LaDaiju Velez, LCSW
Things I’m passionate about…
- Helping people find and use their voice
- Supporting mothers and families in the perinatal period (pre and postpartum)
- Helping children and parents navigate trauma and difficult experiences
- Parent support and education
- Military and First Responder families
Hiya! I’m LaDaiju. You’re probably thinking, “how the heck do I say that?” It’s pronounced la-day-ja! Kind of like “deja vu,” which is ironically my hope – to see you again!
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with nearly a decade of experience in the field. I enjoy the outdoors, well in theory. I love nature and going on hikes, but the weather has to be just right! And, if I wasn’t a therapist, I would be a world traveler. In fact, if I could have it my way, I would be a traveling therapist, midwife, and lawyer.
If someone were to ask what my goal in life is, I would have a two part answer: I not only want to help others find their voices, but I also want to help them learn how to utilize their voices.
Some of my favorite things to do are making up new dance routines, reading books, and binge watching shows/movies. I also love learning about the cultures of others and am currently learning to become fluent in 3 languages – 3 out of the 7 I hope to know one day. Can you guess what languages I’m currently studying?
I love working with children and adolescents who are dealing with trauma and feel confident in my ability to provide play therapy. As a trained doula and lactation consultant, I also enjoy working with women in the perinatal stage of motherhood. Supporting all parents is something I have a lot of experience with.
Additionally, I have a passion for both first responder families and military families. This comes from my own experience of being a part of the first responder and military family.
As an experienced mental health therapist I have supported others with many different issues such as: depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), autism, intellectual disabilities, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), postpartum depression(PPD), and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
I attended Concordia University Portland and received my Bachelor’s of Arts in Social Work with a double minor of Psychology and Spanish. I attended Boise State University and earned my Masters in Social Work from their advanced standing program. I am one of the first clinicians in the State of Colorado to complete and utilize the Child First program!
Trained in:
- Trauma Systems Therapy (TST)
- Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
- Parenting coaching in both
- Circles of Security Parenting Protocol
- Child First
- Trained Doula and Lactation Consultant