About Dr. Darien

Hi, I'm Dr. Darien

I am a bilingual (English and Spanish) psychologist with a PhD in Counseling Psychology. I specialize in working with clients who are deep feelers and thinkers, experience anxiety, have ADHD, and/or have experienced trauma.

I also have specialized training in working with LGBTQIA+ identified individuals, white folx who are interested in white racial identity development, and Latinx individuals.

In our work together, I’lll help you to recognize and honor your strengths while also helping you to navigate the challenges you are experiencing.

Identity and Culture

From an early age, I’ve had a passion for learning with and from people from cultures around the world, which led me to live and work in Ecuador, Costa Rica for two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer, and Spain for one year as an English teacher. These experiences challenged me to confront how my upbringing as a white American influenced my thoughts, feelings, actions, and biases. Upon returning to the United States, I made a commitment to work with immigrant communities. I pursued a PhD in Counseling Psychology at the University of Oregon, specializing in supporting Latinx communities through therapy and research conducted in Spanish.

Post-graduation, I continued working with refugee and immigrant populations at community mental health center clinics. Currently, I provide culturally-responsive immigration evaluations in both English and Spanish and collaborate with clients who speak other languages with professional interpreters.

Having grown up in a neurodiverse community, I honored the unique strengths and creativity found among neurodivergent individuals, leading me to specialize in assisting those with ADHD. Additionally, as someone who identifies as queer and pansexual, I have developed specialization in providing support to individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Couples and Cross-Cultural Relationships

Most people in relationships have differences in some aspect of their identities (race/ethnicity, culture, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc.). I’m a white person of European ancestry and my life partner is an Afro-Latino immigrant of Costa Rican and Panamanian-descent. Being part of a multiracial/muticultural relationship has led me to a passion for and commitment to working with couples, and in particular, helping people to explore the unique strengths and challenges of navigating a cross-cultural relationship.

During our therapy sessions, I work to create a non-judgmental space for you to feel comfortable and safe expressing your thoughts, feelings, and concerns. We will explore and identify the patterns operating underneath your conflicts. I will help you to develop effective communication skills so that each of you feels seen and heard. You will work together to renew and deepen your emotional connection.

Professional Background

I’m a bilingual (English/Spanish) licensed psychologist in the State of Colorado (Colorado License # PSY-5964). I obtained a PhD from the APA-accredited Counseling Psychology program from the University of Oregon with a specialization in Spanish Language Psychological Services and Research.

• Pre-Doctoral Internship at Aurora Mental Health Center

• Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the Colorado Refugee Wellness Center and the Asian Pacific Development Center at Aurora Mental Health Center

• Previous Adjunct Faculty at University of Denver’s Graduate School of Professional Psychology Master’s in International Disaster Psychology: Trauma & Global Mental Health Program and

• Previous Adjunct Faculty at University of Denver’sGraduate School of Social Work program

Get in Touch

Book a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Darien.