I'm Cora Bergstrom, a licensed professional and addiction counselor. I help people see what's standing in the way of the changes they want, and then do the honest work of moving through it.
Text to arrange a free 10-minute consultation call. No pressure, no commitment. Sessions are by secure video, with evening and Friday appointments.
I'm dual licensed in Colorado as a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Addiction Counselor, and I'm also a National Certified Counselor. For the past few years I've worked with clients in crisis in both residential and outpatient recovery programs. That work has shown me, over and over, how much people are capable of when someone meets them with honesty and without judgment.
I specialize in helping people recognize the obstacles that are keeping them from creating the changes they want in their lives. Sometimes those obstacles are habits or substances. Sometimes they're old wounds, relationships, or the stories we tell ourselves. Naming them clearly is the first step toward moving past them.
I work with teens 12 and up, adults, couples, and families. Sessions are held by secure video, so you can meet from wherever in Colorado you feel most comfortable.
Why "Life is Lemons"“Life is Lemons became my mantra when it seemed I was constantly dealing with one struggle or another and it felt overwhelming. Remembering that each crisis brought with it an opportunity to learn and grow helped me to continue persevering.”
Licensure requires completion of a Master's program, national exams, and thousands of hours of practical experience in both directly supervised clinical work as well as independent client hours reviewed with a qualified supervisor. Here is what each one means, and why holding both a mental health license and an addiction license matters for the people I work with.
Colorado license LPC.0023072
Colorado's state license for master's-level mental health counselors, issued by the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). It requires a graduate degree in counseling, a national exam, and a post-graduate residency of thousands of client hours completed under a qualified supervisor's oversight, plus continuing education to keep it current.
Colorado license ACD.0002974
Colorado's highest addiction-specific license, also issued by DORA. On top of the graduate degree, it requires addiction-focused coursework, its own national exam, and thousands of hours of clinical experience treating substance use, again under supervision.
Board certified by the National Board for Certified Counselors
A voluntary national board certification. It means meeting a national standard for education, examination, and ethics, and keeping it current every year.
Substance use and mental health rarely show up one at a time. Anxiety, depression, trauma, and grief often sit underneath a drinking or drug problem, and using often makes them worse. Many people end up bounced between a therapist who "doesn't do addiction" and an addiction counselor who "doesn't do trauma." Being licensed in both means we can work on the whole picture in one room, with one person who knows your story.
Counseling gives each of us a chance to look honestly at our own issues and to challenge ourselves to improve our relationships with others, and with ourselves.
My passion is creating a space where you can be honest and open without fear of judgment. What you bring into the room stays in the room.
Real change takes looking at hard things. I'll be direct and warm at the same time, and I'll walk beside you as you set the pace for your healing.
Together we'll process what needs processing, work through the barriers, and set goals that fit your life, not someone else's idea of it.
I work with teens 12 and up, adults, couples, and families. If what you're facing isn't listed here, reach out anyway. A short conversation is the easiest way to find out whether we're a good fit.
Text (719) 642-8436 with your name and a good time to talk. I'm often in session, so I'll reply as soon as I'm able.
We'll talk briefly about what's bringing you in and what you're hoping for, and decide together whether working with me makes sense.
Sessions are 50 minutes by secure video, from wherever in Colorado you are. Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Friday afternoons are available, so therapy doesn't have to compete with your workday.
If you're interested in taking steps in the journey of therapy with me, text to arrange a free 10-minute consultation call.
(719) 642-8436I don't bill insurance. Before we begin you'll receive a Good Faith Estimate of costs, as required by federal law.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please don't wait for a reply. This practice is not an emergency service. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call Colorado Crisis Services at 1-844-493-8255 or text TALK to 38255, or call 911.
Text messaging is convenient but not a secure channel. Please keep messages brief and save the details for our conversation.
