Trauma therapy in Denver, Colorado

Move forward from trauma and PTSD with EMDR, Brainspotting, IFS, and more.

Heal from the weight of traumatic experiences: Find your path forward in Denver

When you’ve experienced trauma, you might be struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, and traumatic memories. After experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, therapy can help you overcome the effects of emotional abuse, religious trauma, childhood trauma, and more.

We understand that moving forward from traumatic life events can feel overwhelming. Our Denver trauma therapists are here to support your journey toward healing and reclaiming your life. 

Do you ever experience panic attacks, anxiety, or depression related to a traumatic life event? Are you highly alert or aware of what’s happening around you? Have you experienced or witnessed violence that continues to bring up negative or disturbing memories? Have you found that conflicts and relationships can be difficult for you to manage? 

At My Denver Therapy, many of our therapists specialize in trauma. Our therapists go beyond trauma-informed therapy and by using many of the most proven and effective ways to help clients heal from trauma, including EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Brainspotting, and Somatic Attachment Therapy.

With over a century of combined experience, our dedicated therapists have had the privilege of supporting countless individuals, much like you, on their unique journeys from pain and distress to empowerment and peace. We bring to our work not only a deep understanding of proven therapeutic techniques but also heartfelt compassion and a genuine commitment to your well-being in every session.

Understanding what trauma means for you

Trauma isn’t defined by a single type of event; it’s the lasting impact of any experience that shatters your sense of safety, connection, or self-worth.

This can include, but is not limited to, experiences like emotional abuse or manipulation, the deep ache of childhood neglect, or carrying the heavy burden of internalized negative beliefs such as ‘”I’m not good enough’ or ‘”I’m to blame.” If these resonate, please know your experiences are valid, and healing is possible with the right support here in Denver.

  • Beyond Physical Violence: While physical violence is a significant source of trauma, it’s crucial to understand that trauma extends far beyond. Emotional abuse, neglect, and chronic stress can inflict equally damaging wounds.
  • Emotional and Psychological Impact: Trauma often stems from experiences that undermine an individual’s sense of safety, security, and self-worth. Examples include:
    • Emotional abuse and manipulation
    • Childhood neglect
    • Internalized negative beliefs (“I’m not good enough”)
    • Grief and loss
    • Chaotic or unstable environments
    • Negative experiences within helping systems
  • Vicarious Trauma: Witnessing the trauma of others, also known as vicarious or secondary trauma, can also lead to significant emotional distress.
  • Cumulative Trauma: The accumulation of multiple traumatic experiences, even seemingly minor ones, can create a significant burden, impacting self-perception and worldview.
  • Mind-Body Connection: Trauma manifests not only in the mind but also in the body. The “fight-or-flight” response can become chronically activated, leading to persistent anxiety, stress, and physical health issues.

Trauma is a response to any event or series of events that overwhelms an individual’s capacity to cope, resulting in lasting adverse effects.

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Understanding the journey from trauma to PTSD—and how we can help

Trauma is one of the most common reasons why people see a therapist. Trauma is a deeply impactful experience that can significantly increase the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

While not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, the persistent state of tension and hyperarousal following a traumatic event can trigger a range of debilitating symptoms, including persistent hypervigilance, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, sleep disruptions and nightmares, anxiety, depression, and disconnection from others.

Trauma therapy in Denver

At My Denver Therapy, we understand that addressing trauma is a courageous step towards healing. If you’re searching for trauma therapy in Denver, you’re not alone. We’re here to provide a safe, supportive space for you to navigate your journey.

Finding the right trauma therapist in Denver: A partnership built on trust and understanding

We recognize that choosing a trauma therapist is a significant decision, and feeling safe and understood is most important.

At My Denver Therapy, building a trusting therapeutic relationship is the foundation of our work. We are committed to creating a genuinely comfortable and empathetic environment where your voice is not only heard but deeply valued. We understand the courage it takes to reach out, and we meet that courage with unwavering support and respect.

  • Your Comfort is Our Priority: We know that building trust with your therapist is essential. We prioritize creating a comfortable and empathetic environment where you feel truly heard and understood.
  • Trauma-Informed Care, Tailored to You: Our Denver trauma therapists utilize trauma-informed care, recognizing the unique needs of each individual. We’ll work collaboratively with you, allowing you to set the pace of your healing.
  • Collaborative Approach to Healing: Together, we’ll explore various trauma therapy approaches, ensuring you’re informed and empowered to choose the path that resonates with you. We’ll answer all your questions, providing clarity and support along the way.

Empowering Your Trauma Recovery Journey:

  • A Supportive Partnership: We believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is vital for healing. We’ll walk alongside you, offering unwavering support and guidance.
  • Safe and Non-Judgmental Space: Our Denver team provides a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can explore your emotions and experiences with compassion.
  • Empowerment Through Understanding: We aim to empower you by fostering a deeper understanding of your trauma and its impact, enabling you to reclaim your sense of self.
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Any traumatic event can affect your mental health and negatively affect your quality of life. 

When our brains are overwhelmed, they may not properly process traumatic memories. This can create anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 

Your path to healing: Tailored trauma therapy approaches in Denver

Because your experience with trauma is unique, your healing path should be too. Our compassionate Denver trauma therapists are highly skilled in a range of evidence-based approaches, carefully chosen to meet your specific needs. These include:

  • EMDR Therapy: Gently helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories to reduce their emotional charge and distress.
  • Brainspotting: Uses your field of vision to help you access, process, and release stored trauma from the brain and body.
  • Internal Family Systems (IFS): Fosters understanding and harmony within your inner self, healing wounded parts.
  • Somatic Attachment Therapy: Focuses on the mind-body connection to heal attachment wounds and regulate your nervous system.
  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Helps you build psychological flexibility and live a values-driven life, even with difficult experiences.
  • Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP): For some, KAP can offer a unique pathway to breakthroughs in trauma treatment when other methods have been less effective.

These evidence-based approaches are carefully chosen and designed to help you reprocess distressing memories, reduce their emotional intensity, and build a renewed sense of safety, control, and self-worth. Our goal is to support you in moving from just surviving the impact of trauma to truly thriving in your life

We will explore these options with you, ensuring you feel fully informed and empowered in choosing the therapeutic approach that feels right for your journey to recovery in Denver

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Trauma can create feelings of detachment and lead to isolation from friends and social situations. Physical signs of trauma and PTSD can include insomnia, issues with concentration, memory issues, fatigue, and more.

When our brains don’t process trauma the right way, there can be negative consequences. In some cases, it can feel like you’re reliving trauma again and again. Trauma can be so intense that it can prevent someone from living their everyday life and being the person they once were.

What makes trauma therapy different?

At My Denver Therapy, we understand that healing from trauma requires a specialized approach. While regular therapy can be beneficial for various life challenges, trauma therapy is distinct in its focus and techniques, offering targeted support for those impacted by traumatic experiences.

The Key Differences: Trauma Therapy vs. Regular Therapy

  • Trauma-Informed Focus:
    • Trauma therapy centers specifically on healing from traumatic events, acknowledging how trauma affects both your psychological and physiological well-being.
    • Regular talk therapy, while valuable, may not delve into the unique complexities of trauma’s impact.
  • Specialized Techniques:
    • Trauma therapy utilizes evidence-based, specialized techniques like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Brainspotting, and other mind-body approaches.
    • These methods are designed to address the specific ways trauma is stored in the brain and body, promoting healing and integration.
    • Regular talk therapy is less likely to use these specialized techniques.
  • Individualized Treatment:
    • Our Denver trauma therapists create personalized treatment plans, recognizing that each individual’s trauma experience is unique.
    • We work directly with you to address your specific needs and challenges.
    • While regular therapy is also individualized, trauma focused therapy will be much more focused on the trauma itself.
  • Emphasis on Safety and Empowerment:
    • Creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment is paramount in trauma therapy, allowing you to process your experiences at your own pace.
    • We empower you to reclaim control and build resilience.

Does EMDR really work to treat trauma?

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a powerful, evidence-based therapy that has helped countless individuals in Denver and beyond heal from traumatic experiences.

Studies consistently demonstrate its effectiveness. For example, research indicates that EMDR can lead to significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, with some studies showing that 77-90% of individuals experience positive benefits after multiple EMDR sessions. This isn’t just anecdotal; the World Health Organization and the American Psychiatric Association recognize EMDR as an effective treatment for trauma.

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Other Specialties

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Healing may not be so much about getting better, as about letting go of everything that isn’t you – all of the expectations, all of the beliefs – and becoming who you are.

Rachel Naomi Remen

Brian Thomas
(MA, LPC)
Taylor Downs
(Counseling Intern)
Dawn Schmidli
(M. Ed, LPC)
Kelly Albers
(MA, LPC)
Katy Pelletier
(MS, MFTC)
Nicole Hunka
(MA, LPC)
JJ Hedden
(Counseling Intern)
Annie Hause
(MA, LPC)
Hillary Naef
(MA, LPC)
Alex Song
(MA, LPC)
John Hague
(MA, LPC)
Maci Luther
(MA, LPC)
MacKenzie King
(MS, LPC)
Lance Hill
(MA, LPC)
Allie Evans
(MMFT, LMFT)
Aria Kirby
(MS, LPCC)
Lindsey Kayne
(MA, LPCC)
Shannon Keane
(MSN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC)
Nicole Wolf
(MA, LPC)
Courtneyrose Chung
(MMFT, LMFT, LPC, LAC, NMIT)
Jelly Bean
(Therapy Dog)
 

Meet our therapists

My Denver Therapy has become one of the largest therapy private practices in Colorado with many of the best mental health therapists in the Denver Metro area. 

As a therapist-owned practice with over 100 years of combined experience, we care about seeing you heal, grow, and thrive. We’re one of the only therapy practices in Colorado with licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, addiction counselors, social workers, and psychiatric nurse practitioners who actively see new clients in person and online. 

Whether you’re an adult, teen, young adult, couple, or family, our inclusive therapist team is built to specialize in clients of all ages, faiths, backgrounds, and life experiences. 

Because our client-centered approach that meets you where you are, we’ve helped thousands of people in Colorado by providing in-person therapy at our conveniently located Denver Metro area counseling offices in Denver, Greenwood Village, and Lone Tree, plus online therapy for clients throughout Colorado. Our therapists also provide consultation for other therapists and private practices throughout the Denver Metro area.

To support you and your mental health journey, our therapists are trained in some of the most innovative, effective, and in-demand forms of therapy available today, including EMDR, Ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, CBT, DBT, and IFS. 

We know that you want to find the best therapist in Denver for you, so our team includes therapists of different ages with a wide range of backgrounds, specialities, and experiences to help you find the right match for your goals, location, budget, and schedule.

We’re out of network for insurance, Tricare, and are unable to take Medicaid or Medicare, but most of our therapists’ rates are lower than the local and national averages for therapy. Also, we don’t charge separate intake or administration fees or charge more for specialized therapy methods like EMDR.

All of our therapists take a client-focused approach to counseling and approach each session with a commitment to your progress and growth. When you’re ready to meet your therapist, we’re here to help.

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