Meet the Good Talk Counseling Team
We bring together decades of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds and unique life experiences. Our team, comprised of skilled and credentialed counselors, is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based services that honor each client's unique life course.
We are deeply rooted in animal-assisted therapy, with over 40 years of combined experience utilizing and celebrating the profound connection between humans and animals. This expertise enriches our therapeutic approach, allowing us to offer a supportive, healing environment where clients can engage fully in the therapeutic process.
We are proud to provide a safe, inclusive space for healing and growth, where the human-animal bond is celebrated as a vital component of the therapeutic journey ... we would be honored to walk this journey with you.
Carol Heiden, M.Ed., LPCC
Therapist
Welcome!
If you have found yourself here, then it is likely you are searching. Are you feeling sad, stressed, fearful, uncertain, anxious, questioning, or simply seeking clarity? I am here to offer a compassionate and supportive space where you will feel seen, valued, understood, and safe to explore those feelings. My approach is rooted in openness, clarity, empathy, a touch of humor, and abiding respect to help you navigate life challenges.
Using a strength-based perspective, I draw from trauma-informed care, cognitive behavioral techniques, and attachment theory to guide our work together. I aim to help you uncover and embrace your strengths as we tackle obstacles and work toward solutions.
I’ve had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors and working in diverse settings, such as community counseling centers, schools, community health clinics, advocacy organizations, and animal-assisted services. These experiences have deepened my ability to meet people where they are and walk alongside them in their journey.
I also believe animals can be transformative in therapy. My certified Facility Dog, Pumpkin, and our other Good Talk companions—including dogs, cats, and guinea pigs—can join our sessions if we feel this unique connection might enhance our process.
We have designed our GTC facility to be warm and welcoming, but I strive to offer therapy in ways that best fit your lifestyle and needs. Whether in-person, via telehealth, in the calming presence of nature, or even in your home, my objective is to create a space where you feel comfortable and empowered.
I welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds. I focus on life transitions and am passionate about making mental health services more accessible to homebound individuals.
Areas of Focus:
Life transitions
Grief and Loss
Older Adulthood and Aging
End of Life Issues
Caregiver Roles
Stress and Anxiety
Depression
Relationship challenges
Human-animal connections
I look forward to connecting with you, walking beside you, and supporting you in your journey.
Heather McLaughlin, MSW, MPH, LSW
Social Worker
My intention is to foster a safe, healing, and collaborative therapeutic environment centered on specific concerns and meaningful goals. I seek to create greater awareness of socioenvironmental factors, behaviors, attitudes, thought processes, and motivations to improve well-being and emotional, biopsychosocial, and/or intellectual functioning. I strive to practice from a place of awareness, empathy, and understanding of each individual’s distinctive mental health journey within the context of their background, experiences, and identities.
I have been a social worker for many years, and I uphold the values and ethics of this profession which was established well over a hundred years ago. My practice framework is informed by ecological systems, attachment, and empowerment theories. I have worked in a variety of settings including schools, community health, advocacy organizations, and animal-assisted services.
I believe that animals in a therapeutic context can provide a grounding presence while building opportunities to enhance self-awareness and understanding of one’s relationships. For those who are interested, my certified Facility Dog Sporty and other Good Talk dogs, cats, and guinea pigs can be integrated into therapy sessions. I work with people in various settings ~ office, virtual/telehealth, outdoors, and in the community. I welcome individuals of all ages and backgrounds and aim to increase access for those living in rural areas.
I grew up in and now am part of my own blended family. I hold Master’s Degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from TCU.
My areas of focus include:
stress, anxiety, and depression
dis/abilities and neurodivergence
relationship challenges
self-advocacy
human-animal connections, including service, assistance, support, and companion animals
AND life transitions, in areas such as
educational and professional junctures
parenting and caretaker stages
older adulthood chapters
grief, loss, and end-of-life issues for individuals and their loved ones
Oliva Dole, MSW
Social Worker
I am a Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate from the University of Denver with a specialization in mental health and certificate in human-animal environment connections. My love for animals and desire to help humans has led me to integrating the therapeutic power of animals into my practice.
I have dedicated my career to supporting adolescents and teens as they navigate the challenges of personal growth. Through my experience in individual therapy, case management, medical social work, non-profit organizations, and harm reduction services, I have developed a comprehensive understanding of diverse client needs.
I believe in a strengths-based approach that honors your unique journey and recognizes your inherent resilience. I prioritize building a warm and authentic therapeutic relationship where you feel safe to be yourself. Together we will explore past and present experiences to increase awareness and understanding of how you got here and where you would like to go in the future.
Pumpkin, Certified Facility Dog
Pumpkin is a Certified Facility Dog trained by Paragon Service Dogs, known for her boundless joy and loving spirit. With her soulful Cocker Spaniel eyes and silky ears, she may look wistful, but don't be fooled—her tail is always wagging! Despite a challenging past, including being abandoned twice before age two and undergoing serious surgeries, Pumpkin radiates happiness and resilience. Her journey has taught her to trust again, and she now shares her empathy, energy, and calming presence with those around her. Pumpkin’s intuitive nature and unconditional joy make her a cherished companion in therapy, bringing comfort, laughter, and smiles.
Sporty, Certified Facility Dog
Sporty is a stellar Facility Dog trained by Paragon Service Dogs staff per the standards established by Assistance Dogs International. She is a sweet Black Labrador Retriever. She responds to a wide variety of cues that can be integrated into therapeutic sessions. Sporty offers a calming and unconditionally accepting presence for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Dune, Facility Dog-in-Training
Dune is currently in training with Paragon Service Dogs staff to become a certified facility dog, meeting the standards of Assistance Dogs International. His playful nature and eagerness to connect make him a wonderful companion. His presence facilitates unique insights and encourages creative expression within sessions. Dune offers a calming presence, provides unconditional support, and enhances the therapeutic experience for clients.
Buddy, Facility Cat
Our therapy cat, Buddy, is a true character. His witty antics and curiosity provide unique opportunities in therapeutic sessions. His zest for exploration is contagious. Buddy is a furry friend who is masterful at sparking a sense of adventure. He is also a natural at helping people feel at ease whether he's curling up beside someone during a tough moment or sharing the warmth of a sunny spot as he nestles down for a cat nap.
Mulan, Facility Cat
Mulan brings comfort, joy, and calm to everyone she meets. Mulan has a special way of making people feel at ease with her soft fur, gentle purrs, and affectionate nature. She works as part of Good Talk Counseling’s sessions to help reduce stress, ease anxiety, and bring smiles to those who need it most. Whether curling up beside someone during a quiet moment or playfully batting at a toy to lift spirits, Mulan is a source of healing and connection.
Ethical Standards and Compliance
We adhere to the ethical guidelines of the American Counseling Association (ACA), the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Colorado State laws, regulations, and standards, ensuring that our practice meets the highest standards of professionalism, confidentiality, and client care. We are committed to continuing education and supervision to maintain our competence and stay updated on best practices.