About my Boulder Counseling and
Psychotherapy Practice Approach

What do you appreciate most about working as a psychotherapist?

It is remarkable to sit with another human being and bear witness to the fears and joys that come with living a life. As a therapist, I consider it an honor to assist others in discovering their own answers - in the face of whatever trying situation, process or inspiring goal they bring to therapy.

How would you describe your counseling and psychotherapy approach?

Dialectic and Eclectic.

The Swiss psychoanalyst, Carl Jung, described an aspect of his psychotherapeutic approach as a dialectic process.

Jung acknowledged that no two clients are alike. And no specific formula can be applied to everyone.

A dialectic approach captures a relational process in which two people seek to discover the “truth” together. Applied to counseling, a dialectic approach is akin to the Socratic process of bringing to awareness that which is untrue and limiting while simultaneously aligning with what is true and uplifting.

What’s true for a young woman raising her first child and balancing professional life is not necessarily true for a man in his 60s contemplating where to derive meaning and significance amidst major life transitions.

On the other hand, that which leads to health and disease, or fulfillment and despair, in a very general sense, is shared by all.

In other words, devaluing your life has predictable and painful consequences, while discovering its true value and unique expression brings joy.

So, while well researched counseling techniques are essential – the dialectic approach honors the fact that overcoming your struggles and realizing an inner sense of potential is a very unique and individual process.

A central element of my therapeutic approach is to assist you in not only overcoming or realizing relief from what ails you, but also in discovering or recommitting your life to the fulfillment of your deepest values and inspirations, however clear or unclear they may be to you now.

Why “Eclectic”?

The essence of an eclectic approach is to do what works, rather than apply a one size fits all technique.

Depending on the client, I may utilize a more short term, directive, solution focused approach. With others, the approach may draw more from psychoanalytic theory and depth therapy. The former addresses the conscious mind and the latter deals primarily with the unconscious. The majority of my clients tend to prefer the latter. Both have their place.

Regardless of the most useful approach, the actual process is never entirely one or the other. It tends to be more organic and natural than it sounds.

After all…

The core of therapy is two human beings sitting down and cultivating a relationship together. Neither person is completely clear about where therapy will lead. It is a journey of mutual discovery.

Yet…

With time, as a successful therapy unfolds, the client discovers and experiences what they need most.

What theoretical approaches do you work from?

The advantage of practicing psychotherapy today is the vast well-spring of knowledge available to therapists. In addition to present day humanistic approaches, I have great respect for fundamental principles of psychoanalysis, and its contributions to our understanding of the structure and defense mechanisms of the ego.

I also greatly respect the work of Carl G. Jung, and his immeasurable contributions to our comprehension of the human spirit, the value of dreams and symbols, and the collective archetypes influencing mankind. Jung is credited as the Father of present day transpersonal psychology, which I also turn to as a therapist.

Finally, I draw from the work of David R. Hawkins, whose 50 year background in psychiatry and psychoanalysis included running the largest practice in the United States for 25 years. His exhaustive work on the nature of consciousness and clinically relevant information on how to transcend the limitations of the human ego are indispensable.

What populations of people do you work with?

The core of my practice is individual counseling and psychotherapy for adults and couples. I also offer individual and couples therapy in Spanish.

How long do you typically work with someone?

I work with individuals and couples once a week for a period of time and gradually move to once every other week until the clients feel they have achieved their personal therapy goals. The length of counseling depends on you, the nature of your situation and your intention. I have worked with individuals and couples successfully in just a few sessions, and with many others over a much longer time period. Most of my clients commit to a longer period of therapy. This allows for therapist and clients alike to better explore and discover unconscious influences and relational dynamics.

How do I schedule a free consultation or appointment?

I offer free 20 minute phone consultations. You may call or e-mail to set a phone appointment. If you reach my voice mail or send an e-mail, please leave me your name and number, and let me know when you prefer to be phoned. I will return your call or e-mail within 24 hours. To e-mail me, simply fill out and submit the confidential form below.

What are your fees?

I charge $80 for a full one hour session (60 minutes). I do not presently accept insurance.

More Questions?

References

Matt Laughlin, MA

Psychotherapist

303-929-3353

Return from my Boulder Counseling Approach to Spiritus Counseling in CO Home

1634 Walnut Street, Suite 111C

Boulder, CO 80302

Also serving the following Colorado cities and towns:

Arvada, Alma, Aurora, Bennett, Black Hawk, Brighton, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Centennial, Central City, Cherry Hills Village, Columbine Valley, Commerce City, Dacono, Denver, Englewood, Evergreen, Federal Heights, Firestone, Fort Lupton, Frederick, Georgetown, Glendale, Golden, Greeley, Greenwood Village, Idaho Springs, Kiowa, Lafayette, Lakeside, Lakewood, Larkspur, Littleton, Lone Tree, Longmont, Louisville, Lyons, Morrison, Mountain View, Niwot, Northglenn, Parker, Sheridan, Superior, Thornton, Westminster and Wheat Ridge.