About Our Practice

Life is difficult. Everyone suffers at times. We are here to help.

One of the primary goals of therapy is to help you grow in freedom. At Denver Counseling Associates, we are trained in multiple methodologies. We work with different people in different ways, depending on what they need. Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all proposition; it is designed especially for you. 

Both Marica Frank and Dr. Sheftall offer a free initial consultation, either in person or remotely. We do this because it allows potential clients to experience what it is like to be with us in our space and to assess whether we would be a good fit for them as a therapist. We offer this at no cost because we want you to be free to say yes or no at this point.

Our Therapists

Kelley Sheftall, PsyD

With a background in music and humanitarian work, Dr. Sheftall brings a breadth of life experience to her psychology practice. She loves her work with adolescents, adults, couples, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Sheftall takes an integrative approach to psychotherapy, considering culture, family history, physical health, faith, spirituality, world view, and core values. With an extensive therapeutic “toolbox,” she will tailor a treatment specifically suited to you.

Marica Frank, LPC

Marica is married with three adult sons and two canine children. She enjoys working as a therapist with adults and late adolescents and is committed to helping them get beyond whatever is causing them to feel stuck and distressed. Her background as an academic makes her a good problem-solver and coach. She is direct and interactive, but also warm and empathic.

Our Process

  • We offer an initial consultation, either in person or remotely, at no cost to you, to see if we are a good fit for each other.

  • Beginning the process of therapy includes gathering a detailed client history and identifying therapeutic goals.

  • Based on your unique set of circumstances, needs, and goals, we will work together to create a plan of action. As therapy progresses, we can refer to that plan and make changes as needed.

COUNSELOR PROFILE

Dr. Kelley Sheftall

  • My life has charted a rich, varied, and winding path. I grew up in Austin, TX, earned a bachelor’s degree in music performance, and worked as a professional musician for some years. In the next phase of my life, I lived in Canada, England, France, and Belgium, which broadened my worldview and helped me to see myself as a citizen of the world. After that, I pursued a doctorate in clinical psychology. Beginning in graduate school, I experienced a years-long period of illness and pain that I would never have chosen but which has afforded me an understanding of what it’s like to live with such challenges, and that has been helpful in my work.

    My predoctoral internship brought me to Colorado, where I chose to stay and make a home. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with friends, attending theater and musical performances, hiking, skiing, mountain biking, and going for walks with the two best dogs. (If you’re interested, they would be happy to attend your sessions.)

  • HOLISTIC LENS: We are complex, multidimensional beings. We are persons, not just minds. Psychotherapy is not an intervention applied to your disembodied mind. What you think and believe matters. So does how you sleep, what you eat, how you relate to others, what you love, your biochemistry, your neurology, the movement of your body, your history, your environment, and so much more. Nothing important to you is foreign to the process of therapy. Healthy, balanced integration of your various personal dimensions is our aim.

    COLLABORATION: Psychotherapy is not something that happens to you. It is collaborative and relational. You are not a diagnosis. When we meet, we meet as persons. I see you as a marvelous, unique human being who is the only true expert in your experience. I respect that reality and am committed to listening well to you and with you. You have wisdom to impart in the process. I do, too. The combination can be fruitful.

    NARRATIVE: Your story matters. What are the stories you are telling yourself about yourself, about others, about the world in which you live? Human brains, by nature, make meaning. We are constantly interpreting our experiences. What drives those interpretations? How are they serving you?

    SAFETY: In order for therapy to be effective, there must be an environment of trust and safety. I will listen non-judgmentally and respectfully.

    CHANGE: You are seeking psychotherapy because you desire change of some kind. Change can be daunting, even frightening, but it is the place from which hope beckons. Our lives are by nature dynamic. Therapy helps you be intentional about how that change unfolds. You can take a passive approach, allowing your boat to be tossed in the waves and swept along by the current. You can also learn to pilot your vessel well in sometimes unpredictable waters. You are not all-powerful, but it is important to identify where your power lies and to take hold of it in directing your life. Do you desire this type of change? We can work together toward healing and freedom.

  • Holism, Existential Philosophy, Attachment Theory, Integrative Psychotherapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Internal Family Systems, EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, Emotion-Focused Couples Therapy, Health Psychology, Functional Medicine, Exercise as Therapeutic; Mindfulness; Dialectical Behavior Therapy

  • Bachelor of Music Performance, University of Texas at Austin

    Master of Science in Clinical Psychology, Institute for the Psychological Sciences

    Doctor of Clinical Psychology, Institute for the Psychological Sciences

    Licensed by State of Colorado: PSY.005613

  • Most adults, Adolescents (17+) Couples, LGBTQIA+ persons

  • Grief; chronic Illness; depression; anxiety; consequences of trauma; identity Issues; obesity; life transitions; marital and pre-marital Issues; issues of aging; issues of emergent adulthood; spirituality

COUNSELOR PROFILE

Marica Frank, LPC

  • Therapy is a second career for me. In my former life I taught Classics (Latin and Ancient Greek) at the college level. I have a PhD in Latin, an MA in Clinical Mental Health, and an MA in English Literature. After 25 years of academic life, it is enlivening to work directly with human hearts and minds.

    I was born and raised in South Africa but have lived in the US for nearly 25 years. I am married, have three adult sons, and two canine children.

  • The path of life is sometimes smooth, sometimes bumpy, but the terrain is always changing. We have to advance and meet the challenges we face on our way. Sometimes these challenges arise as a result of our past wounds, sometimes they are caused by present circumstances of our own making or thrust upon us by others.

    At times, life can seem just too hard, too confusing, too painful, or too immobilizing for us to move forward on our own. I can be a companion on your journey: an objective observer, an educator, a supporter, a cheerleader, a problem-solver. I have a compass and a map to help you choose a different way and to work out how to follow it. The choices are yours but I can offer non-judgmental guidance and insight and encouragement.

    I work with individual adults who are depressed, anxious, stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought/behavior, struggling in their relationships at home or at work, having problems with adjusting to a new situation, or grieving the loss of a loved one. I work with those who have suffered childhood or adult trauma of various kinds and am trained in EMDR, an evidence-based modality for the treatment of trauma. I use Internal Family Systems therapy to promote understanding in my clients of the complexity of their personality.

    I care about my clients, am concerned about their wellbeing, and am willing to touch base with them between sessions if they are struggling. I am quick to own my mistakes and to repair the relationship with clients if this should be necessary. My style is interactive, I welcome questions about my approach, and can handle big emotions. I am not afraid to challenge my clients or be challenged by them. In my 10 years as a therapist, I have learned a great deal from my clients and am constantly moved by their resilience, courage and capacity for growth.

  • Bachelor of Arts (Honors) Latin, University of Cape Town

    Bachelor of Arts (Honors) English, University of South Africa

    MLitt Ancient Greek, University of St. Andrews

    PhD Latin, University of St. Andrews

    Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health, Adams State University

    Licensed by State of Colorado: LPC. 0012915

  • I work with individual adults who are depressed, anxious, stuck in unhealthy patterns of thought/behavior, struggling in their relationships at home or at work, having problems with adjusting to a new situation, or grieving the loss of a loved one. I work with those who have suffered childhood or adult trauma of various kinds.

Our Other Office Helpers

For those who are interested, Dr. Sheftall’s dogs, Charlie and Dashiell, can be present during your session.

I’m interested in an appointment.