Elevation Counseling

12/24/2025

12/23/2025

We’re so excited to welcome Leah Bogusch, Phd to the Elevation Counseling team! We’re grateful to continue growing our practice with clinicians who bring compassion, skill, and thoughtful care to our community.

LEAH BOGUSCH, PhD

I am Leah Bogusch, a clinical psychologist, and I enjoy working with people with anxiety disorders, especially social anxiety, OCD, and insomnia impacted by anxiety. I also have an interest in working with people living with chronic pain and/or illness. I enjoy and have experience working with POC and gender-diverse people and use a culturally-informed approach in my work. I use evidence-based interventions to manage anxiety so you can take steps to live your life fully and confidently. I take a very collaborative approach, and my goals as a therapist are to provide an environment where you can feel heard and understood and build the skills you need to meet your goals. When suffering builds up, it can keep us from living the life that we want to live. For me, mental health is not only about reducing suffering, but also about building a rich, meaningful life. Seeing people grow in this way is my favorite part of being a therapist. I look forward to hearing what a meaningful life looks like to you!

Education:

Doctorate of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology – Bowling Green State University, August 2015 – August 2020
Master’s of Arts in Clinical Psychology – University of Indianapolis, August 2013 – August 2015
Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology – DePaul University, September 2007– June 2011

Issues Treated:
Anxiety, Coping Skills, Depression, LGBTQ+ Affirming, Mood disorders, Multi-cultural issues, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic & Phobias, Sexual Identity, Stress Management, Transgender affirming, Trauma, Women’s Issues, sleep issues, insomnia

Types of Therapy:
CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, LGBTQIA+ Affirming, Transgender Affirming, DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Exposure and Response Prevention

12/22/2025

Today marks the Winter Solstice

Today is the first day of winter and the longest night of the year.... a quiet turning point back toward the light.

If this season feels heavy, you’re not alone. Even in the darkest times, light returns, sometimes slowly, sometimes softly, and hope is still present.

If you’re finding this time of year especially difficult, support is available. We invite you to reach out and schedule an appointment with one of our many therapist to take care of your mental health and walk toward the light together.

If you are in crisis or need immediate support, you can call or text 988 to reach the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline—help is available 24/7

12/01/2025

This week we are introducing you to our provider, Megan Martin. Megan currently has appointments available. Call 1.505.888.1686 or go to our website. https://www.elevationcounseling.com to schedule with Megan today!

Megan Martin is a charismatic, out-of-the-box thinker who has been in the counseling field for over ten years. Megan graduated with her Bachelor’s in Social Work from UNC Charlotte and received her Master’s In Social Work through the University of South Carolina. Megan and her husband relocated from North Carolina to New Mexico about two years ago and have enjoyed getting to know what our beautiful state has to offer.

Megan has a diverse background and has experience working with children, adolescents, and adults on both an individual and group level. Megan has worked in multiple different settings including schools, jail facilities, community-based agencies. Megan is a hard worker dedicated to ensuring her client’s needs are met across the board. She is trained in several different treatment modalities and is open-minded and willing to go the distance.

Megan is based in Santa Fe, and is available by telehealth only at this time.

Issues:
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Bipolar, Borderline personality, Career Stress, Codependency, Coping Skills, Depression, Family Conflict, Grief/Loss, Infidelity, Life transitions, LGBTQ+ Affirming / sexual identity, Men’s Issues, Mid-life issues, Moms and caregivers, Mood disorders, Panic & Phobias, Parent-Child Relationship, PTSD, Relationships, School Issues, Self-Esteem/Empowerment, Stress Management, Substance Issues, Trauma, Women’s Issues

Counseling Modalities:

CBT, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-focused therapy, Non-religious Therapy, Telehealth

Education:

M.S.W. Social Work, University of South Carolina
B.A. Social Work, UNC Charlotte

11/04/2025

Mental Health and Food Insecurity

When access to food feels uncertain, it can take a serious toll on both emotional and physical well-being. Worrying about meals or navigating disruptions to SNAP benefits can increase stress, anxiety, and depression.....especially during times of government shutdown and political uncertainty.

If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please know you are not alone. Talk with your Elevation provider about what you’re experiencing, we can help connect you with local food resources and supportive community programs.

Taking care of your basic needs is an essential part of mental health care.

11/03/2025

🌿 Say hello to Barbara Timmcke, MSW, LCSW

Barbara is one of the incredible therapists on our team since 2016. Her thoughtful, grounded approach has supported so many families here in Albuquerque and NM.
📞 Call 505-888-1686 or visit elevationcounseling.com to schedule.

Barbara Timmcke was born in New York City and attended Queens College, a New York City University, with a double major in Psychology and Education. After graduation, she moved to Clovis, New Mexico. She started her career as a Social Worker at Children, Youth and Families. Barbara has also worked in a Residential Treatment Center, and then worked as a counselor for children, families and Treatment Foster Parent. Since moving to Albuquerque, Barbara worked at Peanut Butter and Jelly for a year as the Clinical Supervisor and has worked with Elementary and Middle School Children and their families, as well as helping staff cope with student’s issues and behaviors.

Barbara has been married for over 25 years and has 3 children, 2 step-children and 11 grandchildren. She rescues dogs and has several in her home. She loves to spend time with her family, travel, hike and read. Barbara has worked extensively with depressed and anxious children and adults, using several therapeutic methods, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Sand Tray. She has worked with many children on the Autism Spectrum and children with Behavioral Issues.

LGBTQ+ Affirming.

Education:
B.A. Psychology and Education, Queen’s College
M.S.W. Master’s Degree in Social Work, New Mexico State University

Works with Teens, Adults, Couples and Families

10/21/2025

Exciting news! Elevation Counseling is growing. 🌄 Please help us welcome Louisa Irick, LMFT to our team of dedicated therapists!

Louisa Irick, LMFT
As social beings, we need connection, but sometimes our past or current relationships lead to hurt and confusion. Heartache can impact major areas of our lives, including physical health.

Through reflective counseling sessions, we will explore relational responses and behavioral patterns that may leave you feeling drained and disconnected. Self-care, interpersonal boundaries, and overall health are important areas we will discuss. Together, we will identify and practice assertive communication and stress management tools to bring balance and fulfillment into your daily life.

I have had the honor of being a therapist for children, adolescents, adults, and families for over twenty years in a variety of places, from schools, hospitals, inpatient facilities, and outpatient clinics. I pull from a range of theories and modalities including trauma-informed, attachment-focused, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT.) I believe in goal-directed, short-term therapy (around three to nine months) to foster your self-reliance and the empowerment to live the life you want and deserve.

Currently, I work with children and their caregivers in a school-based setting as well as individuals seeking support with depression, anxiety, trauma reactions, and burnout. I offer family therapy at the Elevation Counseling office during specific hours. Community-based or outside sessions for individuals can be explored as a possibility.”

Education:
M.S. – Counseling Psychology. California State Univ., East Bay
B.A. – Sociology, Minor in Art Studio Photography. University of New Mexico

Issues Treated:
ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Autism, Bipolar, Borderline personality, Coping Skills, Depression, Family conflict, Grief/Loss, Life transitions, LGBTQ+ Affirming, Moms and caregivers, Mood disorders, Parent Child Relationship, Personality disorders, PTSD, Relationships, School Issues, Self-Esteem / empowerment, Stress Management, Substance Issues, Transgender affirming, Trauma, Women’s Issues

10/06/2025

🌪 When Your Mind Jumps to the Worst-Case Scenario

Our brains are wired for protection, not peace.
When something uncertain happens, your mind may automatically race toward “What if everything goes wrong?”
This kind of “worst-case scenario” thinking is your nervous system’s way of preparing for danger — but it often keeps you stuck in survival mode long after the moment has passed.

Here are a few ways to respond when your brain spirals:
💭 Name the story: “I notice I’m imagining the worst-case.”
🧠 Check the evidence: What facts do I actually have right now?
💓 Soothe the body first: Slow your breathing, unclench your jaw, drop your shoulders.
🌤 Imagine the best-case — or most-likely — scenario. Balance helps restore perspective.
💬 Talk it out: Sharing your fears with someone you trust can calm your nervous system.
You don’t have to believe every scary story your brain tells.
You can meet it with compassion, awareness, and choice.

✨ At Elevation Counseling, we help clients learn practical tools to manage anxiety, calm the body, and build trust in their ability to handle uncertainty.

10/02/2025

Balloon Fiesta is almost here — and so is family.

We love getting up early and going to Fiesta with family 🌅💙 But let’s be real… family visits can also bring stress too. Old patterns, busy schedules, and full houses aren’t always easy. Both joy and overwhelm can exist at the same time.

🧠 Research shows family connection supports mental health — but only when we balance it with rest, boundaries, and self-compassion.
This week remind yourself to:
💭 Notice the magic in the sky
⏸ Take breaks when you need them
🤝 Say yes to connection, no to overcommitment
💜 Offer yourself the same compassion you give others

If you’re navigating the mix of gratitude and stress with family in town, you’re not alone.

We are here if you. need extra support during this busy time of the year

08/26/2025

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾
At Elevation Counseling, we know the human–animal connection plays a powerful role in our well-being. From unconditional love to grounding presence, dogs remind us of safety, comfort, and joy in ways that words often can’t.
We’re especially grateful for Rango, who is part of our team alongside his handler. Through animal-assisted therapy, Rango helps clients feel supported, calm, and connected as they do the courageous work of healing. 🐕💙
Today, we also celebrate all the dogs who walk alongside our clients — the companions who make hard days softer, encourage us to get outside, and remind us that connection and care come in many forms.
Give your pup some extra love today (and maybe a treat or two 🦴). Happy National Dog Day from all of us at Elevation Counseling!
📍 Albuquerque, NM
📞 505-888-1686
🌐 www.elevationcounseling.com

08/25/2025

✨ Little Reminder ✨

You don’t need to have it all figured out today. 🌿

Take a deep breath, release the pressure, and trust the process. Growth happens step by step, not all at once. 💙

💭 If you’re feeling overwhelmed, know that support is available—you don’t have to do it alone.
—
📞 505-888-1686 | 🌐 elevationcounselingnm.com

08/21/2025

✨ What’s a Treatment Plan in Therapy? ✨
Think of a treatment plan as your personalized roadmap for therapy. It’s not just a list of goals—it’s a collaborative guide created together with your therapist to help you move toward healing, growth, and meaningful change.
A treatment plan helps by:
✔️ Clarifying your goals and what you want to work on
✔️ Outlining strategies and skills that support progress
✔️ Tracking growth over time so you can see the difference therapy is making
Most importantly—it’s a collaborative process. You and your therapist work as a team to make sure the plan reflects your unique needs, strengths, and values. That way, therapy feels purposeful and supports your overall experience, rather than being something that just “happens” session by session.
💡 Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. Your treatment plan is designed for you.
📞 Elevation Counseling
Serving Albuquerque & New Mexico via in-person and telehealth sessions.
🌐 www.elevationcounseling.com
📧 info@elevationcounseling.com | ☎️ (505) 888-1686
💬 Ready to see how therapy can support you? Reach out today to get started.