Existential Therapists in Longmont, CO

Hello, my name is Ben, and I work with adults of all backgrounds, mental states, and social locations, using techniques, philosophies, and practices from around the world. I have extensive experience working with severe mental illness, addiction, trauma, social challenges, chronic illness & pain, and depression and anxiety. If you struggle to feel connected, to feel purposeful, to feel good most of the time, these are all issues I'd like to help with.

Transformation only happens in relationship. The absence of a relational home for transformation generally leads to superficial temporary changes. We make ourselves stuck by building walls of protection around us, which probably made perfect sense at the time. However, walls of protection eventually become walls of constriction. These walls lead us to the illusion of having no choices in our situation, to the belief that life is happening to us, instead of what is true, that we are living our lives and making choices of how we live life.

My clients are folks longing to navigate life's challenges with clarity and meaning. I see psychotherapy as a digestive enzyme that helps people process all that life is asking of them. It can be transformative to be heard and supported (and sometimes challenged) by a therapist. My relational and existential approach is also warm, creative, and non-judgmental. Confidentiality is the cornerstone of therapy, and one size doesn’t fit all, so I offer a collaborative approach that works with each client's preference for how they like to be supported.

My passion is helping people become more of their authentic selves. This passion led me to become a licensed therapist and refine my technique through a Master’s degree in Mindfulness Based Transpersonal Psychology from Naropa University. I consider myself to be on a lifelong journey of self-development and personal growth and love working with clients that have the same passion to do this self work. When I’m in a session with someone, I’m listening on a number of different levels. I often say, “when you were talking I also heard this..., does that feel true to you?” My goal is to offer awareness, choice and empowerment.

Life can be challenging. You might be struggling with your relationships, managing daily stressors or something just feels fundamentally off. Perhaps old patterns have finally reached a breaking point. It can arise in the form of depression, anxiety, trauma, destructive habits, an existential crisis, spiritual issues or just feeling stuck when you know more is possible. You might be able to make it through the day, but there are times when these experiences can destabilize one’s life. Whether you are addressing these sorts of struggles before it has become a crisis or in desperate need of support, I'm here to help.

Rachel gently navigates the challenges of anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, adjustment issues, couples, individual counseling, existential challenges, grief and loss, spiritual journeys, creative and artistic blocks to name a few. A large portion of her clientele suffer with all levels of trauma from childhood to abuse to PTSD and complex trauma. A few of the modalities she uses are Mindfulness, Trauma Treatment, Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), Cognitive (CBT), Emotion focused, Humanistic, existential, addiction, integrative and holistic.Rachel earned her Psy.D/ABD in clinical psychology from UIU.

I am available to help. My specialty is helping individuals as well as couples who are struggling in their life. If you are struggling to save a relationship or a marriage I can help. If you are struggling with your relationship with a child I can help. If you are having trouble deciding the best career path I can help. Call or email me today to schedule a free consultation to see if we are a good fit. My office is in Boulder. I see clients in person as well as online.

I am passionate about working with individuals, couples and groups and will work with you to increase your felt sense of self-acceptance and self-esteem while challenging you to experiment, in the spirit of play, with new ways of seeing and being in the world. We will collaborate in creating a safe and trusting space where you can show up with greater authenticity, reclaim disowned parts of yourself, and be free to make new choices around old habitual patterns.

I am lucky to be doing what I do. I get to shed light and help people get unstuck so to reveal their authentic selves. For 12 years, my main focus was on helping children as young as 3 years old and parents. I am now open to working with all ages. I have an eclectic approach which includes client-centered, experiential and existential therapy. I allow the person to go at their pace so to address things when ready and with encouragement when needed. I help gain perspective, have accountability, learn about feelings and coping skills, increase self confidence and self esteem and process trauma.

As your therapist I will work hard to provide you with the tools to overcome obstacles and reach your personal goals. Unlocking your potential will be our primary aim along with developing an awareness of how we create our own blocks. You will also work towards becoming more yourself as strange as that may sound! This involves getting in touch with your own psyche to discover, or rediscover, what makes you tick. It can be an incredibly rewarding process.

I work with adults, Veterans and adults who have acquired head injuries from their youth through early adulthood. There are many reasons that someone may be seeking a counselor. Whatever your reason, I will meet it with an open mind and open heart. I see the counseling relationship as one of mutual learning and growth. So long as you are motivated to learn and grow, I am willing to join you on your path to increased life satisfaction and mastery over the challenges that you are faced with. I don't think there is a single way to be in this world. I endeavor to help each client to find the way that makes the most sense to them.

Are you questioning your life's values and beliefs? Maybe you don't have the motivation you wish you had to accomplish important things in your life, or maybe this is happening in your relationship with a loved one? Maybe you realized you've been following a path that turned out to be damaging for you either on a harmful relationship, or maybe a community of sorts?

Are you looking to confront deep questions about yourself? Your existence? Do you often ask what you are supposed to be doing in this rapidly changing world? When we don't have the answers sometimes this shows up as anxiety, depression, disconnection from loved ones, procrastination, perfectionism, or grief. We know we want to know ourselves, to lead a connected and meaningful life aligned with our values and aspirations. But sometimes we need help in crafting it. Sometimes we need help pulling out/re-discovering our internal desires that are hidden behind our defense mechanisms and coping skills.

I believe we make decisions based on the information available to us at the time. Our “information” comes from our interpretation of life experiences forming a narrative of who we are. When that narrative is no longer useful, no longer provides comfort, or no longer helps us cope, we may begin to experience symptoms of depression, anxiety, trauma, and/or addiction. My goal is to provide clients with a safe, non-judgmental space to explore how the past may be limiting enjoyment and fulfillment in life, identify coping strategies that are working and offer additional suggestions, and set goals that match the client’s desires.

Life can be challenging. Are you unsure of how to move forward, feeling trapped or bewildered by old patterns and emotions? Psychotherapy can be a way forward. Clients who see me include people who just feel stuck, couples who are deadlocked in cycles of conflict and avoidance, and individuals who are interested in exploring how emotions and stress may be contributing factors to their chronic pain or illness.

What ways of relating to yourself, others, and the world, so wise when first developed, are now getting in the way of you living the life you want? Together, we will embark on a co-created journey, exploring what is of most interest to you: your darkness & light; your depths & shallows; your mind, body, and spirit. We will honor the wholeness of our humanity. All welcome!

Sex Addiction is a black hole. Getting help via a therapeutic relationship where the client can be heard, accepted, empathized with and helped to feel safe can lead to the healing of freedom from this addiction. Tools for growth, new strength, a greater life balance, clarity are used. I have a passion for coming alongside individuals who are seeking freedom from this addiction, helping them to see a path to that freedom and walking alongside them on that precious journey. The greatest satisfaction I derive is from seeing an individual attain his or her life goals through this special therapeutic relationship. First consult is free.

I have been a mental health practitioner for over 25 years. I specialize in the treatment of trauma, anxiety, identity and attachment dynamics. In my experience a common thread observed is the individual's need to be understood, to be accepted as they are, experience long term meaningful connections and to live an authentic vibrant life. Too often we adopt a judgmental inner narrative that is riddled with shame. In therapy I will help you learn to explore yourself and your relationship with others through the eyes of compassion and curiosity.

I am currently offering Individual, Family, and Group Therapy. My Individual Therapy work focuses on issues such as Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Trauma, Mood Issues, and others. I offer EMDR treatment which is very effective in treating PTSD symptoms and treatment-resistant mood issues. My Group Therapy programs include Wilderness Therapy Programs and, newly introduced groups which focus on RPG (role-playing game)/Game Therapy. My RPG Groups focus on social skills, impulse control, and collaborative story-telling. I am currently accepting new clients for Teen and Adult groups.