mental health hospital settings, as well as in IOP and PHP addiction treatment. As a person with type 1 diabetes, Brianne is especially passionate about working with clients experiencing chronic illness. She has had type 1 diabetes since age 3, and she feels called to support others as they adapt to the difficulties of caring for their bodies after a difficult diagnosis. Additionally, Brianne supports those seeking eating disorder recovery and navigating their relationship with food, body, and/or illness through a Health at Every Size lens.
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Using a trauma-informed approach, Brianne helps clients to cultivate hope. She sees challenges as an opportunity to create meaning, nurture self-worth, and engage in growth. Brianne believes in meeting clients where they are at and working at their own pace.
My Therapeutic Lens
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Patience and safety are crucial in building trust. I work to create a safe environment for my clients to better understand themselves while creating realistic goals, fostering self-compassion, and reducing shame. Success is a move toward holistic wellbeing and health. This can be a long and difficult journey. I am here to support my clients as they move forward at their own pace while focusing on progress, not perfection.
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People often find their way to therapy before they are ready to make changes. Years of struggling with problematic behaviors and thought processes can leave us feeling hopeless. My goal is to empower my clients to learn how to move through the struggles that may have held them back, and I aim to provide my clients with tools and support in their healing journey, using a combination of therapy approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
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I want to be a positive influence on my community. I’m always working to deepen my understanding of body diversity, gender issues, race, and privilege. Continued awareness and learning in these areas is my goal and responsibility as a helping professional. I strive to be an effective ally and advocate.
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Each person faces a unique set of challenges and everyone deserves to feel proud of themselves as they move through difficulty and grow from past experiences. Personal experience can be a valuable asset in building self-esteem and helping others. Healing occurs as we learn to value our own story.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado (LPC.0016521)
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Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado (ACD.0001727)
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Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Certified Brainspotting Practitioner
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Trained in Trauma-Informed Yoga
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Mother and trainer of the loving therapy dog, Ziggy
Claire Timm, MS, LMFT
Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: claire@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Claire is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist offering therapy services in the state of Colorado. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, as well as many of the accompanying co-occurring struggles such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, compulsive exercise, self-esteem, body dysmorphia, codependency, and other relational issues.
Claire received her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from California State University San Marcos, and her Master’s Degree in Couples and Family Therapy from the University of Oregon. Claire has experience working in acute care settings for the treatment of eating disorders, such as partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care. Claire has additional experience in supporting loved ones through the complex and often confusing process of learning how to support someone with an eating disorder.
As a relational therapist, Claire believes it is essential to explore the various levels of interactions that have contributed to the development and maintenance of one’s eating disorder. Viewing mental illness in this way allows clients the permission to explore how their struggles were once adaptive strategies to seek comfort, relief, and belonging. Claire finds passion in empowering clients to reclaim their personal power over their eating disorder by finding more adaptive ways to establish connection in their lives.
Grounded in various holistic approaches, such as Health at Every Size, trauma-informed care, and social-justice-oriented therapy, Claire seeks to challenge many of the widely accepted narratives that are promoted in regard to messages about food, bodies, health, and healing.
My Therapeutic Lens
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I believe that you are the expert on your life, as you hold the only story that truly encompasses all the emotions, sensations, and details of your experience.
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Healing is incumbent on safety and trust within the therapeutic relationship, and I aim to best foster that connection with my clients through openness, warmth, and authenticity as a fellow human being.
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I trust in your intuition and your body’s innate knowing as a compass that guides towards a value-aligned life, and I aim to hold a gentle space in which we can both explore all of the barriers that have gotten in the way of your intuitive path towards healing.
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I seek to push my clients into a brave space, in which they feel emotionally and physically safe, but slightly uncomfortable, as I believe discomfort precedes growth towards new outcomes and paths for living and connecting.
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I believe allyship is an ongoing effort to dismantle systems that uphold and perpetuate many of the problematic beliefs that have contributed to oppression of various identities and bodies.
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Self-compassion and self-trust are essential tools on this brave journey towards reclamation of your power, purpose, and pleasure.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Colorado (MFT.0002039)
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M.S. in Couples and Family Therapy
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Trained in Family-Based Therapy (FBT) for Anorexia Nervosa with Stanford Medicine
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Gender Affirming Mental Healthcare Training
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Annual Eating Recovery Foundation Conferences
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Considerations for Working on Body Image with Individuals who Identify as Gender Variant Training
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Certified Personality Disorder Treatment Provider
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Childhood/Adolescent Grief Counseling Training
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Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Training
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Training
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Inner Child Course and Coping with Pandemic Grief Course via Tiffany Roe’s School
Steph Pixler, NCC, LPCC
Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: steph@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Steph is a National Certified Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate in the state of Colorado. She specializes in eating disorder treatment and many co-occuring mental health disorders such as anxiety/depression disorders, PTSD, complex trauma, personality disorders, substance use, grief work, self-esteem, identity work, and body image.
She received her undergraduate degree in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa University before graduating from Colorado State University and obtaining her master's degree in counseling and career development with a specialization in clinical mental health. Additionally, Steph obtained certification as a private chef from the school of natural cookery in Boulder, Colorado to inform her passion for providing culinary art therapy workshops. In healing her own eating disorder and working in a variety of residential and outpatient settings, Steph is passionate about holistically treating eating disorders by being rooted in trauma-informed care, Health at Every Size, social justice, and mindfulness.
As an individual who lives with an autoimmune disease, Steph feels drawn to helping clients navigate experiences of medical diagnoses that interplay within eating disorder recovery through validating the complexities of healing, cultivating body neutrality, and increasing emotional awareness and self-compassion.
Together, we can co-create a therapeutic relationship that promotes embodiment, safety, and wellness that best suits client needs.
My Therapeutic Lens
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I view the world through a social justice lens by recognizing the intersectionalities of systemic oppression and identity. Within this, I do my best as a counselor and human to model reflexivity and practice continued self-awareness. I am committed to being a lifelong learner of the universe.
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I believe in honoring clients’ innate inner wisdom and healing capacity by engaging in narrative experiences and curiosity within a safe space.
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I recognize the challenges that arise in healing an eating disorder in a society that is rampaged by fatphobia and perpetuates diet culture. I strive to be a part of holistic approaches to mental health treatment that both validate the complexity of eating disorder recovery and create meaningful change in treatment.
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Navigating a human experience can be messy and often scary. Entering therapy is a brave and powerful step, and I am so glad you are here. Vulnerability can be hard! I believe that showing up as your authentic self is best explored through self-love, self-compassion, and self-awareness.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Professional Licensed Counselor Candidate in Colorado (LPCC.0018846)
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National Certified Counselor
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Private Chef Certification
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Shambhala Warrior Mindfulness Training: Level II
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Grief & Bereavement Training
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Unlearning Fatphobia & Diet Culture Training
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CAC Level I Study
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Trauma-Informed Care
Erin Pauling, MSW, SWC
Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: erin@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Erin is a Clinical Social Work Candidate in the state of Colorado. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders as well as supporting those with trauma and co-occurring disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and PTSD.
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Erin received undergraduate degrees in psychology and criminal justice through Carroll University and completed her M.S. in Social Work with a focus on evidence-based interpersonal practice, completing electives in trauma theory and mediation, through the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Erin has worked with kids, adolescents, and adults through school social work, intensive in-home therapy, and small group practice, as well as IP and PHP eating disorder treatment.
Additionally, Erin has provided support to individuals experiencing disordered eating while working as a personal development coach and personal fitness trainer. Erin was a gymnast and ultra trail marathoner, seeing firsthand how the fitness world can be both a help and a hindrance in fostering a positive body image. Using a trauma-informed approach, Erin helps clients build on their unique strengths and discover their motivations for change.
Last but not least, Erin has been called a dog whisperer and has a great love and appreciation for animals. Erin achieved a Veterinary Social Work Certification while in graduate school, and the program provided Erin with training in compassion fatigue, conflict management, the link between human and animal violence, animal-assisted interventions, and animal-related grief and bereavement. Erin understands the loss of an animal companion can feel like the loss of an immediate human family member, and she is trained in providing grief counseling for pet parents and veterinary providers. Erin hopes to one day have a great therapy dog partner, much like Bloom's current therapy dog, Ziggy.
My Therapeutic Lens
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There are several steps in the process of change, and it's normal to try something many times before being able to achieve or maintain a change.
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Sometimes instead of looking at what's wrong we need to look at what's right. How can you build on your strengths? What have you already achieved?
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I believe people can achieve similar results by doing different things. For example, journaling may be helpful for one person, but not for another.
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I think the words "I am", in any language, can be both comforting and limiting.
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I believe each person's life is made up of many areas (for example, social, environmental, physical, etc.), and phases, and that it's important to take them all into account for optimal functioning.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Clinical Social Work Candidate in Colorado (SWC.0000000330)
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Master of Science in Social Work, focus on Evidence-based Interpersonal Practice
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Trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
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Certified Master Health Coach
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Certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid
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Certified in Veterinary Social Work
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Licensed School Social Worker in Tennessee (000726543)
Emily Carleton, MA, LPC,
C-IAYT
Therapist
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: emily@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Emily is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Colorado and a Certified Yoga Therapist through the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She specializes in eating disorders as well as commonly co-occuring mental health and relational issues such as depression, anxiety, body dysmorphia, BPD, trauma, attachment, grief/loss, life transitions, and compulsive exercise.
Emily received her undergraduate degree in Psychology with a focus in Lifespan Development from Middle Tennessee State University. She then moved west to Colorado for graduate school and studied at Naropa University in Boulder, where she completed a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Emily’s experience in the mental health field ranges widely and includes working with under-resourced children in schools, grief counseling, and wilderness therapy. Additionally, she has taught college courses in General Psychology, Lifespan Development, and Psychology of Death and Dying. Most recently, Emily has worked in an acute eating disorder treatment setting at partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient levels of care.
Emily’s approach as a therapist is trauma-informed and inspired by her extensive training in Yoga Therapy, mindfulness, and somatic-based practices that work with patterns in the nervous system (body) and neural pathways (mind). Emily also includes exploration of attachment, intersections of identity, and relationships to parts of self in eating disorder recovery. Emily believes that recovery takes time—she holds patience and trust in the process when clients feel stuck.
My Therapeutic Lens
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Acknowledging that you have an eating disorder and/or patterns of disordered eating is a crucial part of recovery, which can be a challenging hurdle to cross in our diet culture world. Let’s explore the messages, stigma, and influences that have caused harm so that you can build confidence in navigating these hurdles.
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It can be enticing to think about an “end goal” in recovery, but I am more interested in what you can do day-to-day to cultivate lasting change. I wish to offer practices that you can turn to in the moment— practices that take 10-20 seconds and help manage emotions or difficult situations.
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I bring mindfulness and curiosity to what you experience. This can be helpful in bringing more compassion and insight to thoughts and behaviors that may have been met with shame, resentment, or hopelessness in the past.
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Repairing your relationship with your body in recovery can feel daunting or even scary. Introducing mindful movement and breath practices that safely connect mind and body can remedy the “floating head” experience of being cut off from bodily sensations and ultimately cut off from the body’s intuitive wisdom.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado (LPC.0017479)
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MA in Counseling Psychology from Naropa University
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Certified Yoga Therapist with over 800 hours of training/study through Inner Peace Yoga Therapy and the International Association of Yoga Therapists (member #68624360)
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Post-Traumatic Growth Somatic Therapy training (ongoing) with Ruby Jo Walker, LCSW, SEP, CHT
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Yoga of Recovery and Trauma-Informed Yoga Therapy trainings
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Psychodrama, Sociometry, and Group Psychotherapy training with Karen Drucker, PsyD, TEP
Kelly is a graduate counseling practicum student working towards her master’s degree in mental health counseling with plans of obtaining her LPCC and NCC. Her interests include supporting adults and adolescents with eating disorders, anxiety and panic disorders, maladaptive behaviors, shame, self-esteem, relationship issues, and navigating life’s challenging transitions. Additionally, Kelly uses a Health at Every Size approach to support those looking to explore their complex relationships with body and food. Kelly is an LGBTQIA+ ally.
Kelly works with clients pulling from multiple modalities including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Feminist Therapy. Feeling stuck and trying to keep your head above water can be symptoms of avoiding and struggling with inner emotions and experiences. We work towards facing these deeper emotions and fostering acceptance to allow you to move forward in your life and toward growth. Kelly believes that bias, oppression, and discrimination in the cultural and political world we live in runs deep and are large contributors to mental health issues. In our sessions, we will work to uncover and understand these social factors, challenge widely accepted ideas, and help you discover and claim your unique identity while you move into your power.
Working together, we can foster a safe and nurturing environment that promotes self-exploration, healing, and growth. We all deserve an ally to help navigate the hardships of being human.
My Therapeutic Lens
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āThe therapeutic alliance and trust between client and therapist are critical for healing and transformation to take place. I believe that unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and genuineness must be present in order to co-create a safe space for your growth and healing.
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Therapy is for everyone! Everyone’s issues are valid and welcome. You don’t need a traumatic event or crisis to begin your therapeutic journey.
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It takes courage and vulnerability to seek support in an effort to create positive change in your life and deepen your connection with yourself. I’m so glad you’re here!
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I aim to create a safe a nurturing space to explore your thoughts, feelings, behaviors, core beliefs, experiences, and relationships. Sharing your story with an ally can bring clarity, reduce shame, and create space for healing.
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Using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), we can work on self-defeating behaviors while examining feelings and thoughts, interrupting maladaptive cognitions, and reframing core beliefs.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Graduate student working towards M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Trauma-Focused CBT for LGBTQ Youth training
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Certified Yoga Instructor
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Bachelor of Business Administration
Jordan Da Silva, MS, RD
Dietitian & Office Manager
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Email: info@bloomcounselingandnutrition.com
Jordan is not only our office manager but is creatively partnering with Bloom and bringing her experience as an anti-diet dietitian and her passion for Health at Every Size to the team! As the likely first point of contact for clients new to Bloom, Jordan aims to provide support and compassion throughout the process of starting therapy. She is passionate about extending care and assisting clients in day-to-day needs related to scheduling, billing, and any other question or concern that might pop up.
Jordan is a registered dietitian from Atlanta, Georgia. Jordan studied at the University of Georgia where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Nutrition Science and Dietetics. She completed her supervised practice and dietetic internship with Lenoir Rhyne University. Jordan is passionate about research-based methods while prioritizing the heart and soul of the individual. She follows a non-diet approach and enjoys working with clients to find creative, individualized solutions.
Jordan draws empathy from her own mental health and eating journey and strives to help people know they are not walking alone. In her free time she develops recipes, photographs food, and trains her puppies, Waffles and Olive.
My Therapeutic Lens
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āāI believe asking for help is the most courageous thing you can do. You are acknowledging you are worthy of good things and taking a leap of faith to get the support you need. I aim to support you in this process by creating a safe space to ask questions, be curious, and show up authentically.
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Talking about food can be challenging and triggering – and I understand how uncomfortable being vulnerable with a stranger may be. You deserve to be heard and your unique experience will be our focus. The more honest you are in session, the better we can work together to make a plan for realistic growth.
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Your counseling journey is about you. You won’t receive a grade, you won’t be scolded if things don’t go to plan. If something doesn’t work for you, we can try something else! I’m here to help you make peace with food in a way that is sustainable, respects your palate, and suits your lifestyle.
Credentials,
Certifications,Ā
& Trainings
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Registered Dietitian Licensed in the State of Georgia
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Master of Science in Dietetics
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Servsafe Manager Certified
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Strong4Life and Georgia WIC Training
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Culinary Nutrition Around the Globe Training
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Culinary Nutrition Conference Training
Ziggy
AKC Therapy Dog
Pronouns: she, her, hers
Ziggy is an integral part of the therapy team at Bloom—dare we say maybe one of the most skilled clinicians we have! She is a 6-year-old terrier mix. She has a well-rounded set of interests including long naps, soaking up the sunshine, studying squirrels, learning new skills, and finding welcoming new humans to sit with. Ziggy absolutely loves people. She is a very sweet dog and is eager to receive pets on her chest and loves curling up next to clients on the couch. Ziggy is very polite yet effective at communicating how she feels. She is good at recognizing her limits and takes breaks as needed. This can be helpful in therapy as clients explore their own self-care, emotions, healthy boundaries, and meaningful connections.
Ziggy has completed training and is certified through HABIC (Human Animal Bond in Colorado). She is also a certified Canine Good Citizen with the American Kennel Club. She primarily works with Brianne in sessions but is always working on getting more comfortable around the office and greeting new faces!