First Responders Therapists in Westminster, CO
My ideal client is often at a life crossroads, feeling "stuck" or weathered by major transitions. They struggle with identity, anxiety, or the weight of being the "strong one" for others. They need a sanctuary where vulnerability is met with warmth and structured coping skills. Their goal is to move beyond simply surviving and begin intentionally authoring their future. They want to reclaim their agency and understand the deeper patterns of their story so they can finally live a more authentic, vibrant life—not just for others, but for themselves.
My ideal client is often at a life crossroads, feeling "stuck" or weathered by major transitions. They struggle with identity, anxiety, or the weight of being the "strong one" for others. They need a sanctuary where vulnerability is met with warmth and structured coping skills. Their goal is to move beyond simply surviving and begin intentionally authoring their future. They want to reclaim their agency and understand the deeper patterns of their story so they can finally live a more authentic, vibrant life—not just for others, but for themselves.
I have spent the last seven years of my life as a Paramedic, having the privilege of helping my community.
I believe there is nothing so big that you can't handle. It can be hard, but you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, intimacy, stress, or just getting through your day, I'm here to help. We all face unique challenges in our lives. I've found that exercise, the outdoors, and community are tools that work for me; Let's find what works for you. Whether I can help you find the strength you already have or add to your toolkit, I'm here for your journey.
I have spent the last seven years of my life as a Paramedic, having the privilege of helping my community.
I believe there is nothing so big that you can't handle. It can be hard, but you are not alone. Whether you are struggling with anxiety, depression, intimacy, stress, or just getting through your day, I'm here to help. We all face unique challenges in our lives. I've found that exercise, the outdoors, and community are tools that work for me; Let's find what works for you. Whether I can help you find the strength you already have or add to your toolkit, I'm here for your journey.
If you feel like you're just going through the motions, misunderstood in your relationships, and disconnected from your aspirations, you will benefit from my approach. I help my clients resolve tensions and conflicts in their relationships. This enables them to untangle and focus on solutions instead of fighting, arguing and or shutting down. The result of what I do is to improve relationships for my clients.
If you feel like you're just going through the motions, misunderstood in your relationships, and disconnected from your aspirations, you will benefit from my approach. I help my clients resolve tensions and conflicts in their relationships. This enables them to untangle and focus on solutions instead of fighting, arguing and or shutting down. The result of what I do is to improve relationships for my clients.
Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in your head? You’re not alone. I offer a supportive space to slow down, sort through what’s going on, and find your footing again.
I work with adults and helping professionals dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and grief, including suicide loss.
Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or stuck in your head? You’re not alone. I offer a supportive space to slow down, sort through what’s going on, and find your footing again.
I work with adults and helping professionals dealing with anxiety, depression, burnout, trauma, and grief, including suicide loss.
I work with individuals, caregivers, & families adjusting to life after physical trauma—such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries or multiple broken bones after a car accident—as well as individuals navigating stress, anxiety, or major life changes. Many come feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or unsure how to find their footing again. I work from a whole‑person, family‑systems perspective, supporting stability, coping, and forward movement at a manageable pace.
I work with individuals, caregivers, & families adjusting to life after physical trauma—such as head injuries, spinal cord injuries or multiple broken bones after a car accident—as well as individuals navigating stress, anxiety, or major life changes. Many come feeling overwhelmed, depleted, or unsure how to find their footing again. I work from a whole‑person, family‑systems perspective, supporting stability, coping, and forward movement at a manageable pace.
If you’re here, you might be hoping to understand yourself a little better. You may be asking yourself questions such as why certain thoughts pop up, why some feelings feel so heavy, or why certain patterns keep repeating. Those are exactly the kinds of questions I love exploring with clients. Therapy with me is a space where we dig into your experiences with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based tools to help make sense of what you’re going through.
If you’re here, you might be hoping to understand yourself a little better. You may be asking yourself questions such as why certain thoughts pop up, why some feelings feel so heavy, or why certain patterns keep repeating. Those are exactly the kinds of questions I love exploring with clients. Therapy with me is a space where we dig into your experiences with warmth, curiosity, and evidence-based tools to help make sense of what you’re going through.
Life can be overwhelming, and finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting step. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or patterns you can’t quite shake. You may be carrying the weight of old wounds including trauma, relationship ruptures, or losses that still echo today. You want a therapist who honors your story and helps you build safety and trust from the inside out. I offer an attuned, compassionate space to heal past hurts, reconnect with yourself, and build meaningful connections with others.
Life can be overwhelming, and finding the right therapist can feel like a daunting step. Maybe you’re navigating anxiety, depression, or patterns you can’t quite shake. You may be carrying the weight of old wounds including trauma, relationship ruptures, or losses that still echo today. You want a therapist who honors your story and helps you build safety and trust from the inside out. I offer an attuned, compassionate space to heal past hurts, reconnect with yourself, and build meaningful connections with others.
Are you going through a lot of change in life right now? Maybe you're constantly worried, or feel misunderstood, frustrated, down, or simply, don't feel like yourself. If you think you might be dealing with anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, struggling with past trauma, or just want to understand yourself better, I'm here to support you and help you navigate these challenges. I believe we all have a unique story shaped by our experiences, culture, and relationships. My goal is to understand your perspectives, give you the space to explore and communicate your thoughts, and adapt our time together to meet your individual needs.
Are you going through a lot of change in life right now? Maybe you're constantly worried, or feel misunderstood, frustrated, down, or simply, don't feel like yourself. If you think you might be dealing with anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, struggling with past trauma, or just want to understand yourself better, I'm here to support you and help you navigate these challenges. I believe we all have a unique story shaped by our experiences, culture, and relationships. My goal is to understand your perspectives, give you the space to explore and communicate your thoughts, and adapt our time together to meet your individual needs.
I am a licensed therapist and addiction counselor in CO supporting adults with challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, belonging, purpose, spirituality, identity (including LGBTQIA2S+ and racial identity), grief, substance use and addiction, suicidal ideation, self-harm, men's issues, young adulthood, political stress, and life transitions of all kinds. If this sounds like you, I am here to help you process challenging emotions, loosen conditioned beliefs and habitual patterns, and work toward a more kind, accepting relationship with yourself.
I am a licensed therapist and addiction counselor in CO supporting adults with challenges related to depression, anxiety, trauma, relationships, self-esteem, belonging, purpose, spirituality, identity (including LGBTQIA2S+ and racial identity), grief, substance use and addiction, suicidal ideation, self-harm, men's issues, young adulthood, political stress, and life transitions of all kinds. If this sounds like you, I am here to help you process challenging emotions, loosen conditioned beliefs and habitual patterns, and work toward a more kind, accepting relationship with yourself.
I work with anyone wanting to work toward becoming the best version of themselves. What does the best version of you look like? Maybe you just don't know and aren't sure how to get there. Either way I believe I can help you discover your best you.
As the world evolves, so do we. Life is ever changing and sometimes we must change with it. Basically I will help you discover your thoughts, how to calm those thoughts and figure out what version of you is already there. Through personal but professional communication I want to help you move forward. Lets see where your story leads.
I work with anyone wanting to work toward becoming the best version of themselves. What does the best version of you look like? Maybe you just don't know and aren't sure how to get there. Either way I believe I can help you discover your best you.
As the world evolves, so do we. Life is ever changing and sometimes we must change with it. Basically I will help you discover your thoughts, how to calm those thoughts and figure out what version of you is already there. Through personal but professional communication I want to help you move forward. Lets see where your story leads.
Struggle Bus Counseling - Ruth Duggar, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
3 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80003
Whether your tire is flat or your whole engine is on fire, I want to come alongside you.
I especially enjoy working with pre-teens/teens/adults who have anxiety or depression, those who are overwhelmed or adjusting to new things, people diagnosed with ADHD, BPD, trauma, parents, struggling couples, & adult children of emotionally challenged parents.
Whether your tire is flat or your whole engine is on fire, I want to come alongside you.
I especially enjoy working with pre-teens/teens/adults who have anxiety or depression, those who are overwhelmed or adjusting to new things, people diagnosed with ADHD, BPD, trauma, parents, struggling couples, & adult children of emotionally challenged parents.
Life happens, as they say & as we all know, sometimes life can be completely overwhelming. It can strain our ability to cope, recover & find meaning in hardship, particularly when our experiences are traumatic. Whether it's one event or experiences that began early & often, it can be even more overwhelming when it feels like we don't have reliable support from others who are able & willing to walk alongside us as we try & make sense of everything. When this happens, these experiences follow & shape us for weeks & even years making it so hard to move forward meaningfully, let alone to heal & grow - something we long for most.
Life happens, as they say & as we all know, sometimes life can be completely overwhelming. It can strain our ability to cope, recover & find meaning in hardship, particularly when our experiences are traumatic. Whether it's one event or experiences that began early & often, it can be even more overwhelming when it feels like we don't have reliable support from others who are able & willing to walk alongside us as we try & make sense of everything. When this happens, these experiences follow & shape us for weeks & even years making it so hard to move forward meaningfully, let alone to heal & grow - something we long for most.
Welcome! As a therapist I get to join clients in their personal journeys as they grow and heal from different life events, and I'm here to support you through a variety of challenges. I have specialized training and experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, boundary work, chronic pain, and unwanted behaviors. I specialize in supporting adults on their choice towards healing and feeling better.
Welcome! As a therapist I get to join clients in their personal journeys as they grow and heal from different life events, and I'm here to support you through a variety of challenges. I have specialized training and experience with anxiety, depression, trauma, boundary work, chronic pain, and unwanted behaviors. I specialize in supporting adults on their choice towards healing and feeling better.
For many, staying alive is an act of immense strength. As a clinician with experience supporting those who live with chronic suicidal thoughts, I’m here to walk alongside you and help you build tools that support your well-being—on your terms. If you’re carrying thoughts of not wanting to live, it doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re hurting. I also work with survivors of profound trauma, including interpersonal violence, trafficking, and identity-based harm. More importantly, I work with those who want to go from "surviving" to "thriving". This is a space where all parts of you, including the darkest thoughts, are welcome.
For many, staying alive is an act of immense strength. As a clinician with experience supporting those who live with chronic suicidal thoughts, I’m here to walk alongside you and help you build tools that support your well-being—on your terms. If you’re carrying thoughts of not wanting to live, it doesn’t mean you’re broken—it means you’re hurting. I also work with survivors of profound trauma, including interpersonal violence, trafficking, and identity-based harm. More importantly, I work with those who want to go from "surviving" to "thriving". This is a space where all parts of you, including the darkest thoughts, are welcome.
I work with everyone, first responders/ military and the Native community.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and/or to see if I am a good fit for you.
I work with everyone, first responders/ military and the Native community.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and/or to see if I am a good fit for you.
Shelby Opel, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being in individuals and families. With extensive experience in child welfare, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics, Shelby brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy and evaluation. She has dedicated her career to supporting clients through life’s challenges, drawing from her background in child protective services, crisis intervention, youth treatment, private practice, and family court evaluations.
Shelby Opel, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to fostering resilience and well-being in individuals and families. With extensive experience in child welfare, trauma, anxiety, depression, and family dynamics, Shelby brings a compassionate, evidence-based approach to therapy and evaluation. She has dedicated her career to supporting clients through life’s challenges, drawing from her background in child protective services, crisis intervention, youth treatment, private practice, and family court evaluations.
Gentle Giants Therapy & Consulting
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
1 Endorsed
Westminster, CO 80030
Our center is dedicated to providing accessible and attainable mental health services to individuals, families, and children navigating life's challenges. At Gentle Giants, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our mission is to foster resilience, strengthen family connections, and guide our clients toward achieving their fullest potential through evidence-based therapeutic practices tailored to each unique need.
Our center is dedicated to providing accessible and attainable mental health services to individuals, families, and children navigating life's challenges. At Gentle Giants, we believe that everyone deserves the support they need to thrive, regardless of their background or circumstances. Our mission is to foster resilience, strengthen family connections, and guide our clients toward achieving their fullest potential through evidence-based therapeutic practices tailored to each unique need.
I have added additional training to my program for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, and am affiliated with the Strongstar Training Initiative (Strong Star) and Psych Armor.
I support adults with various presentations of anxiety (e.g., phobias, panic, social anxiety), alongside the depression that comes from complicated grief. I am committed to expanding my knowledge in a multitude of evidence-based therapy practices and recognize that it is not a one-size-fits-all; rather, each client is deserving of individualized care.
I have added additional training to my program for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families, and am affiliated with the Strongstar Training Initiative (Strong Star) and Psych Armor.
I support adults with various presentations of anxiety (e.g., phobias, panic, social anxiety), alongside the depression that comes from complicated grief. I am committed to expanding my knowledge in a multitude of evidence-based therapy practices and recognize that it is not a one-size-fits-all; rather, each client is deserving of individualized care.
I understand the challenges and traumas faced by first responders and law enforcement members and care deeply for supporting their healing and resiliency.
I aim to help my clients understand how their experiences impact their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. I work with them to develop tools to reduce distress and disruption to their lives and functioning. I utilize a variety of techniques, including EMDR, trauma- focused CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, and Attachment Theory.
I understand the challenges and traumas faced by first responders and law enforcement members and care deeply for supporting their healing and resiliency.
I aim to help my clients understand how their experiences impact their beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. I work with them to develop tools to reduce distress and disruption to their lives and functioning. I utilize a variety of techniques, including EMDR, trauma- focused CBT, DBT, Gottman Method, Motivational Interviewing, and Attachment Theory.
I provide outpatient therapy following psychiatric hospitalization, emergency intervention, or involvement with complex systems of care.
My therapeutic style is direct, gentle, and structured. I draw from existential and acceptance-based approaches to help clients face painful thoughts and emotions without judgment, avoidance, or pressure to “fix” them. Together, we focus on helping you stay grounded, supported, and connected to reasons for living, even when hope feels distant.
I provide outpatient therapy following psychiatric hospitalization, emergency intervention, or involvement with complex systems of care.
My therapeutic style is direct, gentle, and structured. I draw from existential and acceptance-based approaches to help clients face painful thoughts and emotions without judgment, avoidance, or pressure to “fix” them. Together, we focus on helping you stay grounded, supported, and connected to reasons for living, even when hope feels distant.
See more therapy options for Westminster
Nearby First Responders Therapists Searches for Westminster
- Arvada
- Brighton
- Broomfield
- Commerce City
- Denver
- Lafayette
- Lakewood
- Louisville
- Northglenn
- Superior
- Thornton
- Wheat Ridge
First Responders Therapists
Why is mental health important for first responders?
As part of their work, first responders are often exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and physical injury that can put them at a greater risk for serious mental health conditions than the general population. Conditions like PTSD, anxiety, substance use, and depression are more common in first responders, which can greatly reduce quality of life and lead to burnout, sleep disruption, and even suicidal thoughts. Therapy can offer an opportunity for first responders to process difficult on-the-job experiences and develop coping skills to better manage any mental health symptoms they may experience.
How can first responders get access to mental health support?
Many first responders can access therapy for free or at a very low cost through their employer, such as through an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). Workplaces may also offer or have referral recommendations for support groups, where first responders can meet with others in their profession to receive support. Individuals who would like to access mental health services outside of their employer may use their insurance benefits to see a therapist, which they can find by searching for therapists online or asking for recommendations from their primary care physician.
What type of therapy is best for first responders?
The best therapy approach depends on the mental health concerns of the client. Since many first responders struggle with trauma or PTSD, they may benefit from trauma-specific therapeutic approaches, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Exposure Therapy, or Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). Individuals with symptoms of anxiety, depression, or stress may alternatively benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches, which can help clients develop coping skills to manage distressing thoughts.
Can therapy for first responders help with trauma and PTSD?
Therapy can be highly effective in both treating and preventing trauma and PTSD in first responders. Typically, therapy for trauma and PTSD focuses on developing stress management skills and managing intrusive or unwanted thoughts. Therapists working with first responders often help clients strengthen their relationships and reduce harmful coping mechanisms, such as excessive substance use. Additionally, therapists assist first responders in establishing daily habits that support overall mental and physical health and enhance resilience to future stress, such as regular physical exercise, mindfulness practices, and improved eating habits.