Heidi A. Sauder, PhD

My path to becoming a psychologist was a meandering one. In college, I tried out anything from mathematics to journalism and then, fortunately, took an adolescent psychology course. It was that professor, Aubyn Fulton, PhD, who convinced me my fascination with the adolescent process could be a job, and I changed majors once again graduating with a degree in psychology.

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While I was applying to graduate schools, my little brother was diagnosed with cancer and, through his treatment and recovery, I knew chronic illness would be a focus of my work, both for patients and for their families. I pursued a health psychology emphasis during my training in San Diego, California. My interest in couples’ work was sparked when I joined a research group that was studying the physiology of anger and I thought what better way to elicit anger than have married people talk to each other. My literature review led me to the work and lab of John Gottman, PhD, a brilliant mind and a kind and generous person. My dissertation explored the physiology of emotion and marital satisfaction.

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Although I wrote pages on marital satisfaction and planned to practice as a marital therapist, following my own wedding and first move with my spouse, I realized knowing about marriage was different from being married. I returned to my first interest and began my career as an adolescent psychologist and continued this practice for a decade.

 

As I, my children, and my marriage matured – now in Colorado – I reconsidered relationship/couples therapy.  After researching different approaches, I found that Gottman Method Therapy was the most comprehensive and validated method of intervention for relationship healing. Training with Drs. John and Julie Gottman was challenging and energizing. I became certified in the method and now practice exclusively as a relationship/couple therapist.

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I practice with a concierge model offering clients exceptional access and care, offering appointments within 72 hours of request and flexible scheduling from 7 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week. Services include comprehensive relationship assessment, intensive intervention (up to 18 hours in three consecutive days), and follow-up sessions as needed to solidify new habits and maintain gains made in therapy.

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Services are available via telehealth in Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, and all current PSYPACT states. For clients preferring in-person sessions, I welcome you to my Centennial, Colorado office or, if preferred, I am happy to travel to you (travel expenses are charged at cost, with full details provided in my informed consent).

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I believe being deeply connected to another person is one of life’s most meaningful experiences. ​I welcome the opportunity to work with you.