Therapy Modalities

Therapy Approaches for Anxiety, Trauma, Relationships & Life Transitions

There isn't one type of therapy that works for everyone. I use several evidence-based approaches and tailor therapy to what you're experiencing, what you want to work on, and what feels most helpful to you.

I primarily work with adults and young adults in Denver who are dealing with anxiety, stress, relationship concerns, life transitions, self-doubt, trauma, or feeling stuck in patterns they want to change. I also work with teens and couples when appropriate.

You don't need to know which type of therapy you need before you reach out. We can talk about what's going on and figure that out together.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical approach that looks at the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

CBT can be especially helpful for anxiety, overthinking, perfectionism, self-doubt, stress, and depression. Sometimes our thoughts become so automatic that we don't even notice how much they're affecting how we feel or what we do.

In therapy, we'll slow those patterns down and look at whether the thoughts and beliefs you're carrying are actually helping you. From there, we can work on developing more balanced ways of thinking and responding.

I often use CBT with clients who want practical tools they can use outside of our sessions, while also making space to understand why these patterns developed in the first place.

Learn more about CBT therapy in Denver →

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR can help people process difficult or traumatic experiences that continue to affect how they feel, think, or respond in the present.

Many people associate EMDR only with major trauma, but it can be helpful for a wider range of experiences. Past experiences can sometimes contribute to anxiety, relationship difficulties, emotional reactions, low self-worth, or feeling stuck even when you understand logically that something happened in the past.

EMDR is not about forcing you to talk through everything that has happened to you. We work at a pace that feels manageable and appropriate for you, and I will help you understand the process before we begin.

If you're wondering whether EMDR might be a good fit, we can talk about that during a consultation.

Learn more about EMDR therapy →

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Skills

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) offers practical skills for managing difficult emotions, tolerating distress, communicating more effectively, and navigating relationships.

I incorporate DBT skills into therapy when they fit what a client is working on. These skills can be particularly useful when you find yourself reacting more strongly than you'd like, becoming overwhelmed by emotions, or knowing what you want to do differently but having trouble doing it in the moment.

DBT can also provide useful tools for managing stress, improving communication, setting boundaries, and responding to difficult situations with more intention.

Relational Therapy

Relational therapy focuses on the ways our relationships and past experiences can shape how we see ourselves and interact with other people.

You may notice patterns around people-pleasing, boundaries, communication, conflict, trust, attachment, or self-worth that seem to repeat themselves. Understanding those patterns can be an important part of creating healthier relationships.

I also believe that the relationship between therapist and client matters. Therapy is a place where you should feel comfortable being honest, asking questions, and talking about things that may be difficult to say elsewhere.

How I Choose the Right Approach

You don't have to choose one therapy modality and stick with it. In fact, I often combine approaches depending on what a client needs.

For example, someone coming to therapy for anxiety might benefit from CBT strategies for managing anxious thoughts while also exploring relationship patterns or past experiences that contribute to the anxiety.

Another client may benefit from EMDR to process a difficult experience and CBT or DBT skills to help manage what comes up along the way.

Therapy isn't about finding the perfect technique. It's about understanding you—what you're experiencing, what has brought you to therapy, and what you want to be different.

Finding the Right Therapist Matters

I believe goodness of fit is an important part of therapy. Therapy is built on a relationship, and you should feel comfortable with the person you're working with.

That's why I offer a free 20-minute phone consultation before beginning therapy. It gives us a chance to talk about what you're looking for, answer questions, and see whether my approach feels like a good fit for you.

You don't need to have everything figured out before you reach out.

Contact me to schedule a free 20-minute consultation.