Lou Ann Marquez, therapist in Colorado Springs, with gray hair wearing a floral blouse and mustard yellow cardigan sitting on a beige couch in a room with a window and artwork on the wall.

Lou Ann Marquez

Licensed Professional Counselor

My Journey to Becoming a Therapist…

My path to counseling began with my own journey of healing through therapy. Along the way, I discovered hope, transformation, and a renewed passion for life.

Now, it’s my greatest purpose to help others find that same sense of clarity and joy in a life where you can feel grounded, fulfilled, and completely at home being your authentic self.

The fact that you’ve found your way here, in this moment, is meaningful. Choosing to put yourself first and invite someone into your world takes incredible courage. It’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed when you think about beginning your healing journey, but you’ve already taken the first step just by being here.

When I am not doing therapy...

I enjoy spending time outdoors gardening, volunteering at an equine assisted learning ranch, working on DIY projects around the house, and quilting with friends. I also appreciate crafting meaningful projects and exploring true crime stories through books and documentaries.

At home, I share life with my husband and our sweet Schnauzer, Charlie, who brings plenty of joy and laughter, and more photos than I can count!

In my free time, I enjoy connecting with friends over coffee, trying new cuisines, watching great films, and taking advantage of the beautiful hiking opportunities Colorado has to offer.

Is now the right time for therapy?

In true “therapist” fashion, I have to ask: If not now, when?

You have found your way here for a reason. Something inside you—some quiet voice or deep longing—is telling you that now might be the right time to take this step.

There’s nothing to lose and so much to gain… most importantly, the chance to rediscover you!

You might hear me ask, “Is it ok if we stay right here?” I ask because I believe therapy is a place where you can have agency in your own healing, and where you can feel safe enough to explore what is uncomfortable.

We won’t just focus on trimming the branches of what’s happening on the surface. Together, we’ll become curious about the roots to explore the experiences, relationships, beliefs, and patterns that may be shaping the way you see yourself and engage in the world today.

And when we understand what’s underneath, we can begin to process and make meaning of your story. We’ll create space for something different—a new way of seeing yourself and your experiences with greater choice, restored power, and a renewed sense of self.

You don’t have to make sense of this season on your own. Let’s unpack what you’ve been experiencing, help you feel more connected to yourself, and more confident about where you’re going.

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Abstract illustration of overlapping shapes in shades of green and brown.

I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you in discovering the insights and strategies that already exist within you. Together, we take a collaborative approach, exploring your experiences, strengths, and goals to create meaningful, lasting change.

I view therapy as a learning process for both of us where curiosity, reflection, and experimentation guide the work. By honoring your inherent knowledge of yourself, we develop tools and perspectives that empower you to navigate life’s challenges with confidence, clarity, and authenticity.

A person wearing a maroon jacket and ripped blue jeans sitting on a couch during a therapy session or conversation, with another person taking notes or holding a clipboard in a cozy, well-lit room with decorative plants and furniture.
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What to Expect

When you reach out, we’ll start with a free 15-minute phone consultation to discuss your needs, explain my approach, and determine if we’re a good fit. If I’m not the right person for what you need, I’ll help connect you with someone who is.

If you decide to move forward, we will schedule an intake session, and I will send you some intake paperwork to complete beforehand. During your intake, we will focus on your questions, what you hope to gain from counseling, and take time to get to know each other. Don’t worry, I’ll guide the conversation with thoughtful questions if needed.

‍ Over the next few sessions, we will work together to create a personalized treatment plan together based on the goals you identify. We’ll begin to move safely into your story, the experiences you’ve had, and the healing you want to discover.

Close-up of a baby's hand holding an adult's finger, with the adult wearing a ring and a motorcycle-style glove. The baby's sleeve is a cream-colored cable knit sweater.
Close-up of a baby's hand holding an adult's finger, with the adult wearing a ring and a motorcycle-style glove. The baby's sleeve is a cream-colored cable knit sweater.

Healing that lasts.

You’ve spent a lot of time taking care of everyone else. This can be a place where you don’t have to hold it all together. You don’t have to spend the rest of your life managing the same patterns, carrying the same shame, or wondering why certain things still feel so hard.

You can bring the messy parts. The resentment. The grief. The anxiety. The things you’re embarrassed to say out loud. The parts of motherhood you love and the parts that have left you wondering, “Can I really do this?”

Motherhood has a way of bringing old wounds and beliefs to the surface. I believe lasting healing comes from understanding what’s underneath what you’re experiencing, and not just learning how to cope with what’s happening on the surface. Together, we can make sense of what’s happening and create space for something different.

My approach is relational, trauma-informed, and collaborative. I draw from EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Narrative Therapy, and other evidenced-based approaches to help you process what you’ve carried to move forward.

It’s the right time to choose you. Let’s explore what healing really feels like in your life. There is hope, and I would be honored to walk alongside you in this journey.

IN-PERSON AND ONLINE IN COLORADO

You don’t have to carry it all alone. Let’s connect!