Gretchen has been practicing psychotherapy since 1990 in the Boulder/ Erie area. She specializes in working with transitions - menopause in particular. Gretchen received her MA in Contemplative Psychotherapy from Naropa University in 1989 and works from the basic view that as human beings we are fundamentally sane and our confusion is temporary. She is steeped in both Contemplative and Psychodynamic approaches in talk therapy. She also runs consultation groups for professionals.

I provide counseling services to children (2+), adolescents, and adults specializing in childhood trauma including physical abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence.

My approach is supportive, warm, and collaborative. I believe that the client/counselor relationship is crucial in the therapeutic process. I am integrative in approach as I believe that no single therapy is beneficial for everyone. I use various counseling theories and techniques to treat the "whole" person. Depending on your goals in therapy I may draw from, experiential, cognitive behavioral therapy, humanistic, and/or systemic approaches. In working with children I primarily use play therapy techniques.

One of the most frequent and favorite of the compliments I receive from clients I serve is, "You make me feel normal when I am talking about my 'stuff'." My goal in working with clients is to provide a safe place to explore their 'stuff' and help them learn more adaptive ways of navigating life's ups and downs. I do this by utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement and Desesitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation Training, and most importantly, HUMOR. I turn frowns upside down while helping clients move through their anger, anxiety, depression, trauma, and difficult relationships and transitions to a place where they enjoy life and the excitement each day can bring.

Offering Opportunities for advancement in your personal and professional life through creative arts expression, psychotherapy and skills acquisition, always emphasizing and celebrating diversity.