Therapists for college students near Denver, CO
Emily Neilsen is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Colorado who has been practicing since 2021. She received her master's degree in 2021 and has been working in mental health since. Emily helps clients work through past traumas in a way that will decrease trauma responses and fully enjoy the present day. She enjoys working with adults who are looking to take an active role in their own mental health and healing. Her specialties include working with trauma, anxiety, depression, identity, and life changes. Emily chooses to be in this field to be with people through the hard moments and to help clients gain healing and clarity through processing the past and making intentional steps towards reaching their goals. Emily's main passion is working with clients to heal from past trauma through the use of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Outside of work, Emily enjoys country swing dancing, camping, and playing with her 2 German shepherds.
From a young age, I always had a passion for helping and supporting others. No matter your struggle, I see the human being in front of me, not a label or diagnosis. My vision for our work together is tailored to you and concentrates on your unique, individual needs. My office is a judgment-free zone, so let’s roll up our sleeves and finally talk about the things you've been carrying in silence. I not only accept all, I embrace all. I can’t wait to get started with you! My clinical background centers around the most common mental health concerns you might be facing, such as anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, problems with effective communication, life transitions, anger management, parenting support, body image, gender identity, and support around coping skills. My therapeutic approach values solution-focused care, challenging your beliefs and way of thinking while building a warm and safe space through humor, collaboration, empowerment, and rapport. I also specialize in sex and relationship therapy for individuals. Having seen the impact of stress on sexual minorities, I know firsthand the importance of finding a therapist who embraces the complexities of sexuality and diverse relationship styles. The most common sex therapy concerns I treat that folx bring in are gaps in desire, sexual functioning issues, sexual behavior that feels out of control (commonly referred to as “sex addiction” or “porn addiction”), and many more. No power dynamic, fetish, kink, fantasy, behavior, or desire is too much for us to discuss together. I am also proud to be an ally to the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as the sex worker community. You are safe here. Outside the office, you’ll often find me photographing the Colorado sights or reading in the mile-high sunshine. And, of course, daydreaming about future travel plans abroad!
Expect to cooperate in constructing personal goals that accurately reflect your personality and preferences and creating short- and long-term growth strategies. My focus is to develop in-depth understanding of your situation, and I work with you in creating a map of your experiences. Our sessions will include skill development, thought mapping, and rehearsing for real-life situations. My previous career history includes a five-year stint in the US Army as a religious affairs sergeant, outreach and humanitarian work, personal training, research, and addiction treatment. Balancing academic demands, social pressures, and future uncertainties can be overwhelming. My approach to counseling acknowledges the paradoxical nature of our unique experiences of shared, universal occurrences. We live in a stressful world of promise, excitement, strife, and loneliness, and seek to find meaning and security in our journey. Students strive to find meaning and purpose with authenticity, yet find themselves dedicated to balancing social and academic expectations. My mission is not just to counsel but to encourage and empower you to develop insight, clarity, peace, confidence, and connection. I am here to engage you in your world, time, and situation and to journey alongside you as we accomplish your goals. Whether you're dealing with stress, anxiety, life transitions, or a desire for greater fulfillment, I'm here to support you on your journey.
I believe that every individual is worthy of a safe therapeutic space to process, grow and heal. I am an empathetic therapist who creates an opportunity for others to understand their emotions while equipping them with practical tools to cultivate new, healthier patterns of thinking and/or behavior. I am dedicated to helping you navigate life’s challenges whether it is related to personal growth, life changes, relationships, or trauma. I specialize in eating disorders, anxiety, OCD, trauma, survivors of partner violence and working with adolescents. I draw from several different therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, and art therapy with a mindfulness foundation to support you in your journey.
Allie aims to create a warm and welcoming environment where clients feel safe to be themselves and share their unique stories. She uses a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach in practice to connect with clients and support them as they navigate life’s highs and lows. As a Licensed Social Worker, she has experience working with children and adolescents experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, relational and identity challenges, and grief. She primarily uses Mindfulness Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to assist clients in gaining awareness of their thoughts and emotions, developing self-compassion, and living a life that is congruent with their values. Allie believes that the therapeutic relationship should be collaborative, so she will work with you to develop a therapy plan that best fits your needs. Start where you are and believe that you can, and Allie will be there to support you in overcoming challenges, recognizing your inherent strengths, and finding balance in life.
As a licensed clinical social worker, I am passionate about helping adult and adolescent patients dismantle shame and live a joyful life as their fullest, most authentic selves. My therapeutic approach is rooted in Health At Every Size (HAES) and social justice-aligned principles, with a focus on those struggling with eating disorders, trauma/PTSD, and anxiety, as well as specialty work with LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and Jewish-identifying clients. No matter the struggle, I view each patient as a whole person rather than a collection of symptoms and diagnoses, taking a trauma-informed approach to help you develop greater self-esteem and self-efficacy. If you are interested in working together, please reach out and schedule a free consultation. I look forward to meeting you! Working together, you can expect a warm and compassionate environment that supports you in your journey toward greater mental health. I utilize a mixed-therapy approach to help you gain greater self-awareness and act in a way that’s best aligned with your goals and values. These therapies include DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy), IFS (Internal Family Systems), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), as well as ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Throughout my career as a therapist, I have been committed to helping adolescents and adults break free of patterns that have been keeping them from achieving their goals. I view each client as the expert on their own lives, and enjoy providing them with tools that lead them toward building the lives they want and deserve. I can often be found hiking, skiing, or relaxing outside in my free time. When I’m indoors, I enjoy reading, cooking, weightlifting, and rooting for the Colorado Avalanche.
Meegan Urbanek, LPC, LAC is a Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Addiction Counselor who has been practicing for over fourteen years. She graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Master's degree in Counseling. She has post graduate training in EMDR and is a Certified Daring Way Facilitator. Meegan works from a Client Centered and Harm Reduction approach. She uses a variety of treatment techniques from Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Greif work, Trauma Informed Care, and Psychoeducation. Her main areas of focus include shame, addiction, and trauma. Meegan has a passion for helping people break free from the bonds of fear, depression, shame, guilt, unworthiness, and anxiety. Often, this requires vulnerability and courage; but together, you will be able to obtain the changes you want and build hope, balance, and freedom in your life.
"My partner and I can’t seem to get on the same page about how to respond to our child’s behaviors"..."My fears are keeping me from doing what I enjoy and seeing people I love"..."My family feels disconnected"..."I am always focused on others. There’s no space for me"..."I seek out distractions to numb my feelings and quiet my thoughts"...I hear you, and you are not alone. Let’s explore your story together to find the places where taking small steps can lead to greater connection with yourself and others. I enjoy working with those who struggle with relational issues, parenting, and anxiety as well as ADHD, depression, and trauma. These issues can feel overwhelming, and it can be hard to know where to start when seeking support. In a non-judgmental space, we can explore these issues together and find ways to engage in small changes to make a big impact. I believe every person has the ability to grow, and I want to partner with you to foster the growth that will help you reach your goals. If what you see here speaks to you, reach out so we can talk about how I can help. I look forward to meeting you.
Denise Widner, a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) at LifeStance Health, is dedicated to helping clients across Colorado gain insight into their unique challenges and find effective solutions. With a compassionate and expert approach, Denise provides support to individuals dealing with deep emotional traumas, depression, anxiety, chronic illness, and significant life transitions. She creates a safe and nurturing environment where clients can explore their struggles and work towards lasting relief and positive change. Denise is particularly passionate about addressing issues related to grief, PTSD/trauma, and midlife transitions. She uses a combination of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy to guide her clients through their healing journey. Her holistic approach is informed by years of studying mind-body practices, allowing her to offer tailored interventions that promote both mental and physical well-being. In addition to her specialties, Denise is committed to supporting women, first responders, and military veterans.
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I help people whose mood, trauma, anxiety, depression and intrusive thoughts are controlling their lives learn to cope and feel in control again. Seeking therapy can be a scary step, but I'm excited to say that you don’t have to manage life's difficulties alone. In therapy, I will support you in learning what your body is communicating through sadness, panic, insecurity, grief, and hopelessness. We can explore a variety of ways to process, as well as coping skills that match your life and who you are. I believe that we are experts of our own experiences, and my role is to guide you toward healing while honoring your personal values. I practice EMDR and have expertise in a variety of areas, including trauma, addiction, substance use, and the LGBTQIA community. Whether it's the big life altering traumas or the day-to-day difficulties and systems we navigate, there are ways to move forward and find hope. I hope to work with you soon!
Maria Esswein is a Licensed Professional Counselor, who has been practicing since August 2015. She graduated from The University of Missouri-St. Louis with a Master of Education in School Counseling. Maria believes in meeting client's where they're at, seeking to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and they strengths they already possess to proivde an individualized approach. Through establishing a strong alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully. Her main areas of focus include women's issues, grief/life adjustments, trauma, anxiety and depression. In her spare time, Maria enjoys being outside in nature, moving her body through mountain biking, hiking, weightlifting, running and kundalini yoga, spending time with friends and family who fill her heart, and exploring the depths of the spiritual being she is.
I work with you to uncover the stressors, causes of discomfort, and distractions that lead to a sense of disempowerment and further act as barriers to unlocking your potential in all areas of life. Within every session, I seek to engage our time together through non-judgmental interactions. I also collaborate with you to help you develop a present moment focus on what's important and empower you to optimize as well as tap into your core motivators that inspire purpose, direction, and motivation. From there, I diligently encourage you towards action-oriented living, through establishing actions plans and setting goals that help you gain resiliency and a renewed sense of self.
Brynn is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) with experience providing trauma-informed care to individuals across the lifespan. She holds a Master of Social Work from Colorado State University with an advanced clinical behavioral health certification and has dedicated her career to helping others grow and heal. Brynn believes in a collaborative, strengths-based approach, tailoring treatment to each client’s unique needs. She integrates a variety of evidence-based modalities, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Parts Work, and Somatic Experiencing. She specializes in working with individuals navigating trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and identity exploration, particularly within diverse communities. With warmth and compassion, Brynn fosters a safe and supportive environment where clients can develop insight, build resilience, and work toward meaningful change. She is committed to empowering clients on their journey toward healing and personal growth. If you’re ready to take the next step, Brynn is here to support you.
Do you often feel overwhelmed by life’s demands? Do you find it difficult to be fully present in the moment? Do you worry about the uncertainties of the future? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I may be able to help you. You deserve to be able to enjoy your life- not feel trapped by it. Finding the tools to navigate anxiety, depression, or trauma may not be easy, but it is a rewarding process that you do not have to go through alone. Whether you are struggling with self-esteem, emotional regulation, or stress, you can find the support you need to overcome these challenges. I can help you break free from the endless cycles of stress and take back control of your life. My ideal client is someone who is curious and reflective, as well as willing to take the necessary steps to improve their quality of life when the time is right for them. If this sounds like you, send me a message so we discuss how I can best help you. I look forward to hearing from you.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 22 years of experience, I specialize in supporting adolescents, adults, and their families as they navigate mental health-related challenges. I take a warm, thoughtful approach that is grounded in empathy in order to better help you heal from issues such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relational conflicts. If you are seeking clarity, relief, and the tools to move forward with greater confidence and connection, please reach out today. I look forward to helping you build practical strategies to navigate stress, deepen self-understanding, and foster resilience. Working together, you can expect a safe, warm, and nonjudgemental space adapted to your unique needs and goals. I believe in meeting people where they are, with compassion, curiosity, and respect, which helps me be a steady and attuned partner in your healing process. Throughout our time together, I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused approaches, as well as exposure response prevention techniques. This collaborative style is designed to support you in your personal growth, resilience, and sense of possibility. My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by a deep curiosity about how people heal and grow. Over time, this passion evolved into a lifelong commitment to providing integrative, compassionate care. Now I am dedicated to bringing a bio-psycho-social lens to each session, honoring the complexity of every person’s story. I enjoy a wide range of hobbies outside the office to keep my mind and body active! These include watching movies and shows, reading, playing video games, practicing my photography skills, and crafting.
Stephanie Johnson is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC), who has been practicing since 2017. She holds an undergraduate degree in Psychology and graduated from The University of North Texas with a master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Stephanie believes in meeting clients with genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathy from their first meeting to their last. She encourages clients to find their own voice, reconnect with their sense of meaning, and learn ways to feel grounded. Stephanie is a certified Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) therapist and is trained in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR). Her main areas of focus include existential issues, emotional health, and trauma/PTSD. In her spare time, Stephanie enjoys being in nature, reading fiction and nonfiction, and experimenting with new recipes.
I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12 years of experience working with teens, young adults, trauma, relationships and eating disorders. I’m also a clinical supervisor and the founder of True Self Therapy group practice I pride myself in being both extremely knowledgeable and down-to-earth. I’m relatable, humorous, and definitely not an uptight therapist. I truly believe that therapy can be an enjoyable part of your day. I look forward to meeting with you and supporting you on your journey! Fun Facts: baby girl mom, cat and dog lover, Trader Joes expert, reality TV enthusiast, Tiktok time waster, Current Denver resident
“I am stuck in negative thoughts.” “I have difficulty making sense of or finding my purpose in life.” “My thoughts and emotions control my life.” “I do not feel good enough.” I am happy to support you through struggles with depression, anxiety, emotional regulation, trauma, work/life balance, and other important areas. I believe that everyone has the potential to live as their authentic selves. I offer scientific, evidence-based techniques from person-centered, strengths-based, somatic psychotherapy, emotionally-focused, and other approaches in our work together. I am confident that you can reach a heart of peace with your life. Searching for peace may feel daunting. I have previous experience in crisis counseling and group counseling where I have seen people reach their goals. Message or call me and let's talk about what you are looking for in your life. I would be honored to hear your story.
Will Giddings, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at LifeStance Health, dedicated to serving individuals, couples, and families throughout Colorado. He employs a compassion-focused, behavior analytic approach to help clients discover what makes their lives truly meaningful. By guiding clients to identify their core values, Will empowers them to live authentically and purposefully, creating a sense of freedom and fulfillment. Will is particularly passionate about working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, and ADHD. He also has a strong focus on helping individuals navigate later life transitions, addressing men's issues, and supporting those dealing with psychosis or schizophrenia. With a deep commitment to growth and healing, Will uses evidence-based therapies such as Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure Therapy to help his clients overcome challenges and achieve their goals.