There is no end to the ways in which life can be challenging. Fortunately, we have an unlimited capacity to grow, to recover, to pick ourselves up and move on. We also carry an amazing ability to maximize our lives, to decide how we want to “be” in this world and to create lives full of vitality and meaning.

Darrah Westrup, Ph.D

Over the 23 years I have been a clinical psychologist, I have heard some version of the following more times than I can count; “I could never do what you do; it’s too depressing!” My reply has consistently been that on the contrary, my work is anything but depressing! I explain that I get to see the best side of human nature – the miraculous part that wants to heal, that wants to learn and grow. I get to witness the courage it takes to see with clear eyes, and to begin, step-by-step, the journey towards meaningful change. Lucky me.

I believe that there are people sent into our lives to help us along our journey. Darrah was that person for me. At a time when I was struggling both professionally and personally, Darrah brought the beautiful gift of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Through the ACT training and consultation process she helped those of us involved to experience ACT not only from the perspective of therapist, but as our clients would. Through her modeling and feedback, she guided, supported, and pushed me closer to being the kind of clinician I hope to be, but first and foremost, the kind of person I desire to be. As I willingly move forward in my journey, I hope that I can be as much of a blessing to those around me as she has been a blessing to me!”

– Monique A. Turner, LCSW

Darrah Westrup has unquestionably been the best consultant with whom I’ve worked in my 30+ years as a psychologist. Darrah Westrup has unquestionably been the best consultant with whom I’ve worked in my 30+ years as a psychologist. Her warmth, unconditional acceptance, encouragement and enthusiasm are contagious and have greatly increased my confidence and excitement as an ACT practitioner. She has helped me to greatly increase my ability to think, feel and BE present in this very exciting therapy. My clients have also benefitted greatly from her warm and wise guidance.

– Michael Goldstein, PsyD, BCB

Dr. Westrup brings ACT therapy to life! She expertly and personally models the therapy during the training sessions and it is obvious that she truly lives this model out in her own life. She delivered the ACT training with incredible enthusiasm, passion, and precision. She is clearly an expert in the ACT community who delivers the treatment with an eye for bringing people to the next level both in their lives and in their clinical work.
During the consultation, Darrah faithfully attends to our areas of strength and weaknesses in the therapy and pushes consultees to grow, to take risks, to learn the technology of ACT while also flexibly applying the model to fit client’s needs. She attends to both theory and application of the model, and how to make this therapy your own and fit your personality while also staying true to the model. All in all, she is an excellent consultation provider.”

– Scott Grover, PH.D.

Services

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

I am a peer reviewed ACT trainer and author/co-author of 4 books on ACT. I have delivered ACT trainings and presentations around the world for many years. I especially love providing supervision and consultation to others interested in learning how to optimize this exciting, cutting-edge approach.

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Individual and Couples Therapy

I am a licensed clinical psychologist and private practitioner in Durango CO. I have over 23 yrs. experience providing evidence-based therapy to men and women for a variety of issues including interpersonal problems, stress and anxiety, depression, trauma/PTSD, addiction and grief.

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Groups

I regularly conduct groups for men and women from within an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) framework. We focus on how to live vital, meaningful lives by bringing deeply-held values to life. Groups range from weekend workshops to 90-minute weekly sessions that run for around 8 weeks.

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Workshops and Events

My Books