A woman with brown, wavy hair smiling and arms crossed, wearing a white short-sleeved blouse, blue jeans, and a watch, standing outdoors in front of a modern building with a rust-colored wall and tall, yellow ornamental grasses.

Welcome!

I’m Kate, the founder of Bright Connections Counseling. I strive to create a space where clients feel free to express their innermost thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment- a space where people can show up as their full, beautiful, messy, human, authentic selves- and where I can, too!

I obtained my Bachelors of Social Work from Colorado State University (Go Rams) and Masters of Social Work from Metropolitan State University. I worked in multiple roles under a non-profit from 2019-2024, including peer specialist, school therapist, and integrated primary care therapist. In September of 2025, I started my own private practice in Arvada, CO.

I am a wife and mama to two energetic little humans. When I’m not therapist-ing, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, yoga, movie nights, and reading (thrillers, fantasy).

Kate Willecke, LCSW

Certified EMDR Therapist
IFS-Informed Clinician

I feel the most me when I’m relaxing next to a river in the mountains with a good book, a blanket, and yummy snacks/drinks.

I identify as a perfectionist and deep feeler, so I often connect to what my clients are experiencing. Stepping into motherhood has allowed me to grow in many ways and has led me to a diagnosis of ADHD - diagnosed after becoming a mom, but impactful since a young age. I believe that as a therapist, it is imperative to ‘do your own work’ - this allows me to keep reflecting, growing, and showing up with clarity and integrity for both myself and my clients.

If you are considering reaching out for my services, please know that I feel incredibly grateful to be a healing partner on your journey towards emotional wellbeing.

Side note- if you want a therapist who invites humor into sessions and can roll with your sarcasm, I’m your gal.  

Reach Out Today

My Values As A Therapist

  • Line art illustration of three butterflies on a pink circular background.

    Worthiness

  • Outline drawing of a bouquet of flowers with leaves, set within a blue circular background.

    Authenticity

  • Line drawing of four flowers with long stems and oval petals inside a circular, orange background.

    Safety

  • Line drawing of a pine tree with layered branches on a green circular background.

    Self-Trust

  • Line drawing of a hand holding a flower with a heart-shaped bloom, set against a pink circular background.

    Compassion

  • Line drawing of a person with a heart shape on their chest, surrounded by leaves, on a blue circular background.

    Presence

  • A cartoon drawing of a smiling duck standing on two legs, with its wings raised in a playful pose, set against an orange circular background.

    Humor

  • Two faceless figures, one with arm around the other's shoulder, inside a green circular background.

    Empathy

A young woman with brown wavy hair smiling, sitting outside on a city sidewalk, wearing a beige cardigan, white shirt, and blue jeans, with her hand resting on her chin.

My approach is relational, person-centered, & rooted in deep connection. We’ll move at a pace that honors your needs and your nervous system, incorporating tools such as EMDR, IFS, somatic work, and mindfulness along the way.

To find out more about my history, practice, and vision check out any of my media interviews:

Canvas Rebel Magazine
Bold Journey Magazine
Shoutout Colorado Magazine