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What Sets Us Apart
Meet the compassionate team at Willow Tree Counseling! Our therapists and Interns are dedicated to providing top-notch care and support to help you on your journey to healing and personal growth.
Each member of our team brings a unique perspective and expertise to guide you towards a brighter tomorrow. Get to know the faces behind the care, and see how we can support you on your path to wellness.
Our Mission
At Willow Tree Counseling, our mission is to provide safe, inclusive, and deeply supportive care that honors the full complexity of being human. We specialize in trauma-informed mental health services that blend evidence-based practices with holistic healing methods, offering each person a path toward true transformation.
Our Vision
We believe healing happens in relationship: with self, with others, with the body, and within the therapeutic space.
Why We Do This Work
Because we’ve seen what happens when people are truly met with compassion.
Because trauma doesn’t define you—but it can shape your story until it’s witnessed and reworked.
Because healing isn’t linear—and you don’t have to do it alone.
Because we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own body, to feel connected to others, and to live with meaning and ease.
Core Values
We are culturally responsive, and deeply committed to creating a practice where everyone feels seen and valued.
Inclusivity & Belonging:
We are certified in EMDR, Somatic Therapy, CBT, and other proven modalities that address the root causes of distress.
Clinical Excellence:
From Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) to yoga-informed therapy, sound bowls, and Acudetox—we honor body, mind, and soul in the healing process.
Whole-Person Healing:
Every therapist at Willow Tree is trained to recognize the effects of trauma and create a space that supports nervous system safety, empowerment, and choice.
Trauma-Informed Care:
Our TEAM
Willow Tree Counseling houses a dynamic team of multiple therapists equipped to address various trauma-related challenges. Willow Tree Counseling accepts internships for an array of mental health practitioners and Psychiatric nurse practitioners.
At Willow Tree Counseling, we are committed to supporting our community through strong partnerships. We collaborate with the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Co-Response Team to provide mental health crisis support, ensuring compassionate care during emergencies.
We partner with local schools to offer mental health counseling and suicide prevention for students, and we work with Spark the Change Colorado to expand mental health access and community advocacy. Together, we’re building a healthier, more connected community.
Meet the Owner
Kim Balagat, LCSW, Therapist and Founder of Willow Tree Counseling
Kim Balagat LCSW
Welcome—I’m Kim, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and founder of Willow Tree Counseling. With 18 years of experience in the mental health field and over a decade in private practice, I’ve had the honor of supporting individuals through a wide range of life challenges, including; addiction, depression, trauma, grief, and chronic illness.
I earned my MSW from New Mexico Highlands University and have continued to grow in both traditional and integrative healing approaches. I am a certified EMDR therapist with a trauma specialty and hold certification in Integrative Somatic Counseling. My work blends evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with holistic modalities.
In addition to individual therapy, I collaborate with the team to offer yoga-based somatic integrative groups—safe, embodied spaces for healing through movement, mindfulness, and nervous system awareness. These groups are grounded in the belief that the body holds its own wisdom and capacity for healing.
I believe therapy is a place to find clarity, rebuild trust in yourself, and grow deeper roots—just like the willow tree: flexible, grounded, and always reaching toward the light.
Jenni Andersen, MSW-SWC
I work with clients of all ages, offering a supportive space to process trauma and move toward healing. As a trauma-informed therapist trained in EMDR and Ketamine-assisted therapy, I believe that trauma does not have to define a person or their life. While I do see couples, my primary focus is working one-on-one with individuals. I’m here to walk alongside you—wherever you are in your journey.
Niesha Williams, LCSW
Hi, I’m Niesha, a Master's Level Clinician in Pueblo, CO. With five years of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals who find themselves struggling with trauma, mental health, and substance use challenges. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy and trauma-informed care. My goal is to help you process your experiences and find healing at your own pace.
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Amber Bonjour, MSW-SWC
I see therapy as a sacred collaboration—an unfolding rooted in trust, compassion, and deep listening. My work honors the mind, body, and spirit, blending evidence-based and experiential approaches including CBT, EMDR, Brain Synchronization Therapy, DBT, IFS, somatic therapy, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy.
Above all, I believe healing happens in relationship—with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us.
Kylie Graham LPC-Intern
I appreciate an integrative and personalized experience within the therapy setting. I believe every person’s story and needs are unique and I’m especially passionate about working with individuals who have experienced trauma, those navigating issues of diversity, and members of the first responder community. Collaboration is at the heart of my work - I value open communication and feedback to ensure you’re truly feeling progress and positive change.
Alex Duran, MSW-SWC
I’m Alex, an MSW intern therapist who is passionate about walking alongside people as they navigate life’s challenges. I believe in the power of connection, and I strive to create a space where clients feel safe, seen, and supported. My work is grounded in empathy, cultural humility, and evidence-based practices like CBT, mindfulness, and strengths-based approaches. I support all populations working through major life changes and transitions. As a therapist-in-training, I strive to bring curiosity, compassion, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
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Claudia Martinez, MSW-SWC
I graduated from CSUP in 2022 with my master's in social work. I am Hispanic and able to speak Spanish. I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, depression, irritability, and more. I work with clients using Play Therapy, EMDR, Art Therapy, Acudetox, CBT, and DBT. I enjoy using several types of therapy during sessions, helping clients learn coping skill to deal with life struggles, and seamlessly work using therapies to improve their mental health. Let us see how I can help you!
Katherine Rice, MSW-SWC
I specialize in trauma-informed care that honors the connection between emotional, creative, and physical healing. My approach integrates talk therapy, expressive arts, and somatic techniques to support individuals navigating trauma, emotional regulation, and life’s many transitions. I view therapy as a collaborative process—one that meets you where you are, values your unique story, and invites healing in a way that feels authentic and empowering.
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Callico Sunshine Jones DSW, LSW, SWC
I have an eclectic, person-centered approach to therapy, and believe healing happens in our connection to ourselves, our spirituality, other people, and nature. Creating safe spaces of non-judgment, empathy, honesty, an appreciation of diversity, and creativity, in the form of tailored, individualized treatment is my passion.
Children, individuals, couples, families, groups, court-ordered, diverse-abilities, cultures and ethnicities, races, ages, genders, sexual orientations, religions and spiritual practices.
Megahn Williams, MSW- Intern
Hello, I’m Megahn. I am an MSW intern with four years of experience in behavioral health settings. I am eager to create a safe, nonjudgmental, and therapeutic space while incorporating a client-centered and strengths-based approach under licensed supervision. I aim to create a warm, supportive environment where you can feel heard, respected, and empowered to explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
Bernadine Madrid, MSW-Intern
Hello, my name is Bernadine, and I'm a counseling intern based in Pueblo, CO. I have the privilege of working with a variety of individuals who face challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and ADHD. I take an eclectic approach to meet each person's unique needs. I know that reaching out for help can be a tough step to take, and I genuinely aim to foster a safe and nurturing space for you.
Rosalinda Sanchez, MSW-Intern
Hello, my name is Rosalinda Sanchez (Rosa), I commute to Pueblo for my clients from Colorado Springs, I have been here for 32 years and originally from Washington State, and yes, I am a Seahawks fan. I am a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, and counselor. My family consists of my husband, two sons, one grandson (who lives in the Middle East) and one granddaughter (living in springs) I have two dogs, Snickers and Bella. We love living near the sea of mountains and the sunshine. I am pursuing my Masters in Social Work, most importantly, I am here to help those in need.
Shelby Bitz (he/they), MSW-SWC
Shelby, is a Master’s Level Clinician with 10 years of experience supporting teens and young adults, especially those from marginalized communities. He specializes in working with LGBTQ+ clients and is passionate about providing queer-affirming care as a member of the community. Shelby uses a strengths-based, solution-focused approach rooted in social justice, and believes therapy is a collaborative journey of self-discovery. He offers sessions in-person at our Pueblo office or via Telehealth.
Learn more about Willow Tree Counseling in this 3 part series produced by the Fox 21 campaign "We Are Pueblo." Meet our trauma-trained and informed counselors here in Pueblo, CO, serving the surrounding areas.
