Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, welcomes you! Your journey to better mental health starts here!

“Our philosophy is to assist clients as their guide through therapy.
This is your personal journey and we’re along to help you seek out your own choices.”

Meet the Staff

Thrive Counseling Services, LLC, located in Cheyenne, WY is dedicated to helping people live to their full potential and live healthy productive lives! Learn more about our psychotherapists below!

Laura Kietell, MSW, LCSW | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

Laura Kietell

MSW, LCSW - Psychotherapist & Owner of Thrive Counseling Services

I utilize a cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused approach with experiential influences. My clinical beliefs stem from the social work model of Person-In-Environment utilizing unconditional positive regard. My interventions match each client where they are at emotionally, physically, and spiritually allowing them to pace the treatment to their comfort level.

I have several years of experience with children and adolescents working as a counselor after obtaining my bachelor’s degree up to becoming a primary therapist upon earning my Master’s degree. Issues addressed; grief and loss, attachment and abandonment, trauma, anger management, eating disorders, dissociative disorders, social skills, self-esteem, bullying, stress management, relationships, and parenting.”

Credentials
  • MSW, LCSW
  • ART Certified (Accelerated Resolution Therapy), April 2018
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker, WY-575
  • University of Denver, MSW 2003
  • Colorado State University, BA Social Work, 1996
  • University of Phoenix, Human Resource Mgt Certificate, 2000

Professional training includes self-harm, substance abuse, eating disorders, suicidality, homicidality, sexual abuse, families facing multiple problems, PTSD, and personality disorders, trauma. I work with preteens through elderly. ART is similar to EMDR, please learn more from the ART website.

Psychologist

Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

Steven Newman

    Psy.D., ABPP - Psychological Testing Services

    I am a board-certified psychologist with over 30 years of experience in evaluating and treating anxiety, depression, attention, memory and behavior problems.

    In conducting evaluations, I have a special interest in looking at cognitive problems from the point of view of normal development and aging. I focus on adults who have experienced challenges in achieving their goals related to neurodevelopmental issues (such as autism spectrum disorders and attention deficit), and older adults who have memory problems.

    In therapy, adults and adolescents who have an interest in understanding themselves and who are struggling with difficult emotions and behaviors are a good fit for my approach, which is based on effective behavioral and insight-oriented techniques.

    Credentials

    Psy.D., ABPP.

    PsyD stands for Doctor of Psychology, a degree that is similar to the PhD, but usually involves more training in clinical practice, and less in research. This required five years of clinical psychology graduate school (after the four-year undergraduate degree) and a one-year clinical internship, which was supervised by other psychologists. ABPP stands for American Board of Professional Psychology, the oldest and most widely-recognized credentialing board for specialties in psychology (board certification). This required evaluation of written and videotaped work samples by examining psychologists, an extensive oral examination by three senior, board-certified psychologists on theory, technique, and ethics, and verification of my credentials, training, and experience.

    Therapists

    Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

    Kirsten Ward

     

      PCSW - Psychotherapist

      Kirsten’s clinical beliefs are based in social work ethics, using a wraparound perspective; physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually, to allow clients to guide treatment at their own pace.  She uses strength perspective, task-centered, solution focused therapy in her interactions with clients to assist them in reaching their goals. 

      Kirsten has several years of experience with adolescents, adults, families, and veterans since graduating with her bachelor’s degree at many different levels, case management, therapy, and program management and development.  She has continued to use her skills to assist clients since graduating with a master’s in social work.

      Credentials
      PCSW
      Chadron State College, BA Social Work, 2013
      University of Kentucky, MSW, 2022
      Provisional Clinical Social Worker, PCSW #1041
      Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

      Larry Player

        PMFT - Psychotherapist

        Larry Player’s approach to psychotherapy starts with developing therapeutic rapport with clients
        thus creating opportunities for them to self-reflect and examine ways to create, sustain, and
        repair relationships. He also emphasizes the importance of clients achieving their goals through
        solution focused thinking opposed to problem focused thinking.

        Larry’s professional interest includes special needs children that require high levels of care. He
        has several years’ experience in working with children and adolescents with a variety of special
        needs ranging from autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, dysgraphia, and ADHD.

        Larry’s personal interest include working with gifted adolescents involved in various forms of art
        (film, music, and literature). He believes mental health can be observed and treated with healthy
        forms of expression through the arts.

        Credentials
        • PMFT
        • Master’s in Psychology and Sociology
        • North Carolina Central University – Durham, NC  (August 2016 to May 2018)
        • BACHELOR OF ARTS in PSYCHOLOGY
          North Carolina Central University – Durham, NC (2014)
        Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

        Heather Coughenour

          PCSW - Psychotherapist

          Heather is a Master of Social Work Student from Arizona State University, she will graduate December 2022 and begin her provisional licensing hours at Thrive. Before joining the Thrive team Heather completed over 480 hours of internship dedicated to supporting local community members. Heather also works for many years as a case manager for a local non-profits within our great Cheyenne community.

          Heather has a sincere passion for helping individuals to find ways to work through and understand their problems utilizing Psychotherapy, Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Interpersonal therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and Mindfulness-based therapy. Heather thrives in the solution focused model of treatment assisting clients with problem solving.

          Credentials
          • PCSW-1077
          • Arizona State University, Master of Social Work – Graduated December 2022 and joined the thrive team as a part time Psychotherapist
          • University of Wyoming, BS Psychology, 2018
          Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

          Bailey Mlinar

            Master’s Candidate Intern/ Psychotherapist

            Bailey is currently attending Adams State University as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduate student. She is excited to join the Thrive team as she continues to develop her own counseling skills while completing her practicum and internship requirements for licensure.

            Bailey is a proponent of holistic therapeutic approaches that view the individual client as a unique and complex interaction of the various life factors and experiences that influence one’s journey through life. She believes we each have the ability to create the lives we want for ourselves, and therapy is a tool to help us get closer to that life we desire. Bailey utilizes mindfulness-based therapies and elements of cognitive-behavioral, existential-humanistic, and psychoeducation approaches to focus on the overall development, health, and wellness of each of her clients.

            Credentials

            Coming soon!

            Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

            Loren Wardle

              Master’s Candidate Intern/ Psychotherapist

              Loren Wardle is currently attending Liberty University as a Clinical Mental Health Counseling graduatestudent. She is excited to join the Thrive team as she continues to develop her own counselin skills while completing her practicum and internship requirements for licensure.

              Loren utilizes Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational
              Interviewing, Mindfulness-based Therapy, and psychoeducation to help clients understand how
              their problems have arisen and how to address them in a manner that they can work through
              them.

              She loves being able to work with people and help them meet their goals. It is always a priority
              to help people to know who they are and be who they want to be by guiding them to establish
              their goals. Loren genuinely enjoys people and their stories. She loves to learn about people
              and get to know the true them.

              Credentials

              Liberty University, MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (Expected graduation May 2024)
              Liberty University, BS in Psychology (May 2017)
              Certified facilitator of Symbis Pre- Marital Counseling

              Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

              Karin Skinner

                Master’s Candidate Intern/ Psychotherapist

                Karin Skinner is a graduate student pursuing her degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University. She is enthusiastic about embarking on her practicum and internship journey at Thrive and relishes the opportunity to enhance her counseling skills. Above all, Karin finds immense joy in connecting with clients, delving into their challenges, and helping them achieve their goals.

                Karin employs a versatile array of therapeutic approaches, including Person-Centered Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, psychoeducation, and Existential-Humanist Therapy. These diverse methods enable her to customize therapy sessions to meet the unique needs of each client while offering unwavering support and a deep exploration of their experiences.

                Karin firmly believes that the cornerstone of successful therapy is the development of a secure and trusting relationship between the client and therapist. This foundation fosters an environment where clients can comfortably address even the most challenging issues during sessions. Moreover, Karin respects the client’s unparalleled understanding of their own life, ensuring that they maintain control of their therapy sessions.

                Credentials

                Currently Pursuing Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Walden University

                Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                Sherry

                  Master’s Candidate Intern/ Psychotherapist

                  Sherry brings over 10 years of counseling experience to her practice since her graduation from Texas A&M University. Her deep passion lies in facilitating healing for individuals who have endured traumatic or stressful experiences. Sherry is dedicated to guiding her diverse clientele, which includes children, adults, and families, towards cultivating healthier self-perceptions and strengthening their relationships, ultimately empowering them to discover inner peace, wholeness, and safety.

                  In 2023, Sherry and her husband made the move from Texas to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to be closer to her daughter and grandson. Beyond her work, Sherry finds solace in activities like hiking and gardening, as well as staying updated on the latest counseling techniques and resources to better assist her clients. Her unwavering commitment to social work ethics drives her to diligently determine the optimal care for each client.

                  Credentials

                  Coming soon!

                  Heather Coughenour | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                  Mary Miller

                    Master’s Candidate Intern/ Psychotherapist

                    Bio Coming soon! 

                    Credentials

                    Coming soon!

                    Administration

                    Laura Kietell, MSW, LCSW | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                    Dixie

                    Office Manager

                    Dixie works for us running the front end of the office. She is the first person you will see and likely interact with when contacting our office! Dixie is a friendly, fun and upbeat person to have in the office. She can assist with payments, scheduling and any other questions you may have.

                    Dixie enjoys spending time with her husband, gardening, and listening to live music. She has lived in Cheyenne for many years and enjoys the life she has established for her and her family.

                    Laura Kietell, MSW, LCSW | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                    Ann Boulter

                    Office Assistant/ Billing Clerk

                    Ann works for us assisting in the accuracy of maintaining client files, end-of-month billing cycles and other related office duties. Ann moved here from Colorado and is adapting to “the Great Outdoors” and the windy conditions we have! Ann enjoys hiking, traveling and is a self-described “foodie.”

                    Laura Kietell, MSW, LCSW | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                    Lillian

                    Part-Time Clerk

                    Lillian serves as our part-time clerk, and you may encounter her during your visits to our office. On certain days, you’ll find her assisting with various tasks, from making copies to filing and organizing. Lillian is known for her friendly demeanor, helpful nature, and strong work ethic. In her leisure time, she indulges in crafting, playing games, and cherishing moments with loved ones.

                    Billing Agent (1099)

                    Tracy Rodriguez | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                    Tracy Rodriguez

                    Billing Agent

                    Tracy conducts our daily billing and maintaining accounts so they remain up-to-date with accurate information. Tracy also does our insurance verifications. Tracy has several years of medical and billing experience. This ranges from working in mental health, hospitals, and private medical offices.

                    In her free time, Tracy enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, getting outside to hike, boating and swimming.

                    Additional Office Support

                    Willow Kietell | Thrive Counseling Services LLC

                    Willow Kietell

                    Office/ Therapy Dog

                    Willow is a “Bug,” which is a mix between a Boston Terrier and a Pug. She has been coming to Thrive as an office/therapy dog since the age of 10 weeks. Willow was born in September 2019 and she loves to visit with people all day long! She may even get excited and ask for you to play with her! Willow has earned her Canine Good Citizen certificate and she loves her job! She will greet you when you enter the office and often will walk with you to the door on your way out! She loves back scratches and belly rubs and will often try to give you a thousand kisses!