Shaun Fischler (he/him)

I am trained in treatment approaches such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Person-Centered Therapy, all of which can be used to treat trauma. I have worked with trauma survivors since 2007 in a homeless clinic, community mental health center, and private practice. Establishing safety is always my first priority with treating trauma. Additionally, reprocessing the past event(s) is helpful in some but not all situations.

I have experience working with hundreds of individuals who have experienced mild to severe depression episodes. I understand that no one approach works for depression treatment, which is why I offer a variety of interventions based on individual need and fit. I help clients who suffer from depression create a vision of a life worth living and help to create a realistic and reasonable plan to work towards that direction.

Since 2014, I have been a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Colorado. On an outpatient basis, I have treated individuals who have been struggling with both behavioral (gambling, sex, spending) and substance addictions. Millions of Americans suffer with addictions, and there is hope through getting support and asking for help. It takes strength and willingness to be vulnerable to ask for support.

Regular mindfulness practice is believed to help further psychological insight and emotional healing. Mindfulness-based interventions, generally aimed at relieving symptoms of stress, mental health concerns, and physical pain, can be used to address and treat a range of symptoms and concerns. I find that mindfulness of thought is a powerful concept, which helps us notice our thoughts and increase awareness of our inner experience. This allows us to reduce suffering and increase gratitude.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a modified type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others. I co-facilitated a DBT-based treatment group for a number of years while working in community mental health. I also taught DBT skills in individual sessions.

In 2017 I received intensive training in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which is an extensively researched, effective psychotherapy method proven to help people recover from trauma and other distressing life experiences, including PTSD, anxiety, depression, and panic disorders. EMDR therapy does not require talking in detail about the distressing issue or completing homework between sessions.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions that Americans suffer from. I have worked with many individuals to reduce and alleviate anxiety so that it no longer interferes with day-to-day life activities and goals.