Looking for Relationship Counseling in Denver? Here’s What to Know Before You Start
Finding Relationship Counseling Denver — what to know before you get started.
Your Guide to Finding the Right Relationship Counseling Denver
Finding the right relationship therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing sensitive issues or navigating complex relationships. If you live in Denver or nearby Colorado communities, this guide is designed to help you understand the different types of mental health professionals, what to look for, and how to find relationship counseling Denver or sex therapy who truly fits your needs and values.
Understanding the Different Types of Mental Health Professionals in Denver
Knowing the differences between mental health professionals can help clarify what you need and who can best support your journey in finding relationship counseling in Denver. Denver and the surrounding areas, including Centennial where my office is located, offer many options with varying expertise and training.
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFT)
LMFTs specialize in relational therapy—working with couples, families, and individuals through the lens of relationship dynamics. Their graduate training focuses on how systems like marriage, family, and partnerships impact emotional and mental health.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist, I focus on helping high-functioning couples and individuals improve communication, connection, and sexual intimacy. I use the Developmental Model and differentiation-based approach to help clients grow stronger both within themselves and in their relationships. While my physical office is in Centennial, Colorado, I work with clients across the state through secure online therapy sessions.
Psychiatrists (MD or DO)
Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in mental health and are licensed to prescribe medications. They often treat conditions like bipolar disorder, treatment-resistant depression, or severe anxiety. Some offer talk therapy, though most focus on diagnosis and medication management.
If I believe medication might be a helpful part of your treatment, I may refer you to a trusted psychiatrist and collaborate with them to ensure continuity of care. This team-based approach helps you feel supported both emotionally and medically.
Psychologists (PhD or PsyD)
Psychologists have doctoral-level training in assessment, research, and therapy. They’re uniquely qualified to administer psychological testing for things like ADHD, learning differences, neurodivergence, or personality disorders.
If you're seeking a formal diagnosis or greater insight into cognitive or emotional functioning, I may recommend working with a psychologist. I can also integrate their findings into our therapy work to support a more targeted treatment plan.
Licensed Professional Counselors (LPC)
LPCs are master’s-level clinicians trained to treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Many pursue additional certifications such as EMDR, IFS, or somatic therapy.
While I do provide individual therapy, in some cases I may refer you to a colleague with deeper trauma expertise, especially if you're working through significant past experiences. If you're already seeing an LPC for individual work, I’m happy to collaborate to ensure our efforts in couples therapy align with your broader healing goals.
Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW)
LCSWs are also master’s-level therapists, often trained to consider how social, environmental, and cultural systems affect mental health. They blend traditional therapy with advocacy and can help clients navigate resources, trauma, and life challenges.
Some LCSWs are also trained in couples therapy. When appropriate, I may refer to or collaborate with LCSWs who bring a systems-oriented and culturally sensitive lens to therapy, especially when social stressors or marginalization are affecting the relationship.
Certified Sex Therapists and Specialty Therapists
Many therapists pursue advanced certifications to deepen their expertise in particular areas. AASECT-certified sex therapists, for example, receive extensive training in the emotional, relational, physiological, and cultural aspects of sexual health.
As an AASECT-certified sex therapist Denver, I help individuals and couples navigate concerns such as low or mismatched desire, religiously rooted sexual shame, painful or confusing sexual experiences, or feeling more like roommates than lovers. Many of my clients come from conservative backgrounds and want a space where their values are respected as they work toward sexual and emotional connection. I offer practical, shame-free, evidence-based support to help you create a sexual relationship that feels good to both your body and your beliefs.
It’s important to note that any licensed therapist can call themselves a sex therapist (with the exception of Florida, where the title is protected by law). However, that doesn’t mean they’ve received specialized training in sexual health or are equipped to address complex issues around desire, arousal, sexual pain, or identity. If you're looking for truly informed support in this area, working with a certified sex therapist ensures you're getting guidance from someone with both the clinical and relational expertise needed to navigate these sensitive topics.
Coaches
Coaches are not licensed mental health providers and typically do not have formal clinical training, though some may have certifications in life coaching, relationship coaching, or sex coaching. Coaches often work with clients on goal-setting, accountability, mindset shifts, or improving communication. They can be a great resource for people who are already in a stable place mentally and emotionally and are looking for motivation, support, or practical tools.
However, coaches are not trained or qualified to treat mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, or relational dysfunction that stems from deeper emotional wounds. Unlike licensed therapists, coaches are not regulated by state boards, and there’s no standardized training or ethical oversight.
If you're working through complex emotional, relational, or sexual concerns—especially those rooted in trauma, religious shame, or long-term patterns—it's best to work with a licensed therapist who has the clinical background to guide that process safely and effectively.
What Else to Consider When Choosing Relationship Counseling Denver
Choosing relationship counseling Denver is more than just credentials or convenience. It’s about finding someone who feels like a safe, trustworthy partner in your healing.
Specialization and Expertise
Think about the issues you want to work on. If relationship and sexual issues are central for you, a therapist with specialization in couples therapy and sex therapy, like me, can provide targeted support. I work extensively with clients from religious and conservative backgrounds, understanding how faith influences relationship dynamics.
Therapeutic Approaches and Modalities
Therapists use a variety of methods to support clients.
Some of the most common approaches for individuals include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Especially helpful for emotional regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Combines mindfulness with behavioral changes.
EMDR: A specialized trauma therapy involving eye movements to process painful memories.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious patterns rooted in early life experiences.
As an LMFT, when working with couples, I use the Developmental Model of Couples Therapy and a differentiation-based framework. These approaches help couples strengthen emotional maturity, move beyond reactive patterns, and cultivate deeper intimacy—without losing their sense of self. This method is especially helpful for couples dealing with desire discrepancies, emotional disconnection, or navigating faith-based values around intimacy.
Here are some of the most common and evidence-based therapeutic modalities used in couples therapy today:
The Developmental Model (Bader & Pearson)
This is the foundation of my work. The model helps couples grow through stages of relational development by increasing emotional differentiation—the ability to stay connected while holding onto your individuality. It’s ideal for couples stuck in power struggles or who feel emotionally “fused” or distant. This model works especially well for clients looking for deep, long-term change rather than surface-level fixes.
Relational Life Therapy (RLT)
Created by Terry Real, RLT is a direct, no-nonsense approach to couples therapy. It challenges partners to take accountability, disrupt entrenched power imbalances, and learn relational skills that promote mutual respect and intimacy. RLT blends psychodynamic insight with practical coaching—making it especially useful for couples who are willing to face hard truths and do the work. Therapists using RLT are typically more directive, and the method often leads to faster, concrete change.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT, developed by Dr. Sue Johnson, is one of the most research-supported models for improving relationship satisfaction. It focuses on helping couples break out of negative emotional cycles and create secure attachments through vulnerability and responsiveness. EFT can be especially helpful for couples feeling emotionally disconnected or insecure in their bond.
Gottman Method Couples Therapy
Developed by Drs. John and Julie Gottman, this method is based on over 40 years of research. It emphasizes practical tools for improving communication, managing conflict, and building trust and intimacy. The Gottman Method is highly structured and skills-based, making it appealing to couples who want a roadmap and clear guidance.
Imago Relationship Therapy
Imago explores how childhood experiences shape adult relational patterns and helps couples turn conflict into connection through structured dialogue. It encourages deeper empathy and understanding and is often chosen by couples wanting to heal old wounds that show up in present dynamics.
Each of these modalities has its strengths. In my practice, I primarily use the Developmental Model, because I’ve seen it bring lasting transformation—especially when working with couples navigating desire discrepancies, faith-related intimacy issues, or emotionally reactive patterns.
I also draw from other models when needed, particularly RLT and Gottman. Therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. I believe in tailoring the approach to match each couple’s unique situation, values, and goals. My work is always collaborative, grounded in compassion, and focused on real change.
Insurance, Fees, and Accessibility
Denver’s mental health scene includes a mix of private pay and insurance-accepting therapists. Insurance coverage varies widely, so it’s important to check whether a therapist accepts your plan. I am out-of-network for insurance but can provide superbills for reimbursement.
I have an office location in Centennial that is convenient to both the 470 and 25. In addition, I provide online therapy sessions throughout Colorado, Texas, Utah or Washington State for flexibility and convenience.
Availability and Scheduling
As I discussed in my previous blog post, finding a therapist who can meet you on your schedule is crucial. Because I only see clients during school hours, my schedule suits those who prefer daytime sessions, including parents whose children are at school, or those who are able to take a lunch break during the work day.
I also offer online therapy for clients located anywhere in Colorado, Texas, Utah or Washington State. Many of my clients love online therapy as it gives you flexibility if you have a hectic lifestyle or prefer the comfort of your own space.
Comfort, Connection, and Trust
Therapy is a vulnerable process. Feeling genuinely comfortable with your therapist—their tone, communication style, and personality—is essential for progress. Many Denver therapists offer free initial consultations or brief phone calls so you can get a sense of whether it’s a good fit before committing.
I offer a complimentary 15 minute consultation to prospective clients to ensure we are a good fit and to answer any questions you may have. Building trust and safety in our therapeutic relationship is my priority.
The Importance of Finding the Right Fit
Therapy works best when there’s a strong therapeutic alliance—a relationship built on trust, safety, and mutual respect. In Denver, with its emphasis on community and authenticity, many therapists emphasize creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental space.
If you find yourself hesitant or uncomfortable, or if sessions feel more stressful than helpful, take it seriously. That doesn’t mean therapy won’t work for you; it might just mean that particular therapist isn’t the right match. I tell potential clients that individual therapy is like dating, and couples therapy is like finding a couples friends— you have to find the right fit!
In my practice, I prioritize creating a supportive environment where clients feel heard and respected. Whether you’re from a religious background or simply want therapy that honors your values, my approach is tailored to your unique story and pace. Many of my clients appreciate that I understand their personal values while offering evidence-based strategies for improving intimacy and relationship satisfaction.
Remember: You deserve a therapist who honors your story, values your voice, and respects your pace. Healing is a partnership, and the right fit can transform the entire experience.
If you don’t feel a connection with your first therapist, don’t give up. Finding the right therapist is a process, and you deserve someone who honors your story and supports your pace.
Final Thoughts about Relationship Counseling in Denver
Taking the first step to seek therapy is brave and transformative. Whether you want support for relationship struggles, sexual concerns, or personal growth, there is help available in Denver and across Colorado.
I’m here to provide compassionate, confidential relationship counseling in Denver tailored to your unique needs and values. Together, we can build a healthier, more connected relationship with yourself and your partner.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out today to schedule your free consultation. Your healing and growth are worth the time and care.