Trent Graumann

MA-Level Intern

Specialties

  • anxiety
  • spiritual issues / faith integration
  • existential concerns / life purpose
  • depression
  • men’s issues
  • identity development
  • grief and loss
  • child and adolescent counseling
  • self-esteem / shame
  • life transitions
  • philosophical or theological exploration

Experience Level

Client focus

Age

  • Seniors (65+)
  • Adults (18+)
  • Older Teens (16-17)
  • Young Teens (14-15)
  • Preteens (11-13)
  • Older children (8-10)
  • Young children (5-7)
  • Toddlers (2-4)

counseling type

  • individuals

Location

Lakewood

Centennial

“If anyone on the verge of action should judge himself according to the outcome, he would never begin.” – Soren Kierkegaard

Philosophy and Therapeutic Approach

Each of us is unique, and every story and personality has value. I believe humility is the key to seeing a person completely. We live in a culture of isolation, and you may feel stuck in your own head, not knowing the way out. I can help you untangle complex thoughts and use the therapeutic connection as a sounding board for your journey toward growth.

My greatest strength is taking different parts of your story and synthesizing them well. Often in sessions, the clients I work with say, “I’ve never thought about it that way, but you’re absolutely right!”. Our sessions together will help you gain a sense of clarity as you work through the intricacies of life. I love to think deeply about the world, and I invite you to join me in exploring and making meaning of your inner world.

The path forward is often where we are most afraid to look. I will provide you with a safe environment to find that path. Our therapeutic process will be defined by mutuality; I will push you to grow, but in a way that values your perspective and autonomy. Through challenges, we will find opportunities for growth.

what to Expect in Therapy

My therapeutic style is built around exploring your world. Your unique perspective needs to be voiced, and I am an attentive listener. My calm demeanor will help you feel comfortable, and I honor the trust that fosters. I want to get to the heart of issues with you and uncover your values in search of a path forward that you define.

My style of therapy is rooted in the humanistic and existential tradition. In essence, you have the tools you need to grow, and once you feel understood and accepted, you will be able to stand on your own and face life head-on. However, I do not believe this philosophy is the end-all-be-all of therapy. There is a place for other techniques to help you process the difficulties of life and grow into who you desire to be. 

Our first few sessions will be dedicated to getting to know you and your goals. These sessions will have therapeutic value, but will also be important for setting the stage for the rest of therapy. Direction separates therapy from a casual conversation. I want to help you on your path, so we will stay goal-oriented and help you pursue your life purpose even in an exploratory therapeutic environment. If you don’t know what your goals are, that’s okay. I’ve been there. We will work together to help you find direction in a way that works for you.

If it is something you are interested in, I am open to discussion of spiritual matters in a therapeutic context. I draw from multiple streams of the Christian tradition to help clients in a way that feels authentic to their needs. Whatever background you come from, I would love to help you on your spiritual journey and see tremendous value in doing so.

Personal Qualifications and Experience

I am a lover of knowledge and a voracious reader. I enjoy reading psychology and the existential philosophy that informs my counseling style. My undergrad degree was in marketing, but I ultimately found a home in working with people in various capacities. 

I have a significant amount of experience working with children. Between work and volunteering, I have almost two decades of experience working with kids. Working with children allows me to see the world through a fresh pair of eyes, which I greatly value.

I am currently a practicum student at Colorado Christian University. As an in-person student, I have had wonderful opportunities to develop my counseling skills through onsite practice. A comprehensive understanding of the professional requirements for a safe, effective therapeutic environment enriches the support I provide to you in session.

Personal Interests

I live with my wife, Anna, who is also a therapy student, in Evergreen, Colorado. We go on lots of adventures together (hikes, mountain drives, trying new restaurants), and talk all things therapy. 

I enjoy philosophical musings of all sorts but especially love theology and religious philosophy. Reading classics is an especially favorite pastime of mine. My goal is to read through most of the major books in the philosophical canon. This isn’t just abstract to me; it feeds into my goals of living a well-examined life and honoring God and the people around me as well as I can.

“You shall receive as blessings the things that happen to you, knowing that nothing happens apart from God.” – Didache 3:10

“You cannot fetch happy. It doesn’t come when it’s called. Happy happens.”

“Happy has to happen?”

“Yes. It has to.”

“How?”

“When you serve the greater good.”

Dog of Wisdom II

NEXT Steps

Browse through our clinically excellent Christian counselors by clicking the button below, and schedule an appointment when you are ready. We want to hear your story. Let’s write a new chapter, together.