Dr. Colleen practices from a positive psychology approach- meaning that instead of requiring you to undergo 20 years of therapy talking about what went wrong, sessions are short-term, solution-focused, and focused on what's going right. Dr. Long believes that while insight is important in treatment, some times the solution lies in what the individual can implement in their present life, to better influence their future. Dr. Colleen's initial intake focuses on the areas of the individual's life that need fine-tuning, and then helping the client understand what unique strengths they have to tackle those areas. Through her unique model, she utilizes the principles from her research, to help YOU achieve your optimal level of contentment and bliss. Dr. Colleen is a very action-oriented therapist, meaning that most sessions end by giving the client an assignment for next week. She believes that genuine progress lies in the work of the client and not the therapist. However, happiness and the happiness of her clients is her true passion, and as such- she maintains a weekly blog titled The Happiness Rx.

I believe that if we turn within, we can find the resources to deal with any problem and we can create a life of satisfaction, love and joy. My ideal client wants a safe, caring relationship in which to open up, share and be authentic. The journey to being oneself is very exciting and for me, therapy is about accepting oneself, expressing oneself and being honest. Doing this inner work with a guide naturally opens doors to connection and resolution of relationship and family problems and creates enthusiasm and a sense of satisfaction and purpose in one's life. I am a Yale/University of Michigan trained psychologist. I work with clients and teach in three graduate psychology programs. I emphasize learning to tolerate and express feelings openly and constructively and I try to be a real and trustable, open and honest, caring and accepting companion on this journey. I come from the humanistic tradition of psychologists who believe that a therapist is only as skilled as he/she is evolved or self-actualized him or herself. For me therapy is a subjective, authentic encounter. I enjoy getting to know my clients and sharing what I have learned on my journey to help them.”

Sessions look different for everyone. I integrate different styles into my practice and use what may work best for you in a given session. My approach is mind-body based, so we don’t just look at your thoughts and feelings, but also look at how your body respond to our mental and emotional states (anger, sadness, anxiety, happiness…etc). A heavy portion of my work is bringing attention to how we relate to and understand our bodies. I also incorporate the creative/expressive arts (drawing, writing, movement) and this is considered another way to get in touch with parts of ourselves that we may not be aware of. Sometimes creative engagement provides an easier or more natural way to access our inner selves than just talking. I practice from a holistic approach that is social justice oriented, trauma informed, and culturally sensitive.

Are you tired of not feeling close with your partner? It's so FRUSTRATING........ you want to get along, you want to be a good example for your kids, you want to be close, you WANT it to be how it USE to be! Instead... avoid each other, walk on egg shells, etc.... WHEW! Not the relationship you had hoped for is it? There is HOPE and there are real Solutions that Work. Let me show you the skills and tools that can make all the difference. Please call, text or email today. I offer a free phone consultation. I specialize in a practical and down to earth approach to resolving problems at their core for long-term success and change.