As a psychotherapist, I witness the daily struggle of anxiety and depression. These relentless shadows steal joy, suffocate meaning, and leave individuals gasping for air, adrift in a sea of darkness. While traditional talk therapy offers invaluable tools for navigating these storm-tossed waters, sometimes something deeper is needed – an anchor to ground the soul, a compass to guide the journey towards the light. This is where spiritual psychotherapy steps in, whispering tales of hope and purpose, illuminating a path beyond the fog of despair.

Spiritual psychotherapy embraces the whole person, acknowledging the inherent connection between our emotions, our minds, and our sense of the sacred. It's not about proselytizing any specific faith, but rather venturing into the inner landscape where our deepest values and existential questions reside. For someone grappling with anxiety or depression, this exploration can be life-changing.

Imagine being consumed by relentless worry, constantly anticipating the worst, feeling like a fragile raft tossed on waves of fear. Spiritual psychotherapy offers a lifeline – a chance to connect with a sense of inner peace, a stillness at the core of being that transcends the turbulence of thought. Through contemplative practices like meditation or mindful breathing, we cultivate a space where anxious thoughts can be observed without judgment, allowing their grip to loosen. We learn to anchor ourselves in the present moment, finding sanctuary in the simple act of being, rather than being swept away by the anxieties of the future.

Depression, on the other hand, paints the world in shades of gray, stealing away the vibrant colors of meaning and purpose. Spiritual psychotherapy helps us rediscover what truly matters. Through introspection and dialogue, we delve into our core values, exploring questions like "What brings me joy?" and "What legacy do I want to leave behind?" By reconnecting with our sense of purpose, we spark a flame of internal motivation, offering a reason to get out of bed each morning and face the day.
This rekindled purpose isn't always grandiose. It could be as simple as finding joy in the quiet moments of connection with loved ones, or experiencing peace in the embrace of nature. Sometimes, it's about discovering the inherent value in simply being present, a witness to the unfolding tapestry of life.
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Spiritual psychotherapy doesn't promise a quick fix. It's a journey of rediscovery, a slow unfurling of the soul. There will be days when the darkness presses in, but the tools acquired on this path – the anchor of inner peace, the compass of purpose – offer solace and navigation.

If you seek purpose and hope, call Cathy at (303) 464-9803 for a free evaluation. Spiritual psychotherapy can help.

EMDR, or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, is a type of psychotherapy that can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety. It is a relatively new therapy, but it has quickly become one of the most popular and effective treatments for anxiety disorders.
How does EMDR work?
EMDR is based on the idea that anxiety is often caused by past traumatic or stressful experiences. These experiences can get trapped in the brain's memory system and continue to cause problems even after many years have passed.
EMDR works by helping the brain to process and integrate these traumatic experiences. This is done by having the client focus on the memory while also engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping. The bilateral stimulation helps to activate both hemispheres of the brain and allows the client to process the memory more effectively.
Benefits of using EMDR to treat anxiety
There are a number of benefits to using EMDR to treat anxiety. Some of the most important benefits include:

• Effectiveness: EMDR is a very effective treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown that EMDR can significantly reduce anxiety symptoms in people with a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  
• Speed: EMDR is a relatively fast-acting therapy. Some people experience relief from their anxiety symptoms after just a few sessions of EMDR. Deep childhood trauma may take longer to see results.
  
• Gentleness: EMDR is a gentle therapy. It does not require the client to relive their trauma in detail. Instead, the client simply focuses on the memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation.
  
• Safety: EMDR is a safe therapy. It is very rare for people to experience any negative side effects from EMDR.
  

Who is a good candidate for EMDR?
EMDR is a good candidate for anyone who is struggling with anxiety. It is especially effective for people who have experienced trauma or stressful events in their lives. However, EMDR can also be helpful for people with anxiety that is not related to trauma.
Conclusion
EMDR is a safe and effective treatment for anxiety. It can help to reduce anxiety symptoms and improve quality of life. If you are struggling with anxiety, I encourage you to consider trying EMDR.
If you are struggling with anxiety, call Cathy at (303) 464-9830 for a free phone evaluation to see if EMDR is the right therapy for you

Transpersonal experiences are those that transcend the personal ego and connect us with something larger than ourselves. They can be spiritual, mystical, or simply experiences of deep interconnectedness with all living things. Transpersonal experiences can be profound and life-changing, but they can also be challenging to integrate into our everyday lives.

As a psychotherapist, I have helped many people to harmonize their transpersonal experiences with their rational minds. This is an important process because it can help people to make sense of their experiences, to ground them in reality, and to live more fulfilling and balanced lives.

People can do a few key things to harmonize their transpersonal experiences with their rational minds. First, it is essential to be open to the possibility that both the transpersonal and the rational are valid and important ways of experiencing the world. There is no need to choose between the two.

Second, it is important to find a way to talk about transpersonal experiences in a way that is both meaningful and understandable to others. This can be a challenge, but it is important to be able to communicate our experiences to others so that we can get support and feedback.

Third, it is important to find a way to integrate transpersonal experiences into our everyday lives. This may involve finding rituals or practices that help us to connect with the transpersonal on a regular basis. It may also involve finding ways to live our lives in accordance with our transpersonal values and beliefs.
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Here are some specific tips for harmonizing transpersonal experiences with the rational mind:

• Keep a journal. This can be a great way to track your transpersonal experiences, to reflect on their meaning, and to identify patterns.
• Talk to a therapist or counselor. A therapist can help you to understand your transpersonal experiences and to integrate them into your life in a healthy way.
• Practice meditation or mindfulness. Meditation and mindfulness can help you to become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. This awareness can be helpful in integrating transpersonal experiences into your everyday life.

Harmonizing transpersonal experiences with the rational mind is an ongoing process. There is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is to find an approach that works for you and that helps you to live a fulfilling and balanced life.

As a psychotherapist, I have seen firsthand the power of sensorimotor psychotherapy to help people heal from trauma. Sensorimotor psychotherapy is a body-centered approach that integrates traditional talk therapy with awareness of the body's sensations, emotions, and movement. This approach helps people to process and integrate traumatic experiences that have been stored in the body, often without their conscious awareness.
The sensorimotor theory of trauma holds that when we experience a traumatic event, our bodies go into a state of fight, flight, or freeze. This is a natural survival response, but it can have lasting effects on our physical and emotional health. If we are unable to fully process and integrate the traumatic experience, it can get stuck in our bodies, causing us to experience symptoms such as anxiety, depression, pain, and dissociation.
Sensorimotor psychotherapy helps people to access and release these stuck emotions and sensations. This is done through a variety of techniques, such as:

• Body awareness exercises: These exercises help people to become more aware of their physical sensations, such as tension, heat, or tightness.
• Imagery work: This involves using images or metaphors to help people access and process traumatic memories.
• Movement therapy: This involves using movement to express emotions and release tension.
• Mindfulness practices: These practices help people to focus on the present moment and to let go of negative thoughts and emotions.

Sensorimotor psychotherapy can be a very effective way to treat trauma. It is a safe and gentle approach that can help people to heal from the inside out.
Here are some of the benefits of sensorimotor psychotherapy for people with trauma:

• It can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and pain.
• It can help to improve sleep and concentration.
• It can help to increase self-awareness and self-regulation.
• It can help to improve relationships.
• It can help to reduce dissociation and flashbacks.
• It can help to promote a sense of safety and well-being.

If you are struggling with trauma, sensorimotor psychotherapy may be a helpful option for you. Please contact me about whether this approach is right for you at [email protected] or (303)464-9803.

​Trauma affects millions of people worldwide, and its consequences can be profound and long-lasting. For highly sensitive individuals, who possess an enhanced capacity to perceive and process emotional stimuli, trauma can be particularly overwhelming. However, there is a therapeutic approach that holds promise for treating trauma in highly sensitive people—Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). In this article, we will explore how EMDR can be a valuable tool in the psychotherapeutic journey of highly sensitive individuals.

​One of the key advantages of EMDR for highly sensitive individuals lies in its capacity to work within the individual's sensory processing preferences. In EMDR sessions, bilateral stimulation is employed, traditionally using eye movements, which engage both hemispheres of the brain. However, for highly sensitive individuals who may be more sensitive to visual or auditory stimulation, alternative bilateral stimulation methods such as tactile pulsers or auditory tones can be used. By customizing the stimulation, EMDR can accommodate the specific sensory needs of highly sensitive individuals, ensuring a comfortable and effective therapeutic experience.

​EMDR therapy assists highly sensitive individuals in navigating and regulating their intense emotional experiences. Through a structured process, EMDR allows individuals to revisit traumatic memories while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation. This technique facilitates the integration of distressing emotions, thoughts, and sensations with adaptive information, enabling the individual to reprocess the trauma in a safe and controlled environment. As a result, highly sensitive individuals can develop more adaptive coping mechanisms, diminish the intensity of emotional triggers, and gain a greater sense of emotional stability.

​For highly sensitive individuals, regaining a sense of personal empowerment is crucial in the healing process. EMDR therapy helps individuals access and develop internal resources to facilitate post-traumatic growth. Through the identification and strengthening of positive beliefs, EMDR assists in reframing negative self-perceptions that may have arisen from the trauma. As a result, highly sensitive individuals can cultivate a stronger sense of resilience, self-worth, and self-compassion, empowering them to overcome the impact of their traumatic experiences.

​High sensitivity is a trait possessed by approximately 20% of the population, characterized by heightened sensory and emotional responsiveness to stimuli. While being highly sensitive comes with its unique strengths, it can also present challenges when navigating the complexities of everyday life. Somatic therapy has emerged as a powerful and effective approach to support highly sensitive people in their journey toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. In this article, we will explore the benefits of somatic therapy specifically tailored to highly sensitive individuals.

​Somatic therapy focuses on cultivating embodied awareness, emphasizing the mind-body connection. Highly sensitive people often experience intense physical and emotional sensations. Somatic therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore these sensations, helping individuals develop a deeper understanding of their bodies and the signals they send. This increased awareness enables them to recognize and regulate their emotions effectively, leading to a greater sense of self-control and well-being.

​Highly sensitive individuals can become easily overwhelmed by intense emotions, leading to feelings of anxiety, stress, or even physical discomfort. Somatic therapy employs various techniques such as breathing exercises, movement, and grounding exercises to help regulate these overwhelming emotions. By focusing on the body's sensations and utilizing these techniques, individuals can learn to manage emotional states more effectively and develop resilience in the face of challenging situations.

​Many highly sensitive people have experienced past traumas, which can significantly impact their overall well-being. Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma is stored not only in the mind but also in the body. Through gentle and mindful techniques, such as bodywork, guided visualization, or EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic therapists help highly sensitive individuals release trauma from the body, promoting healing and restoring a sense of safety and empowerment.

​Highly sensitive people often hold themselves to high standards, experiencing self-criticism and self-judgment. Somatic therapy fosters self-compassion by encouraging individuals to reconnect with their bodies and cultivate a compassionate attitude toward themselves. This practice allows them to develop a more nurturing and accepting relationship with their bodies and emotions, leading to improved self-esteem and overall self-care.

​Maintaining healthy boundaries is crucial for highly sensitive individuals to protect their energy and well-being. Somatic therapy helps them develop a better understanding of their personal boundaries by exploring the physical sensations associated with boundary violations. Through experiential exercises and gentle guidance, individuals can learn to set clear boundaries, communicate their needs effectively, and navigate relationships in a way that supports their emotional well-being.

Somatic therapy recognizes that healing and personal growth occur through the integration of mind, body, and spirit. By focusing on the present moment and incorporating mindfulness practices, highly sensitive individuals can develop a holistic understanding of themselves. Somatic therapy facilitates a deeper connection to one's inner wisdom and intuition, allowing individuals to make choices aligned with their authentic selves.​

​For highly sensitive individuals, somatic therapy provides a transformative path to self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. By fostering embodied awareness, regulating overwhelming emotions, releasing stored trauma, promoting self-compassion, strengthening boundaries, and integrating mind, body, and spirit, somatic therapy equips highly sensitive individuals with the tools and skills necessary to navigate the world with resilience and authenticity. If you are highly sensitive and seeking support, consider exploring the benefits of somatic therapy as a powerful avenue for your personal journey towards well-being.

Healthcare is on the ballot this November. As a healthcare provider, I care about the quality and availability of healthcare for my clients, family, friends, and, well, everyone! Proposition 188 is about the Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program. A "Yes" will help protect families with serious health issues. Here are the facts. 

​Proposition 118: Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program 
Proposition 118 proposes amending the Colorado statutes to: 

• create a paid family and medical leave insurance program for Colorado employees administered by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment; 
• require employers and employees in Colorado to pay a payroll premium to finance paid family and medical leave insurance benefits beginning January 1, 2023; 
• allow eligible employees up to 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave insurance benefits annually starting January 1, 2024; and 
• create job protections for employees who take paid family and medical leave. 

What Your Vote Means 

• A “yes” vote on Proposition 118 means the state will create an insurance program to provide paid family and medical leave benefits to eligible employees in Colorado funded by employers and employees’ premiums. 
• A “no” vote on Proposition 118 means the state will not create a paid family and medical leave insurance program.

For more objective information, read Ballot Issues for November 2020.

Cathy co-hosted a virtual meeting entitled Navigating Healthcare on September 12, 2020, with various healthcare legislators and experts about the future of healthcare. Speakers included were former State Senator Jeanne Nicholson and Diane Dunn a Health IT Consultant with 30+ years of experience with Medicaid. Slides from the talks are available to download. They also met with met with Representative Ed Perlmutter to discuss improvements to Medicare. There was a lot of great information and discussion on healthcare topics that affect you. Your health matters! Check out the article and discover the latest happenings in healthcare in Colorado.