Meet Brenda Bomgardner
I became a therapist to help people become free from struggling with unnecessary pain, and I became a coach to help those same people and others take their relationships, careers and overall quality of life to a higher level. I’ve experienced a lot of unnecessary suffering in my life, and it’s challenging to see other people struggling when I know that there are ways to find relief, peace, and joy and to cultivate a life that is in line with their inherent values. As a therapist and life coach, it’s highly rewarding to see people create peace and fulfillment in their lives. I also firmly believe that when we start experiencing more joy and taking better care of ourselves, we inevitably start taking better care of our relationships and communities, which has a ripple effect out into the bigger, broader world. More peace in the world literally begins at home—in the choices we make, in the values we align with, and in our very hearts.
A wealth of life experience, including family trauma that was never spoken about, let alone addressed, informs the basis of my specialties, my approach to therapy and coaching and the overall philosophy of my practice. I grew up in a multi-generational household of varying faiths, and there was not a lot of talk about feelings. In fact, feelings of sadness, disappointment and anger went unexpressed, and I grew up suffering in silence, forced to put on a certain face rather than express my real, authentic self. The upside was that living in that kind of environment provoked my curiosity.
I began wondering about the truths in life, which likely informs my proclivity to draw from evidence-based, proven therapeutic modalities and my love of working with people who have scientific, logic-based backgrounds. The importance I place on personal values and self-expression is also rooted in my background and a cornerstone of the work I do. I’ve learned that once we are able to identify what is truly of importance, create meaningful goals and take actionable steps that are in alignment with our innate values, a beautiful space of possibilities, opportunities, discovery and transformation opens up.
In both therapy and coaching sessions, I primarily draw from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT helps people live in the present moment, connect with their values and effectively handle painful thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations and urges. In being present, we can see that pain is pointing to something that is meaningful and important. And by being open, we can decipher if an old story is visiting us from the past or if we need to take action to move toward what is important and meaningful. I also firmly believe that we can’t know what we don’t know, which is why working with a skilled and intuitive therapist and/or coach can be such a rewarding and effective experience of healing, discovery and transformation. Often, when we allow new eyes on an old problem, new perspectives, possibilities and solutions emerge.
Trust is another cornerstone of my practice, and I know both personally and professionally how important it is to work with someone with whom you develop mutual appreciation, respect and accountability. So many of us have been betrayed and carry stories about how other people will betray us, too. Unconsciously, many of us repeat the pattern of gravitating to unhealthy relationships. In a safe, trusting relationship, however, you can explore those patterns and make new choices. Whether it’s in family, love, work or in the relationship that you have with yourself, there is always room for healing, growth, discovery and a new path forward.
I am extremely accepting of differing needs, values and expressions, and I will never tell you what is right or what to do. I do not believe that there is ever only one answer, process or path, and will offer you compassionate, pragmatic support and guidance as you identify, explore and move toward what matters most to you. Together, we can create goals and devise actionable steps that get you consistently closer to what you want to do and who you want to be.
Although I always knew that I’d eventually become a therapist—my first degree was in psychology with a minor in HR—I entered into business and enjoyed almost three decades of success in a corporate career. Throughout 17 years in HR specifically, the most enjoyable parts of my job were interviewing, hiring, listening and helping people
create win-win situations. It was rewarding to watch people develop their careers over the years and be on-hand to provide support, advice and a fresh perspective. The succession of my career from corporate America into private practice was a smooth and logical one, and now with almost a decade in private practice, I can’t imagine doing anything else.
I know that life loves to throw us curveballs and can sometimes feel almost unmanageable, but I also know that there is beauty, resiliency and strength to be discovered and fostered. While realistic and pragmatic, I also am highly optimistic, upbeat and love to bring levity and light into dark spaces. Clients often tell me that I am very easy to talk with and that our sessions, while sometimes challenging, are enjoyable and something they look forward to.
While I love my work, I also believe that fostering a healthy work-life balance is vital to maintaining happiness—and even sanity—in this dynamic, fast-paced world. Outside of the office, I love spending time with my family, in my community and trying to make the world a happier, more peaceful place. I also love adventure. I’ve ridden a motorcycle to Sturgis three times and attended an Outward Bound wilderness survival course for 10 days with eight women in the desert. I’m also a night owl and feel most productive from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. when my only companions are the moon and stars. And, I really love chocolate. It’s probably my favorite food group.
No matter what you’re struggling with, where you want to go or who you want to be in the world, I know that it is possible to find freedom and fulfillment and live as your truest, most authentic self. If you’re in the Denver, CO or Lakewood, CO area, I invite you to call me at 720-260-7702 to schedule a free 20-minute call. I’m happy to discuss your particular needs and goals and answer any questions you have about my therapy and/or coaching practice. I also offer phone and online coaching sessions that can be done from the comfort and convenience of your home or office or from anywhere in the world.
Brenda M. Bomgardner, LPC, NCC, BCC, ACS is a licensed professional counselor, nationally certified counselor, board-certified coach and approved clinical supervisor. Brenda earned her Master of Arts in Counseling from Regis University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She has an additional certification in Conflict Management and Mediation and Corporate Leadership Training through Safeway Grocery Stores. Brenda has presented at conferences and facilitated workshops and trainings on topics such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Sexual Abuse and Skills Building. She is an active member of the Denver community and has served as a board member for multiple nonprofit organizations. Brenda is also professionally affiliated with the National Board of Certified Counselors, Colorado Counseling Association, Association of Contextual Behavior Science, Rocky Mountain Chapter of ACBS and the Center for Credentialing and Education. To view my more in-depth experience click Curriculum Vitae
