Foundation Connections

In the heart of Durango, Colorado, a passionate and determined future counselor, Kate Osterloh, is making strides to bring transformative mental health care to underserved rural communities. As a graduate student at Adams State University set to receive her LPCC licensure in May 2025, she is balancing the demands of education, internship, and single motherhood—all while pursuing a vision for holistic, community-centered counseling.

Her journey to counseling stems from a desire to foster grounding and connection. With a background in high-stress diplomatic roles, she witnessed firsthand the toll of disconnection and trauma on individuals. Inspired by her own experiences of healing and growth, she realized that counseling offered a meaningful path to address these challenges.

“I wanted to help others find their grounding in themselves and their communities,” Kate says. “It’s about empowering people to navigate their journey toward wholeness.”

The 2023–2024 NBCC Foundation GivingTuesday and rural scholarship became a pivotal moment in her career journey. As a single mother to a lively 3-year-old, the scholarship provided crucial financial support, allowing her to focus on her studies, internship, and motherhood.

“Thanks to the NBCC Foundation, I didn’t have to work during my first year, which enabled me to fully dedicate myself to my education and internship,” she explains. “It also opened doors to additional trainings and mentorship that have laid a strong foundation for my future.”

Currently interning at the Grief Center of Southwest Colorado, Kate works with individuals and groups across all ages who are navigating loss, including traumatic loss. Many of her clients come from rural areas and face barriers to accessing mental health care. The Grief Center, a nonprofit organization, addresses these challenges through grants and donations, offering therapy on a sliding scale or at no cost.

Her work includes community outreach, such as co-hosting events like Suicide Loss Survivors Day. “I find so much joy and fulfillment in this work, even when it’s difficult,” she shares.

Her counseling philosophy emphasizes connection—within oneself, with others, and with the environment. She plans to tailor her approach to meet the unique needs of rural communities by integrating culturally relevant practices like place-based therapy, mindfulness, and nature-based modalities. Long-term, she envisions creating Terra Firma Counseling, a model that combines these elements to support both individual and systemic healing.

“Having grown up with ties to rural communities, I’ve seen both their resilience and the barriers they face,” she says. “I’m committed to leveraging cultural strengths, like a connection to the land, to provide effective and meaningful counseling.”

Throughout her education, she has been surprised by the power of vulnerability in the counseling process. “I’ve learned that sharing my authentic self, when done ethically, can be a tool for connection and healing,” she says.

Her motivation comes from the courage and resilience of her clients. “The moments when clients experience breakthroughs or find peace are incredibly rewarding. Knowing that I can play a small part in their journey keeps me deeply invested.”

Reflecting on her journey, she credits the NBCC Foundation scholarship for enabling her to focus on what truly matters. From training in guided meditation and traumatic grief counseling to building relationships within her community, the scholarship has been a cornerstone of her growth.

“My goal is to continue bridging traditional counseling with holistic, community-centered practices,” Kate shares. “I hope to create a sustainable model that not only supports individual healing but also fosters systemic change.”

As she continues to navigate the demands of graduate school, motherhood, and her internship, her vision remains clear: to serve her community with compassion, innovation, and unwavering commitment. For Kate Osterloh, success is about fostering connections, empowering others, and making mental health care accessible to all.

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