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Individual Psychotherapy in Denver, CO

Personalized Therapy for Anxiety, Burnout, Trauma, Life Transitions & More

Psychotherapy is a proven way to facilitate healing from deep, long-standing, or recurring emotional and behavioral patterns. It’s more than just “talking”—it’s an evidence-based, collaborative process rooted in the science of behavior and the art of human connection. Through personalized therapy, we create a space where you can gain insight, explore meaningful change, and develop tools to live with more clarity, intention, and resilience.

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As a licensed psychologist based in Denver, CO, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help adults address a wide range of concerns. Individual therapy offers a space to unpack what’s been weighing on you and move toward a version of life that feels more aligned and sustainable.

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What Is Individual Psychotherapy?

Individual psychotherapy is a structured yet flexible form of mental health treatment that involves one-on-one sessions with a licensed therapist. It’s designed to help you:

  • Understand your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors

  • Explore patterns that may be contributing to distress

  • Develop skills to manage life’s challenges more effectively

  • Heal from past experiences

  • Clarify your values and goals

  • Strengthen self-awareness and self-compassion

 

The work we do is collaborative—meaning your voice, insight, and readiness for change guide the pace and focus of therapy.

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Issues I Commonly Treat

I work with young and middle-aged adults, including college students, early-career professionals, parents, and high-achievers like attorneys, executives and healthcare specialists. Many clients seek therapy not just for symptom relief, but to create lasting change in how they relate to themselves and others.

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Here are some of the primary issues I specialize in:

  • Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic)

  • Burnout and Chronic Stress

  • Depression and Low Mood

  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Trauma Recovery

  • Relationship Difficulties and Loss

  • Life Transitions (e.g., college, career change, divorce, parenthood)

  • Career Performance & Professional Development

  • Work-Life Integration and Boundary-Setting

  • Adulting Skills & Emotional Maturity

  • Parenting Support

  • Health Conditions & Behavior Change

 

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply ready for a change, individual therapy can be a catalyst for meaningful growth.

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How I Work: CBT, ACT, and Mindfulness​

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is one of the most researched and effective therapies for treating anxiety, depression, and stress-related concerns. It helps you:

  • Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts

  • Break cycles of avoidance or self-criticism

  • Replace reactive patterns with intentional actions

  • Build practical tools to manage mood, focus, and decision-making

 

CBT is especially useful for clients who are looking for structure, concrete strategies, and measurable progress.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT helps you move away from struggling with difficult thoughts or feelings and instead focus on what truly matters. Key elements of ACT include:

  • Learning to accept what is out of your control (e.g., emotions, memories)

  • Developing psychological flexibility

  • Clarifying your core values

  • Taking meaningful, values-based action—even when discomfort is present

 

This approach is particularly helpful for navigating transitions, burnout, perfectionism, and chronic stress.

 

Mindfulness-Based Strategies

Mindfulness techniques help reduce reactivity, improve emotional regulation, and build inner resilience. You’ll learn how to:

  • Stay grounded in the present moment

  • Create space between stimulus and response

  • Practice self-compassion and curiosity

  • Reconnect with your body and nervous system in a supportive way

 

Mindfulness is integrated throughout sessions to help you relate differently to your experience—not just analyze it.

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What to Expect in Individual Therapy

Our work together is tailored to your goals and needs. In the beginning, we’ll complete a comprehensive assessment to understand what brings you in and what outcomes you’re hoping for. From there, therapy may include:

  • Psychoeducation (learning about your symptoms or challenges)

  • Identifying triggers and behavioral patterns

  • Exploring how your past informs the present

  • Learning practical coping tools

  • Clarifying what you want more of in your life

  • Making gradual, sustainable changes

 

Sessions typically occur weekly or biweekly, and we’ll revisit goals as needed to ensure therapy stays aligned with your evolving needs.

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Is Individual Therapy Right for You?

You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Many clients come to therapy because they want:

  • Better relationships

  • More ease and less overwhelm

  • Tools to navigate uncertainty

  • A deeper understanding of themselves

  • Support during a time of change or loss

 

If you’ve been trying to manage things on your own and it’s no longer working—or if you simply want to deepen your self-awareness—therapy can provide the support, guidance, and structure to help you move forward.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

+ What’s the difference between therapy and coaching or talking to a friend?

 Therapy is guided by evidence-based methods and delivered by a licensed clinician with extensive training in mental health, behavior, and emotional healing. Unlike coaching or conversations with friends—which can be supportive but are often informal and advice-driven—therapy provides a structured, confidential space tailored to your unique psychological needs.

   

In therapy, we explore not only what’s happening on the surface but also the deeper patterns, past experiences, and core beliefs that shape your responses to stress, relationships, and change. Therapists are trained to help identify mental health conditions, apply targeted interventions, and support long-term growth and healing. The goal isn't just to feel better in the moment, but to build sustainable skills and insights that lead to meaningful change over time.

 Coaching can be goal-oriented and motivational, and friends may offer empathy, but therapy integrates all of that with clinical expertise—creating a safe space to process, heal, and grow at your own pace.Therapy is guided by evidence-based methods and a licensed clinician trained to help you understand patterns, treat symptoms, and build resilience. It goes deeper than advice or encouragement—it’s a structured and supportive space for lasting growth.

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+ Do I have the option of meeting virtually?
Yes. In fact, I exclusively offer secure individual teletherapy in Denver, CO, as well as for adults located throughout Colorado. I also maintain licensure via PSYPACT, which allows me to provide services to individuals across 42 participating states.

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+ How long does individual therapy take?

The length of therapy varies depending on your goals, the nature of the issues you’re facing, and your personal pace of progress. Some clients benefit from short-term therapy (typically 8–12 sessions), especially when working through a specific concern like a recent transition, stressor, or decision. Others may choose to engage in longer-term therapy to explore deeper emotional patterns, long-standing challenges, or ongoing personal growth.

  Therapy is not one-size-fits-all. We'll discuss your goals early on and revisit them periodically to ensure our work remains aligned with your needs. Whether your journey is brief or more in-depth, we’ll move at a pace that feels supportive, sustainable, and meaningful to you.

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+ Will therapy help even if I’m not sure what’s wrong?

Yes. You don’t need a diagnosis or a clearly defined problem to begin therapy. In fact, many people come to therapy with a vague sense that something feels off—they may feel overwhelmed, emotionally stuck, or disconnected without knowing exactly why.

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Therapy offers a compassionate and structured space to explore what’s beneath the surface. Together, we’ll make sense of your experience, clarify what matters to you, and identify patterns that may be contributing to your discomfort. Through approaches like CBT and ACT, you’ll build insight, develop new coping strategies, and start creating a path forward that feels more grounded and meaningful.

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+ Can therapy help with both emotional and practical issues?
Absolutely. My approach blends insight with skill-building, so we address both the emotional roots and the day-to-day strategies you need to feel better and function well.

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You don’t have to figure it out alone. Let’s work together to help you live with more clarity, confidence, and intention. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.

Jennifer Olson-Madden, Ph.D.

Psychologist and Consultant

720-588-3823

TELEPSYCHOLOGY SERVICES ONLY

2000 S. Colorado Blvd,

Suite 2000-1024

Denver, CO 80222 

For questions related to services and rates, please see the Psychological Services page.​

 

Jennifer Olson-Madden, PhD, LLC offers services for all ethnic and minority groups and LGBTQIA+ adults in Denver, CO and 42 states nationwide.

 

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