Dr. Darby Simmerman

I became a counselor because I am truly amazed by the resilience of the human spirit. Raised on a horse ranch, I know what it means to work hard, be patient, and embrace the unpredictable. Outside of the clinical practice, I spend my time outdoors and in nature, mostly having fun with my family growing our own vegetables, training horses, horseback riding, and hiking with the dogs in the mountains at home. I find my mindfulness moments sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee in my hand, watching my adorable chickens free-ranging and foraging for bugs and seeds around the forest having fun just being their cute chicken-selves!

As a mother to an autistic child, I understand the unique challenges and the profound beauty of the neurodiverse family. I draw from the love of humans, animals, and freedom to help clients unburden themselves, regulate their nervous systems, and find ways to thrive authentically. Healing doesn't happen in isolation; it happens in relationships. Research tells us that one of the most powerful forces in mental health recovery is the presence of a trusted witness: someone who holds space, truly listens, and helps make meaning of your life story.

That is what I show up to offer, a trusted other to listen and hold space. I have a holistic approach weaving together mind, body, and spirit, helping you discover which emotions, cognitions of images, and beliefs influence a sense of "stuckness" and together, we can restore harmony within your psyche.

I also can help neurodivergent families recover from internalized ableism, or the internalized negative societal stereotypes and prejudices about autism/general disability trauma that manifests as shame, guilt, or feeling like a burden, maybe even a sense that you have lost hope. Let me help you reframe and rewrite that narrative to open yourself to healing and freedom to feel love, hope, and healing again, or even for the first time.

My approach is collaborative, with an emphasis on creating a safe place for you to begin to heal. I want to help you make sense of emotional and psychological frustrations that hold you back, and find ways to help you regain a sense of self-worth, self-compassion, and an overall sense of wellbeing.