5 Calming Places in Denver to Visit After an EMDR Therapy Session

EMDR therapy can be a powerful and deeply transformative experience. I have seen clients (and myself) stop feeling disturbed by old and deep traumas, move on from breakups, be able to date without feeling triggered, decide to quit their jobs and pursue a dream business, and most importantly, develop a strong relationship with themselves. If you’re in EMDR therapy, know that by working through challenging memories and emotions, you’re giving yourself the opportunity to heal and move forward.

AND it’s completely normal to feel emotionally tender or physically drained afterward as your brain continues to process and integrate everything from the session. That’s why taking care of yourself after an EMDR therapy session is so important.

Denver, with its sometimes strange mix of natural spaces and peaceful urban spots, is full of wonderful places where you can ground yourself, reflect, and reconnect after your therapy session. Heck, you can even take a journal and jot a few lines while you sit at the top of a hiking trail or practice tapping when you’re in your true safe place.

Whether you’re looking for a quiet moment to breathe, a gentle walk to clear your mind, or just a change of scenery, these five spots offer soothing environments to support your post-session self-care.

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1. Washington Park

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Or as I say, “Wash Park,” this lush urban escape is perfect for unwinding after an EMDR therapy session. It’s big at over 150 acres (so you can hopefully avoid running into your coworker), has beautiful flower gardens, tree-lined paths, and two peaceful lakes—Smith and Grasmere.

A slow walk around the park’s lakes can help you reconnect with the present moment, while the open spaces and fresh air allow you to reconnect with nature and provide a sense of calm. If you’re up for a walk, the loop around the park is a great way to gently move your body while letting your thoughts settle. (Francine Shapiro came up with EMDR while walking in a park—walking is the ORIGINAL bilateral movement!)

Even just sitting on a bench by the water can be grounding, offering a moment of peace in your day.

2. Denver Botanic Gardens

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For a serene space that feels like a true retreat, the Denver Botanic Gardens near Cheesman Park is a perfect choice (or Cheeseman Park itself is a great choice!). With dozens of gardens featuring everything from tranquil water features to the peaceful Japanese Garden where you can see colorful fish and smooth rocks, the Botanic Gardens are a perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature and yourself.

Strolling through the gardens can be a grounding and restorative experience, helping you connect with the here and now. Find a quiet corner to sit and reflect, or bring along a journal to jot down any thoughts or feelings that arise. The gentle rhythm of nature can be a comforting companion as you process what came up in your therapy session.

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3. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheater

Sometimes, connecting with something larger than yourself can provide comfort and clarity after an EMDR session, and Red Rocks Park offers the perfect place to do just that. Just a short drive outside Denver, this iconic destination combines awe-inspiring red rock formations with trails that invite you to explore and reflect.

The Trading Post Trail, in particular, is a peaceful hike with stunning views that can help shift your perspective and remind you of your strength. If hiking isn’t your thing, simply sitting in the amphitheater and taking in the breathtaking scenery can be just as grounding. Let the grandeur of the natural surroundings remind you of your connection to the natural world, as well as your resilience and capacity for healing.

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4. Sloan’s Lake Park

If you live more towards the Highlands in Denver, Sloan’s Lake Park is a wonderful option. With its expansive lake and gentle walking paths, it offers a peaceful environment to decompress after your therapy session, and it’s big enough that you can also hopefully find moments of solitude.

Take a slow walk around the 2.6-mile loop, or find a quiet spot by the water to simply sit and breathe. Watching the gentle ripples on the lake or the ducks gliding across the surface can bring a calming energy that can help you connect to yourself. The combination of water, open skies, and fresh air makes Sloan’s Lake a perfect place to recharge.

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5. Cherry Creek Trail

If movement helps you process your emotions, the Cherry Creek Trail offers is another great choice. This 40-mile trail winds through Denver, combining urban views with stretches of peaceful natural beauty.

You can start near the Cherry Creek Shopping Center and follow the trail south to escape the city buzz. Whether you prefer walking, jogging, or biking, the steady rhythm of movement can help your mind and body process and integrate what you’ve just experienced. Being near the flowing water of Cherry Creek can also add a grounding element, helping you feel connected to your surroundings as you integrate your therapy work.

Why Post-Session Self-Care Matters

After an EMDR therapy session, your brain continues to process and heal, even after you leave your session. Giving yourself space to rest, reflect, and reconnect can help you gently integrate the emotions and insights that arise during therapy.

Whether you find comfort in the peaceful greenery of Washington Park, the quiet beauty of the Botanic Gardens, or the expansive views at Red Rocks, each of these places offers a unique way to support yourself after your session. Maybe you have another favorite place you like to go to decompress emotionally. If so, I’d love to hear about it.

Remember, healing isn’t about forcing, pushing or rushing to a finish line—it’s about acknowledging and caring for all parts of yourself.

If you’re looking for guidance and support on your journey, EMDR therapy is a wonderful tool. Reach out today for a free consultation and take the next step toward more healing and peace.

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Emma Kobil, EMDR Therapist in Denver, Colorado, helps clients heal from anxiety and trauma. Reach out for a free 15 minute phone call today.

Emma Kobil is a therapist practicing online in Colorado and Florida. Her philosophically informed therapeutic approach focuses on helping creative and perfectionist women and couples heal. Learn more about Emma, or schedule an appointment, at mindfulcounselingdenver.com.

Online therapy available to anyone located in Denver, Boulder, Centennial, Aurora, Wheatridge, Arvada, Greenwood Village, Littleton, Evergreen and throughthe state of Colorado or Florida.