EDUCATION & TRAINING
Colleen is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in private practice and the Owner of HERO Mental Health & Wellness LLC, which offers therapy to adolescents (16+), adults, and couples.
Colleen's education includes a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland, a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from McDaniel College.
Colleen has also engaged in several post-graduate trainings in individual and couples therapy and has earned certifications which include Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. Colleen is a lifelong learner and engages in continuing education trainings throughout the year.
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
Colleen offers clients a comfortable and safe environment to confidentially explore and process worries, negative thoughts and unpleasant emotions which often accompany a stressful life transition, general anxiety, depressive mood, relationship issues, trauma, and grief & loss.
When and where appropriate, Colleen will respectfully identify and acknowledge unhelpful and unchecked thoughts, behavioral patterns, themes, biases, beliefs and assumptions that show up in session and that may cause issues in your life, mental health, and relationships. She will encourage you to explore and consider what your true goals and values are, and assist you in identifying healthier alternatives that may lead to increased well-being, and improved relationships (with self and others).
Colleen believes there is not a "one-size-fits-all" therapeutic approach that works for everyone all the time, and so she utilizes the strengths of several evidence-based therapeutic treatments informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychodynamic Therapy, Positive Psychology and other models to increase well-being and reduce distressing symptoms throughout therapy. She is also insight-oriented and uses mindfulness, psycho-education and other interventions, and enjoys identifying the positive strengths her clients possess.
Ultimately, the client is always the expert in their own life. The therapist is just a supportive guide to help you identify, analyze, and sort through all available tools and options for solving the issues at hand, and to offer support through your journey and in making whatever decisions about your life and circumstances that you feel are best for you.
MESSAGE FROM COLLEEN
"I am absolutely humbled and honored to walk beside my clients and support them through challenging times when they are not feeling as emotionally and/or mentally as well as they would like . To sit with my clients in this safe, sacred and confidential space is an indescribable honor and I am deeply thankful and grateful for my client's trust.
In my 45+ years on this beautiful and sometimes confusing planet, I have personally experienced countless life-altering experiences, tragedies, traumas, grief, and major losses. It is these life experiences which has allowed me to be empathetic, nonjudgemental, understanding, and supportive in my role as a therapist.
Everyone has bruises. Everyone has a unique story and I don't pretend to fully understand how it feels to be in your situation. I am, however, here to listen to you, offer professional therapeutic support, new perspectives, coping skills, and help you identify what is most important to you, and support your commitment to living a life in alignment with your values and goals."
A recent survey by Vida Health found 88% of people surveyed experienced at least one symptom health professionals link to mental health trauma. Those include having:
Therapy can help relieve symptoms.
Feeling Sick? Stay home!
If you have symptoms of a cold, RSV, the Flu, or any other contagious illness or disease in the past 14 days, please do not enter the office building and notify your therapist right away to either reschedule your appointment without penalty or to change your appointment from in-person to online Telehealth.
Telehealth is a great option for those individuals who are feeling under the weather. Telehealth can be done on a computer or via smartphone app. Ask your therapist about this free and convenient option.
