Psychologist Dr. Susan Heitler

Author and private practice therapist

My book on therapy—From Conflict to Resolution—explains that emotional distress emerges in response to difficult situations.  Conflicts are situations, frustrations and dilemmas that leave you “conflicted” about how to proceed.  Figuring out new solutions to the conflicts results in feeling better.  That’s the core idea underlying my treatment techniques.

Bump Theory is the user-friendly name for this treatment framework. I used to refer to it as conflict resolution theory. For further explanations of this conceptual framework, see prescriptionswithoutpills.com.  Or see the article for therapy professionals on the APA  Society for Advancement of Psychotherapy website.

Availability: While my schedule tends to run fairly full, I do try to accommodate new clients asap.

Fees: Within our office suite, the therapists’ fees range from modest (under $50 per therapy-hour) to high-end ($320 per therapy-hour).  While I’m the therapist whose fees are at the very high end, I do accept sliding fees from time to time.

Hours: I generally see clients on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 8 to 5:00.  Other therapists in our suite offer weekday, late afternoon, evening, and weekend hours.

Location: I do my writing and also see my private practice clients in Suite 660 at 4500 East 9th Avenue in Denver.  Our building sits on the south side of 9th Avenue across the street from the hospital on the campus of Rose Medical Center.

Parking and valet parking are available in front of the building.

Choosing a psychologist or marriage therapist is an important decision.

Our office suite administrators,  Janet and Teresa, help new clients who are trying to decide which therapist in our suite would be most appropriate for their particular needs and goals. They can give you further information and/or schedule appointments.

Janet and Teresa are in the office Mondays through Thursdays, 8:45 to 4:30.  Please feel welcome to phone or email them at any time.

Marriage education—an additional option

The interactive online marriage education program at www.PowerofTwoMarriage.com , which is based on my book The Power of Two, offers a fun introduction to the skills for marriage success.

Marriage education or marriage therapy?

Couples sometimes ask whether they should sign up for marriage skills training or for couples therapy. Marriage education teaches the communication and conflict resolution building blocks for partnership success.   Marriage therapy, in addition to teaching these essential skills, guides you in resolving the specific upsetting issues that have made for difficulties in your own marriage.

Marriage education is generally helpful for virtually all couples.  It also is significantly less expensive than therapy.  Marriage education in the online Power of Two program costs just $18 a month.

At the same time, the longer marriage difficulties have been going on, and the more upsetting they have become, the more likely that help from a therapist rather than skills training alone will be necessary for the marriage to become more loving and secure.

In marriage therapy couples learn skills for talking without tensions, and in addition use the therapist’s help to heal old hurts, resolve current conflicts, relieve negative emotions like depression, fears and angers, and rebuild their love for each other.

Individual versus couple therapy

I work both with couple and with individual clients. 

If you are married, I will want to invite your spouse to join you in at least an initial session or two.  That’s so I can get to know you both.  In a marriage, once spouse’s problem has ramifications for both partners.  I subscribe to this “systems theory” perspective, and find that it leads to the most rapid and long-lasting changes.

Psychologist, psychotherapist, or psychiatrist?

A psychologist has earned a PhD by completing five years or more of graduate school and internship training. 

A psychiatrist has completed a similarly lengthy training, but in the context of a medical school rather than a program focused only on psychology.  Because of their medical training, psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medications. 

Psychologists and psychiatrists—and also social workers, family therapists and pastoral counselors—all receive training in the theory and practice of psychotherapy.

In addition, some therapists receive training in working with couples.   We then offer marriage counseling—also referred to as marriage therapy, couples therapy or couples counseling.  Pretty confusing?

Whatever we therapy professionals call ourselves and the work we do, our goal is to help you to resolve the problems that have been causing you to feel emotionally distressed.

Looking forward to meeting you!

Sincerely,
Susan Heitler, PhD