Therapy for preteens, kids & moms in Denver

Audacious Therapy provides a variety of counseling services to help clients in Denver, Colorado see the magic in life again. Specializing in play therapy for kids, counseling for adolescents with a focus on helping teenage girls, teen counseling services, counseling for women, and postpartum counseling, Audacious Therapy aims to boost confidence and build resilience in their clients.

Founded by Claire Eliassen, LPC¹, Audacious Therapy utilizes evidence-based therapeutic approaches to meet clients where they are and help them work through difficult experiences. For children, Eliassen relies heavily on play therapy which allows kids to process their emotions through play rather than traditional talk therapy². "With kids, play is their language. It allows them to communicate how they're feeling in a developmentally appropriate way," Eliassen notes.

Play Therapy for Kids

Through toys, art, sand trays, and other creative mediums, kids are able to freely express themselves without judgment or censorship. This gives insight into how they view themselves and the world, helping Eliassen identify areas of strength or challenge. Common issues addressed through play therapy include anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, behavioral problems, trauma, divorce, and social/emotional delays. Play therapy helps kids understand and cope with their emotions in a fun, engaging manner that promotes healthy development.

Therapy for Preteens and Teenagers

For adolescents, Audacious Therapy focuses on issues commonly faced by teenage girls such as body image, relationships, stress, and transitioning to adulthood. Using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and mindfulness techniques, Eliassen empowers girls to challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with compassionate self-talk. Group counseling allows girls to connect with peers facing similar challenges and realize they are not alone. Private counseling addresses more intimate issues like sexuality, family relationships, self-harm, and trauma. The goal is to boost confidence and resilience during this period of immense change.

Teen counseling services at Audacious Therapy take a holistic approach, recognizing the multitude of influences on a teenager's well-being including school, friends, family, social media, and mental health. Individual therapy provides a confidential space for teens to process whatever is most prominent in their lives while developing healthy coping strategies. Family therapy may also be incorporated to improve communication and support networks at home. Common issues addressed include depression, anxiety, addiction, behavior problems, LGBTQ+ identity, and social/emotional growth.

Therapy for Women and Moms

Audacious Therapy offers counseling designed specifically for women and the unique challenges they face. Individual therapy can support concerns such as depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, sexuality, self-esteem, and major life transitions.

The postpartum period brings major physical and emotional changes. These can increase the risk of postpartum depression and anxiety.

Audacious Therapy offers specialized counseling for new mothers. It helps them adjust to their new role, cope with the “baby blues,” and recognize mood disorders. Therapy also supports better self-care and healthy bonding with their baby.

Support is also available, offering connection and community to help reduce feelings of isolation.

In addition to individual, group, family and play therapy, Audacious Therapy utilizes mindfulness techniques like yoga, journaling, art, and meditation to promote emotional well-being. Located in the Speer neighborhood of Denver at 303-900-8849, Audacious Therapy is in network with many major insurance providers. Those seeking affordable counseling can discuss payment plans and sliding scale fees with Eliassen. Audacious Therapy is dedicated to providing quality, compassionate mental healthcare to help clients in all stages of life see the magic in living well again.

With a background in play therapy, Eliassen understands the importance of early intervention to foster healthy development. "We know that the foundation for mental wellness starts from a young age," she says. "Play therapy allows kids to build resilience and self-esteem, which has lasting protective effects." For adolescents facing immense change, Audacious Therapy meets them where they are with evidence-based therapies tailored to their needs. Whether struggling with relationships, identity, trauma or mood disorders, teens receive individualized support.

Supporting Women and Girls

As females continue to face disproportionate rates of certain mental health issues, Audacious Therapy aims to empower women of all ages. "So many women's issues are rooted in societal pressures and expectations," Eliassen notes. "Our counseling helps clients challenge limiting beliefs and replace them with self-compassion." The postpartum period in particular is recognized as a time of immense transition that increases vulnerability, so specialized support is crucial. Audacious Therapy works to normalize postpartum mood disorders and ensure new mothers have tools and a support system.

Overall, Audacious Therapy strives to reduce stigma around mental healthcare and promote prevention and early intervention. "We want clients to feel heard, understood and capable of living well," Eliassen says. With services for kids, teens, women and families, Audacious Therapy takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to counseling with a focus on building resilience and confidence at all stages of life.