Therapists for college students near Denver, CO

I help people who feel stunted by the lingering impact of trauma and early childhood relational wounding. I offer a welcoming space where safety and trust are imperative, inviting my clients to be truly heard and seen in a non-judgmental environment. By aligning to client's innate wisdom and utilizing Somatic, trauma and other mindfulness based modalities, I assist clients in feeling heard, empowered and supported to work through trauma and relational wounds. Together we set out on a journey to find greater flexibility and ease in life and to feel freedom and confidence to have a life worth living. As a graduate of Naropa University's Contemplative Psychotherapy program I have trained in intensive mindfulness meditation practices which generate greater curiosity, self-compassion and wisdom. With this as my therapeutic base, I incorporate Somatic Experiencing, EMDR and other somatic based modalities for treating trauma, attachment and relational wounds.

Now offering 6-Week ADHD Support & Skills Group for College Students! As a therapist with both ADHD and years of experience supporting neurodivergent clients, I understand the unique challenges that come with navigating college life. This 6-week group is designed specifically for college students with ADHD who are looking for practical strategies, support, and a space where they truly feel seen and understood. Goals of the Group: You’re not alone: This group provides a community where your struggles are recognized, and you can connect with others who “get it.” Get a Semester Reset: Feeling overwhelmed or off track? We’ll help you hit reset and build momentum for the rest of the semester. Manage Challenges In and Out of the Classroom: Learn ADHD-friendly strategies to help you manage coursework, social life, and personal well-being without feeling constantly behind. Avoid Burnout: Gain practical tools to keep up with academic demands while staying balanced and avoiding the exhaustion that can come from pushing too hard. Discover Your Strengths: ADHD comes with unique strengths! We’ll help you tap into them so you can succeed your way. Understand Your Brain: Learn more about how your ADHD brain works so you can work with it, not against it. Reject Unhelpful Advice: We’ll focus on strategies that actually work for ADHD minds—no more well-meaning but unhelpful neurotypical advice. Details: When: TBD-Group meeting times are scheduled based on availability of interested group members. Where: Groups will meet online via Zoom for 1 hour weekly. Duration: 6 weeks Who Should Join: College students with ADHD (whether or not you have been formally diagnosed) who are ready for a fresh approach to managing their challenges and tapping into their full potential. Ready to thrive this semester? Visit my website to learn more and join us!

Healing is a deeply personal journey, and having the right support can make all the difference. As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with eight years of experience in mental health settings, my work centers on helping children and adults from all walks of life navigate mood, anxiety, neurodevelopmental, and trauma-related disorders with skill, compassion, and care. Whether you're seeking medication management, psychotherapy, or a thoughtful combination of both, you can expect a partner who is committed to helping you feel seen, understood, and valued every step of the way. Whatever brings you here, you deserve care that honors your full story. From the moment we begin working together, you can expect a space that is warm, respectful, and completely free of judgment. Creating an authentic and relaxed environment where you feel safe to show up as you are is something I'm deeply committed to. My approach is evidence-based and patient-centered, shaped by a genuine belief in your innate resilience and strength. Sessions are collaborative by design, and the direction of our work is guided by your unique goals, life experiences, and the parts of your identity that matter most to you. No two people are alike, and treatment should reflect that. Together, we'll tailor a path that supports you in living a life that feels genuinely fulfilling. The path that led me to psychiatric nursing began early in my career, when I recognized how often mental health concerns were treated as secondary to physical ones. That realization sparked a lasting commitment to whole-person care that honors the deep connection between mind and body by empowering patients to reach their highest potential. Bringing a holistic perspective to every session means looking beyond symptoms and considering the full picture of who you are and what you need. Your mental and physical health are not separate, and the care you receive should reflect that. Outside of the office, you'll find me spending time with family and friends, hiking or simply being in nature, and staying active through exercise. My Pomeranians keep life wonderfully entertaining, and I love exploring new restaurants and traveling whenever I can. Cooking is another favorite, whether it's recreating a dish from a recent trip or testing something entirely new in the kitchen.

I work with creatives, academics, professionals, caregivers and helpers who are used to doing it alone — but don’t want to anymore. I specialize in complex grief, trauma and high-functioning depression in thoughtful, driven adults. My work integrates EMDR, somatic and trauma-informed therapy to help experiences settle in the nervous system — not just make sense intellectually. Together, we focus on practical tools to regulate intense emotions, build resilience and reduce the quiet weight you’ve been carrying. We move at a pace that honors your history without rushing the process. If you’re ready to feel more grounded, less reactive and more connected to your to your own life, please reach out.

If you’re struggling to navigate current relationships, find ways to heal from past trauma, develop meaning and purpose in life, or cope with what life throws at you, I’m here to be a companion in your journey. I am an emotion-focused and trauma-informed therapist for individuals ages 10 and up, with clinical experience in a wide depth of reasons one might seek out therapy, including relational trauma, depression, anxiety, identity issues, self-esteem, emerging adulthood, psychosis, attachment, self-harm, life transitions, parenting support, and more. I know there can often be mixed feelings when starting therapy, and I see your courage. I look forward to meeting you where you’re at, getting to know you, and witnessing your growth in our work together. Please reach out today to take the next step on your healing path. I believe that you are the expert in your own life and growth is always possible, which is why I’m passionate about being an active partner who helps you step into your most authentic self. I attune my intervention approaches to your specific needs while most often utilizing existential, attachment, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and strength-based approaches to achieve your goals for growth and work toward your most fulfilling life. If seeking couples therapy, I utilize Gottman and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) approaches most often. If seeking therapy for your child, I have a background in play therapy, including attachment play therapy approaches. Working together, you can expect a warm, wholistic, curious, and collaborative environment as we collaborate to manage the challenging parts of life. I bring my compassion and authenticity each day to help guide you through your own healing journey. When I’m not in the therapy room, I’m often out in nature, whether that’s on a photography hike, camping, or learning snowboarding. I also enjoy recharging through quality time with loved ones, board game nights, or maybe planning my next national park getaway!

Life can feel overwhelming at times, leaving us stuck or unsure of how to move forward. My goal is to instill a sense of hope and trust—a belief that growth and healing are possible, even in moments of discomfort or resistance. Paige meets clients where they are, including those who may feel unsure about therapy or hesitant to engage, creating a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore challenges and develop lasting skills. Clients also learn new ways of thinking and behaving that shift how they see themselves and their situations, helping them not only cope, but truly feel better and more empowered. Paige works with anxiety, depression, ADHD, emotional dysregulation, OCD, self-esteem, behavioral concerns, and trauma. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, She helps clients build resilience, confidence, coping, and social/problem-solving skills while fostering emotional growth and self-understanding. She uses Person-Centered Therapy, CBT, ACT, and DBT skills, along with mindfulness to support clients in exploring unhelpful beliefs and reframing them into helpful and empowering perspectives. Together, we work toward greater self-understanding, confidence, and an increased ability to navigate life’s challenges.

Being in college can be challenging- you're juggling academics, a social life, and are in a transition age where you may be feeling a lot of pressure to have it "all figured out". I'm here to support you in finding balance as you navigate life's inevitable ups and downs. I specialize in working with individuals who are struggling with the transition to college or the many changes that arise during the college experience. I have experience working with individuals who have suffered from life-changing events and are seeking to rediscover themselves in the aftermath. I also have extensive experience assisting clients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity and self-esteem issues, and healing from cancer or other physical illness. In our sessions, we’ll create a safe space to explore what you’re going through and work together to find practical steps forward. I believe that true healing involves the mind, body, and spirit all working together and I take a holistic approach to therapy. I draw from various techniques, including mindfulness and trauma-informed care, to create a space where you can feel safe and understood. My goal is to help you reconnect with yourself, discover your strengths, and learn to relate to adversity in a new way. You have taken the first step and have found this page because you are finally ready to do the work. Now, let's connect for our first session.

You might be a student who looks like you have it together but feels anxious, burned out, or disconnected underneath. Maybe the pressure of classes, relationships, or figuring out who you are is heavier than you expected. Maybe you're navigating a big transition, far from home for the first time, or just noticing that the way you've always coped isn't working anymore. In therapy, we'll slow down, get curious about what's really going on, and build skills that help you feel more like yourself. I draw from a variety of approaches — including body-based techniques, mindfulness, and talk therapy — to tailor our work to what you actually need. You don't have to have it all figured out to start. You just have to show up.

Currently accepting new clients. I earned my Clinical Psychology doctorate degree from the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver. Throughout my time in practice, I have worked with a variety of individuals and specialize in working with adults who are struggling with ADHD, depression, anxiety, relationship issues, adjustment and life transitions, family problems, learning problems, and issues related to culture/identity. I use a direct, open, and collaborative approach to foster a supportive and non-judgmental environment for you to engage in creating meaningful change. Ultimately, I want to help you create a life where you are truly thriving. I am passionate about supporting my clients in moving toward goals that will lead to increased fulfillment and overall well-being. Because every person is different, I tailor my approach to meet your specific needs, keeping cultural factors and unique identities in mind. If you have been feeling down, anxious, confused, stuck, or are lacking clarity in one or more areas of your life, please contact me. I would love to discuss how we can work together.

I want you to feel like you can be your best self every day and feel comfortable in your own skin whether your in class, among friends, at home, or in your studio. We can come up with a plan to meet your goals and identify tools and explore ways to help you be the wonderful, creative, and joyful person you're meant to be.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

We understand the importance to have someone you can talk to and gain a new perspective on struggles on your life experience and struggles. difficult life transition, stress and anxiety, depression, relationships, or traumatic experiences they seem overwhelming difficult to get away from. There’s never a bad time to seek helpful support, and to learn practice using the coping skills and strategies that will help you thrive.

The intake process typically spans about four sessions, during which the emphasis is on assessing the compatibility between you and me. This initial stage is crucial as we establish a foundation for our therapeutic alliance and become acquainted with each other. A central element of my practice involves being fully present during our sessions and attuned to nonverbal cues. I listen to not only what you are saying but how you are feeling in the moment. I encourage you to observe and share your experiences during our discussions, fostering a sense of being present 'in the room' together. The therapy session serves as a secure space where we can explore your beliefs about yourself, how you make sense of the world, and your ways of connecting with other people. It provides an opportunity for you to practice assertiveness, express your emotions and needs, and challenge any assumptions about my perceptions and interactions with you.

Hi, I’m Joanna Lester—founder of First Circle Therapy, a Colorado-based virtual practice. I specialize in working with college and grad students who are thoughtful, creative, and sensitive—but overwhelmed by the pressure to keep it all together. If you're juggling deadlines, relationships, family expectations, and big questions about who you're becoming, you might feel anxious, unmotivated, burned out, or just not yourself. You’re not alone—and therapy can be a space to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with what really matters to you. Our work can help you move through cycles of self-doubt, people-pleasing, or perfectionism and into a more grounded, self-led life. Whether you're processing trauma, navigating identity shifts, or learning to set healthier boundaries, I offer space to explore your inner world with clarity and care. In our sessions, we’ll use nervous system tools (to help your body shift out of fight-or-flight and feel more at ease) and parts work (to help the different sides of you—like the achiever, avoider, or inner critic—work together instead of against each other). You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin. I offer free consultations to see if we’re a fit, and I accept several major insurance plans to make therapy more accessible. Feel free to reach out—no pressure.

Therapy asks us to tap into vulnerable parts of ourselves. It requires safety and comfort. My clients are courageous enough to show up as their authentic selves, therefore I value being my authentic self within our therapeutic relationship. I incorporate empirically supported interventions into our time processing concerns, building self-awareness, making meaningful changes, and exploring identities. I specialize working with individuals who desire to dedicate less time and energy to food and body image concerns, and more time to aspects of life truly important to them. I approach disordered eating and body image work from a Health at Every Size (HAES) framework. I want my clients to “taste life” and to experience it in a fulfilling way. I also have ample experience working with anxiety, depression, grief, relational concerns, life transitions, perfectionism, ADD/ADHD, and athletic identity. I value and enjoy working with diverse populations and strive to create a safe space for individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and identities. While we may not share identities or experiences, it is my mission as your therapist to approach our work with humility and to gain understanding of your authentic self.

As an Asian American female with immigrant parents, navigating being a minority, assimilating into society and finding my cultural identity was a difficult time in my life. Unresolved childhood trauma and attachment issues are root causes that make us who we are - but that doesn’t mean we can’t work to change those maladaptive patterns you learned growing up… Do you also experience generational and childhood trauma, cultural expectations that don’t always align with societal norms, low self-worth and people pleasing behaviors? Do you want to change the way you react when your feelings get the best of you? Do you want to figure out the root cause of your anxiety or depression and heal your hurt inner child? Stop the cycle and be the first one in your family to start this healing journey. I’ll challenge and support you to help identify triggers, behaviors and feelings connected to past relationships or experiences in order to change the patterns that hinder you from being your best self. Being here is the first step in this journey - sign up for a free consultation today!

We all face challenges, stressors, traumas, losses, and changes in life. Especially as women. Especially now. We are supposed to have it all, do it all, be it all. For everyone. All the time. Like yesterday. At Discover Peace Within, we recognize that as a human being, you have access to a reservoir of strength, resiliency, and peace within you. Yet, right now, you feel so far away from that sense of peace. Your childhood trauma keeps repeating itself in your relationships. Your low self-esteem makes you say “yes” when you mean “no.” You’re constantly worried if you belong. You lay awake at night wondering if you said the right thing? Did the right thing? You’re fearful of being “too much” while also feeling “not enough.” Life is happening so fast - you feel that you can’t keep up. You want to feel closer to yourself. Your true self. Not the self that you present to the world. Or to your boss and co-workers. Or even friends or family. You know what living in your true self feels like. You’ve had glimpses of it before. When your body-mind-spirit all clicked into place. You know she’s still there. She’s underneath all of the trauma from childhood. Or the messages from others about what you SHOULD be. What society makes you believe you HAVE to do. You’re blocked from making choices that YOU want to make. You’re held back from going for that job, putting yourself out there with friends, or resting when you need to. You struggle seeing the good in you. And yet, there is a voice within you, reminding you of your true self. Therapy can be a helpful place to get back to you. To get back to your true self. Working with a therapist at Discover Peace Within can offer you a sacred space - a time dedicated solely to you and your needs. A time for you to heal. Take a chance on you to discover peace within and book an appointment now.

I can help you manage uneasy emotions by providing a safe, confidential space to explore your feelings without being judged. You will be given tools to manage your anxiety and depressive symptoms that can transform the way you move forward in life.

You may feel like your emotions are too much or too big, but I am here to show you that they are not. You may have found yourself in repeating patterns that you can't seem to get out of. Old trauma and current pain may be holding you down. Maybe early on attachment figures didn't set you up for success when it comes to loving yourself, being a thriving adult/young adult, and having healthy relationships with those around you. You want to release the things that are holding you back so that you are better able to manage the stress of everyday life, and feel more secure and confident as you do it. Every part of you deserves to be loved, and by helping find your way through your emotions, I can help you come back into the most authentic version of yourself so that you can thrive. I love to work with women and nonbinary folks in the realms of trauma, relationships, body image, self esteem, and anxiety. If you think I may be a good fit for you, please reach out!

Life rarely moves in a straight path, and the transitions, pressures, and losses that come with it can leave you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from yourself. As a clinical social worker and therapist, helping people navigate the challenges that arise throughout adulthood is work I find deeply meaningful. Whether you're managing the weight of a major life change, working through strained relationships, struggling with work-life balance, facing caregiver stress, or searching for a renewed sense of purpose, you don't have to navigate it alone. These experiences can stir up anxiety, sadness, frustration, guilt, isolation, or hopelessness, and that's exactly where meaningful support can make a difference. Together, we work to transform those challenges into opportunities for growth and a more fulfilling, joyful life. At the heart of effective therapy is a strong, trusting relationship, and building that with you is my first priority. Empathy, authenticity, and genuine connection are not just values I hold; they are the foundation of how I show up for every person I work with, because you deserve a space where you feel truly heard and respected, and where open, honest dialogue is always welcomed. As we work together, I draw from evidence-based approaches tailored to your unique needs, preferences, and goals. That might look like broadening perspective, building resilience, practicing self-compassion, or challenging the thoughts that keep you feeling small. Whatever your path forward looks like, my aim is to be a supportive partner dedicated to your healing journey as you reclaim your sense of agency, practice self-compassion, and deepen your connection to yourself and others. My path to becoming a therapist began with a feeling of restlessness after a trial run at retirement. Reflecting on my life, I realized there was still more to give, just as so many had given to me along the way. Throughout my own journey, the attentive listening and encouragement of others kept me hopeful during fearful and uncertain times. Phrases like "this too shall pass," "one day at a time," “don’t borrow worry,” and "to thine own self be true" became anchors when doubt and insecurity crept in. Those experiences shaped my deep belief in the power of being truly heard. Before this chapter, I spent my career in management and leadership roles at innovative medical device companies, guiding diverse teams through change and helping develop products that improved patient access and outcomes. That work taught me the enduring importance of empathy, trusted communication, and adaptability. Those same qualities now live at the center of my therapeutic practice. In my free time, you'll most likely find me soaking up the Colorado sun with family and friends, hiking, skiing, traveling, or simply following wherever curiosity leads