Lisa M. Griffiths, PsyD
Counseling and Psychological Assessment
Phone: (720) 347-8559
Email: info@CenterForValuedLiving.com
Website: www.CenterForValuedLiving.com
Professional Background:
Current Practice
In her practice, Dr. Griffiths continues to successfully treat many people through both short and long term therapy. She sees individual adults and adolescents 10 and older, couples, families, and children/adults of any age who are struggling with gender identity (transgender) or sexual orientation concerns (gay, lesbian, bisexual, etc.). She also facilitates group therapy for those who find value in sharing experiences with others who face similar life struggles; please see her website for updated information. Additionally, she conducts comprehensive psychological assessments (including ADHD and other learning disorders, personality and intelligence testing) and evaluates the results in order to provide workable suggestions towards improving her clients’ lives. Dr. Griffiths is available to present at workshops, seminars, conferences and educational presentations on topics related to psychology as well.
Areas of Interest
- Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Borderline Personality
- Relationship and Interpersonal Issues, Couples / Marital Counseling, Divorce
- Multicultural Focus, specifically GLBTIQ Affirmative Services
- ADHD (ADD), Learning Disability & Personality Assessment
- Disordered Eating Attitudes & Behaviors
- Trauma; Gender Violence; Domestic Violence; Abuse
- Caregiver Support
- Chronic Pain & Illness
- Addictive or Compulsive Behaviors; Phobias
- Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Clinician Supervision
Past Work Experiences
Through a wide range of clinical experiences, Dr. Griffiths has worked with diverse clients of all ages from various cultural backgrounds. She practiced in a multitude of settings including behavioral health clinics, community mental health centers, college counseling centers, managed health care companies, middle and high school counseling departments, residential treatment facilities, and private practice.
Education and Licensure
Dr. Griffiths is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver and completed her Master’s Degree in Counseling from NYIT in New York, while working full time as a middle school and high school teacher. She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, Journalism and English (Creative Writing) from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA.
Treatment Philosophy:
Dr. Griffiths uses the most practical therapeutic approach, tailoring her clients’ treatment to their needs. She also:
- Explores client values, in which clients identify their range of choices and make decisions that would most align with what they want in their lives
- Is action-oriented, promoting that clients do something different in order to move towards a life filled with meaning and purpose
- Collaborates with the client on a plan of action, working to overcome the obstacles that may get in the way of client success or progress
- Focuses on client behaviors and evaluates what did and did not work for the client in the past
- Recognizes patterns of behavior that do not work to bring clients closer to their goals
- Believes that with practice and mindful awareness, people can choose to act in opposition of their negative thoughts and feelings
- Encourages client self-acceptance and acceptance of others, recognizing that letting go and compassion towards self and others are likely paths to desired change
- Disconnects clients from the negative language or self-concepts they have about themselves
- Creates opportunities for clients to practice mindfulness, often associated with the Buddhist tradition
- Assesses progress and reevaluates treatment goals initially established in partnership with the client
- Acknowledges that suffering is common for all humans and people experience a wide range of emotions, which is normal and healthy
- Facilitates clients in facing the negative emotions they tend to escape most, as confronting what they avoid is often a freeing, cathartic process
- When appropriate, may incorporate some of the major principles of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy), such as tolerating distress, recognizing and regulating one’s emotions, increasing skills for interpersonal effectiveness.
Counseling Style:
As a licensed mental health practitioner who is deeply invested in her clients’ progress, Dr. Griffiths is committed to creating a safe, nurturing environment for her clients. She practices with the philosophy that creative collaboration with her clients is the best approach to therapy.
The foundation of her practice is based on promoting overall wellness for her clients. Growth, acceptance and self-discovery are core components of treatment. By focusing on her clients’ mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health, Dr. Griffiths works towards channeling a sense of balance, wholeness and serenity for her clients.
Practicing with a healthy mix of compassion and humor, she has a long history of building a strong therapeutic bond with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Dr. Griffiths possesses a keen understanding of how people’s multiple cultural identities can influence their experiences, particularly how others view them or how they perceive themselves. She has received extensive training on multicultural sensitivity in counseling including race, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, physical ability or health issues, socioeconomic status, or education level, to name a few.
By supporting her clients through their struggles and encouraging them to make behavioral changes that align with their values, her clients begin to move towards a more vital, meaningful, and purposeful existence. She also assists her clients in becoming better skilled at identifying and verbalizing their emotions and helps them foster effective, tactful, honest, open and validating communication, improving the quality of their connection with others.
Dr. Griffiths is passionate about advocating for her clients and contributing to society through her work. Additionally, she often utilizes community resources to provide referrals or to complement the treatment received in her office. Dr. Griffiths provides the highest standard of care.
Contact me for more information or to schedule an appointment:
Phone: (720) 347-8559
Email: info@CenterForValuedLiving.com
Website: www.CenterForValuedLiving.com