Inspiring Conversations with Deana Bianco of Mountain Ascent Counseling

Today we’d like to introduce you to Deana Bianco.

Hi Deana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
If I were a cat, I’d definitely be in my ninth life by now—so it’s hard to know where to even start!

Right now, I’m a therapist based in Boulder, Colorado, and I host a podcast called So, What Brings You to Therapy? Before becoming a therapist, I was a journalist—I went to journalism school and started my career in fashion, writing about pop culture, music and fashion for publications. Over time, my work shifted toward topics that aligned more closely with my values. That deeper dive into human stories—and my own experience of how therapy saved my life—ultimately led me to pursue a career as a therapist.

I’ve also been podcasting for nearly a decade. Before my therapy podcast, I co-hosted a pop culture show called Family Karma Kast. That blend of creativity and connection has always been a throughline in my work.

Today, I specialize in working with creatives—from teens to adults—who are navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, and the pressure of high expectations. I bring a unique perspective to this work because I’ve lived through the ups and downs of creative industries myself. It fills my cup to help others reconnect with their creative spirit and quiet their inner saboteurs (to borrow a RuPaul term!).

Outside of work, I’m a mom of two, a trail runner, a born-and-raised New Yorker, and someone who’s always trying to meet life with curiosity and compassion.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I think one of the biggest challenges has been learning how to show up as my authentic self. I was raised to be a people pleaser—to fit into a box that never quite felt like mine. Unlearning that has been a process. For me, the real work has been in waking up each day and asking myself: How can I show up fully?—for the people I love, for my clients, and most importantly, for myself. That’s still a daily practice. It’s not always easy, but it’s what keeps me grounded and growing.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My practice, Mountain Ascent Counseling (mtncounselor.com), is rooted in the belief that healing doesn’t have to mean fixing what’s “wrong” with you—it can be about reconnecting with what’s already there: your creativity, your values, your voice, and your sense of self.

I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, depression, addiction, perfectionism, and life transitions. I specialize in supporting creatives, overthinkers, and people who’ve spent a lot of energy trying to be who others wanted them to be. Whether it’s a high-achieving teen wrestling with burnout or a parent quietly asking, “Is this all there is?”—I offer a space that’s compassionate, direct, and real.

What sets my work apart is that I bring a mix of clinical expertise and lived experience from past careers in journalism, podcasting, and creative industries. I know how isolating it can be to look like you’re thriving on the outside while feeling disconnected on the inside. I also know how powerful it can be to carve out space for your own truth—even when it’s messy or scary or not what people expect.

In addition to therapy, I host a podcast called So, What Brings You to Therapy?, where I explore mental health through honest conversations—with guests ranging from comedians to musicians to fellow therapists. My goal with both my podcast and private practice is to make mental health more human, less clinical, and a little more accessible.

What I’m most proud of, brand-wise, is that clients often tell me they feel like they can show up as they are—no need to perform, over-explain, or have it all figured out. That’s the heart of my work: creating spaces where people can take a breath, get curious, and start showing up for themselves in new ways.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When it comes to finding a mentor or building a network, especially in creative or therapeutic fields, I think it starts with quieting your inner saboteur—the voice that says you’re not smart enough, talented enough, or worthy of being in the room. That voice can stop you from reaching out, sharing your work, or even believing you belong.

What’s worked for me is leading with curiosity and authenticity. Some of the best connections I’ve made have come from simply reaching out to someone whose work moved me, without trying to impress or prove anything. Whether it’s in therapy, podcasting, or creative spaces, there’s a kind of fearlessness required to put yourself and your ideas out there. Not because you don’t feel fear—but because you do it anyway.

My advice: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Take the risk to show up as yourself, ask thoughtful questions, and follow the people and projects that light something up in you. That’s where real connection—and mentorship—often begins.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mtncounselor.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deanathinkstoomuch
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/show/7LCObyTPG9grSJIcSiTLxm?si=4583f396bf5240ab