Meet Robyn Flores of Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Flores.

Hi Robyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The fancy answer to this question is that Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC, evolved from “see a need, fill a need” situation. I have always wanted to initiate a ripple effect that puts forth ethical therapy, counseling, and training for students and clinicians. We really lean into ethical client care and foster the wellbeing of our therapists, counselors, and students. We strive to help folks heal, evolve, and prosper.

The raw, honest answer to this question is that I was procrastinating HARD during my dissertation and thought, “why not develop a business that encompasses my research study as a creative outlet?” After a successful 551-page dissertation defense, training several clinicians to develop and maintain ethical dispositions, and meaningfully supporting hundreds of clients later, here we are.

I think a major difference that our practice encompasses is the support I offer the therapists, counselors, and students that work with Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC. Through encouragement and empowerment, they develop their own unique professional identities and confidence to grow beyond Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC and into their own practices.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Before I can answer this question, I have to preface with a quote that continues to keep me moving forward during challenging times. I love to share this Kalen Dion quote with therapists and counselors in the thick of it:

“Yes,
You will rise from the ashes,
But the burning comes first.

For this part,
Darling,
You must be brave.”

As someone who is RIDICULOUSLY risk-averse, there have definitely been struggles. I originally struggled to conjure the confidence to take the leap into my own version of a private practice – which is an all-too familiar struggle for new (and seasoned) therapists and counselors. Whether they are fearful of leaving a toxic work environment, or they are uncertain of what the financial outlook will look like, these feelings keep us from dropping into our potential.

When I get anxious, I often reveal to people that I was probably a ‘falsely accused felon’ in a past life. I even – nervously – shared this insight to the three brilliant attorneys on staff at the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT) when I became their Consultant for the AAMFT Code of Ethics revision project. Two years later, they still accept me and value what I have to offer. This project definitely served as a confidence boost.

For me, my confidence increased exponentially when I started the AAMFT Approved Supervisor mentorship with my wonderful mentor, Dr. Reo Leslie. In one of our meetings, he asked me what I had to lose, reiterating that I deserve to “cultivate [my] own queendom”.

Ultimately, I think that it takes a “why” greater than the Self to do hard things. I used to run ultramarathons to raise money for children orphaned due to domestic homicide. When I wanted to stop running, I would think of their struggles …. and keep moving forward as someone who could do something about it. My “why” has shifted to protecting the wellbeing of therapists, counselors, students, and, in turn, their clients. Through the endurance I gained through running, I have innovated a mental fortitude to keep pressing onward for the betterment of our field and the people in it.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC?
My colleagues and I understand that navigating life as neurodivergent individuals can be exhausting and lead to a sense of existential incongruence. As philosophical deep divers, we explore the emotional and cognitive shadows of the mind and help illuminate some of the things that hide under the sediment of trauma, shame, and stigmatization. Many sessions involve helping clients and partnerships better understand their own/partner’s brain style and unique way of being.

​Many of the therapists, counselors, and students at Legacy Trails Therapy, PLLC are trained to support clients at various intersections of relationships + sexuality + neurodivergence + trauma. One thing we often hear is that our clients not only feel seen, heard, and understood, they “finally feel KNOWN at a deeper level.” Our integrity is truly evident in our work with various relational dynamics when there are differing brain styles (i.e., Autistic, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, etc.).

Our office is located at 50 S. Steele Street, Suite 930, Denver, CO 80209 and we see clients across Colorado, Texas, and Missouri through the magic of telehealth.

I always like to note that, as both a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) who practices in Colorado, I wholeheartedly honor and accept both the wonderful and the terrible suffering that comes with the human experience. I often lead with my humanity in session through humor, presence, and the occasional validation of challenging the archaic “blank slate” mentality. I enjoy a good ‘CARE-frontation’ and I’m not afraid of shedding a tear while holding the pain of the person across from me.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Wow – what a delightful question! There is something about the simple recollection of being barefoot, swinging on the tree-swing in my backyard in a suburb of Chicago. As an only-child, I entertained myself a lot; however, it never felt like isolation, more like a warm solitude. I cherish that little Self and invite her to show up sometimes.

Pricing:

• We accept many BCBS, Aetna, and United Healthcare plans
• Student sessions $55
• LPC/MFT Candidate Sessions $125-170
• Session with Dr. Flores $175
• Free 20-minute consultations for folks wanting a “vibe check”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.legacytrailstherapy.com/
• Other: Scheduling: https://legacytrailstherapy.sessionshealth.com/

Image Credits
First picture (of Dr. Robyn L. Flores sitting in brown chair) by Clare Durepos