C-PTSD vs. PTSD: Why Your Trauma Feels “Different”
Most people think of trauma as a single, explosive event—a car accident on I-25 or a sudden loss. This is the classic definition of PTSD. But for many in Denver, trauma isn’t a single event; it’s a long-term environment. It’s years of “walking on eggshells,” emotional neglect, or a high-pressure upbringing that never felt safe. […]
Navigating the “High-Achiever” Trap: ADHD Support for Teens in Denver
In the Denver Metro area, the pressure on teens is unique. Between the academic rigor of schools like Cherry Creek High or East High, and the social pressure to be “outdoorsy and athletic,” teens with ADHD often feel like they are failing at a game they didn’t sign up to play. If your teen is […]
The Guilt-Free Guide to Setting Boundaries with Parents (For the Denver Transplant)
You moved to Colorado for the lifestyle, the career, and perhaps a bit of “breathing room” from your family of origin. But even from 1,000 miles away, a single text notification from a parent can send your nervous system into a tailspin. If you feel like a “bad child” for wanting space, or if your […]
Escaping the Anxious-Avoidant Trap: A Guide for Denver Couples
Does this cycle sound familiar? One partner asks for more closeness or communication, and the other partner feels overwhelmed and pulls away. This “pulling away” triggers more anxiety in the first partner, who then pursues harder, causing the second partner to retreat further. In the therapy world, we call this the Anxious-Avoidant Trap. In a […]
Managing High-Functioning Anxiety in Denver Professionals
On the outside, you look like the “Denver Success Story.” You’re hitting your KPIs at your tech firm in the Highlands, you never miss a Saturday morning trip to the mountains, and your social calendar is full. But on the inside, the engine is redlining. This is High-Functioning Anxiety (HFA). In a city that prizes […]
Is Your People-Pleasing Actually a Fawn Response? Understanding Trauma Recovery in Denver
Do you find yourself agreeing with people just to keep the peace, even when you’re screaming “no” on the inside? In a professional city like Denver, where “networking” and “collaboration” are king, it’s easy to mistake a Fawn Response for just being a “good team player” or a “nice person.” What is the Fawn Response? […]
Beyond the Scroll: Managing Dopamine-Seeking Behavior and ADHD in Denver
Do you ever find yourself standing in front of an open fridge, not because you’re hungry, but because your brain feels “stuck”? Or perhaps you’ve spent forty-five minutes scrolling through Instagram in the parking lot of a trailhead in Golden, unable to just get out and hike? If you live with ADHD, these aren’t just […]