Ken Parnell, PhD

Life can become difficult in ways that are not always visible to other people. You may appear capable and successful while privately feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, disconnected, or uncertain about how much longer you can keep up. You may know that something needs to change but feel unsure where to begin.

I provide individual therapy for teens ages 16 and older and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health, emotional, relational, and life concerns. You do not need to have a specific diagnosis or know exactly how to describe what you are experiencing before reaching out.

My goal is to provide a welcoming, collaborative space where you can better understand what is happening, develop practical ways to cope, and work toward meaningful change.

Reasons People Come to Therapy

People seek therapy for many different reasons. You may feel worried, discouraged, irritable, overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or unable to enjoy things that once mattered to you. You may be struggling with intrusive thoughts, strong emotions, recurring patterns of behavior, difficulty concentrating, conflict in your relationships, or a general sense that you are not functioning as well as you would like.

Some concerns fit clearly within diagnoses such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health conditions. Others may be connected to loss, painful experiences, relationship difficulties, health concerns, work or academic pressures, family responsibilities, questions about identity or purpose, or major changes in life.

In an effort to cope, people sometimes develop patterns that provide short-term relief but create longer-term difficulties, such as perfectionistic overachievement, unhealthy eating patterns, avoidance, emotional withdrawal, or other harmful ways of managing distress.

Therapy can help you understand the patterns affecting your well-being, respond more effectively to difficult thoughts and emotions, strengthen relationships, and make changes that support a more stable and meaningful life.

Areas We May Address

Our work may involve concerns related to anxiety, depression, ADHD and executive functioning, chronic stress and burnout, anger and irritability, intrusive thoughts, grief, relationship or family difficulties, self-doubt, unhealthy coping patterns, academic or professional challenges, identity and sexuality, or difficult life transitions.

Attention, organization, motivation, and follow-through can be particularly difficult for people with ADHD or executive functioning concerns. Therapy can help you understand the factors affecting your daily functioning, develop practical systems and coping strategies, and address the frustration or self-doubt that may have developed over time.

This list is not exhaustive. Part of therapy may involve developing a clearer understanding of what you are experiencing and identifying what kind of support or change would be most helpful.

Areas of Particular Experience

I have particular experience working with men who may be accustomed to managing difficulties privately or who feel uncertain about whether therapy will be useful. I work to make therapy direct, respectful, and practical while also creating room to explore experiences that may be difficult to put into words. The goal is not to fit you into a particular idea of what a man should be, but to help you build a life and relationships that are more consistent with your values.

I also have extensive experience working with young adults and college students. My background includes providing individual, couples, and group therapy in university counseling centers, and my work as a professor gives me an ongoing understanding of the academic, social, and developmental pressures students may face. Therapy may address mental health concerns, relationships, motivation, career uncertainty, family conflict, or the transition toward greater independence.

What It Is Like to Work With Me

I take a relational and evidence-informed approach to therapy. We will address the concerns that brought you in while also considering the broader context of your life, including your relationships, experiences, environment, values, and strengths.

I will listen carefully and take your concerns seriously, but I will not simply sit back and leave you to do all the work. Depending on what you need, I may ask questions, offer observations, teach practical skills, or help you identify patterns that are difficult to see from inside the situation.

Some sessions may focus on managing symptoms or solving current problems. Others may involve understanding recurring emotional or relationship patterns, processing difficult experiences, or considering how you want to move forward. I aim to balance thoughtful exploration with practical steps you can use outside of therapy.

Getting Started

Finding the right therapist is an important decision. Therapy tends to be most helpful when you feel understood, respected, and able to speak openly. Please contact me if you would like to ask a question or discuss whether my services may be a good fit for your needs.

I provide individual therapy for teens ages 16 and older and adults. Sessions are available in person in Fort Collins and through telehealth for clients located in Colorado.