Meet Sarah James

The Colorado Counselor

Thank you for visiting my website and reading more about my practice. I genuinely enjoy the work that I do in connecting my clients with their true selves. At times, we become stuck in whatever is occurring in our lives. We continue in the same patterns throughout our daily lives and in our relationships. Therapy facilitates change by unpacking one's story. In this story, clients learn about intricacies that may contribute to their current place in life. Some intricacies can be barriers to individuals connecting with their authentic selves. I work to navigate growth and build solutions through the therapeutic process. I specialize in assessing the needs of my clients in order to create positive outcomes. I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Psychoanalytic techniques when working with my clients. I remain client-centered and solutions-focused in my practice. Therapy starts where my clients are and it grows in the directions they want to go. My approaches have proven to be successful with my clients.

My specialties include: Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy; Adolescent Issues; Drug and Alcohol Counseling; EMDR/Trauma; Grief and Loss; Mindfulness, Emotional Regulation and Empowerment; Dissolving Negative Patterns; Divorce Counseling; Anger Management; Anxiety and Depression; Women's Issues; Crisis Intervention; and Stress Management.

I spend my free time with my family in Lone Tree, CO. I am a Colorado native and enjoy skiing, biking, hiking, the arts, and yoga. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have further questions or if you would like to schedule an appointment. I look forward to supporting your journey of self-discovery and transformation.

Work Experience

Prior to beginning my private practice, I gathered knowledge and experience through education, work placements, and earning extra certifications. I graduated with honors from the University of Denver with a Masters in Clinical Social Work.

The focus of my Masters work encompassed individual and family therapy. I was an individual and family therapist for the Psychiatric Department at The Children's Hospital. Although the child was in the hospital, I worked with each family member to stabilize the situation. At The Children's Hospital, I also provided psychiatric assessments in the Emergency Department. Strong assessment skills are a very important piece of therapy.

After Children's Hospital, I assisted in establishing an intensive services team for a local mental health agency. This team worked to stabilize intense family conflict, while regarding individual needs. I have been a mental health counselor in adolescent residential programs and a Denver Public Schools social worker. While at Denver Public Schools, I provided therapy, anger management and empowerment groups, as well as established Individual Education Plans. I established my private practice in 2007 and have enjoyed working with teens, adults, families, and couples as they progress towards positive change.

Certifications and License

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) which also means I am licensed as a Psychotherapist in the state of Colorado. I was supervised for two years after graduating from graduate school in order to earn my licenser. I continued my education by earning my Addiction Counseling certification (CAC II) that consisted of over 3,000 clinically supervised hours as well as classes. In addition, I earned my EMDR certification. EMDR is a therapy used to treat life traumas. I have successfully treated sexual abuse survivors, car accident victims, and relationship terminations, those with recurrent memories from childhood, family divorces, and so on with EMDR. Continuing education is very important for all therapists. I continue my education by attending several workshops a year and working towards certifications.