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About

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Hello! 

How Can I Help You Create a Life that Feels Intentional and Purpose-Driven?

Picking someone to work with, open up to, and explore with is not an easy task. A  Google search provides multiple options, and sometimes it's not clear what is best for you. For a quick reference for differences in providers, please see below.

I am a licensed psychologist and faculty member at the University of Denver's Graduate School of Professional Psychology. I have worked in the Denver Metro area for several years, as well as New York, Boston, and Los Angeles. During my years of clinical experience, I came to realize that traditional models of therapy were less efficient than I or my clients wanted them to be. I became focused on finding methods of collaborating with clients to help them quickly recognize  their patterns, make sense of the pattern's origins, and re-write the stories that maintain them. The most important part in this process is working together to identify where you want to shift your way of being to create a life of joy, fulfillment and purpose.

 

My areas of expertise include trauma, addiction, and self-actualization. As the Director of  the Substance Use Disorder Specialty, I train graduate students in the neurobiology of trauma and attachment, and how this becomes disorders of self-regulation (like addiction). I also serve as a clinical supervisor for students seeing their own clients. My research interests include the use of psychedelic substances as a valid treatment for mental health concerns, as well as personal growth and enhancement. 

What's The Difference?

Knowing the difference in providers is important!

Psychologist

(Ph.D., Psy.D)

  • Has a Doctorate in psychology

  • 4-5 years of graduate studies including an accredited internship

  • License strictly regulated by a state board, and national ethics code. Multiple exams must be passed for licensure to be acquired.

  • Well-versed and trained in a variety of therapy models, with an emphasis on individual psychological theory and research

  • Able to perform psychological testing and evaluation

 Therapist

(LPC, MFT)

  • 2 years of graduate studies

  • May or may not be licensed by a regulatory board. In Colorado the term "psychotherapist" can pertain to an unlicensed individual with few requirements.

  • Typically trained in "counseling" methods rather than theory or psychological models

  • Little to no training in severe mental illness assessment or intervention.

Social Worker

(MSW, LCSW)

  • 2 years of graduate studies

  • Regulated by a board

  • Trained primarily in public health and community with little emphasis on individuals

  • While some social workers engage in clinic practice (therapy) most focus on finding and building community resources

  • Unable to perform psychological testing/evaluation

Life Coach

  • Varied education, no standard regarding secondary education

  • Not regulated by any board or governing agency. Ethics and other practices are left to discretion.

  • Training and certificate programs vary widely, with little consistency in training 

  • Not trained to address  mental health concerns

Difference in Providers
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