Our Providers

I have a very collaborative and interpersonal style and consider the work of therapy as a journey to walk alongside you. I believe the purpose of therapy is to enhance your internal wisdom so you can operate in a more full and authentic fashion, and to help focus on making satisfying and meaningful choices. I work from an attachment-based lens informed by internal family systems and AEDP, and I also use EMDR to address trauma. 

I have been trained in mindfulness based empirically supported interventions as well, an interweave this into treatment to enhance personal coping tools.  I specialize in PTSD, Anxiety, Relationship Issues, Perinatal or Postpartum Issues, Adjustment to Parenthood, Pregnancy Loss, Grief, Depression, Bipolar Disorder and Infertility Issues.

The healing process of therapy can result in an increase in self-esteem, an improved outlook, a greater sense of control or calmness, decreased pain and better self understanding. 

I received my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Sociology from Vanderbilt University, my Masters Degree in General Psychology from Boston University and my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Pacific University in Oregon.  I completed my predoctoral internship at the Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center and my postdoc at the Kaiser Permanente Chronic Pain Management Program in San Francisco. I see individuals 18+.

Donalee Brown has recently moved back to Colorado from the east coast. She is a Professor Emerita from the department of Psychology and Counseling at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Madison, New Jersey where she was the director of the CACREP accredited Clinical Mental Health Counseling Masters Program. Teaching focus was graduate and undergraduate courses and included The Professional Counselor/Ethics, Human Development, Forensic Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Addiction Counseling and Psychometrics. Dr. Brown was very active within the University community serving her department, college and the university.

Dr. Brown was honored to be part of the faculty for the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program and particularly enjoyed helping students navigate their first clinical experiences through practicum and internship.

Dr. Brown’s clinical work has predominantly been in the area of trauma treatment and forensic psychology, but also includes extensive work with chemical addiction and adults and children in crisis. Her most recent clinical focus was with adult survivors of incest and for a church community integrating an inclusion of spirituality.

On a personal note, a return to Colorado is a lifelong dream and Dr. Brown is thrilled to be here and to combine the skills she has honed in the academic arena with clinical work. It is a privilege to be working with Focus Upward, LLC and to be part of a growing practice meeting the mental health needs of a wide community.

Asking for help can be incredibly difficult. There may be times when we don’t feel like ourselves or are not living how we want to be. Other times we simply feel stuck. My approach to therapy is to join you on exploring if life was better, what would be different. If you’re not sure what that may be, that’s OK too. I take a collaborative, person-centered approach throughout the therapeutic process. This means not having to voyage alone toward what those changes in perspective and actions may be, to feel more congruent to who you are and your values in life.

I provide individual therapy that is centered on your strengths, identities, and values and addresses the intersection of physical and mental health. I integrate evidence-based interventions and measurement-based care to facilitate working toward your treatment goals. I specialize in military psychology, trauma informed care, depression, anxiety, transitions in life (e.g., a new medical diagnosis, perinatal and postpartum health, grief and loss, retirement), and adjustments in living with chronic health conditions (e.g., chronic pain, tinnitus, Parkinson’s disease). I am committed to improving access to affirmative and supportive care to historically marginalized and high-risk individuals.

I earned my Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice from the University of Dayton, my Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Denver, and my Doctorate in Clinical Health Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver. For ten years, I was project coordinator for the Military Suicide Research Consortium and actively engaged in the prevention, intervention, and postvention research and education efforts to support military populations at greater risk for suicide. I completed my predoctoral clinical internship and postdoctoral residency with the Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center and Golden VA Outpatient Clinic. I work with individuals who are 18+.

I’m a bilingual (English/Español) and bicultural trauma therapist specializing in complex trauma, PTSD,  religious trauma, Latinx and LGBTQIA+ communities, performance anxiety and cross-cultural couples. I integrate a variety of practices, including EMDR, to provide a safe space for healing and growth.

Individual Therapy: My area of expertise lies in working with individuals who are dealing with complex trauma, PTSD, and religious trauma, as well as those who are exploring their identity and navigating life transitions such as gender, college, work, grief, and loss. I provide therapy to both adults and youth ages 16+. In addition, I specialize in working with Latinx/Hispanic and LGBTQIA+ individuals. I am particularly passionate about supporting expats and professionals from Latin American countries as they adjust to a new culture and build a life away from home. Additionally, I  recently started integrating EMDR with athletes, creatives and corporate executives who are facing performance anxiety, blocks or burnout and seeking to improve their performance and rediscover their passion.

Couple/Relationship Therapy: I specialize in working with cross-cultural couples to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by their diverse cultural backgrounds. I work with couples experiencing trauma, life crises, significant changes, or who are seeking a proactive approach to their relationship, to develop skills and communication tools to strengthen their bond and address potential issues before they arise.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 13 years of experience in mental health. I have dedicated my professional career to helping individuals and communities overcome developmental, systemic, and intergenerational trauma. I’ve been privileged to work with diverse communities in Latin America and the United States. My passion for lifelong learning and collaboration ensures that I provide well-informed and individualized care to my clients. I strongly believe in the brain’s capacity to change throughout life, the undeniable connection between brain and body and the power of resilience, hope, and growth within humans.

I integrate a variety of methods and practices. Some favorites are: EMDR, attachment-based, polyvagal theory, narrative and mindfulness techniques, bibliotherapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), The Gottman Method, and the work of Esther Perel. I strongly believe in client-centered therapy, which emphasizes individualized treatment and empowerment through self-understanding and self-compassion.

As a warm, engaged, curious, and non-judgmental therapist, I will help you untangle and understand your feelings, habits, and thought patterns. I provide a safe space for my clients to explore their experiences, build resilience, discover their own truth, and heal from trauma. Whether you’re an individual or a couple, I am here to support you on your journey toward healing and growth. 

On a personal note, I was born in Guatemala City and moved to Denver 3 years ago. Outside the therapy room, I enjoy slow mornings with a book and coffee, long walks, hiking, weight-lifting, trying new restaurants, cuddling with my pup, antiquing, and listening to my favorite songs on repeat. 

Contact me for other services, including longer individual EMDR sessions, longer couple therapy sessions and one-time consultations.