Sara Cortese, MFTC

She/Her

“Contrary to what we may have been taught to think, unnecessary and unchosen suffering wounds us but need not scar us for life. It does mark us. What we allow the mark of our suffering to become is in our own hands.” –bell hooks

I believe everyone deserves a place to process the difficulties that life throws at us, and I’m here to meet you with warmth and support. I work with teens (16+), adults, and couples, and have advanced training in Emotionally-Focused Therapy.

As a documentary filmmaker in my previous career, I believe in the power of the stories that we hold about ourselves; and as a therapist, I believe in the power of examining and rewriting those stories to make ourselves feel more whole, valued, and loved.

My approach to therapy could best be summed up as a good movie: it may make you laugh, it may make you cry, but either way, it will touch you deeply.

Whether I’m working with individuals or couples, I’m passionate about supporting clients who want to feel less stuck in old cycles and create meaningful connections with others. I love working with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, childhood trauma, relationship or family distress, and identity exploration. Some of my specialty areas with couples include healing from infidelity, co-parenting difficulties, and communication struggles. Because of my previous career in film, I also have a soft spot for working with clients in the creative arts.

My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and inclusive of all your identities. I’m proudly LGBTQ+ affirming, and open to all relationship constellations, including consensually non-monogamous and polyamorous couples.

MY THERAPEUTIC APPROACH

Our work together will use a systemic lens, taking into consideration all the parts of you that you find most important – that may be your culture, your family, or your identities, to name a few. These theories inform my approach:

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

  • Attachment Theory

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Person-Centered Therapy

  • Mindfulness

Education and Licensure

  • Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate

  • Master’s in Couples and Family Therapy, University of Colorado Denver

  • Bachelor’s of Arts in Environmental Studies, University of San Francisco

Sara Cortese, MFTC
Marriage and Family Therapist Candidate
720.772.1805
Sara@PurePotentialDenver.com