Individual, Teen, Parent and Family Counseling
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You’ve done the work. You can explain exactly where your anxiety comes from, name the childhood moment that shaped your fear of abandonment, and articulate your trauma with impressive clarity. And yet, none of it has actually changed how you feel. Your heart still races in certain situations. Your body still braces for danger that […] The post When Talk Therapy Isn’t Enough: How Brainspotting Can…
We tend to treat the teenage years as an inevitably turbulent phase, filled with moody, door-slamming, one-word-answer moments. When your teen retreats to their room or responds to your questions with defensive silence, it’s easy to brush it off as typical rebellion. We assume that if something were seriously wrong, they’d tell us. Or it […] The post How to Check In on Your Teen’s Mental Health…
When you’re living with depression, you’ve probably been told, in one way or another, to think your way out of it. Reframe your negative thoughts. Reconstruct your narrative. Talk through your childhood. And while traditional talk therapy has real value, there’s a significant limitation built into that approach: severe depression doesn’t primarily live in the […] The post Using Brainspotting to…
It might sound surprising, but human connection isn’t a luxury. It isn’t a personality trait, a hobby, or something you earn once your “real” needs are met. Clinically speaking, connection is a biological imperative as essential to your survival as food, water, and shelter. Your nervous system doesn’t know the difference between physical isolation and […] The post How Does Connection Affect Mental…
For far too long, Western medicine has conditioned us to separate the body and mind. Every symptom is treated chemically without giving consideration to the source. But ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, or KAP, asks you to completely let go of that model. Ketamine isn’t a traditional psychiatric band-aid that suppresses symptoms. It’s a rapid neuroplastic catalyst, one […] The post Why Set and…
For decades, the mental health field operated under a dangerous assumption that human psychology is a universal, standardized machine. Therapeutic models were written as though they were one-size-fits-all instruction manuals. Those manuals were largely authored by a very specific, Western, highly individualistic demographic. Unfortunately, when you try to apply a culturally blind template to a […]…
Article written by Denver therapist, Lauren Battista Watching someone you care about struggle can feel really difficult—especially when you have a sense that therapy could help, but you’re not sure how to bring it up or support them without adding pressure. The reality is, you can’t make someone go to therapy. But you can help make the idea feel safer, more approachable, and less overwhelming. And…
There’s a profound irony at the heart of the mental health profession. The people whose entire careers are dedicated to helping others through loneliness are often the most professionally isolated individuals in the workforce. Society assumes that because you possess the clinical tools to regulate the nervous system, you must be immune to emotional exhaustion. […] The post Therapy for Therapists:…
The term “OCD” is often tossed around casually nowadays. Sometimes, it’s even seen as a compliment when someone is highly organized or seeks perfection in every situation. But in the clinical world, perfectionism and obsessive-compulsive disorder are two entirely different psychological experiences. Conflating them doesn’t just minimize the very real suffering of those with OCD […] The post…
In most professions, your tools are external — a computer, a scalpel, a set of blueprints. But as a therapist, you are the instrument of healing. Your capacity to empathize, to attune, and to hold space for someone else’s darkest moments is what makes the work transformative. And that’s exactly what makes it so costly. […] The post Compassion Fatigue in Therapists: Signs and Ways to Recharge…
Have you ever wondered why some people crave constant closeness while others pull away the moment things start feeling “too serious”? The answer often lies in something called your attachment style, and understanding it can change everything about how you show up in relationships. Developed by researchers John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, attachment theory suggests […] The post How Your Attachment…
Written by Denver therapist, Lauren Battista Do you ever feel drained, overwhelmed, or “off” — even after a full night’s sleep? That’s often a sign your body isn’t just tired… it’s under-rested. Often when we think of rest, we think of sleep, or maybe “zoning out” on the couch after a long day. But true, restorative rest is much deeper and more nuanced than […] The post The Different Kinds of Rest…
Grief isn’t something to fix or cure. It’s one of the most profound human experiences we can go through, and it needs time and space to unfold. But sometimes grief doesn’t unfold the way it should. Sometimes it gets stuck. You might know this feeling. The weight of loss becomes so heavy that your nervous […] The post Can Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Help with Grief and Loss? appeared first on…
If you’ve ever thought, “Part of me knows this isn’t rational, but another part just won’t let it go,” you’re already tuned into a fundamental tenet of Internal Family Systems (IFS). Every person has a system of protective and wounded inner parts that the core Self guides. The Core Idea Behind IFS IFS was developed […] The post What Is IFS Therapy for Trauma? How It Works and Who It Helps appeared…
You’ve probably heard about ketamine therapy and wondered what it’s all about. Maybe you’ve even thought, “Wait, isn’t that an anesthetic?” And you’d be right, it is. But the way ketamine is used in therapy looks very different from its medical applications. Let’s break down what ketamine-assisted psychotherapy actually involves and how it might help. […] The post How Does Ketamine Therapy Work?…
Therapy work is deeply meaningful, but it’s also emotionally demanding in ways that aren’t always visible. Sitting with clients’ pain, trauma, and suffering day after day can take a toll, even for experienced clinicians who love their work. One of the most common and often underrecognized impacts of this exposure is vicarious trauma. Understanding vicarious […] The post Vicarious Trauma in Therapy…
If you struggle with racing thoughts, constant worry, or a sense that something bad might happen, you’ve probably wondered why you feel this way. What many people don’t realize is that some anxious behaviors are actually trauma responses, or patterns your brain learned to help you survive earlier experiences. These responses aren’t character flaws or […] The post Could Your Anxious Behaviors Be…
Article written by Denver therapist, Julie Reichenberger Here we are again! The start of a new year. A collective time of new. The start of a new year is often framed as a time to gear up and become “better”. Everywhere you look, the message is the same: now is the time to do more. […] The post Wintering vs. the New Year Push: Why Slowing Down Might Be the Most Intentional Choice You Make appeared…
Relationships can be among the most grounding and joyful parts of life. But they can also be a major source of stress, even in genuinely loving partnerships. When tension builds, communication breaks down, or you feel disconnected from your partner, your body and mind react. And often, that reaction looks a lot like anxiety. If […] The post What Is the Effect of Relationship Stress on Anxiety?…
Teenagers have always faced challenges as they navigate identity, social pressures, and the emotional ups and downs of growing up. But today’s teens are carrying even more weight. Between academic demands, social media comparison, global uncertainty, and lingering post-pandemic stress, adolescence can feel heavier than ever before. As a parent or caregiver, it’s often hard […] The post When Teens…
Depression is one of the most common mental health struggles worldwide, yet it is often misunderstood. Why? Because it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Men and women tend to experience and express depression differently, and those differences can have a significant impact on whether someone gets the support they need. Understanding these nuances matters. […] The post Why Depression Doesn’t Look…
Sometimes our bodies forget how to rest. Whether you’re an adult who can’t seem to turn “off,” a teen feeling constantly on edge, or a parent watching your child struggle to find calm, living in a state of high alert can be exhausting. The Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP) offers a gentle, sound-based way to […] The post Finding Calm Through Sound: The Safe and Sound Protocol appeared first on Denver…
Article written by Denver KAP and EMDR therapist, Lauren Battista Over the past several years, both Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) have gained recognition as powerful tools for trauma healing. When combined, these two approaches can help people access and release emotional material that may have felt “stuck” for years. […] The post…
Most people have some idea of what OCD is. You might picture someone washing their hands excessively, checking locks repeatedly, or organizing things in perfectly straight lines. While these behaviors can certainly be part of OCD, the disorder is far more complex and deeply neurological than many realize. It’s not a personality quirk or a […] The post How OCD Affects the Brain appeared first on…
Knowing what you truly want in a relationship isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Society, family expectations, and past experiences can make it hard to distinguish between what you genuinely need and what you think you should want. This confusion can lead to settling for less than you deserve or pursuing relationships that aren’t […] The post Finding Clarity: How to Know What You Really…
If you are living with OCD, you know how exhausting the cycle of obsessions and compulsions can feel. Your mind gets stuck on unwanted thoughts, and you find yourself performing repetitive behaviors to try to make the anxiety go away. To break this cycle, mental health professionals often use exposure and response prevention (ERP). ERP […] The post OCD Treatment Explained: What Is Exposure and…
A little stress at work can actually be your friend. It helps you meet those looming deadlines and keeps you sharp during important presentations. But there’s a crucial difference between that motivating stress and anxiety that begins to interfere with your daily life. When anxiety creeps into your workplace, it can sabotage your performance and […] The post Is Anxiety Holding You Back at Work? 4…
When someone you care about lives with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you might not know where to start supporting them. You see them struggling with repetitive thoughts and behaviors that seem to take over their daily life. Perhaps they check locks multiple times, need constant reassurance, or get stuck in mental loops that leave them exhausted. […] The post How to Support Someone with OCD:…
Article written by Denver ERP Therapist, Quin Axelson If you live with OCD, you likely know how exhausting it is to feel trapped in the cycle of intrusive thoughts and rituals that only bring short-term relief. Y ou may have even found yourself googling symptoms, searching for a way out. In doing so, perhaps you […] The post I Think I Have OCD… Now What? Understanding Exposure and Response…
Article written by OCD Denver therapist, Quin Axelson Do you find yourself checking and rechecking whether the stove is off, the door is locked, or your curling iron is unplugged? Do you sanitize your hands until you reach the number that feels “just right”? Do you replay conversations or situations over and over in your […] The post OCD: Might I Or A Loved One Have It? appeared first on Denver…
Article written by Denver family therapist, Molly Ward Research consistently demonstrates that family therapy is effective for many conditions and problems. Studies show that treating adolescent struggles with family therapy often out perform individual therapy for young people struggling with substance use, mental health concerns, and self-harm. For couples and families dealing with relationship…
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is becoming increasingly popular as a well-researched trauma therapy approach. This powerful treatment can help with everything from PTSD and anxiety to healing from distressing memories. Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR offers a unique approach that many people find intriguing — and sometimes a little mysterious. If you’re considering […]…
Article written by Denver family therapist, Molly Ward Sometimes we find that individual therapy is not the only support that we need. Though profound healing can happen in individual therapy, family therapy offers an opportunity to not just support one person, but to support the whole family system. When an entire family system can work […] The post What Is Family Therapy? appeared first on…
Written by Denver anxiety therapist, Lauren Battista If you’ve ever struggled with social anxiety, you know how overwhelming it can feel. The thought of starting a conversation, walking into a crowded room, or meeting new people might bring on racing thoughts, sweaty palms, or a strong urge to avoid the situation altogether. Social anxiety can […] The post How Therapy Can Help With Social Anxiety…
Living with a chronic illness often changes life in ways that go far beyond physical health. It can alter routines, limit activities, and, perhaps most painfully, affect how you see yourself. Suddenly, the identity you once held so naturally feels disrupted by symptoms, appointments, and limitations. This loss of identity is something many people with […] The post Reclaiming Identity in the Face…
Having to live with the lasting impact of trauma is no easy task. However, dealing with the effects of complex trauma can be much more challenging to navigate. While many people understand the basics of trauma, complex trauma is just that — more complex, and sometimes difficult to understand for those who haven’t experienced it. […] The post What Makes Complex Trauma Unique? appeared first on…
Article written by Denver therapist, Lauren Battista What Progress in Therapy Actually Looks Like When you start therapy, it’s easy to imagine progress as a straight line toward feeling “better” — less anxious, less sad, less overwhelmed. Who doesn’t want that? But the truth is, personal growth in therapy often feels messy and is not […] The post Why Feeling Bad Doesn’t Mean You’re Doing Therapy…
Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is a newer approach to mental health care that’s gaining attention for its potential to support healing from depression, trauma, and other emotional challenges. If you’re considering KAP, one of the most important things you can do is learn about how it works and whether it might be a good fit for […] The post Can Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) Help…
Most people understand what it means to directly experience trauma. Many also know that going through trauma can leave a lasting impact, affecting everything from the way you see yourself and the world to how you handle relationships. However, fewer people recognize that trauma doesn’t have to be directly experienced to take a toll on […] The post Generational Trauma: Understanding the Timeline…
There are numerous stereotypes surrounding teenagers and their perceived lack of communication. Unfortunately, far too many of those stereotypes ring true. If your teenager isn’t exactly an open book, you’re certainly not alone. However, your relationship doesn’t need to be that way. It’s important to foster healthy communication with your teen, not only to maintain […] The post The Do’s and…
Identity is not one simple thing. It’s like a quilt of many fabrics, colors, and textures. It’s not just your name or what’s printed on an ID card. Your identity is shaped by your experiences, your relationships, the roles you’ve held, your values, and the memories that live inside you. It also includes parts of […] The post Who You Are Has Many Layers: Identity and Mental Health appeared first on…
Article written by Denver therapist, Molly Ward Living in Colorado, we are so incredibly lucky to have such great access to nature and the outdoors. Growing up, our yearly camping trips as a family were something I looked forward to. I always came back feeling refreshed and grounded into myself. With such a positive impact […] The post Your Brain on Camping: How Nature Rewires You for Mental…
Article written by Denver therapist, Meghan Stetson If you’re a woman and you’ve found yourself in a leadership position, congratulations! You’ve made it to the next level of recognition and accomplishment in your field. You are in a position where you can positively impact your company or organization, and possibly a team of people who […] The post Understanding The Impact of Stress and Burnout…
Teen depression is on the rise. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as of 2021, about 14.7% of kids aged 12-17 had a major depressive episode in the last year. Teenagers have a lot on their plates. They’re trying to figure out who they are and what they want to be. Their bodies […] The post Teen Depression: 6 Ways Parents Can Help appeared first on Denver Metro Counseling .
Article written by Denver Brainspotting Therapist, Lauren Battista People deal with and respond to traumatic experiences differently. As such, there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” option when it comes to healing from trauma or even managing other mental health conditions. Brainspotting and EMDR therapy are two increasingly popular modalities for trauma treatment. While they share some similarities,…
Going through a traumatic event often leaves a lasting impact on a person. Even if it’s something that happened in childhood, you might carry the effects of your trauma with you for years. While people process and react to trauma differently, it’s not uncommon for those who have experienced it to struggle with trauma responses. […] The post What Is a Trauma Response? appeared first on Denver Metro…
It’s exceedingly important to understand the state of mental health in marginalized groups across this country. Unfortunately, for the LGBTQ+ community, that can be difficult on a large scale. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, most large studies don’t account for every identity within the queer community. However, those studies have shown a […] The post What Does the Data Tell…
Article written by Denver therapist, Lauren Battista Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy, or KAP, is reshaping how many therapists approach healing. Once known primarily as an anesthetic, ketamine is now recognized as a powerful catalyst for emotional transformation—especially when paired with intentional psychotherapy. Whether you’re feeling stuck in old patterns, navigating depression, anxiety, or…
Every person has different wants and needs. Being able to express those things freely in your relationship is essential for a strong connection and clear communication. It requires vulnerability and self-awareness, but once you understand what your wants and needs truly are, you can bring them to your relationship and deal with them in healthy, […] The post How To Deal With Wants And Needs In Your…
Breaking up is hard to do. Whether you know it was for the best or were blindsided by the end of your relationship, a breakup is a loss. It’s okay to grieve that loss, and there’s no ideal timeline for how long it will take you to “get over” things. With that in mind, there’s […] The post When Can You Start Dating Again After a Breakup? appeared first on Denver Metro Counseling .
