Welcome to Golden Peaks Counseling

I'm Brad Carney, LCSW, MSW, a licensed psychotherapist and the founder of Golden Peaks Counseling. I specialize in helping adults navigate identity, relationships, anxiety, ADHD, and emotional burnout with intention, depth, and clarity. My practice is rooted in the belief that therapy can be a powerful space for lasting change, not just symptom management.

I offer high-end, personalized therapy for individuals who are ready to invest in themselves and create meaningful shifts in their lives. This isn’t one-size-fits-all care. It’s deep, individualized work that prioritizes your emotional well-being, your goals, and the version of yourself you're ready to step into.

My practice is LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-informed, with a focus on working with adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, life transitions, and relationship challenges. I specialize in helping gay men and other queer individuals reconnect with themselves, reduce shame, and create lives that feel more aligned and alive.

Whether you’re new to therapy or returning with a clearer sense of what you need, I’m here to help you do the deeper work. You deserve a therapy space that feels both intentional and effective—and I’m honored to offer that.

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Personalized therapy, paired with a genuine relationship, is the catalyst for healing, growth, and the awesome journey to your best self.

I pride myself on being a therapist who brings warmth, authenticity, and some fun to our sessions. I believe in connecting on a human level, ensuring our conversations are meaningful and relatable, rather than mechanical or impersonal. My down-to-earth approach fosters a comfortable environment where you can genuinely explore, heal, and grow.

Trust and a genuine relationship between therapist and client are the cornerstones of effective therapy. When you feel safe and understood, it creates a nurturing environment where healing and growth can truly take place. This authentic connection not only enriches the therapeutic experience but also leads to tangible, positive changes in your life.

Specialties

Anxiety

Anxiety can be challenging experiences that impact various aspects of daily life, which can be incredibly hard to live with. In therapy and with tailored approaches, we will work together to better understand these conditions and dig deeper into these causes, develop strong coping strategies, and foster resilience towards creating a life not led or managed by your anxiety.

Depression

Depression can feel overwhelming and isolating, affecting your mood, energy, and daily activities. In therapy, we collaborate to explore the underlying causes, develop coping skills, and create a supportive environment for healing and growth. You do not have to do this journey and living life with depression alone. Together, we work towards rediscovering joy, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose in life.

Trauma & PTSD

Trauma is not solely defined by significant events; it can also encompass accumulated "little traumas" over time that deeply affect our overall well-being; shaping our perceptions, emotions, and responses to the world around us. Working with trauma and PTSD in therapy involves creating a safe and supportive space to process past and/or present experiences as we learn to navigate the healing journey together and empowering you to reclaim control over your well-being.

LGBTQIA+

In therapy, I provide a welcoming and affirming space for individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. I help people navigate through shame and the difficulties of living in a culture catered to heterosexuality and gendered roles. I strive to understand and respect your unique experiences, challenges, and goals, ensuring that therapy is a supportive environment where you can explore your identity, relationships, and personal growth with authenticity and confidence.

Emotional Barriers

Many people come to therapy feeling disconnected, shut down, or stuck in patterns they can’t quite name. Emotional barriers—like shame, fear of vulnerability, or difficulty trusting—can make it hard to feel fully present in life or relationships. I help clients gently reconnect with their inner world, understand protective patterns, and build a deeper sense of emotional clarity and resilience. Together, we create space for your emotions to be acknowledged, understood, and safely expressed.

Relational Issues

Wether it be from a friendship or romantic relationship, relationship issues can create emotional turmoil and strain on both individuals involved, affecting communication, trust, and intimacy. In therapy, we work collaboratively to identify underlying patterns, enhance communication skills, and cultivate understanding and empathy within the relationship. Therapy can help couples and individuals navigate challenges, strengthen connections, and build healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

I love when my clients get to know me, as I believe building trust and rapport is an essential part of the therapeutic process. I’m originally from Colorado, but I’ve also lived in Utah, Virginia, and spent time in South America, which has given me a diverse perspective on life and culture. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, hiking, and going on adventures with my dog and partner. I’m a proud Swiftie, so don’t be surprised if I mention a Taylor Swift lyric now and then! I also have a serious love for Thai food and Sour Patch Kids. Please feel free to ask me anything as we get to know each other better—it’s all part of creating a comfortable, authentic connection.
I’m trained in a variety of therapeutic methods, allowing me to tailor treatment to your specific needs and goals. These include:
→ Internal Family Systems (IFS): Helps you understand and heal different parts of yourself.
→ Somatic Therapy: Focuses on connecting the mind and body to release stored tension and trauma.
→ Emotion-Focused Therapy: Helps you explore and transform emotional experiences to improve relationships and self-understanding.
→ Person-Centered Therapy: A non-directive approach that emphasizes empathy and unconditional support.
→ Solution-Focused Therapy: Short-term, goal-oriented therapy that focuses on solutions rather than problems.
→ Mindfulness-Based Therapy: Incorporates mindfulness techniques to reduce stress and increase self-awareness.
→ CBT: Focuses on changing negative thought patterns to improve mood and behavior.
This diverse skill set allows me to adapt my approach to best support your healing and growth.
I hold a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Brigham Young University in Provo, UT, and a Master of Social Work with a focus on clinical mental health counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. My diverse background includes working in a range of settings such as inpatient and outpatient mental health, community mental health programs, and both group and private practices. Over the past decade I have honed in on my clinical skillset and discovered my specialties. These many experiences have shaped my personal and professional approach to therapy, allowing me to meet each clients' unique needs with insight, compassion, and a plan on how to best work together to achieve the goals that each client needs.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado (CSW.09930894) as well as Virginia (0904017561) (virtual only) and offer both in-person and virtual sessions, ensuring accessibility for clients across both states.
I am IFS level 1 trained, trauma informed trained, and have deep experience and training in many other areas to best help my clients. Please visit the “about me” tab to find out more.