Joy Fortanbary completed a Masters of Arts in Clinical and Mental Health Counseling from Richmont Graduate University and also holds a B.A. in Public Relations Journalism from the University of South Carolina. She is an Associate Professional Counselor by the Composite Board of Professional Counselors, Social Workers, And Marriage and Family Therapists. She is also a National Certified Counselor by the National Board of Certified Counselors and an ASAT-Candidate from the International Institute of Trauma and Addictions Specialists. Additionally, Joy has specialized training in EMDR, a therapeutic technique designed to help people struggling to process trauma.

Joy is passionate about partnering with individuals on the journey towards interpersonal healing that leads to generational change. She believes the most powerful growth happens in the context of relationship, which leads to her commitment to provide a genuine space marked by curiosity and collaboration.

Joy enjoys working with individuals navigating various challenges such as trauma, sex and love addictions, life transitions, anxiety, depression, and relationship conflict. Joy utilizes an integrative and holistic approach in the process of helping clients reach their personalized goals and lead a life more by design and not by default.

Joy gained valuable experience working with both individuals and groups in private practice and treatment center settings. Prior to counseling, she worked with leaders to establish national and global organizational partnerships at a large nonprofit in the Atlanta area. In her free time, Joy enjoys traveling, yoga, and spending time with her family.

I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2008. I graduated from Georgia State in 2005 with a Masters in Professional Counseling. For the last 20 years I have been working with North Point Ministries and currently working as a Director in the Care Network.
I work with adults navigating a difficult season in life including; boundary issues, divorce/separation, marriage, anxiety, self-worth, co-dependency, life transitions and grief.
After 13 years of marriage, I navigated through a difficult and devastating divorce. In the midst of heartbreaking brokenness, my faith in God strengthened as I trusted in His grace and promises. I am now happily remarried and have a strong desire to help women in their own journey.

It’s important work to step into counseling as an individual or with your loved ones. I admire those who make this commitment to growth and well-being. I’m honored to come alongside clients, providing therapeutic space to be honest without judgment. I’m passionate about giving clients autonomy, providing clarity, and being open to their feedback. I believe therapy is a collaborative process where both client and therapist play important roles: the client bringing their holistic self, and the therapist empathizing, tracing patterns, providing curiosity and insight, and working together toward meeting goals and living out personal values.

I enjoy working with couples, families, individual men, women, and teens! I have experience working in non-profit outpatient counseling centers and addiction treatment centers in addition to private practice. I especially enjoy helping families affected by addiction, working with couples longing to get unstuck and to experience lasting connection, and empowering teens with space to process and skills to manage stressors. I’m also passionate about supporting individuals through transitions across the lifespan, and through personal and spiritual identity work.

Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, anxious, and unsure of yourself? Are you trying to gain your footing after a recent life transition? Are you curious about how your past is influencing your present? Is your inner critic in overdrive during this season of life, telling you to "just get over it and be happy?" This is where I come in! You don't have to do this alone.

Hi! I'm Laura, and I'd be absolutely honored to join you on your journey, serving as your guide (albeit fellow imperfect human being) and confidant. It is my goal to help you feel koselig with yourself, amidst the difficulties of life. Koselig is a Norwegian term used to describe an all-encompassing sense of comfort one experiences when they feel “at home”.

Whether you are coping with a difficult life transition, like pregnancy or postpartum, graduating college, questioning your faith, moving, or switching careers, chances are that anxiety is showing up in your life like never before. You deserve space to slow down and get more in touch with your emotions and needs, enabling you to feel koselig with yourself.

Interested in learning more? Email me to schedule a complimentary 20 minute phone call to get to know each other a little and to see if it seems like we would be a good fit before scheduling an initial session. I offer both in person and virtual sessions and am located near Wash Park in Denver, CO.

My goal for you is to find a therapist that you feel safe + known with, and if I’m not the best fit for you, I have a list of incredible referrals I would love to provide you with.