Preteen Therapists in Denver, CO

Have you been struggling with difficult life events, mental health issues or life transitions? Are you looking to know more about yourself? I can help. I have been able to work with many clients with a variety of issues. I utilize and have trainings in most research based approaches including EMDR, DBT, IFS, and ACT among a few. I am able to work with clients with depression, Anxiety, and PTSD along with other life events and decisions.

Do you feel consumed by thoughts about food, exercise, or your body? Do you control your weight as a way to control your life? Does the thought of your body changing bring about intense feelings of guilt, shame, or fear? Are your standards so high for yourself that it is a challenge to get even the smallest task done? Are you constantly criticizing every move you make? Are you constantly on-edge? Are your thoughts so loud that your mind never feels like a safe place? If you answered yes to any of these questions, I am here to help you.

Life will inevitably bring up intense emotions and feelings: shame, fear, confusion, etc. Overwhelming pressure, life transitions, past trauma, or simply the burden of daily stressors can pile on you until it feels like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. When overwhelmed, you may find it relatively impossible to maintain close relationships with family, friends, and significant others. This can create a vicious cycle of anxiety, isolation, and hopelessness. It can feel like you have no way out of this bleak season.

Every client is unique, has their own story, and their own goals of what they want to address in their therapeutic work. I believe it is important to work collaboratively to make sure clients are getting the most out of their therapy. Whether you are struggling with depression, anxiety, low self-esteem/self-worth, effects of the pandemic, a life transition, or have a child struggling with an Eating Disorder I am here to help. I can see clients in-person or virtually in Colorado and can see clients who live in Oklahoma via Telehealth.

I specialize in helping clients work through automatic negative thoughts as well as retraining the brain to be a more compassionate place. Reaching out for a therapist is the first step in beginning to heal negative pathways. I believe that together we can create a safe, secure environment where issues, problems and harmful inner dialogues can have a voice and move towards healing. It can be difficult to identify these negative cycles but together we can find a plan which works for you. Therapy looks different for every person but begins with the therapeutic relationship, trust and vulnerability.

I am licensed clinical psychologist with over a decade of experience. I earned my Doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver in 2010 and have since remained committed to staying up-to-date with the latest developments in the field through continuing education courses. I enjoy working with clients to help achieve a better understanding of themselves and improve their overall quality of life.

Dr. Erica Stephens is a licensed clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, specializing in attachment theory, cognitive behavioral therapy, and interpersonal and family dynamics. With over 10 years of experience, Dr. Erica has helped numerous clients achieve personal growth and overcome a range of mental health challenges. Dr. Erica's approach to therapy is grounded in a warm, empathetic, and collaborative style, empowering clients to make meaningful changes in their lives. Dr. Erica also specializes in working with adopted clients and clients with challenging familial relationships.

Our approach utilizes the biopsychosocial approach to evaluation and treatment; this means we strive to understand the biological, psychological, and social factors that influence the health and wellness of our clients. Our services are often referred to as "behavioral medicine" or "medical psychology;" this is due to taking a holistic approach in our treatment considering the whole person - physical, mental, emotional, and social. We often work collaboratively with other professions such as primary care physicians, occupational therapists, social workers, chaplains, and others who are important to one's individual network of care.

My practice draws upon the concept of the lotus flower, which blooms out of muddy water. Although life brings unexpected difficulties and challenging experiences, I believe any individual can grow and develop practical skills to manage their mental health. Everyone is capable of change and growth, no matter their past or current circumstances. My desire is to help each client heal, grow, and learn skills to manage their wellbeing.

Life can be tough sometimes, and so are you. We all go through difficult situations in our lives and while you may have navigated through those challenges, there’s nothing wrong with seeking extra support when you need it. I have an open and diverse approach to therapy and offer a fresh perspective with my non-judgmental, humurous, and supportive style in my engaging, client-centered practice. I have years of experience treating depression, anxiety, and borderline personality disorders, and I take the time needed to build a trusting relationship to ensure we are meeting your specific needs and goals.

Accepting new clients for morning and early afternoon appointment times. I look at everyone's individual healing journey through a collaborative lens focusing on mind & body. Our minds & bodies hold on to traumas, depression, anxiety, etc & store it. I will help you assess the true roots to your issues & walk the path of growth together. I do not believe in “cookie cutter” therapy methods, which is giving every client the same skills and treatment. Instead we get to know the client & personalize their treatment to fit their needs, wants, beliefs & life experiences.

Courage is the foundation to every client's work. Whether you are making a life decision, addressing your or helping your family member/ love ones' with their psychological struggles, or striving to become who you are and do what truly matters to you... Often times, courage may be disguised as anxiety, fear or painful indecisiveness. Reach a better understanding, through testing or mapping out where you are, and really listen to your symptoms/ guides. Then I encourage you to plant courage through forgiveness and compassion so that you can practice, acceptance, confrontation, working through, and letting go.

Life can be unpredictable, and the expectations of society overwhelming. If you feel that you are not enough or alone, I am here for you. My work with others is collaborative, strengths-based, and emotion-focused.

I have been working in the mental health field for over ten years, with children and families struggling with challenges such as life transitions, domestic abuse, anxiety/depression, mood disorders, and developmental delay. I graduated from Colorado State University in 2005 with a B.S. in Human Development & Families Studies. In 2011, I received my Masters of Social Work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, with a dual specialization in Clinical Social Work and Management & Community Organizations. Following, I embarked on my road to obtaining my License in Clinical Social Worker and successfully completed in 2014.

I am currently accepting new clients and I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who has over 20 years of experience working in the mental health field. My experiences range from early childhood to adult, and in a variety of settings including private practice, the school system, community mental health, hospital inpatient units, and day treatment facilities. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a variety of issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress management, relationships, grief and loss, trauma, and school related challenges.

Life can be challenging! It’s often difficult to make sense of what we’re feeling, or know how to recover from periods disconnection, conflict, miscommunication, or pain in relationships. I work with couples and families, and strive to help my clients identify sources of difficulty within their relationships to promote healing, growth, security, and reconnection. Being in therapy can often feel scary or exposing, so I intentionally create a supportive environment where I invite clients (as they're ready!) to allow their full selves to be seen.

Tired of hurting yourself and others? Ready for a change? I enjoy working with individuals, couples, and families to overcome obstacles and barriers that prevent living a life of true fulfillment and satisfaction. From my own personal life experiences, I know how hard it is to prioritize yourself and ask for help before things become unmanageable.

I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults particularly around challenges related to trauma, sexual health, and identity. I have a passion for working within the LGBTQIA+ community and providing gender affirming care for my clients. I approach the relationships I build with clients with openness, acceptance, a focus on strengths, and sometimes humor. We will work together to understand and explore your self identified needs and collaboratively forge a unique path based on what works for you.

Our typical clients are children and adolescents who are struggling with a specific change, transition, trauma incident, loss, or other stressor that is causing behavioral and emotional concerns, like defiance, anxiety, depression, self-harm, which interferes with school, home-life, and other relationships. Clients have goals to decrease behavioral concerns at home and school, improve emotions, coping skills, communication skills, and school performance. A lot of parents want their children to listen, respect, and connect and communicate with them. We also work with individual adults, families and couples.