Therapy Approaches

At Black Bold and Learning Therapy in Colorado Springs, I believe that healing is deeply personal, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Each individual is unique, and I take great care in tailoring my therapeutic techniques to meet your specific needs. I draw from a variety of evidence-based practices to support you on your journey toward healing and personal growth. Whether you're working through trauma, relationship challenges, or emotional regulation, my goal is to empower you with the tools you need to create lasting change in your life.

I take an integrative and relational therapy approach, meaning I pull from multiple modalities to create a treatment plan that fits your specific needs. This approach allows me to customize our work together, utilizing whatever will be most beneficial in helping you reach your goals.

Therapeutic Approaches I Use

Here are the key approaches I offer and how they can support you on your journey to healing:

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

DBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to help you manage overwhelming emotions and develop healthier coping skills. It's especially helpful for those who struggle with emotional dysregulation, self-destructive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. DBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices, teaching you to regulate emotions, improve interpersonal effectiveness, and build distress tolerance.

How it helps:

Develop healthier coping mechanisms for intense emotions
Improve communication skills and relationships
Manage difficult situations without resorting to unhealthy behaviors

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that focuses on accepting difficult emotions rather than avoiding them, while also aligning your actions with your core values. It’s particularly effective for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, or trauma, as it helps you develop a new relationship with your thoughts and feelings. ACT teaches you how to let go of the struggle with negative emotions and instead commit to actions that bring you closer to the life you want.

How it helps:

Helps you accept difficult emotions without being overwhelmed by them
Teaches mindfulness skills for staying grounded in the present moment
Guides you to live according to your values, even when faced with emotional challenges

Somatic Experiencing

Somatic Experiencing is a trauma-focused therapy that works with the body to release the physical and emotional tension stored in the nervous system due to past traumatic experiences. This approach recognizes that trauma often manifests in the body, and by paying attention to bodily sensations, we can release trapped energy and restore a sense of safety.

How it helps:

Allows you to release trauma stored in the body
Restores a sense of balance and safety in your nervous system
Helps you reconnect with your body and its natural ability to heal

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness is a practice that encourages being present in the moment, without judgment. It has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and increase overall well-being. Mindfulness-based therapy combines these practices with therapeutic techniques to help you become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing you to respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity and calm.

How it helps:

Reduces anxiety and stress by focusing on the present moment
Improves emotional regulation and awareness
Helps you cultivate acceptance of difficult emotions

Narrative Therapy

In Narrative Therapy, we explore the stories you tell about yourself and how they impact your identity and relationships. Trauma, difficult experiences, and negative self-talk can shape how you see yourself and your world. Together, we’ll work to rewrite your story by identifying the strength and resilience that have always been a part of you, even in the face of hardship.

How it helps:

Helps you gain a new perspective on your experiences
Encourages self-compassion and understanding
Empowers you to take control of your narrative and rewrite your future

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

CPT is a highly effective, trauma-focused therapy specifically designed to treat PTSD. By helping you identify and challenge harmful thoughts related to your trauma, CPT works to break the cycle of negative beliefs and trauma-related distress. This therapy empowers you to reframe your trauma experiences and gain a sense of control over your emotional responses.

How it helps:

Helps you process and challenge trauma-related thoughts
Reduces PTSD symptoms such as flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
Provides tools to shift harmful thinking patterns

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most well-researched and effective therapeutic modalities for treating a range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and trauma. CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors, leading to lasting changes in your emotional and psychological well-being. By working together, we’ll develop healthier ways of thinking and behaving to improve your mental health.

How it helps:

Identifies and changes negative thought patterns
Helps manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
Teaches practical skills for everyday challenges

Integrative Therapy Approach

As a mental health counselor in Colorado Springs, CO, I take a holistic and integrative approach, meaning I blend various therapeutic techniques based on your unique needs and goals. Whether you need a structured treatment plan like CBT or CPT, or a more fluid and personalized approach like Narrative Therapy or Somatic Experiencing, I’ll choose the right tools to help you heal in a way that feels most effective for you.

I don’t believe in a “one-size-fits-all” method. Together, we’ll explore what works best for you and develop a treatment plan that honors your individual experiences and healing journey.

Couples Therapy

I am currently training in Gottman Therapy, which is an evidence-based approach to relationship counseling that focuses on building strong, healthy, and resilient relationships. Gottman Therapy emphasizes the importance of communication, emotional support, and mutual respect in relationships.

Couples therapy is available on a private pay basis at this time. I work with couples who are seeking to improve their communication, rebuild trust, or address challenges like conflict resolution, intimacy issues, or other relationship dynamics.

Get Started with Therapy Today

No matter what you’re dealing with, I’m here to support you through your journey. Whether you’re navigating trauma, struggling with emotional regulation, or seeking to improve your relationships, I will work with you to find the therapeutic tools that will help you heal and grow.

If you're ready to start therapy, reach out today to schedule your first session and take the next step toward healing and empowerment.