“Not everything that is faced can be
changed, but nothing can be changed
until it is faced.” - James Baldwin
You entered the world without a roadmap, having to navigate a unique set of relationships and circumstances to get your needs met. What you experienced along the way inevitably shaped you - your sense of self, your patterns of behavior, even your physiology.
It’s easy to just keep going without pausing to examine these things when day-to-day life leaves so little margin. And the very idea of opening yourself up might feel terrifying or even counterproductive. But at some point you may be confronted by the idea that you’re not okay. It could be that burdens, hurts, or uncertainties are beginning to overwhelm you. It could be that your relationships are showing signs of strain. Or maybe you’re finding that the beliefs and behaviors you’ve leaned on throughout your life are no longer serving you well. That is a difficult, uncomfortable place to be. But that discomfort can lead to insight, which opens the door to real, substantive change.
Welcome
My name is Sean Mortenson. I’m a therapist (LPCC, MS, MDiv) specializing in the treatment of depression, anxiety, mid-life, and faith issues. My goal is to help clients grow in awareness and discover how they can move forward in life with a renewed sense of agency and authenticity. I align with an analytic / existential approach to therapy that helps clients explore the root causes of their emotions and behaviors. I’m interested in clients experiencing wholeness, not just symptom reduction.
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First and foremost, I want to establish a relationship where you feel safe to explore your life with honesty. Many people come to therapy having rarely (if ever) felt seen and heard. From that secure base we’ll work on building greater awareness of your thoughts, emotions, body, and environment, exploring how they impact one another. Over time we’ll see patterns emerge and start to connect the dots of your story. We’ll examine (with zero judgment) the beliefs you have about yourself, your sense of meaning, and the patterns of behavior you learned along the way to survive and get your needs met. We’ll discuss the behaviors that are serving you well and those that aren’t, then work on building new patterns for a more constructive way forward.
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I have training in multiple evidence-based modalities (including EFT, IFS, EMDR) and continue to expand my knowledge. However, since every client is a unique person in unique circumstances, I do not believe any single modality provides all of the answers or a one-size-fits-all script for treatment. As the great Abraham Maslow once said, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Different modalities provide different tools, so to speak, that allow treatment to be tailored to the person and dynamics that emerge in session. If there is a particular modality that interests you, I would love to discuss it further.
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I’m conscious that my unique presence (a white, cis, male, former pastor, etc.) effects each client differently. I’m also aware that I have cultural blindspots and biases that have the potential to impact treatment. With these things in mind, I strive to model openness and curiosity, free of judgment. I hope to provide a place of safety and support for all people, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, or lifestyle.
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I recognize the value that spiritual beliefs and participation in faith communities can play. As a former pastor, I’m happy to integrate Christian spirituality when requested. And although I’m less knowledgable in other traditions, I’m happy to help you find a synthesis with your belief system. I’m also empathetic to those who are in the process of deconstruction and/or addressing wounds associated with a faith community. I would love to offer support in what can be a painful and disorienting journey.
I am currently accepting new clients.
You can reach me directly at:
(720) 608-2011 or
sean@union-therapy.com
Getting Started
Intake
$120 for 50 min session
Fit is critical in therapy. So we’ll begin by exploring your story and discussing your goals. But you’ll also have opportunity to ask any questions you might have and get a general sense of whether you feel secure and open moving forward with me as your therapist.
Treatment Options
Individual Therapy
$120 per 50 min session
In-Person or over video, we’ll gain insight into your life while building and implementing a treatment plan based on your goals. Sessions can be as frequent as you want, though we recommend meeting at least every two weeks. You may pause or end treatment at any time.
Couples Therapy
$120 per 50 min session
In-Person or over video, we’ll explore the dynamic between partners, giving attention to the underlying causes of behavior. After an intake session with both partners, I recommend at least one individual session with each. Based on what emerges in those sessions, I may recommend joint sessions moving forward or the continuation of individual sessions.
Group Therapy
$60 per 90 min session
In-Person groups typically consist of 6 to 8 people and vary in makeup and focus. New Men’s Groups are forming now. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO.
