Meet Michele Ater | LPC, Clinical hypnotist, Reiki Master

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michele Ater and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michele, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is something that has defined who I am as I developed during my career and personal life. I started right after college by going into Peace Corps in central Africa (DRC) for 3 years in a Francophone country where I had to immerse myself into language and culture.
I became a global import/export perishable logistics expert by having the ability to take risks with contingency plans and knowledge of what options and resources are available. I did not have any prior information, but was able to grasp the concepts and use communication and integrity to create processes and procedures that were followed and managed. Risk is what changed my company and the industries way of communication and moving goods on all modalities of transportation in the cold chain world.
I went to graduate school at 47 years old to get a master’s in clinical mental health counseling CMHC) to purposely do a heart centered career change. My fear was the student loan, the risk was taking the time, money and energy to perhaps find out that it wasn’t what I had imagined it to be and feel for me as it was a direct 180 from my 20-year career. What i found out is that the risk was successful as I took all my prior experience to start my own business and collective that is growing each year with clients and other therapists and providers. It comes off as a lack of fear, however it’s more calculated risks based on experience and education and a knowledge that anything is possible with focus.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is Origin Wellness Collective which is a trauma-informed practice that looks for holistic solutions for trauma recovery. We are a collection of highly trained therapists focused on empowering and supporting our clients to grow.

We believe in the bodies innate capacity to heal. Our goal is to provide a holistic approach when working with clients by combining traditional, evidence-based practices with other alternative approaches to therapy to best support the unique needs of our clients.

We offer an array of services including individual psychotherapy, ketamine-assisted psychotherapy and integration, spirituality, reiki, clinical hypnosis, psilocybin therapy, coaching and clinical supervision/ consultation.

OWC differentiates itself from other practices because we bring in a variety of therapists and practitioners who utilize their special skills and the client has an array of modalities to use. The client can do office-based traditional therapies, wilderness therapy, ketamine programs, group processing, mushroom therapy with somatic body work, EMDR/TFT, float tank therapy, life or business coaching, nutrition and exercise coaching, art therapy, spirituality and energy integration. The client comes in for healing and feels that they have a very inclusive and holistic program that can bend and shift as they feel the need or desire while attached to a main therapist.

I have come from 25 years as a global logistics director for a large corporation and have extensive experience in working with cultures and processes so starting a business was not a stretch……making something that was needed and actually worked for people suffering from trauma was the challenge.
I had a personal tragedy that happened in March 2014 that opened my eyes to the need for trauma therapies that don’t try to cover up the trauma reactions to the body, nervous system and energy lines, but actually heal and open the whole person for change and growth into a “new way of peaceful living.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I absolutely love Colorado! Living in Golden, I feel perfectly situated at the crossroads of the West, South, North, and Denver. Colorado offers an endless array of activities, and no matter which direction you head, you’re bound to find adventure and great food.
If we had a week to explore, I’d start with a drive up to Fort Collins and stay in a cabin on Horsetooth Reservoir. On the way, we’d grab a delicious sub from Cheba Hut. Our days would be filled with hiking, mountain biking, and grilling tasty camp meals. The next day, we’d visit Mishawaka for a late lunch, followed by a hike in the surrounding forest. We’d cap the day with a concert on the Poudre River, enjoying live bluegrass music.
Midweek, we’d explore the front range, starting in my hometown of Golden. We’d savor pizza at the renowned Woody’s and sip a glass of rosé at the Golden Hotel while watching rafters and kayakers navigate the river. We’d spend a day wandering through the charming shops and pubs, and strolling along the river. Golden is a gem with its stunning water views, mountain backdrop, unique shops, the Golden Mill, and the friendliest people around.
Next, we’d head to Morrison for a day of hiking among the iconic red rocks. Whether tackling the stairs by day or experiencing a concert by night, the views of the city and nature are unparalleled. A strawberry margarita at the Morrison Inn, accompanied by chips, salsa, and guacamole, is a must.
Finally, we’d venture into Denver for a city adventure. We’d dine at my favorite sushi spot, Hapa Sushi, then visit the Denver Art Museum. Renting scooters, we’d explore from the Highlands to downtown’s 16th Street, enjoying treats from the Ice Cream Man to Illegal Pete’s Burritos on South Colfax. We’d wrap up the week with a concert at Cervantes’ Other Side, ending our adventure with a giant smile.
Friends, mountains, rivers, food, museums and music…perfect!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to Shoutout with People House Denver https://peoplehouse.org/
This is where I did my internship in 2016/17 with a very open and engaging group of people who supported, assisted, supervised and helped push the boundaries of not only counseling practices but the intrinsic need for openness and therapy. This opportunity opened up my practice of population diversity, mental health needs and sharing of therapeutic practices. There was always a very open door and support from the leaders Paul and Lori and all the supervisors and other interns at the center. One of the best places in Colorado to learn and grow as a therapist, as student and a human!

Website: https://www.originwellnesscollective.com/

Instagram: @originwellnesscollective

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micheleater/