Todd Rowe, PhD, LMFT
Executive Director
Todd Rowe, PhD, LMFT
Executive Director
Approach to Therapy and Treatment
Because of my style of therapy, I am unable to see clients who are perpetrators of abuse of any kind, specifically sexual offenses, domestic violence, or child abuse. I cannot create a non-judgmental environment for these clients and therefore will not be able to provide effective therapeutic services.
I have a Bachelors of Liberal Arts specializing in Psychology and Criminal Justice, an MSC in Marriage, Family, and Child Therapy, and a PhD in Psychology with a focus in Complex Trauma. I am currently continuing education to become a Licensed Psychologist and medication prescriber under the new Colorado Law. I am an EMDRIA trained EMDR therapist with experience in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings. I teach graduate classes and therapeutic trainings as well as supervise new therapists. Being prior active military as well as a military dependent I have a unique viewpoint into the military lifestyle. My eclectic style of therapy is a strong mix of life experience coupled with established theory. My clients tend to like that I am blunt and direct in confronting and eliciting positive change. Some people prefer a more directive style of therapy and although directives are necessary at times, it is my experience that truly listening to a client provides the best environment for positive growth and change. I have been fortunate to study many different styles and techniques in therapy with experts from across the field. These skills integrate throughout my style of therapy, allowing me to provide a place of non-judgement while tailoring therapeutic sessions to clients as their needs present. As a clinician and clinical supervisor I have similar views on therapy. I combine a number of different theories and ideologies, from IFS and Existential Theory to CBT and EMDR. However, it is my experience that having an agenda rarely supports a therapeutic atmosphere, whereas allowing clients to guide the session inevitably ends us where we need to be. This does not mean therapy is freeform and without shape or purpose, but as I often say to my students, "Never forget that your clients know more about themselves than you do." This is the basis of my supervisory style as well as my personal practice.
I find the most important aspects of therapy are three-fold: First, I believe that a client must not feel judged. I strive to provide an environment free from judgement and focus on unconditional positive regard while promoting validation. This is critical to establishing rapport and trust, which is essential to effective treatment. Second, the client must be a partner in therapy. There are many different styles and techniques in therapy and counseling. I work to establish a unique style tailored to clients and families that relieves them from blame and encourages collaborative effort. Third, I try to let clients lead the therapy sessions. I do not tell people how to feel or what to do, but walk with them as they process through distress and dysfunction. By allowing clients to set the pace and tone for therapy, I believe we maintain acceptance and provide an environment that promotes growth. With these in mind, therapy sessions tend to be direct, honest, and experiential. Confrontation from a place of appreciation, validation, and acceptance provides clients with the opportunity to grow without fear of judgment or retribution for failures. At Subtle Strengths Counseling, we believe it is our job to facilitate this process.
Therapy Specialties
Therapy Specialties
Teens (13-19):
I specialize in treating Disorders of Traumatic Stress (PTSD, Adjustment Disorders, Depersonalization/Derealization, etc.) in teens and adults, along with the associated secondary issues of depression, anxiety, and similar issues. I approach this non-traditionally and with the intent to focus on complete change and lasting growth. I remember from my own experiences as a teen that many therapists come off as fake or ingenuine. I seek to provide real, honest, and nonjudgmental therapy for my adolescent clients. I prefer EMDR and IFS therapies for trauma, but like anything else I let the needs of the client guide me.
Adults:
Although I specialize in trauma I provide effective treatment for anxiety and depression as well for individual clients. I find many of the techniques and theories I specialize in works well with stress-related and anxiety-based issues. I also provide individual therapy for people dealing with relationship issues and sexual dysfunction, often in addition to or in concert with couples counseling. I do not work with most personality disorders or ASD as I do not have sufficient expertise in these areas.
Couples and Families:
I enjoy couples counseling and focus my work on couples with problems in communication, sexual dysfunction, parenting, and similar issues. I work with traditional and nontraditional families including gay, lesbian, and poly clients. As a stepfather myself I find working with blended families to be important and often unrepresented. I also provide therapy for families dealing with traumas stemming from abuse, death, or other traumatic events such as severe accidents, near death experiences, or natural disasters. I do not work with offenders of any kind, but the process of recovering from an abusive experience or relationship is something that can effectively occur within the context of family therapy. In this case, the family is the primary client and maintaining a healthy, safe place for the family to hurt, grieve, grow, and become stronger is the core of my work.
Please feel free to contact me about any of my treatment styles or techniques. I encourage clients to speak to me over the phone prior to an intake to get to know me a little and ensure I am the right therapist.