Rachel Louden, Psychotherapist in Denver, 80246

Rachel M. Louden, LCSW

Profession(s):
Psychotherapy, Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapy
License Status:
I'm a licensed professional.
Primary License:
LCSW

My Approach to Helping

How the heck do you pick a therapist from a Google search or website? It is an overwhelming task. They all sound skilled and promise positive results but how do you know who is best for you? It's important you "click" with your therapist. Research shows the single most important factor in the successful outcome of your therapy is the relationship with your therapist. In addition to having excellent clinical skills, I am friendly, warm and funny with my clients. I am also not afraid to gently, but firmly, encourage your personal growth. My techniques work best with clients who are committed to engaging in a mutual process -- one where the client and therapist work together to uncover old patterns, examine their impact on current behaviors, and make the needed changes.

I have nearly 20 years of experience treating individuals, couples, families, and groups in a variety of clinical settings. I believe in creating a zone of safety for my clients so they can gain insight into their conscious and unconscious experiences and motivations, clarify the boundaries of self and other, and ultimately heal, grow, and thrive.

Among my areas of expertise are relationship issues, couples, depression, anxiety, women's issues, GLBT issues, and grief and loss.

More Info About My Practice

I offer a free consultation to new clients in my office. Come meet and talk with me. You'll find it to be a pleasant experience with no judgement -- only warmth and humor. There is no risk-- except feeling better.

Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With

One area of interest for me is helping people identify old patterns that are cropping up now and causing trouble. It's really pretty amazing how often we repeat an old dynamic in the present and we aren't even aware of it. We all do it. It's how our brains are wired. But if we are able to become conscious of those patterns repeating in the present, then we can make a conscious choice to do something different. If we stay in unconsciousness, we go about repeating ourselves, unaware that we are creating our own difficulties. Therapy that promotes consciousness of actions and feelings gives us the power to have a different life. It's not always easy but at least the choice is ours.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

Psychotherapy helps people by creating a safe space so the clients can open up their minds, their hearts and most importantly, their feelings. As I said above, therapy that promotes a deep exploration of consciousness and our internal dynamics allows us to grow and change. Therapy empowers the client to make choices about how he or she lives and they are no longer a victim to the old patterns of their life. It's freedom.

My Role as a Therapist

My role as a therapist is to be completely present with the client, all the while, thinking on many different levels. It's a complex task that can get minimized to "just listening". I like to talk to clients about all the things I am wondering about as I listen to them talk. I listen to the immediate content of what they are saying. I am attuned to feelings and promoting their expression. I am also listening for things that may be outside the client's awareness so they can have that "ah-ha!" moment that makes the therapy experience so powerful. I am a partner with the client. I am not an expert of how they should live their life! Instead, I am interested in client empowerment.