Mentor
I've been a self-employed business owner for the last 20 years in my own therapy practice. There's been so much that I have loved about being a therapist! I am always honored when people let me into their world and share things with me. I believe I have a warm presence that helps people feel safe quickly. I am able to listen well, validate, and also challenge clients to reach their goals and become the best version of themselves. I view my role as helping people help themselves, believing that my clients are the experts on themselves. As a therapist, I create the container for my clients to make their own connections.
As a business owner, I deeply empathize with the challenges of running a successful practice: the uncertainty, the learning curve, the moments of doubt. That experience is what led me to mentor other therapists, and eventually, to found the Fort Collins Therapy Collective. I wanted to create something I wished I'd had earlier in my own journey: a collegial, collaborative community where therapists could support one another, not just clinically, but as fellow business owners navigating this work together. I love bringing clinicians into a space where they can grow their own practices while staying grounded in what drew them to therapy in the first place. Just as I help clients become the best version of themselves, I'm passionate about helping fellow therapists do the same, both clinically and professionally.
Some Background
I graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Iowa and had minors in Human Relations and Religion. Following my undergrad, I spent a year with AmeriCorps in Seattle where I helped older adults & adults with disabilities to remain independent in their own homes.
I went on to get my Master's of Science in Human Development and Family Studies at Colorado State University. I completed my PhD coursework in the School of Education at CSU (all but dissertation), and I taught a number of courses at CSU as well. I went into private practice as a therapist in 2004 and have been doing that ever since.
The Rest of My Time
When I'm not working, I am likely spending as much time with my husband and 2 children as possible, walking my dog, and getting outside as much as I can. I also love to do yoga and dance.
About
My Name is Brook Bretthauer.
I am glad you are reaching out for a therapist to help you with whatever life issue(s) you may be struggling with. Finding someone you feel safe and comfortable with is vital when deciding on a therapist. As part of our practice, we strive to create a secure and nurturing environment where you can share concerns and vulnerabilities while also making progress toward goals and the changes you would like to have happen in your life.
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist and work with people from many different backgrounds. I specialize in self empowerment, couples and family therapy, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, parenting, premarital therapy, and divorce. I am also an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Practitioner and is certified in Psychobiological Approach to Couple’s Therapy (PACT).
I feel honored to be a part of a client's personal journey and would love the opportunity to be a part of your journey as well. Feel free to contact me at 970-658-1276 to set up an appointment or to connect through a free 20 minute consultation.
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