Dr. Mallaree Blake
At a Glance
Rate: $250 50-minute individual session, $275 50-minute couples session
Offices: Lohi Office & virtual (Colorado + PSYPACT states)
Insurance: Out of network superbills provided; [Aetna in-network, if applicable]
License: Licensed Psychologist, CO PSY.0004702 (verify)
Profiles:Psychology Today · TherapyDen
About me and What shapes my work?
I felt called to become a therapist early in life. Growing up in a family shaped by mental health and addiction challenges, I witnessed both profound suffering and remarkable resilience. Those experiences sparked my desire to understand healing, relationships, and the ways people grow through adversity. I have always been drawn to deep connection and knew I wanted my work to feel meaningful and rooted in relationship.
During my undergraduate training at the University of Dayton, I became captivated by sociology and psychology — particularly how individuals and larger systems influence one another. It was there that my commitment to social justice took root, a guiding value that continues to shape my work. I went on to earn my Master’s degree at Boston College and my Doctorate at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, programs that deeply integrated diversity, cultural humility, and systemic awareness into their clinical training.
Across my training and professional experience, I have worked in community mental health centers, university counseling centers, hospitals, schools, and now private practice. I am currently a co-owner of Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness, where I work with individuals and couples navigating complex relational and identity-based challenges. I also teach in the Graduate School of Professional Psychology at the University of Denver and provide clinical supervision to doctoral trainees within our practice. Teaching and supervising continually sharpen my clinical lens and keep me engaged in ongoing learning.
Specialization & Approach
My approach is relational, culturally responsive, and collaborative. I believe therapy works best when we honor both your humanity and mine — I am a person first and therapist second. I aim to show up with authenticity, warmth, and appropriate vulnerability to foster a strong and safe therapeutic connection.
Relational Cultural (RCT): to help you understand how connection, disconnection, and your cultural experiences have shaped your sense of self and relationships, so you can build more authentic, mutual, and fulfilling connections.
Sex Therapy: to explore intimacy, desire, sexual functioning, pleasure, identity, and relationship dynamics in a compassionate, shame-free environment, so you can experience greater confidence, connection, and fulfillment in your sexual and relational life.
Internal Family Systems (IFS): to help you understand the different parts of yourself that work to protect you and keep you from the relationships you want.
Attachment-based and Psychodynamic Therapy: to understand your family, relationships, and experiences that create the road map to who you are today, so you can recognize the patterns that are keeping you stuck
Gottman Method (Level 1 & 2): to improve communication, manage conflict, and strengthen relational foundations.
Training, Credentials, and Clinical Work
I hold a PsyD in Clinical Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, as well as a MA in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. I'm a Licensed Psychologist in Colorado PSY.0004702 (Verify my license), as well as a PSYPACT provider which allows me to see clients via telehealth in 40+ states. I am an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist and have advanced training in Maternal Mental Health, Prepare and Enrich Premarital Therapy, and the Gottman Method (Levels 1 & 2).
My academic work has focused on sexual health and well-being, primarily HIV/STIs and sexual satisfaction. I often provide presentations and lectures about sex therapy to other institutions, organizations, and group practices, as well as offer professional consultation. In addition to my clinical work, I am a co-owner of Authentic Connections Therapy and Wellness, teach human sexuality focused graduate coursework at the University of Denver, and provide supervision to early-career therapists. These roles demonstrate my deep dedication to lifelong learning and training.
Who I Work Best With
I work best with clients who are:
Individuals navigating dating, divorce, and repetitive relationship patterns
Individuals and couples navigating sexual concerns such as low desire, desire discrepancies, Kink/BDSM exploration, non-monogamy, painful sex, trauma, sexual shame, or changes in sexual functioning
Clients adjusting to pregnancy, postpartum transitions, fertility challenges, body image shifts, and the impact of parenthood on partnership and sexuality
What Therapy Looks Like
Much of my work focuses on understanding how your early relationships, formative experiences, and intersecting identities shape the ways you move through the world today. Together, we create a map of your relational patterns and internal narratives so we can move toward intentional, meaningful change. I value emotional honesty, depth, creativity, and even humor in the room. Therapy with me is thoughtful, engaged, and grounded in the belief that healing happens through connection.
Next Steps
If you are seeking a space to better understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and move toward a more integrated and connected life, I would be honored to walk alongside you. You can schedule a free consultation with me below
Dr. Mallaree Blake’s Blog Posts
Additional Trainings, Academic Publications, and Presentations
The American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT) Certified Sex Therapist - Completed 2024
Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training - Postpartum Support International and 2020 Moms - Completed 2017
Level Two Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Completed 2025
Level One Clinical Training, Gottman Method Couples Therapy - Completed 2021
Blake, M. (2026, April–June). Sex Therapy 101 [Three-part professional lecture series]. Denver, CO.
Blake, M. (2016). "Undesirable": The impact of incurable STIs on single, young women. (Doctoral dissertation).
Blake-Lodestro, M. (2013). The impact of bug chasing on the spread of HIV [Conference abstract]. Psychotherapy Bulletin, 48(3), 48–49. Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.
Blake-Lodestro, M. (2012, June). “So, was it good for you too?” – Examining college student perspectives on faking orgasm. Paper presented at the Multifaceted Themes of Diversity Conference, Chicago, IL
Blake-Lodestro, M. (2012, April). “So, was it good for you too?” – Examining college student perspectives on faking orgasm. Paper presented at the Engendering Change Conference, Chicago, IL
Blake, M. (2008, December). “So, was it good for you too?” – Examining college student perspectives on faking orgasm. Paper presented at the Social Science Symposium, Dayton, OH