Therapists in Salt Lake City, UT

I believe everyone has what it takes to find joy, peace, and love in their lives through vulnerability and connection. After working through my own trials, I discovered that I wanted to help others and decided to become a therapist. I found a love for listening to others and trying to understand how their stories have shaped their view of themselves and the world. I enjoy connecting with people by encouraging them to explore new ways to find happiness within themselves and their relationships.

If you have been exposed to a traumatic incident you may be unaware of how that event has affected your daily functioning. Later, you may have difficulty controlling your anger, sadness, anxiety, sleeping etc. To determine if your behaviors have been affected by exposure to a traumatic event or have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), schedule and appointment with me for an assessment. I have a wide array of experience treating individual, families, and couples for a variety of issues including problems caused by trauma, depression, anxiety, poor communication skills, poor family functioning etc.

Feeling stuck! Free yourself starting with a phone call. No matter who you are and whatever the problem, I have trust in the process of change and believe that all people deserve to be treated holistically with safety, confidentiality and no judgement. From my experience, I have seen the therapeutic process lead so many to a better and happier way of living.

I'm so happy that you reached out for help. I am David Kolker, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and therapy approach by clicking on qualifications on this page. Rest assured that I am atypical and truly seek to work with you from an authentic perspective. My goal is to work "with" you and get to know you as we seek solutions to issues

My purpose and passion is to help people who have experienced addiction and mental health issues (like myself). Let's transcend your painful experiences together so that you can achieve genuine and lasting fulfillment in life. My therapeutic approach is derived from several evidence-based and trauma-informed models of intervention. I believe in a highly-collaborative approach, and will individualize therapy to suit your specific needs and preferences. I utilize a strengths-based perspective to assist you in addressing whatever challenges you're facing. Come embark on a journey of discovery with me, to expand your own capabilities...

Life is a journey and along the way there are often circumstances that create great pain and trauma that often redirect us down the wrong path.If we try to ignore the pain it only gets worse & the cycle of dysfunction begins! I have learned that we all need help navigating though life's trials, and yet it takes a lot of inner strength to even ask! As a therapist my goal is to allow you to reach your greatest potential during this journey and gain the right tools to navigate through anything that comes in your path!

Most clients I see experience anxiety and depression. These are life's greatest thieves, stealing away joy and hope and leaving many clients to feel powerless. Depression and anxiety usually accompany stress that comes with problems in personal or work relationships, or failing health. Or perhaps it runs deeper than that and you have been dogged by fear and melancholy for most of your life, searching but not finding any explanation. Most clients lose faith that they can overcome these problems. I help clients find their personal strengths and overcome beliefs that leave them feeling vulnerable.

If you want to make a change or feel stuck in unhealthy or unproductive patterns, let's talk. Seeking assistance with anxiety, depression, self-worth issues, substance use issues, or trauma can feel overwhelming. It takes courage to reach out for help. If you want to break the cycle and change the patterns that are keeping you stuck we can work together. We will collaborate in finding a path that is empowering for you.

I provide psychological and neuropsychological assessment for a variety of conditions including ADHD, autism, mood and anxiety, TBI, trauma, personality disorders, executive functioning, learning, intellectual disability, and cognition and memory difficulties. I have extensive experience working with parents and schools to access academic services for their children. I provide individual therapy specializing in trauma, mood and anxiety, and executive function difficulties. I also provide forensic consultation and assessment nationwide in civil cases with a focus in child abuse and trauma restitution.

As a therapist, my approach to therapy is deeply rooted in the power of human connection. I believe that the quality of our therapeutic relationship is the cornerstone of healing and growth. You can receive therapy from (almost) anyone, but the sense of trust, warmth, and comfort (or sometimes discomfort) you experience with a therapist can be the deciding factor between significant change and desired positive growth. In my practice, I'm dedicated to nurturing a safe and empowering space.

I have a strong belief in the possibilities of healing, growth and change within an authentic collaborative client/therapist relationship. I have over 18 years of experience working with individuals and families recovering from trauma, living with chronic illness, working through relationship concerns and facing the challenges of mental illness. Taking the first steps to heal is often difficult, or even painful, however in doing so we can create a "path with heart" and meaning. I take a mindfulness based, goal oriented and active approach to therapy with focus on developing critical life skills.

My interest in therapy developed as a young adult when I began therapy myself. My personal struggles over the years have helped me understand how important non-judgement is in therapy and how beneficial this resource can be. Change is difficult. Opening up is difficult. There is no one size fits all method to accomplish your goals and work through your issues, so I strive to create a personalized approach that best fits you. I am a research-informed, client-centered therapist. Clients often tell me that I balance compassion and directness well. I will meet you where you are at and empower you to continue on your journey to healing.

I strive to understand each of my client's and their unique and nuanced way of navigating life. I believe that an authentic relationship and attachment-based approach is essential in order to support you in this journey. My practice welcomes people across the spectrum of experiences and challenges - from those struggling with anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia, to pre-teens grappling with bullying at school.

Do you worry that you may be in a toxic relationship? Is your relationship filled with euphoric highs and devastating lows leaving you with a gut feeling that something is not right? Do you want to leave the relationship but feel trapped and don't know how? I have specialized training that can help you learn and identify how you are being emotionally manipulated as well as how to leave a toxic relationship. If you choose to stay we can work together to help you find healthy ways to cope with the ups and downs and patterns in the relationship.

Colleagues say to me, "people passing by your door want to know why there's always laughter coming out of your office." While being human sometimes is painful, I do my best to warmly connect with clients to lighten the load being carried. I believe that "Empathy is a radical act" and use basic therapy skills such as listening and validating to create a safe place to do the "scary" work of change. I believe people can find solutions to have fulfilling relationships.. no matter the challenges. Sometimes that takes creating inspiration..I'm here to do just that.

Therapy is a collaborative human endeavor, joining you in your journey towards wholeness, healing, liberation, and transformation. I emphasize collaboration because it illuminates the heart of therapy and life, where relationality is foundational. As a holistic therapist, I understand that well-being hinges on our relationships with ourselves, others, and nature. Symptoms like anxiety, depression, and stress signal ruptured relationships, manifesting in unhealthy patterns of thoughts, behaviors and emotions. Let's embark on self-discovery to uncover and replace these patterns, moving from discord to harmony and fulfillment together

Are you struggling to connect with your true self? Do the beliefs you have about yourself affect your relationships? It can be challenging to embrace your core identity, and unpack the beliefs we hold about ourselves. Together we can learn to identify the ways in which you have protected yourself through relational patterns and coping mechanisms and create space to find who you really are outside of a history that may have left you feeling wounded, or not enough. As your therapist, I strive to create a relationship that provides the security needed to navigate these challenges, enabling you to find safety within yourself and others.

Daily life can be scary, even daunting. For some of us, we have the additional stressors of trauma, loss, loneliness, addiction and loss of purpose. In therapy I strive to help individuals overcome their barriers. Happiness and balance are goals for me. I have experience treating addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar, grief, relationship issues and more. Whether you view current barriers to be day to day stressors or intense trauma and PTSD, I can provide support, caring and understanding. My goal is for all of my clients to regain their purpose, feel connection and find more happiness in their lives.

Do you often feel like you are not enough or unworthy? Do you lack a strong sense of self? Do you feel trapped in past experiences and find moving forward difficult? You are not alone! We often get stuck in past distressing experiences and develop coping skills that helped us at the time but no longer serve us in the best way possible. I am passionate about helping you learn about yourself and understand your experiences so you can thrive! I use a team approach to therapy. You and I will work together to face whatever challenges arise.