"As we cultivate peace and happiness in ourselves,
we also nourish peace and happiness in those we love."
- Thich Nhat Hanh
Dr. Rae Sandler Simon, Psy.D, LLC
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
3773 Cherry Creek N. Dr., Suite 735 . Denver, CO . 80209 phone. 303.552.0472 fax. 303.322.2292 email. drsimon_livenlovewell.com
Philosophy
- "Never confuse a single defeat with a final defeat."
Live Your Best Life
I help people live their best possible life by improving their relationships and finding realistic and achievable solutions for life's challenges. I live with the philosophy that today is the only certainty. Living in the present forces us to look at what we cherish, what we fear, and how our actions and behaviors affect not only our own life, but the lives of those around us and the quality of our relationships.
My Approach
I believe that you have the power to positively transform yourself and your relationships. We focus on your strengths, realistic solutions, and attainable goals. Looking forward moves you towards the life, relationships, and accomplishments that you want.
My expertise, optimism, and solution-focused work combined with my patients' dedication and passion repeatedly leads to success stories and fulfilled lives.
About Dr. Simon
Frequently Answered Questions - Fees etc.
How is therapy different than talking to a close friend or family member?
If someone has never been to a psychologist before, you may find making that first call intimidating. Some people may question the idea of needing therapy when they have close friends or family to confide in.
Friends and family are excellent sources of healing and support. Sharing your thoughts, feelings, fears, or concerns with a psychologist is different than talking with a close, personal friend. Therapy gives you a place to talk with an objective person who may give you a different perspective outside of your immediate circle. As a psychologist, my purpose is to listen to you intently, without the attachment to the history of your relationships, without judgment, and with the capability to teach you the tools necessary to cope more effectively on your own.
Asking another person for help takes courage. I am here to encourage and guide you along a journey that will absolutely lead to living the life you want.
What is the difference between a counselor, a therapist, a psychotherapist, a psycholoigst, and a psychiatrist?
There are varying degrees and levels of requirements for mental health practitioners:
- A Licensed Psychologist (the license and degree level that Dr. Simon holds) must hold a doctorate degree in psychology and have one year of post-doctroal supervision. Therapists holding this degree can refer to themselves as a "psychologist, doctor, therapist, or counselor."
- A Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Licensed Marriage anf Family Therapist, and a Licensed Professional Counselor must hold a masters degree in their profession and have two years of post-masters supervision. Therapists holding this degree can refer to themselves as a "psychotherapist, therapist, or counselor."
- A Licensed Social Worker must hold a masters degree in social work. They may refer to themselves as a "therapist, counselor, or psychotherapist."
- A Psychologist Candidate, a Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate, and a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate must hold the necessary licensing degree and be in the process of completing the required supervision for licensure.
- A Psyciatrist is a medical doctor who received such degree from medical school. He or she is given the priviledge of prescribing medication as well as providing talk therapy depending on their specific training.
What is the first meeting like?
Our first meeting will not be a regular therapy session. We will use the time to review your paperwork; for you to ask questions and understand the therapeutic process; for us to determine if we are a good fit; and, most importantly, we will set short and long-term goals for the successful completion of our work together. You will leave my office with a renewed sense of hope and a clear understanding of our journey ahead.
The key to a secure therapeutic relationship is goodness-of-fit. If, for any reason, either of us decide that we are not a good fit, I will refer you to an appropriate provider(s) whom I believe might be a better fit. If we do decide to continue working together we continue treatment from there. Please note that although the first session is formally the initial consultation, the first three meetings are a time for both of us to determine if our work is going to be long or short-term, and for us to finalize our decision to work together.
I travel a lot. Do I have to be at your office to do therapy?
Many of my patients are high profile executives, travel frequently, or have work demands that do not allow for them to easily meet in my office. I do require that our first meeting is in-person at my office. However, I do believe it's important to continue your purpose towards living your best life wherever you are - without work or other commitments getting in the way. For this reason, I offer my patients the convenience of Skype (video conferencing) or phone consultation sessions. I have found that therapeutic best practices are when patient and doctor meet in person. I also believe, however, that it's important to make therapy accessible to everyone regardless of work or travel schedules I've received positive feedback from my patients that this flexibility is very helpful. Our work is less frequently interrupted, and you are consequently able to successfully focus on your therapeutic purpose.
How much does therapy cost?
Can I pay with my credit card or flexible health savings account (HSA)?
Absolutely. Going to and paying for therapy should be as convenient for you as possible. Therefore, I accept cash, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and personal checks. Clients are responsible for payment at the time services are rendered.
What if I need to cancel last minute?
In the event that you need to cancel an appointment, please give me notice within 72 hours of your scheduled appointment time. If you do not provide a 72 hour notice or you do not attend your scheduled session, I do charge a full session fee. I do understand that there are some extenuating circumstances; therefore, we will discuss if a cancellation is due to an emergency or something that would have allowed you to give me fair notice.
What types of insurance do you accept?
I do not directly bill through any insurance or medical plan. However ,I can provide you with insurance-ready statements detailing any direct payments you have made. These statements can be used to initiate the reimbursement process privately through your insurance company.
Do you prescribe medication?
As a licensed clinical psychologist I am certified to provide talk therapy treatment. Licensed psychologists cannot prescribe medication. Research shows that patients who use medication to treat behavioral or emotional issues find the most successful outcome when psychotropic medication is combined with talk therapy. Although psychologists are not licensed to prescribe medication, I frequently refer back and forth with psychiatrists and physicians to assist in our work together.
Prior to private practice, I worked in Denver's public schools, community non-profits, community mental health clinics, and a college counseling center with undergraduate and graduate students. I have loved working with, caring for, and learning from my clients.
I have been deeply and positively changed by my clients from all parts of the world, from a multitude of ethnicity, religious and community affiliations, sexual orientations, ages, abilities, and economic, social and relationship statuses.
I am lucky to have a wonderful husband/partner with whom I ski as much as possible in the Colorado Rockies, and a toddler son who provides us with endless laughter, joy and love. My family and I live in Denver, and try to give back to this community as much as it has given to us through social justice and through the deeply connected friendships we'’ve cultivated here. I am a Denver native, a “foodie,” and an avid traveler.
Yes, that really is me! Skiing a perfect powder day in the trees at Vail.
My Heart's Work
In addition to my private psychology practice, I give of my time, heart, and service as the Brent's Place's Volunteer Staff and Patient Psychologist.
Brent's Place is a safe, clean, and warm home away from home for children with cancer and their families. It is conveniently located near the new Children's Hospital and Anschutz Medical Campus in Denver, Colorado.
Brent's Place provides individual, fully furnished and equipped apartments making a prolonged stay easier on the cancer patient and his family
Brent's Place is conveniently located near major Denver hospitals for families from across the Rocky Mountain region seeking treatment for life-threatening illnesses.
Our Goals:
Who stays at Brent's Place:
Interested in helping?
Visit the Brent's Place Website
Professional Associations
I am a proud member, and frequently refer to the following professional associations:
Human Rights Campaign
American Psychological Association
Colorado Psychological Association
American Association of Sexuality Counseling and Therapists
LnL Notes (Live n Love Well Notes)
LnL Notes are my way of giving back to you - my amazing friends, family, professional colleagues, patients, and blog followers.
I use "LnL Notes " to post topics about love, relationships, and wellness that I find interesting, helpful and funny. Typically, I'll post notes about something I've found useful in my work with couples or something I've read that I can't help but share with you.
My "LnL Notes" fans have loved my past emails about couples' sexual intimacy findings, statistics, and tips.
Thanks so much for following me here and "Like-ing" my "Live n Love Well" site on Facebook.
Is This Normal?!? posted by Dr. Rae Sandle rSimon at LnL notes - 4/7/2011 I will be answering YOUR questions about life, relationships, wellness, sex, normalcy, abnormal behaviors...whatever you like the last Friday of every month, if not more depending on the amount of questions I receive! The best part is, you can ask me these questions completely anonymously!
In a SPLIT second . posted by Dr. Rae Sandler Simon at LnL Notes - 3/22/2011
Why in the world am I doing the splits at 6:30 a.m. ?!?! Yes, that would be a *very* normal question to ask. The better, and more realistic question would be, *How *in the world am I doing the splits?!?...
Stretching into a New Me posted by Dr. Rae Sandler Simon at LnL Notes - 3/9/2011
"Oh, good morning discomfort. How ya been my old friend?" Yes, this was my first thought this morning as I ached my way into my first downward dog since having my baby. It's 6:00 a.m. and I've committe...
Is Couples Therapy Right for You? posted by Dr. Rae Sandler Simon at LnL Notes - 3/3/2011
*10 Reasons Couples Therapy May Not Work for You * - by HybridMom, on Fri Feb 18, 2011 6:34am One of my patients recently sent me this article after successfully healing and strengthening her relati...
Let go of that rope!!! Freshen up and resolve those old, lingering arguments. posted by Dr. Rae Sandler Simon at LnL Notes - 1-27-2011 Live n Love Well Notes by Dr. Rae Sandler Simon *Let go of the rope* Its a new year, filled with opportunities for a fresh, improved you. Now is a perfect time to take stock of your rela...
Individual Wellness - I offer the individual treatment specialities listed below
Postpartum Depression
Depression and Anxiety
Low Self-Esteem and Body Image
Sexual Orientation and Identity Issues
Trauma, Bereavement & Recovery
Intimacy & Sexual Functioning
Obsessive-Compulsive Habits
Alcohol or Drug Abuse
Stress Management
Family, career and relationship balance
College to the working world transitions
Children leaving home
Career changes and job loss
Aging and end of life issues
Loss: Relationships, Employment, or Other
Success in Private Practice:
I provide consultation for today's top private practice clinicians.
Learn the keys to creating a successful private practice based on proven strategic techniques and best business practices.
Position yourself as a successful, confident, and smart therapist.
Marketing, business relationships, public relations, new and continuous clientele development, and client relationship maintenance.
If you love someone, the greatest gift you can give them is your presence." - Thich Nhat Hanh
I help both individuals and couples struggling in any type of relationship.
Facts About Marriage Today
Why is it that half of marriages end in divorce? In the past, the most frequent reason for divorce were issues of abuse - physical, substance, and emotional or extramarital affairs. Other conflicts were either worked through or endured as a life-long marriage was a value of the times.
Today, many marriages end because "the flame dies out," or couples "just grow apart." Where does the flame go, and is it possible to love and be attracted to someone, the same someone until death do us part?
I have found that is not only possible, but that the quality of life of long-term married couples is happier, longer, and more fulfilling that those who have multiple marriages or are single. So how does this happen? Couples spend up to a year or so planning their wedding, but many neglect to build the right tools and foundation to maintain a happy and loving marriage. Whether you're thinking about getting married, have been together two years, or 20 years, the marriage skills I equip couples with in a minimum of just six sessions create easy and enduring positive changes to keep them not only together, but happier. Although change doesnt happen overnight, and each couples treatment needs are unique, incremental changes couples see from just shifting the way they speak to one another have profound effects on the emotional climate within a relationship and ultimately the relationship quality.
I have a very successful track record of improved relationships. My clients report that the skills learned within our work together were priceless. Not only did they experience increased marital satisfaction, but also they improved other relationships in their lives and in their workplace.
Stay in Love & Out of Therapy -
Power of Two Marriage Skills Workshops
Perfect for couples who want to increase communication skills
without revealing private information to people you don't know.
Who Attends the Workshops?
Power of Two Marriage Skills Workshops are for every adult who wants to have a successful relationship
What Will I learn
What will I do in a Power of Two Workshops?
Power of Two Workshops teach skills through fun role plays and exercises.
Brief explanations and multiple practice examples create a lively learning environment. Full group exercises are all based on role-play scenarios to safe-guard your privacy.
In addition to group discussions, couples will spend time working on new skills privately during the class. This gives couples time to begin to apply the skills they are learning to real-life examples with me close by to answer questions. I always take time to meet personally with each couple to answer questions, give feedback, and to help you get the most out of this practice time.
The Power of Two classes are highly interactive. The exercises are upbeat and playful. Hypothetical examples are always used in group practice to ensure your privacy. Classes include ample time for discussion and questions. This ensures that you will leave with a solid understanding of both the "how" and the "why" for all the skills you learn.
I'm a Private Person. What Will I Have to Share?
Nothing! My classes ensure your privacy by engaging participants in role-plays and exercises that are hypothetical and fun. Couples are encouraged to learn the skills and discuss their particular relationship issues at home while applying their newly-acquired skills. I am always available for consultation during the workshop. I also offer a FREE, follow-up consultation at my office with all workshop participants.
How Much Do Workshops Cost and Are They a Good Gift?
Registering early is a great idea! Participants who register at least two weeks prior to the workshop receive a $25 discount off the $175 regularly-priced registration fee per person.
Power of Two Gift certificates for friends and family are the best gift you can give. This workshop is a gift that is truly made to last a lifetime. Purchased certificates will be sent to gift recipients in a beautiful package with a personalized note from the sender.
Why Should I Take the Workshop
Saying "I do" encompasses so much more than wedding planning and then "happily ever after." Sustaining cooperative marriage partnership requires high-level skills. No matter how much two people love one another and how well-matched they might be, the project of living life as a married couple can be challenging. Difficult shared decisions, stresses, and frustrated concerns in a marriage can gradually corrode a couple's initial love and allow marriage problems to grow.
Marriage researchers have demonstrated that without sufficient communication and conflict resolution skills, couples end up bickering, fighting or giving up to keep the peace. A Power of Two Marriage Skills Workshop will teach you how to stay comfortably cooperative with your spouse, even in the face of difficult problems.
Happily married couples live longer than unhappily married couples or divorced individuals. Learn the skills you need so that even when hard-to-discuss topics like money, household chores, hurt feelings, or handling children arise, you and your spouse can work together as a strong and loving team.
Testimonials
"Going into it I thought I was going to have to reveal private information about my relationship to a random group of strangers and this was absolutely not the case. The Power of Two workshop was all about effective and positive communication. The workshop provided me with communication tools I use on a daily basis in my marriage and in the business world. I never understood the power of using different words and changing the structure of sentences until I learned them participating in the workshop. I highly recommend anyone in a relationship to participate in a workshop. You will even learn something that could help in your business."
"Dr. Simon had a wonderful way of bringing concepts I had never heard before down to my level of understanding and comprehension."
"I never knew that just changing the way you choose your words could so drastically change the flow of your relationship. Since taking the workshop all of my relationships have dramatically changed for the better. I feel like my husband and I can talk through any difficult situation and come out the other side love each other even more; whereas before I was scared to even talk about things with him."
"I enjoyed the two-day workshop and can't wait to master the skills I learned. I know I will use them for the rest of my life to help me be a better partner with all my relationships."
"I was skeptical of the value of the workshop for me and my spouse before arriving. But the group setting was wonderful. It provided support and understanding."
"The Power of Two program helps open the closed doors of communication with your partner in a way that enables people to have a non-aggressive dialogue while moving towards a win-win outcome."
"Dr. Simon has a passion for the subject and incorporates it into her own life."
* Sigelman and Shaffer, 1991.
First Meeting
Schedule your FREE phone consultation today!
Email: drsimon_livenlovewell.com
Call: 303.552.0472
I look forward to meeting you in my office suite.
I work closely with several leading-edge practitioners in my office, including psychiatrists, family therapists, and psychologists specialized in psychological testing.
My office is located in the heart of Cherry Creek.
It is just west of Colorado Boulevard, and just east of Cherry Creek Mall. There is plenty of free visitor parking, a DazBog Coffee, a cafe in the building, and on-site security.
My waiting room
View from my office
My office
1-1-12Intake.doc
1-1-12Disclosure.doc
Thank you for taking the time to review and fill out the following forms prior to our first meeting.
Forms to download, print and complete.
Please bring these completed forms to our first meeting:
1. Intake Form - Couples complete own, individual form
2. Disclosure Form - Couples complete only one form together
3. HIPAA Consent Form - Couples complete only one form together
Forms for your review. Please do not bring to our first meeting:
Notice of Privacy Practices (Brief Version)
HIPAA Form.doc
Notice_of_Private_Practices_-_2011.doc
Ptarmigan Place at Cherry Creek
3773 Cherry Creek North Drive
EAST TOWER - Suite 735
Denver, CO 80209
303.552.0472 phone
303.322.2292 fax
drsimon_livenlovewell.com email
Driving Directions:
From I-25 South
Exit Colorado Boulevard North
Take a left onto Virginia, which turns into Cherry Creek North Drive
Take a right into the Ptarmigan Place at Cherry Creek
From Downtown Denver
Take Speer towards Cherry Creek Mall
Continue on Speer past Cherry Creek Mall (on Right)
Speer turns into 1st Avenue
1st Avenue turns into South Steele Street while veering Right
South Steele Street turns into Cherry Creek North Drive
(take a right at the light here versus going straight onto Alameda)
Take a left into Ptarmigan Place at Cherry Creek
Parking Directions:
Continue to the East Visitor Parking Lot
Park in any 3 hour visitor parking spot
Enter the building in the main lobby or the East Entrance (next to Dazbog)
Veer right to the elevators if entering through main lobby
Suite 735 is on the 7th Floor of the EAST TOWER
Please complete all new client forms prior to our meeting.
Please make yourself at home in the waiting area.
I will be out to greet you at our scheduled appointment time
Info
Contact Dr. Simon
Follow Dr. Simon's LnL Notes
Address
Telephone 303.552.0472
Fax 303.322.2292
Email
drsimon_livenlovewell.com
