Denise Ludwig-Coe is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Denise is also a Clinical Nurse Specialist for 40+ years and is highly motivated to play a part in helping others to decrease the pain that often accompanies many life challenges. Denise works well with all people because of her deep respect for the diversity, yet sameness, among all people; especially when at times there may be overwhelming feelings in trying to adapt to illness, loss/grief, transitioning to older age, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, alcoholism/addiction, pain, and a sense of helplessness, and not knowing where to turn. Her passion is to offer a sense of comfort and hope to those who reach out for help. Because of Denise’s dual career choice, she has also been active in helping those in the medical field, including nurses with mental health and substance use issues and who may be involved in an alternative to discipline program in Florida. Her approach is person-centered and eclectic. She draws from the field of positive psychology and coaching, and uses mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, as well as 12-Step Facilitation therapy, and stress management practices.

Denise completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a clinical specialty in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing at Syracuse University. She worked many years in direct clinical work with mental health clients in hospitals as well as in the community. Denise also worked in Public Health dealing with mental health and family issues among Spanish-speaking families living in Syracuse. She wasprivileged to teach and clinically supervise nursing students at the associate and bachelor's degree levels. Recognizing many of the stressors inherent in the health professions and wanting to play a part in strengthening caregiver resiliency and decreasing compassion fatigue, Denise returned to school and completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling at Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Substance Abuse Counseling and Education. Later, becoming more aware of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences impact the extended physical and mental health of people, she returned to school at Capella University to seek a PhD with a focus on the impact of trauma and later addictions in women. Due to her needing to become the primary caregiver to her dying parents, Denise did not complete the dissertation and instead received a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Human Services. She has been a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) in Florida. She also served as a nurse in the US Army reserves and worked in a combat support field hospital. Because of her diverse experiences in mental health, Denise has a broad base of knowledge and expertise. She is currently a Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor interns.

Part of being human means we all go through difficult times, when we don't know what to do and we feel unable to think straight. We may make decisions that make our situations even more complicated. We may feel shame or fear of loss (job, relationship, esteem of others) if we were to say out loud our thoughts and feelings. Maybe we are grieving and feel our pain will never end, BUT talking to a mental health professional can help. Talking to someone who listens with compassion, never judging or telling you what to do, but listens, and by being fully present, helps you to feel less alone, and more able to regain the direction for your life. If you are ready to reach out, Denise is ready to join you in your journey. Schedule an appointment with her today.