Our Philosophy

Trauma is not just about “bad memories.” It is a physiological response that gets stuck in the body and nervous system. Whether you have experienced a single overwhelming event or a lifetime of chronic stress, your symptoms, like anxiety, shutting down, anger, and irritability, to name a few, are not signs that you are broken. They are signs that you survived. “Being broken” is not part of our vocabulary; rather, “surviving brokenness” is!

Our Trauma-Informed Promise:

• Safety First: Healing cannot happen in a state of fear. We prioritize creating an environment (both physical and relational) where your nervous system can finally rest.

• Empowerment: You are the expert on your own life. We collaborate with you, never on you. You control the pace of your therapy.

• No Re-Traumatization: We use gentle, evidence-based methods that allow you to process pain without being overwhelmed by it.

We believe there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to mental health. Our clinicians are trained in a diverse range of modalities to meet your unique needs, bridging the gap between neuroscience and human connection.

For The Body & Brain (Neuro-Based)

• EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing): A gold-standard therapy for PTSD that helps the brain “digest” traumatic memories so they no longer trigger a fight-or-flight response.

• IPNB (Interpersonal Neurobiology): We use the science of how relationships shape the brain to help you rewire neural pathways through safe connection.

For The Mind & Behavior (Cognitive)

• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Practical, skills-based tools to identify and reshape the negative thought patterns that drive anxiety and depression.

• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Moving from “fighting” your feelings to accepting them, freeing you to take action toward the life you value.

• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): Building concrete skills for distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.

For The System (Relational)

• Family Systems & Structural Therapy: We view the family as an interconnected unit. By adjusting the “system”—patterns, boundaries, and roles—we help the individual thrive.

• Person-Centered Therapy: At our core, we offer unconditional positive regard, believing that every client has the innate capacity for growth when provided with the right environment.

Maryellen Stipe founded 70 West Counseling as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization because she believes financial status should never be a barrier to healing. In a broken healthcare system, we are committed to closing the gap.

How We Make It Accessible:

• We Welcome Diverse Insurance: Unlike many private practices that are “cash only,” we proudly accept Medicaid, TriCare West, and most major commercial insurance plans.

• Training the Next Generation: We offer reduced-rate sessions with our highly skilled Master’s Level Interns and Candidates, ensuring affordable care while mentoring the future leaders of our field.

• Community First: We are not just a business; we are a community resource dedicated to serving Arvada and the Front Range with integrity and compassion.