Lena Patterson
I believe therapy should be practical, collaborative, and grounded in approaches that have demonstrated clinical effectiveness. My style is directive, solution-focused, and evidence-based, with an emphasis on helping clients understand what is happening, identify what can change, and develop concrete strategies for moving forward. I view therapy as a collaborative process, while also believing that clients often benefit from a therapist who can provide clear guidance, thoughtful challenge, and practical direction. My goal is not simply to help you feel better in the moment, but to help you develop lasting skills and a stronger understanding of yourself.
First session
In our work together, we may focus on: Identifying the concerns and patterns that are bringing you to therapy Defining clear, achievable treatment goals Building practical coping and problem-solving skills Challenging unhelpful thoughts, behaviors, and patterns Strengthening emotional regulation and communication Identifying existing strengths and resources Tracking progress and adjusting treatment when something is not working Translating insights from therapy into meaningful changes outside the therapy room
Strengths
One of my greatest strengths as a therapist is my ability to balance empathy with direction. I strive to create a therapeutic relationship where clients feel genuinely heard, respected, and understood while also receiving honest feedback, practical guidance, and purposeful support. I bring a solution-focused mindset to therapy. I help clients identify what they want to be different, recognize strengths and resources they may already possess, and translate insight into meaningful action. I believe therapy can be both compassionate and productive, and I am comfortable helping clients move from simply understanding a problem toward developing strategies to address it. Another strength I bring is my ability to connect clinical knowledge with real-life experiences. My own life experiences have contributed to my understanding that people are complex and that there is often more beneath a behavior, reaction, or coping pattern than what initially appears on the surface.
Ideal clients
My ideal client is someone who is ready for meaningful change and wants therapy to be more than simply having a place to talk. They may understand that something in their life is not working, but feel uncertain about how to change it, or they may find themselves repeating patterns despite knowing they want something different. They may be navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, low confidence, stress, or longstanding patterns that interfere with their ability to move forward. They may have insight into their challenges but need structure, practical tools, accountability, and a clear path toward change. This approach can be particularly helpful for clients who appreciate a therapist who is engaged, honest, collaborative, and willing to provide direction. They may want someone who will listen without judgment while also helping them identify patterns, challenge unhelpful thinking or behaviors, and develop realistic strategies they can put into practice between sessions. My ideal client does not need to have everything figured out. They simply need some degree of readiness and willingness to participate in the process of change. Therapy is a collaborative relationship, and I believe clients are the experts on their own lives while I bring clinical knowledge, perspective, and evidence-based strategies to help them navigate that process.
Origin story
My decision to become a therapist was shaped by a lifetime of experiences that taught me the importance of being heard, understood, and supported. From childhood through adulthood, my own experiences have given me a deeper appreciation for how the environments we grow up in, the relationships we experience, and the challenges we encounter can influence the way we see ourselves and navigate the world. As I moved through different stages of my life, I became increasingly aware of the ways people can carry experiences with them—sometimes for years—while trying to make sense of their emotions, relationships, choices, and circumstances. I learned that people often develop ways of coping that make sense in the context of what they have experienced, even when those same patterns may eventually become obstacles to growth.
Ongoing work together
You don't have to have everything figured out before starting therapy. You simply need a willingness to look at what isn't working and consider doing something differently. I will meet you with respect and without judgment, while also being honest and appropriately challenging when that can help you move forward. Together, we will focus on understanding the problem, identifying realistic solutions, and developing the skills necessary to create sustainable change. My aim is for therapy to be a place where you feel understood, supported, challenged, and equipped to make progress.
Treatment methods
Solution-Focused Brief Treatment
I draw from clinically supported therapeutic approaches and tailor interventions to each person's needs, goals, circumstances, and readiness for change. I believe evidence-based care should still feel human, individualized, and responsive—not like following a one-size-fits-all protocol.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Other specialties
Licensed in
- ColoradoLicense LPC.0014318