Exploring Life & Business with Liz Leahey of Red Door Counseling Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Leahey.

Hi Liz, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
I always knew that I wanted to be a therapist. I feel most alive and connected to what my purpose is when I am helping someone else understand and see themselves for who they are. I’ve been working in the mental health field since I was in my undergraduate program.

I started out assisting with child forensic interviews, then began working for Child Protective Services with respect to parent visitation. While obtaining my Master, I worked as a neurofeedback clinician in the Denver area, and in private practice. Once I graduated, I started my own private practice.

I mostly see neurodivergent and queer couples, individuals, and adolescents for issues related to anxiety, depression, and relationships. I am extremely grateful to be a therapist and share this space with others. Currently, I also work as a crisis responder, responding to calls through the Colorado Crisis Hotline.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Many adjectives describe working in the mental health field, but “smooth” is not an adjective I would use! Every instance is a growing and learning opportunity, and often I feel as if what I’m doing is not enough. The intrinsic human element of this profession, watching others struggle in such profound ways, is very challenging.

I almost always have an urge to “fix,” and sometimes the person sitting across from you simply wants you to fix their hardship for them. The toughest moment of this job is to sit with someone and know that you cannot fix the situation they’re in.

We’ve been impressed with Red Door Counseling Services LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Red Door Counseling was created to fill a gap that I saw in care for our community’s neurodivergent folks, a type of care that isn’t focused on “fixing,” masking, or trying to dim our inherent brightness. I come from an anti-pathologizing lens that focuses on individual values and strengths where the client and I work through past traumas or life events together.

The goal is twofold: to release the negative beliefs a client may have ingrained, whatever the reason; and to co-create a space that feels safe, open, accepting, and where clients can explore parts of themselves that they never speak about or need help understanding more deeply. All emotions are welcome, without judgment, especially contemporarily where our world foists upon us the idea that we must contain and pretend.

While we create this space together, I hope that that same sense of presence and authenticity goes beyond the therapeutic relationship so clients can connect with others more deeply and feel more connected to their own interests and goals, less burdened by perfection and productivity, and take what they’ve learned with them naturally and permanently.

While my focus is on neurodivergent folks, my practice has never been exclusive. I also love working with folks who are looking to process past trauma, talk through relationship issues, or seek a more felt connection with their body. Concerning methodology — I like to use practical tools that help clients at the moment. I am trained in Internal Family Systems and EMDR and often utilize mindfulness and somatic practices.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
My favorite book on Autism is called “Unmasking Autism.” by Dr. Devon Price. Related, Dr. Price has a blog that gives helpful insights and tools for Autistic individuals and those who love Autistic individuals. I consider “Man Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl a must-read.

Other existentialist teachings, like Yalom’s “Love’s Executioner,” feel important to mention as well. Finally, “No Bad Parts” by Dick Schwartz is great if you’re looking for a comprehensive intro to Internal Family Systems.

Pricing:

• Individual Session: $125
• Couples Session: $165

Contact Info:

• Website: reddoorcs.com