Colleen Papa

I entered private practice with the goal of helping people not only overcome life's challenges, but also build lives that are meaningful and fulfilling. My educational background includes degrees in psychology and rehabilitation counseling. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with Diagnostic Privilege (LMHC-D) and a Master Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CASAC). Before entering private practice, I worked in residential treatment, where I gained experience helping individuals with complex mental health and substance use concerns. Today, I work exclusively with adults, with a particular focus on young adults. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, relationship concerns, and life transitions. I also enjoy working with individuals who are not in crisis but want to gain greater self-awareness, strengthen resilience, and create a life that reflects their values and goals.

I believe the goal of therapy is not simply the absence of suffering, but the presence of a life lived with purpose, resilience, and meaning. My approach is collaborative, practical, and tailored to each individual's unique needs and goals. I draw from evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness-based interventions.

While reducing symptoms is an important part of therapy, lasting change often comes from learning a different way of relating to difficult thoughts and emotions rather than continually trying to eliminate them. Mindfulness has become an area of particular interest in my practice because of its strong evidence base in the treatment of anxiety and depression. I help clients cultivate greater awareness of their inner experiences with openness, self-compassion, and without judgment. As clients learn to tolerate distress more effectively, they become freer to make choices that reflect their values instead of being driven by fear, avoidance, or self-criticism.

I am also drawn to existential and meaning-centered approaches to therapy, helping clients explore questions of purpose, identity, relationships, and what gives life lasting meaning. Whether someone is navigating a major life transition or simply sensing that something is missing, I believe therapy can be a place to discover not only relief, but a deeper way of living.

For clients who desire it, I am also comfortable integrating their Catholic faith into the therapeutic process. My own background includes extensive study of Catholic theology and spirituality, allowing me to thoughtfully incorporate faith as a source of meaning, resilience, and healing while always respecting each client's beliefs, preferences, and goals.

Starting therapy doesn't require you to have everything figured out. You don't need to know exactly what's wrong or have the right words to describe it. We'll work together to understand what's happening and identify the path forward.

I believe the first session should feel like the beginning of a conversation, not an interview. My priority is getting to know you—understanding not only what brings you to therapy, but also who you are beyond the challenges you're facing. We'll explore your current concerns while also talking about your experiences, relationships, strengths, and the experiences that have shaped who you are today.

As we begin to build that understanding, we'll identify your goals and develop a thoughtful plan for moving forward. My hope is that you'll leave our first meeting with a clearer sense of direction and confidence about the work we'll do together.