Meet Darby Fields | Counselor & Private Practice Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darby Fields and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darby, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I view risk-taking as an opportunity to build distress tolerance and foster personal growth. Whether it’s the anxiety leading up to a decision, the satisfaction of success, or the disappointment of falling short, navigating such a range of emotions is essential for growth. Starting my practice was a financial, emotional, and deeply personal risk. Throughout the process, I experienced first hand the emotional highs and lows that can come from uncertainty. Ultimately, the risk led to a successful business and a deeper understanding of myself. Risk-taking has given me the ability to tolerate ambiguity and my own discomfort while making me more empathetic and present for clients who are going through their own moments of decision-making and distress.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of Colorado and South Carolina. I received my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rowan University in New Jersey and moved to Colorado shortly after. My path to the counseling field was far from linear. I was in the process of applying for a Master’s in Occupational Therapy when I landed an internship with a long-term inpatient facility for adolescents. I had spent several summers prior working as a nanny and figured I would have no issue navigating the job. I realized quickly that I had led myself into a world of complete unknown. The incredible staff of Recreational and Art Therapists, Counselors and Social Workers, and Behavioral Health Technicians met me on my level and helped me understand the intricacies of the mental health field. I later applied for several Graduate programs in the area and was invited in for interviews at each school. I had very little background in Psychology and my resume significantly lacked relevance. Despite repetitively being told that my previous education and experience didn’t quite align with other applicants, I was eager to enter this field. I ultimately chose Rowan University based on their small cohort size and the success of previous graduates. My classmates will agree that Rowan’s program was not for the faint-hearted. We were held to the highest of standards and were challenged in ways that most Graduate programs do not offer. Graduating from Rowan was one of my greatest successes and I continue to be deeply aware of the impact the program has had on my career.

After moving to Colorado, I continued to work with adolescents in a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Over the course of two years, I offered support to hundreds of youth who were struggling with concerns ranging from deficits in executive functioning to suicidality. I later started with a local group practice where I continued to work with high-risk adolescents and young adults. It was during this time that I was able to fine tune my skill set as a counselor, build more effective therapeutic relationships, and create a work-life balance for myself. The more I grew as a therapist, the more confident I felt in my ability to tackle more of the “behind the scenes” work which ultimately led me to entrepreneurship.

I spent months telling my friends and family that I wanted to work for myself and by myself. After years of feeling burnt out in the mental health field, I was looking for an opportunity to do things the way I wanted. I quickly realized that my decision to start a business was better done with the support of others. One of the most important decisions I made when starting my practice was deciding who I wanted to surround myself with during the process. I reconnected with colleagues who not only made me feel safe and understood but also challenged me in ways I needed it most. I leaned heavily on my husband, my family, and my friends for support and encouragement. I know now that many of my achievements came from the willingness to welcome others into my thought process along the way.

Much of my success as both a therapist and a practice owner stems from my own level of authenticity. I show up for my clients and their families in a way that not only aligns with ethical and legal standards but also reflects my own character. I want my clients to understand that I am a person who experiences emotions, lives according to their values, and embraces imperfection. I’ve laughed with clients, cried with them, and owned my mistakes when they’ve occurred in session. I believe that authenticity fosters trust and connection, which are fundamental for an effective therapeutic relationship.

The therapeutic modality I utilize most with my clients is Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)– a skill-based modality that encompasses distress tolerance, emotion regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. My current work with clients relies heavily on the basics. I furthered my education and training in nutrition and executive functioning in hopes of supporting my clients in “building a life worth living.” I encourage organization, adequate sleep, a nutritionally optimized diet, deeper connections with others, and values-driven decision making. I hold my clients accountable while motivating them to be the best versions of themselves.

I believe that a quality therapist is always willing to learn. While supporting clients in today’s world, learning cannot be simplified to reading a textbook or keeping up with new research. Learning requires me to also watch the news, to understand social trends, and to continuously self-reflect on my own values and biases. I view the wellness of my clients through a holistic lens and I believe it is my duty to recognize all of the factors that may be contributing to their symptoms. Similarly to my recent focus on nutrition and executive functioning, I look forward to expanding my knowledge in ways that best support my clients and their individual needs in the future. Starting my business has given me the time and space to grow, learn, and support myself and my clients in ways I had never imagined.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver has changed drastically in the seven years we have lived here and while we have said goodbye to some of our favorite spots, we continue to stumble upon some new gems. The outdoors is a must when we have visitors whether it be a walk around City Park, a Rockie’s game at Coors Field, tubing down Clear Creek in Golden, or a hike through one of our favorite trails like Herman’s Gulch. We love any opportunity to show people our favorite food scenes: a breakfast burrito at One Fold, a basket of fries on the patio at Vine St. Pub, and a round of Uno with craft beers at Zuni St Brewing. We enjoy visiting the unique shops and thrift stores along South Broadway, checking out the new exhibits at the Denver Art Museum, seeing a show at Red Rocks, and hanging out at seasonal events such as Jazz in the Park or the many Farmers Markets throughout the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I realized quickly that starting my own business was better done with the support of others. My husband, Max, very much so took this risk with me. He was able to highlight my strengths and abilities during moments when my judgement became clouded. He continues to be my biggest cheerleader alongside an endless list of family, friends, and colleagues who have supported me along the way.

Website: https://dfieldscounseling.com/

Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/darby-fields-denver-co/908186