Meghan Backofen, LCSW

meghan@hayescounselingcollective.com

FROM THE SOUL

For more than 20 years, I have dedicated my career to helping children and families heal from adverse childhood experiences and the lasting effects of trauma. My work is grounded in the belief that people heal through connection, safety, and unconditional positive regard. Throughout my career, I have worked to create spaces where clients feel seen, believed, and empowered to speak the unspeakable — especially around difficult and deeply stigmatized traumas such as child sexual abuse.

My clients have been my greatest teachers. The children, families, and survivors I have worked alongside have shaped my understanding of resilience, recovery, and the incredible courage it takes to heal. Through thousands of hours supporting survivors and caregivers, I have developed deep expertise in trauma recovery while always striving to honor each individual’s story with compassion, humility, and care. This has led to a passion for Sexual Abuse Prevention work, and I have written a children's book and created a podcast to support parents. 

FROM THE CV

I began my academic journey studying International Affairs at University of Colorado Boulder, where my passion for environmental work and outdoor leadership led me to working with children as a ski instructor, and backpacking and rock-climbing guide. I witnessed firsthand the healing power of connection, confidence-building, and nature-based experiences. Those experiences ultimately inspired me to pursue a career in social work.

I earned my Master of Social Work from University of Chicago in 2002 and began my clinical career working in residential treatment settings before becoming the Core Sexual Abuse Treatment Provider for Garfield County DHS, From 2004 to 2025 I specialized in supporting children and families impacted by abuse, trauma, and violence.

I also helped establish the River Bridge Regional Center, the region’s Children’s Advocacy Center, where I worked extensively until 2022. Throughout my career, I have collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, advocated for trauma-informed systems of care, and supported thousands of children and families on their path toward healing and recovery. 

I teach for the University of Denver Masters in Social Work program and courses include Trauma Assessment and Interventions and Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.  Teaching these courses helps me keep up on all of the latest research in my primary modalities of treatment -- TF-CBT and EMDR.  While I specialize in trauma recovery I also use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to treat anxiety, depressionand relationship difficulties.  I am a Let's Connect provider for parents to develop their skills, I am trained in Alternatives for Families CBT for family work.