Colleen enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Mike and their dog, Zeus. She is an avid exerciser and values health and wellness.
Colleen and Mike have 5 shared adult children that they socialize with and love having a house full of extended family.
When she isn't working, she loves reading, attending book clubs, and listening to podcasts.
Colleen received her Masters of Science degree from Indiana University in Counselor Education, graduating with Highest Distinction, in 2013. She received her Indiana State Licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) in 2016. Colleen is also licensed in the State of Michigan. Colleen specializes in Polyvagal Theory and teaching effective coping skills to reduce anxiety by calming the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS). Repeated application of these skills can help reshape the SNS so it does not overreact to triggers from past trauma. She teaches Neuroplasticity and skills to help clients rewire negative patterns of thinking. Colleen uses Family Systems Theory to explain how negative interactional patterns within family systems, friend systems, romantic relationships and workplace systems become wired into our brains and work against us. She teaches interventions to interrupt the negative patterns and alter them to become positive interactional patterns, promoting mental wellness. Colleen specializes in counseling individuals and couples utilizing research-based interventions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Healthy Communication and Boundary-Setting, Mindfulness, and Gottman Method Couple’s Therapy. Colleen has worked in the field of mental health for over 12 years. Prior to her career in mental health, Colleen had a 20 year leadership career in a Human Relations-Related field, traveling all over the United States training and conducting educational seminars. Colleen has extensive continuing education in Internal Family Systems Theory and uses Parts Work to assist her clients in healing their inner child. She treats PTSD, depression, anxiety, and many other mental health diagnoses. She provides LGBTQ+ affirming counseling.