Marlena Nygaard, LPC

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with a Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology from the University of Denver and a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. I was raised in Norway and moved to the United States in 2016 in pursuit of a psychology education. I speak English and Norwegian fluently, and I am proficient in Danish and Swedish as well. I am trained in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Synergetic Play Therapy (SPT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), introductory Internal Family Systems (IFS), introductory Polyvagal Theory, and Motivational Interviewing (MI). I am also approved to conduct Enhanced Standardized Assessments (ESAs) as a Qualified Individual for the ESA and CYMHTA programs through the State of Colorado.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, strength-based, and eclectic. I find that there is no single therapeutic approach that fits every client; therefore, I attempt to tailor all services to the individual client while staying true to my training and education. My primary experience is in working with trauma, neurodivergence, relational abuse, criminal justice, and mood disorders. I am also the developer and lead facilitator of Interpersonal Skills, Relationships, and Love (IRL), a therapy group for teens exploring healthy and unhealthy relationships.

In my free time, I enjoy reading, paddleboarding, exercising, working with clay, and spending time with my loved ones and pets.