PROFESSIONAL

COUNSELING

You can transform your life. You can feel better, and do better.

Jo Ellen M Bourg, MA

Licensed Professional Counselor

Nationally Certified Counselor

Certified Clinical Trauma Professional

970-903-4078

info@optimumcounselingdurango.com

I see therapy as a collaborative process—never something you have to figure out alone. My role isn’t to tell you what to do but to walk alongside you, offering tools, insight, and support as you explore what truly works for you. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way, reconnect with your strengths, and work toward the changes you want to make in your life.

I also understand that opening up to someone—especially at the start—can feel awkward, vulnerable, or even stressful. That’s completely normal. My intention is to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and never judged. I take your trust seriously, and your confidentiality is something I treat as sacred.

And if it turns out I’m not the right fit for you, that’s okay, too. I’ll gladly help connect you with someone who might be a better match because what matters most is that you get the support you need.

Empower Yourself

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Embrace Decisions

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Feel Supported

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Find Fulfillment

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Change is Possible

Empower Yourself · Embrace Decisions · Feel Supported · Find Fulfillment · Change is Possible

Connect In-Person, Zoom, or Facetime

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    Career

    Let's dive deep into your aspirations and craft a personalized plan to turn your career goals into reality.

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    Interpersonal

    Navigating relationships can be difficult. Communication is key, but not always easy.

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    Skills building

    We will work together to build on tools already in place, and establish new ones.

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    Processing

    Identifying thoughts and feelings is the first step to communicating blocks, stagnation, or themes that can keep us stuck.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

I work with individuals of all ages—adults, teens, and children—as well as groups, supporting them in creating meaningful change through empowering thoughts and actions. My approach draws from Cognitive Behavioral, Reality, and Multisystemic therapies, and I integrate other therapeutic techniques as needed to best support each person’s unique goals and challenges.

  • Trauma.

  • Communication Skills.

  • Anxiety Management.

  • Life Stage/Phase Issues.

  • Domestic Violence Offender Treatment.

  • Substance Abuse Support.

  • LGBTQ+ Support.

  • Anger Management.

  • Coping Skills.

  • Interpersonal Skills Training.

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

  • Solution-Focused Brief Therapy.

  • Transpersonal Therapy.

Services and Fees

Individual Session

My standard rate is $150 per 60-minute session. I also offer a flexible sliding scale based on your current financial situation—no documentation is required, just an open and honest conversation. My goal is to make therapy accessible while honoring the value of this work.

Accepted Payment Methods:

  • Cash

  • Check

  • Venmo

  • Zelle

  • PayPal

  • Credit/Debit Cards (please note: card payments include a small processing fee)

Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, relationship challenges, life transitions, or personal growth, I’m committed to working with you in a way that’s both meaningful and manageable.

Domestic Violence Offender Treatment/ Anger Management

Intake Appointment – $100

Your first one-on-one session where we review your history, discuss your goals, and begin building our therapeutic relationship.

Evaluation – $200

A more in-depth assessment for specific concerns, documentation, or referrals. Often used for diagnostic clarity or treatment planning.

Individual Therapy Sessions – $50–$100

Ongoing one-on-one sessions tailored to your needs. A sliding scale is available based on financial need.

Group Therapy Sessions – $35

Supportive group settings focused on shared topics like anxiety, relationships, grief, or life transitions.

Reinstatement Fee – $50

Applies if returning to therapy after a significant break or for reactivating your case.

Insurances Accepted

  • Anthem

  • Cigna

  • Evernorth

  • Oscar Health

  • Oxford

  • Triad EAP

  • AllOne EAP

  • United Healthcare UHC l UBH

  • Profile EAP

*I run non-EAP insurances through Headway.

TESTIMONIALS

  • Class was amazingly good. From the intense start to a joyful finish, she did a fabulous job. I wish it had been filmed for other counselors to see how a class should be conducted. Thank you so much for making this miserable life event tolerable, if not enjoyable. C.R.

  • It's been a while since we last spoke. I just wanted to let you know that I'm doing well and that life is great for me. I have turned things around for myself in a big positive way. I just would like to thank you for being one of the reasons I have decided to make changes in my lifestyle. Knowing my triggers and how to work through them have really helped me from a lot of poor choices I could have made. Thank you for being such a great soul not only in life, but in your work as well.  F.O.

  • Since I have been seeing you, life is literally 100% better. I got a new job. My life is doing a 180. I want to thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. You are a wonderful, beautiful person. I am dead honest when I say, I could not have done this without you. Life is going on a better path now and it’s all because of you. JC

  • She exceeded my expectations. At 51, I’ve seen various therapists over the years to navigate life changes, but this time I felt unbalanced and confused.  From our first meeting, I sensed that Jo Ellen would make a significant impact, and she truly did.  She quickly identified the blocks I was facing and provided me with effective tools that allowed me to find peace in just a few weeks instead of months.  She gets straight to the point while creating a safe environment that lets you be your true self.  I also appreciated that I didn’t have to dive deep into my trauma.  With her guidance, I could see it more clearly and move forward right away. I. M.

  • I am a recent graduate of the DV program instructed by Jo Ellen. She takes genuine interest in all clients enrolled in her classes. Clients not only learn from her expertise, but also gain insight and learn from each other. R.H.

  • Jo Ellen is the perfect therapist for me. She doesn’t mess around with sugar coating what I might want to hear. She is kind and direct and gives me things to think about and work to do that really help me fill my bucket and heal. I recommend her to all my friends. E.E.