Dr. David Christiansen
About Me
I am a licensed psychologist with over 40 years of experience specializing in counseling psychology. Since 1983, I have maintained a private practice, providing psychological services with a focus on trauma, crisis intervention, and support for first responders. My academic background includes a Doctorate in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado, where I also taught for 20 years as an adjunct faculty member, and a Master's in Counseling Psychology from Wheaton College.
Throughout my career, I have worked extensively with law enforcement, fire departments, paramedics, and other emergency personnel, offering consultations, debriefings, and psychological support. I have also served various community organizations, healthcare providers, and legal agencies across Colorado and beyond.
In addition to clinical work, I have contributed to the field through research and publication, including a doctoral dissertation on the use of metaphor in group therapy and an article on trauma in crime scene investigators. I am an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the Society for Police and Criminal Psychology.
My practice is grounded in empathy, evidence-based care, and a commitment to supporting those who serve and protect our communities.
Resumé
Education:
Doctor of Psychology
                 1990 University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
                 Emphasis in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts
                1981 Wheaton College Graduate School, Wheaton, Illinois
                Emphasis in Counseling Psychology.  Cum Laude.
Bachelor of Arts
                1978 Bethel College, St. Paul, Minnesota
                Major in Sociology, Minor in Philosophy, Minor in Psychology
Professional Licensure:
                Licensed Psychologist #1900, State of Colorado
Work History:
1983-present   Private practice as a licensed psychologist.
1989-1991 Staff Psychologist, Memorial Hospital of Laramie County (now United Medical Center), Cheyenne, Wyoming.
1988-1989  Pre-doctoral Internship in Psychology, Bethesda PsychHealth System, Denver, Colorado.
1980-1982  Adolescent Counselor, Mercy Center for Health Care, Psychiatric Division, Aurora, Illinois
1979-1980 Group Worker, DuPage County Youth Home, Wheaton, Illinois.
Professional Experience:
                First Responder Consultations
                                Weld County Sheriff’s Office
                                Morgan County Sheriff’s Office
                                Broomfield City and County Police Department
                                Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office
                                Greeley Police Department
                                Boulder County Sheriff’s Office
                                Greeley Fire Department
                                Weld County Paramedics
                                Johnstown Police Department
                                Town of Log Lane Village Police Department
                                Gilcrest Police Department
                                International Association for Identification, Rocky Mountain Division
                                County Sheriffs of Colorado
                                Colorado Jail Association
                                Morgan County Communications (911)
                                Withlacoochee (FL) Technical Institute Criminal Justice Academy
                                Aims Community College Criminal Justice Academy
                                Front Range Fire Consortium
                Community Services
                                Weld County Department of Social Services                       
                                Weld School District Six
                                Weld County District Attorney Crime Victim Compensation
                                State of Colorado Public Defender’s Office
                                Adamson Funeral and Cremation Services
                Medical/Mental Health Consultations                 
                                Dr. Michael Johnell, bariatric surgeon
                                North Colorado Family Medicine
                                North Colorado Behavioral Health
Professional Organizations
                Member, American Psychological Association
                Member, American Alpine Club
                Volunteer, Centennial Crisis Intervention and Stress Debriefing Team
                Member, International Association of Chiefs of Police, Psychology Section
                Member, Society for Police and Criminal Psychology
                Member, Colorado Jail Association
Research:
                1990 Doctoral Dissertation, “The Use and Effects of Metaphors on Group Stage Development”.  An innovative exploration into the delivery of metaphor as a change agent in fostering expedient group process. Investigated the history of the metaphor and parable, the history of group therapy, and one of the earliest papers combining the two.  Included specific metaphors designed to assist groups in reaching the “working stage” more quickly.  Implemented the independent variable and collected and analyzed the statistical data.
Publications:
“Treating the Effects of Trauma on the Crime Scene Investigator.”  The Silent Witness, Vol. 34, No. 4, Oct-Dec. 2000