Finding the right fit can be hard.
Therapist
The task of finding the right therapist can be draining, vulnerable, and re-traumatizing. Knowing this (and having experienced it myself), I've dedicated myself to understanding what perpetuates struggle and how we can develop a space of solace together.
My occupational journey began as an elementary school teacher; my therapeutic journey began in forensic counseling, working with adult men and women on probation. Not surprisingly, I discovered an intimate link between childhood maladjustment and the development of thoughts and behaviors that dramatically increase the likelihood of incarceration and poor health outcomes. I have since prioritized work that builds healthy, neuro-informed foundations for growth while helping folx prepare for and accept the unknown.
When not therapizing, I climb 14-ers, scour arcades for Dance Dance Revolution, and engage in splendidly eclectic Dungeons and Dragons campaigns.
-Ms. Noel Fayth McKillip, MA, LPCC, NCC
Pronouns: she/her/hers | Learn more
Researcher
My interest as a researcher lies in developing neuro-informed interventions that illuminate the underpinnings of our distress while empowering us, as individuals and as collective citizens, to understand and strive for the lives we desire.
I presently operate as a member of Dr. Adriel Boals' Stress and Cognition lab at University of North Texas, Dr. Eric Beeson's Neuroscience Integration lab at Northwestern University, and Dr. Lucy Parker-Barne's Classism and Advocacy lab at Gannon University. (See my Clinical Contributions page for more information.)
I am a strong believer in evidence-based practice and not a believer in reinventing the wheel. Our world, and our experience of the world, is constantly evolving; it makes sense, then, that our therapeutic practice would evolve as well.
Educator
I come from the stance that Knowledge Is Power. Part of being a social justice-oriented clinician is caring, massively, about client advocacy. While one-on-one advocacy is my bread and butter, I take every advantage of opportunities to educate on and provide frameworks for cultural competency and mental health en masse.
Presently, I assist with Peer Support and Resiliency trainings for Denver's West Metro Fire Department (in conjunction with Building Warriors, a local first-responder nonprofit) and guest lecture at selected universities. (If you would like to set up an educational event at a specific organization, shoot me a message from my Contact page.)
CredentiAls
Ms. Noel Fayth McKillip, MA, LPCC, LCDC (TX), NCC
LPCC #18583 (Colorado)
LCDC #15797 (Texas)
M.A., Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Northwestern University, Illinois
M.A., Elementary Curriculum & Instruction, University of Denver, Colorado
B.A., Psychology, University of Denver, Colorado
B.A., English, University of Denver, Colorado
