Therapists for Children in Boulder, CO
I work with individuals, couples, teens, families, and children.
I believe healing happens in relationships with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity and care. I bring a holistic, grounded approach to therapy, drawing from mindfulness, systemic thinking, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
I work with individuals, couples, teens, families, and children.
I believe healing happens in relationships with ourselves, with others, and with the world around us. Whether you’re navigating a life transition, feeling overwhelmed, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I’m here to walk alongside you with curiosity and care. I bring a holistic, grounded approach to therapy, drawing from mindfulness, systemic thinking, and a deep respect for each person’s unique story.
The path from childhood into adulthood is full of discovery and wonder, but it can also create confusion, stress, identity questions, and relationship struggles that feel overwhelming.
My approach blends creativity and deep care with evidence-based practices, including Synergetic Play Therapy, attachment- and trauma-informed work, DBT, IFS, and ACT. I emphasize nervous system awareness and regulation, helping clients build resilience, self-trust, and a sense of safety within themselves. I love helping clients find relationships in nature.
The path from childhood into adulthood is full of discovery and wonder, but it can also create confusion, stress, identity questions, and relationship struggles that feel overwhelming.
My approach blends creativity and deep care with evidence-based practices, including Synergetic Play Therapy, attachment- and trauma-informed work, DBT, IFS, and ACT. I emphasize nervous system awareness and regulation, helping clients build resilience, self-trust, and a sense of safety within themselves. I love helping clients find relationships in nature.
Welcome, welcome ALL! We are a group of dedicated mental health professionals committed to fostering growth and resilience in our clients and community. Together we bring diverse clinicial backgrounds and training- ranging from individual and family therapy to trauma-informed groups and evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR and mindfulness-based modalities. We have joined together with a shared goal of providing compassionate and collaborative care to our clients. We look forward to meeting with you soon!
Welcome, welcome ALL! We are a group of dedicated mental health professionals committed to fostering growth and resilience in our clients and community. Together we bring diverse clinicial backgrounds and training- ranging from individual and family therapy to trauma-informed groups and evidence-based approaches such as CBT, DBT, EMDR and mindfulness-based modalities. We have joined together with a shared goal of providing compassionate and collaborative care to our clients. We look forward to meeting with you soon!
Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Also, a psychological evaluation may be needed in cases involving professional licensing boards, child custody matters, and immigration.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
Welcome! Somatic counseling is based on the idea that the mind and body are interconnected and that physical sensations, movements, and posture can offer valuable insights into emotional and psychological states. Movements can help with a variety of things from releasing trauma to relaxation. When seeking therapy, it's helpful to understand the distinction between approaches that emphasize the body (embodied) and those that are primarily talk-based. Embodied therapies, like somatic psychotherapy, focus on physical sensations, movement, yoga, meditation, and the body's role in processing emotions and trauma.
Welcome! Somatic counseling is based on the idea that the mind and body are interconnected and that physical sensations, movements, and posture can offer valuable insights into emotional and psychological states. Movements can help with a variety of things from releasing trauma to relaxation. When seeking therapy, it's helpful to understand the distinction between approaches that emphasize the body (embodied) and those that are primarily talk-based. Embodied therapies, like somatic psychotherapy, focus on physical sensations, movement, yoga, meditation, and the body's role in processing emotions and trauma.
Maybe your child can’t sleep at night, because they are worried about divorce, making or losing friends, or being good at their favorite hobby.
My approach is compassionate and smart. I lead with my heart, and support my intuition with training and insight. I have over 17 years of professional experience working with children (ages 3-20), adolescents and families providing family and individual therapy, group and play therapy.
Maybe your child can’t sleep at night, because they are worried about divorce, making or losing friends, or being good at their favorite hobby.
My approach is compassionate and smart. I lead with my heart, and support my intuition with training and insight. I have over 17 years of professional experience working with children (ages 3-20), adolescents and families providing family and individual therapy, group and play therapy.
Before entering the counseling field, I worked extensively in roles serving women and children, which deepened my passion for supporting people through life’s challenges and transitions.
My counseling style is warm, relational, and grounded in the belief that each person has an inherent capacity for healing, resilience, and wholeness. I aim to co-create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their patterns, rediscover choice, and move toward greater freedom, authenticity, and connection in their lives.
Before entering the counseling field, I worked extensively in roles serving women and children, which deepened my passion for supporting people through life’s challenges and transitions.
My counseling style is warm, relational, and grounded in the belief that each person has an inherent capacity for healing, resilience, and wholeness. I aim to co-create a space where clients feel seen, supported, and empowered to explore their patterns, rediscover choice, and move toward greater freedom, authenticity, and connection in their lives.
My ideal client is often a parent, caregiver, individual or a couple navigating parenthood, relationship challenges and/or an immigrant identity. Perhaps transitioning into parenthood or adjusting to a life far from their roots.
My ideal client is often a parent, caregiver, individual or a couple navigating parenthood, relationship challenges and/or an immigrant identity. Perhaps transitioning into parenthood or adjusting to a life far from their roots.
Young Adult Therapy: Some young adults are having trouble transitioning to college or life outside of their childhood home.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Pre-teens are about to embark upon an explosive period of physical and emotional growth, which can be a tremendous challenge for young people to handle. Teens tend to explore and define their identity a bit more explicitly. Through talk, art, games and EMDR, we work on their struggles and strengthen their understanding of themselves.
Young Adult Therapy: Some young adults are having trouble transitioning to college or life outside of their childhood home.
Pre-Teens & Teens: Pre-teens are about to embark upon an explosive period of physical and emotional growth, which can be a tremendous challenge for young people to handle. Teens tend to explore and define their identity a bit more explicitly. Through talk, art, games and EMDR, we work on their struggles and strengthen their understanding of themselves.
I weave in play and attachment activities in my work with children and parents.
I help clients of all ages who are suffering from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, relationship issues, substance abuse, grief, etc. What I know for sure is that my clients aren't broken or bad- in fact they are trying everything they can to act and feel better. But when we are affected by past trauma/PTSD, our best efforts can get hijacked by a brain that reacts as if we are still danger. I help clients process and heal from trauma, allowing the brain and body to put the past in the past so they can embody the truth about their value, safety, and power leading to more joy, peace and connection.
I weave in play and attachment activities in my work with children and parents.
I help clients of all ages who are suffering from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, emotional reactivity, relationship issues, substance abuse, grief, etc. What I know for sure is that my clients aren't broken or bad- in fact they are trying everything they can to act and feel better. But when we are affected by past trauma/PTSD, our best efforts can get hijacked by a brain that reacts as if we are still danger. I help clients process and heal from trauma, allowing the brain and body to put the past in the past so they can embody the truth about their value, safety, and power leading to more joy, peace and connection.
Is your child struggling with big feelings or behaviors that are difficult to manage?
In addition, I work closely with parents, offering coaching to strengthen your relationship and improve communication and trust.
Whether it's navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-confidence, boundaries, transitions, or school struggles, I create a safe space for children and teens to explore and communicate their experiences and emotions.
Is your child struggling with big feelings or behaviors that are difficult to manage?
In addition, I work closely with parents, offering coaching to strengthen your relationship and improve communication and trust.
Whether it's navigating anxiety, depression, ADHD, self-confidence, boundaries, transitions, or school struggles, I create a safe space for children and teens to explore and communicate their experiences and emotions.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 26 years of experience. I provide couples, Individual, and Family Therapy. My modalities include EMDR, CBT, DBT, Hakomi, and PACT Level 3 for couples therapy. I am considered a Trauma expert and provide trauma-informed treatments. Many of my clients struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic pain, medical trauma and relationship issues. My approach is collaborative, preventative, educational and inclusive.
I am a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 26 years of experience. I provide couples, Individual, and Family Therapy. My modalities include EMDR, CBT, DBT, Hakomi, and PACT Level 3 for couples therapy. I am considered a Trauma expert and provide trauma-informed treatments. Many of my clients struggle with PTSD, depression, anxiety, addictions, chronic pain, medical trauma and relationship issues. My approach is collaborative, preventative, educational and inclusive.
I have extensive experience working with clients of all ages which has reinforce my belief in the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment, particularly when working with children, adolescents, and families.
After many years in the public school system as a teacher and school counselor, I decided to leave the school system and joined a growing private practice specializing in OCD and anxiety. There, I offered therapy services and led specialized groups for two and a half years. Recently, I decided to expand my services to the Fort Collins area and launch my own practice, with locations in both Boulder and Fort Collins. I have created and led several therapy groups including a grief group for adults, a support group for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and anxiety groups for all ages.
I have extensive experience working with clients of all ages which has reinforce my belief in the importance of creating a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment, particularly when working with children, adolescents, and families.
After many years in the public school system as a teacher and school counselor, I decided to leave the school system and joined a growing private practice specializing in OCD and anxiety. There, I offered therapy services and led specialized groups for two and a half years. Recently, I decided to expand my services to the Fort Collins area and launch my own practice, with locations in both Boulder and Fort Collins. I have created and led several therapy groups including a grief group for adults, a support group for adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and anxiety groups for all ages.
Therapy in Boulder: Find Self-Awareness & Live Authentically. Do you feel disconnected from yourself and the world around you? Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of your path? I provide supportive and engaging space for you to explore your challenges, develop self-awareness, and create a more fulfilling life. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and the unique pressures of modern life. Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation.
Therapy in Boulder: Find Self-Awareness & Live Authentically. Do you feel disconnected from yourself and the world around you? Are you feeling stuck, anxious, or unsure of your path? I provide supportive and engaging space for you to explore your challenges, develop self-awareness, and create a more fulfilling life. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, and the unique pressures of modern life. Contact me today for a free 15-minute consultation.
I offer neuropsychological assessment for preschool-aged children through adulthood with a variety of questions regarding their development, emotions, behavior, or academic performance.
Horizon Neuropsychological Services provides evaluations for children, teens, and adults via interactive tests that reveal an individual’s brain-behavior relationship. From this understanding, a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan is established in order to emphasize individual strengths and minimize inherent weaknesses.
I offer neuropsychological assessment for preschool-aged children through adulthood with a variety of questions regarding their development, emotions, behavior, or academic performance.
Horizon Neuropsychological Services provides evaluations for children, teens, and adults via interactive tests that reveal an individual’s brain-behavior relationship. From this understanding, a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan is established in order to emphasize individual strengths and minimize inherent weaknesses.
Support your child living a more joyful life?
Reflecting on internal worlds can widen lenses, shift perceptions, & break patterns. Being mindful & listening to inner wisdom help to embrace vulnerability, move toward fears, & respond in new ways. Alternative ways of being are practiced to master coping skills, self-regulation techniques, & lifelong strategies for integration, transformation, & wholeness.
Support your child living a more joyful life?
Reflecting on internal worlds can widen lenses, shift perceptions, & break patterns. Being mindful & listening to inner wisdom help to embrace vulnerability, move toward fears, & respond in new ways. Alternative ways of being are practiced to master coping skills, self-regulation techniques, & lifelong strategies for integration, transformation, & wholeness.
I work with kids (3 & up), adolescents, and adults - struggling with life’s challenges - or folks that just need a little support.
My approach is relational, rooted in compassionate curiosity and developmental understanding. I integrate play, nature, art and my 8 years of teaching experiences to support authentic, self-understanding. When we can develop compassionate awareness of our internal experiences, we can also engage and modify those processes in a way that moves life forward.
I work with kids (3 & up), adolescents, and adults - struggling with life’s challenges - or folks that just need a little support.
My approach is relational, rooted in compassionate curiosity and developmental understanding. I integrate play, nature, art and my 8 years of teaching experiences to support authentic, self-understanding. When we can develop compassionate awareness of our internal experiences, we can also engage and modify those processes in a way that moves life forward.
I have over 25 years of experience helping children, teens, families, adults and couples build on their strengths and get clear about what they want for their futures.
My years of education and experience make me uniquely positioned to offer fresh eyes and nonjudgmental ears to your concerns. I have worked extensively with anxiety and depression, trauma, grief and loss, abuse and neglect, and addiction. I offer appointments virtually, and outdoors, as well as in an office setting.
I have over 25 years of experience helping children, teens, families, adults and couples build on their strengths and get clear about what they want for their futures.
My years of education and experience make me uniquely positioned to offer fresh eyes and nonjudgmental ears to your concerns. I have worked extensively with anxiety and depression, trauma, grief and loss, abuse and neglect, and addiction. I offer appointments virtually, and outdoors, as well as in an office setting.
My ideal client is someone who is struggling and needs support quickly. His/her/their issues could range with some mood dys-regulation to overwhelmed and stressed and/or dealing with trauma. Your goals would be to alleviate symptoms and obtain relief quickly, feel more balance and have more tools to help manage stressors. Perhaps, you are interested in gaining more awareness to your own thoughts, feelings, and sensations. My goal is to help people feel more emotionally regulated. I have worked in this field since 2008 and have a vast knowledge of strategies and techniques to use with you.
My ideal client is someone who is struggling and needs support quickly. His/her/their issues could range with some mood dys-regulation to overwhelmed and stressed and/or dealing with trauma. Your goals would be to alleviate symptoms and obtain relief quickly, feel more balance and have more tools to help manage stressors. Perhaps, you are interested in gaining more awareness to your own thoughts, feelings, and sensations. My goal is to help people feel more emotionally regulated. I have worked in this field since 2008 and have a vast knowledge of strategies and techniques to use with you.
If you have come to this site. . . remember to breathe. . . in a way that you know you are breathing. . . I remind myself of this on a regular basis. . . There is more to you than you might think. . . Therapy is an invitation to re-discover a compassionate, curious, and wise energy that was always within you, but blocked by well-intentioned and sometimes extreme parts of you. I believe you deserve some sense of how I work. I also believe a good therapist continues to do their own work. . . which is why I meditate and meet regularly with trusted colleagues and we literally take turns being therapist and client with each other.
If you have come to this site. . . remember to breathe. . . in a way that you know you are breathing. . . I remind myself of this on a regular basis. . . There is more to you than you might think. . . Therapy is an invitation to re-discover a compassionate, curious, and wise energy that was always within you, but blocked by well-intentioned and sometimes extreme parts of you. I believe you deserve some sense of how I work. I also believe a good therapist continues to do their own work. . . which is why I meditate and meet regularly with trusted colleagues and we literally take turns being therapist and client with each other.
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See More Children Therapists FAQ - About Child Therapy
When does a child need to see a therapist?
Children naturally experience emotional ups and downs. Sometimes, though, they need support from a professional. A child may benefit from therapy if their emotions or behaviors change significantly within a short period of time. For example, if a child usually spends time with friends after school but begins isolating in their room, further inquiry is warranted. Other areas for concern include altered sleep patterns, lack of appetite, intense anger, irritability, or hopelessness, or developmental regression in young children (bedwetting, thumb-sucking).
What can a child therapist help with?
A therapist can help with any difficult experience a child may encounter growing up, including learning problems or anxiety related to school, relationship challenges with friends or parents, bullying, intense emotions or phobias, divorce and family dynamics, or the death of a pet or loved one. A therapist can help children process their experience and develop coping skills in an age-appropriate way
What therapy types are most suitable for children?
Children can benefit from different forms of therapy, including family therapy, parent-child interaction therapy, play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and exposure therapy, depending on their condition. Play therapy is a great option for younger children who may not be able to fully articulate their feelings. In this approach, kids play with toys and games while a therapist observes and helps the child express their emotions and develop coping skills.
Do I need to attend therapy with my child?
Parents are an integral part of a child’s therapy, but the specifics of their involvement vary. If your child is young, you may attend most or all sessions; if your child is older, you may attend a few sessions or none; sometimes a therapist may ask you to have a session on your own. Whatever the arrangement, you should expect to work collaboratively with the therapist, your child, and your family members to take steps to help support your child.
How can I tell if a therapist is a good fit for my child?
A child needs to feel comfortable opening up about their thoughts and feelings, so if your child feels a sense of comfort, ease, and trust with their therapist, that’s a great sign. In addition, a therapist is a good fit for your child if the two can communicate well together; a clinician should be able to communicate clearly, effectively, and in an age-appropriate manner.