Unlike some who discover their passion at a young and formative age, I found my way to counseling through research during my college years at Valparaiso University (Valpo). I knew towards the end of my undergraduate career that I wanted to help people better understand themselves, and to help others resolve problems in their life. That’s when I decided to go into the field of mental health counseling.
As a counselor now, and after sitting down with many people over the course of my graduate and professional career, I discovered that being in mental health was more than helping others understand themselves: it was also about my own journey towards personal self-discovery. For many people who choose to see a counselor, it can often feel intimidating and stigmatizing. After gaining a better understanding of how people were coming into a therapy office and where some were at in life, I made it my mission to create a warm and nonjudgmental space for people to share some of their deepest secrets, concerns, and desires to change.
I grew up in a home that emphasized self-acceptance and empowerment, and this was exactly what I wanted my clients to feel when choosing me as their counselor. I especially wanted clients who identified in the LGBTQ+ community to feel at home when deciding to share hardships and challenges happening in their lives. After many close friends and family members openly came out as LGBTQ+, and after joining an LGBTQ+ support and therapeutic group during my training as a counseling intern, I knew that was where my heart was! Thus I began focused training and work as an LGBTQ+ and gender therapist.
Over time this led to the inception of Identity Insights, my current practice, and my "graduation" from some other well-known firms in the Western Colorado, Grand Junction area. Identity Insights has become the type of practice that embodies these desires and fulfills a need that I know exists, all while allowing me to pursue the passion of my heart. From this rock that I have created, I offer my services in person, via the telephone, and using online conferencing. This allows me to maximize my reach and ability to help people across the State of Colorado, from Grand Junction to Denver and Fort Collins.
Focusing on this practice in Western Colorado has presented interesting, unique, and highly educational challenges and rewards. Better equipping me as a professional counselor, and allowing me to offer better quality services to my patients. My involvement in local LGBTQ+ charity and non-profit organizations only helps cement this desire to bring the benefit of strong mental health services to the community. Though a large part of my practice focuses on the LGBTQ+ community, and on same-sex couples, as well as gender transitions, and gender therapy; I also offer counseling services to heterosexual individuals and couples who seek to overcome anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders.
If you have reached a point in life where you feel that counseling could benefit you, I suggest reaching out. I am one of the best options for LGBTQ+ in Western Colorado. You can connect with me via my online form to book an appointment with me. I always start with a 40-minute free session to help us better understand each other and connect. I truly look forward to working with you!
Devin Pinkston is a local mental health counselor and Gender Therapist in Grand Junction Colorado. Call to schedule a free consultation today at 970-644-2392.