Judi Spendelow, MSW, PsyD

Colorado Licensed Psychologist
303.777.5058
E-mail: jhspendelow@gmail.com

Practice Philosophy:

I believe that we are conceived and born as love-filled, zesty human beings, with an innate sense of our own goodness, joy, curiosity, connection to others, and capacity for competence and growth. Negative life experiences tend to bury our awareness of these positive qualities, leaving us disconnected from ourselves and others, perhaps depressed and anxious, feeling incompetent, unloved or unloving, or even traumatized.

As a holistic, psychospiritual therapist, I help people reclaim their inherent nature, integrating mind, body and spirit into a more whole sense of self. I work with individuals, couples, and families to promote self-understanding, behavioral changes, and deepened intimacy, so as to promote better balance and harmony in their lives. In our work, at various times, I will be your counselor/coach/educator/(and occasionally confronter), moving among the various roles as needed.

I utilize and integrate techniques from various modalities. I use whole brain techniques from Psych-K and EMDR to more quickly and efficiently re-program self-sabotaging beliefs that are contained in our subconscious minds. Since much of the healing work is done during the course of our daily lives, outside activities (“homework assignments”) are often suggested to support our in-session work and to assist in faster goal accomplishment.

In my relationship sessions, I practice “Encounter-Centered Relational Healing,” modeled strongly on the Encounter-Centered Couples Therapy approach of Hedy Schleifer, MA, of the Tikkun Learning Center. Our “Magic of Connection” workshops for couples are based on this model. I also draw upon the philosophies and techniques of Terrence Real (“The New Rules of Marriage”) and Harville Hendrix (“Getting the Love You Want”).

My warmth, intuition, and humor create a safe and relaxed environment, both in workshops and in my office. I truly enjoy laughing with my clients.

On a personal basis, I have been married to RRC colleague Michael Misgen for over twenty years. Together, we are deepening our relationship daily by practicing the paradigm of living an “Encounter-Centered” life! We also enjoy time for family (three “kids,” seven grandkids), folk music and dance, and relaxing in our precious Colorado mountains and on whatever water ~ creeksides, riverbanks, lakes, and ocean beaches ~ we encounter!

To start your journey of growth, please contact me at our RRC South Office, 3955 East Exposition Ave., Suite 202. Phone: 303.777.5058. E-mail: jspendelow@gmail.com

Education:

I hold clinical degrees in social work (MSW) and psychology (PsyD) from the University of Denver, and a Certificate in Pastoral Ministry in Spiritual Direction from St. Thomas Seminary. Currently, I am a member of Hedy Schleifer’s three-year Master Class at the Tikkun Learning Center. I am a certified Imago Relationship Therapist, am fully trained as a Relational Life Therapist with Terry Real’s Relational Life Institute, and use the Prepare/Enrich program for pre-marital counseling. Additionally, I am certified in EMDR for trauma reduction, am a trained PSYCH-K® Facilitator, and utilize EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and the Sedona Method® to better assist my clients with emotional release.

Professional Experience:

After graduating with my PsyD in 1996, I joined the staff of Denver’s Samaritan Counseling Center, which later became CENTUS Counseling, Consulting and Education. I became Clinical Director at SCC/CENTUS in 2002, and held that position for 5 years. I joined the Relationship Resource Center in 2004, and entered full-time private practice with the RRC in January, 2008. Other past training includes a year with Denver’s Rape Assistance and Awareness Program, where I facilitated healing for victims of sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse.

With my husband and RRC colleague, Mike Misgen, I facilitate the “Magic of Connection” workshop for committed couples. I also assist in teaching various RRC skills workshops.

I provide therapeutic and coaching services on a private self-pay basis. I am also on a number of insurance panels.