Meet Rachael: Your Therapist at Refocus Therapy

Why I Became a Therapist

My path to becoming a therapist wasn’t just academic—it’s personal.

Before this work, I was an award-winning photographer and photojournalist, documenting real people and real stories. That experience shaped how I see the world—and how I see people—with curiosity, depth, and respect for the full complexity of their experiences.

I was also a Division I athlete and team captain, which gave me firsthand insight into performance pressure, identity, discipline, and the mental demands of high expectations.

I understand what it feels like to:

  • push through when things feel heavy

  • carry pressure quietly

  • feel responsible for holding things together

These experiences are part of what led me to this work.

“I’ve always been a person people end up telling things to. I’m not totally sure why. But even growing up and long before becoming a therapist, people would open up to me pretty easily, often about things they didn’t usually talk about with others.”

- Rachael

My Values as a Therapist

  • Authenticity

    I believe therapy works best when you can show up as yourself—not a version you think you’re supposed to be. I value honesty, realness, & creating space where you don’t have to filter or minimize what you’re experiencing.

  • Self-Trust

    When we trust ourselves more deeply, we’re able to live with more authenticity. When we’re not weighed down by imposter thoughts or the pressure of others’ expectations, we can begin to reconnect with what we actually want and move toward a life that feels more aligned.

  • Clarity

    When life feels overwhelming or stuck, it can be difficult to understand what’s actually driving your thoughts, emotions, or reactions. In therapy, we slow things down together so you can begin to untangle what you’re experiencing and find more clarity in how you move forward.

  • Safety

    Real change only happens when you feel emotionally safe—not judged, rushed, or pressured. I focus on creating a space where you can slow down, show up as you are, and be honest about what you’re experiencing without needing to perform or have it all figured out.

  • Curiosity

    Curiosity is at the center of this work. Therapy becomes a space where you can start to get curious about your own thoughts, emotions, and patterns—and we slow things down together so you can better understand what’s happening underneath the surface.

A Thoughtful, Real Approach to Therapy

I’m Rachael—a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern based in Colorado.

I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, identity, burnout, and the pressure to keep performing even when things feel overwhelming internally.

Many of the clients I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and high-functioning on the outside—but underneath, they’re dealing with overthinking, stress, emotional overwhelm, or a sense of feeling stuck.

I approach therapy in a way that is grounded, collaborative, and real. I don’t believe in rushing the process or forcing change—I believe in creating space for understanding, clarity, and meaningful growth.

Refocus Therapy Colorado Rachael Zimmerman psychotherapist
colorado mental health therapist rachael zimmerman

Rachael Zimmerman, BA

I’m Rachael—a Marriage and Family Therapist Intern, former Division I athlete, and lifelong learner. I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety, identity, burnout, and the pressure to keep performing even when things feel overwhelming internally. Many of the people I work with are thoughtful, self-aware, and high-functioning on the outside, but feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected beneath the surface.

I’m committed to showing up in this work with honesty and integrity. I value continuing to grow both personally and professionally, and I believe therapy is most effective when it’s grounded in self-reflection, curiosity, and real connection.

I became a therapist through a combination of personal experience and a deep interest in how people make meaning of their lives—especially during times of stress, transition, and uncertainty. My background in photojournalism also shaped how I see people: with curiosity, respect, and attention to the full context of their experiences and stories.

I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a minor in Educational Studies, and I am currently completing my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. I provide therapy under the supervision of an AAMFT-approved supervisor, as required by the state of Colorado.

Refocus with Rachael