Aureum Counseling & Consulting, PLLC

09/23/2025

Coping with a betrayal can be confusing and painful.

All of us, at one time or another, have experienced betrayals in our lives – big ones, small ones, by friends, family, partners, employers, neighbors, and others. How do you feel when that happens? For it to be a betrayal, there had to be some level of trust. What do you say to yourself that someo...

09/09/2025

Are you struggling with the death of a parent? If so, this article may help to normalize some of what you are experiencing.

In the natural order of things, our parents die before us – not always the case, but mostly. In fact, by the time we reach the age of 62, about 75% of us will have lost both parents. Grief isn’t something we, as a society, spend much time talking about, and the loss of a parent can be a unique a...

08/25/2025

Do you find yourself in a relationship with someone in active substance use disorder and struggle with a lot of your own internal conflict about what to do? This article may be for you.

A significant part of my practice is working with people who are in a relationship with someone in active substance use disorder (SUD). At the start of our work, the client often sees very few ways in which they enable the addictive behavior to thrive. If you are in this kind of relationship, consid...

08/20/2025

Do you suffer from panic attacks? See my latest article to learn more and how to improve the way you handle them.

Anyone who has experienced a panic attack knows that they feel awful. There is often a sense of, “I need to get out of here!” or a loss of control. For more extreme panic attacks, it may feel like you are dying. More commonly, the following fears may come to mind:· Having some kind of breakdown...

08/17/2025

Thanks to Jamie and John Forsyth for a great training on ACT, a terrific therapy method for helping people mindfully focus on their values, and thank you to The Cape Cod Institute for another great training in a beautiful location. They arranged for learners to enjoy some of the local nature at the Wellfleet Wildlife Sanctuary (second picture), and that was a lovely bonus.

08/07/2025

Do you find yourself stuck in a relationship with someone in active addiction/substance use disorder and don't know what to do? This article may be for you.

A significant part of my practice is working with people who are in a relationship with someone in active substance use disorder (SUD). At the start of our work, the client often sees very few ways in which they enable the addictive behavior to thrive. If you are in this kind of relationship, consid...

02/10/2025

Posts here are information only and do not constitute therapy or advice.

01/11/2025

"It took me a long time to realize that we're not meant to be perfect; we're meant to be whole." Jane Fonda

08/27/2024

Do you ever wonder, "Why do I, or why does (this person in my life) do what they do?" Especially, why do they do what they do when it causes problems for themselves or others later? All our defenses work in the moment - to get us out of a difficult situation, to avoid shame, accountability, emotions, etc. - otherwise we wouldn't "do" our defenses, even when they come at great cost to ourselves and our relationships. Want to learn more and how to make healthier choices? Contact me.

07/31/2024

What is the difference between conflicted vs. mixed feelings? Feelings in conflict might sound like, "I am angry with my parent for x, but don't allow myself to have that anger because guilt reminds me of all they have done for me that was helpful. I have to choose one or the other." Mixed feelings are about making room for all the feelings: "For all you have done for me, I am grateful AND for x, I am angry with you." If you need help with turning conflicting feelings into mixed so you can be ALL of you who are, contact me.

07/11/2024

Why do we put so much stock into what our parents say about us? For better or worse, our same-sex parent is often the most influential person in our lives (and the other parent close behind). Some of us operate as if everything they told us is 100% true. Do you notice their words getting in the way of your life? Contact me for help so you can live more peacefully.

06/10/2024

In addition to 50 and 90 minute EMDR sessions, I also offer intensives. You can schedule a multi-day EMDR intensive with me to really put your foot on the gas toward resolution. If you don't live in the Denver area, I can connect you to several resources for places to stay nearby. Call (303) 726-8053 to learn more.