Family therapy and counseling in Salt Lake City, UT

I’m a trauma‐informed therapist who believes healing doesn’t require perfection—just honesty, compassion, and a willingness to take the next small step. Most of the people I work with are balancing careers, relationships, parenting, and the invisible emotional load that comes with everyday life. They’re strong, capable, and exhausted from carrying more than anyone realizes.

Clients often tell me they appreciate that I’m real, relatable, and not the kind of therapist who just nods silently. I show up fully. I help you connect the dots. And I hold space for the parts of you that have been working so hard for so long.

If you’re looking for a therapist who understands the realities of everyday life and offers nonjudgemental compassionate support, I’d be honored to work with you.

Hello, I’m Colby Backman, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience specializing in attachment trauma.

I help individuals and families heal from attachment trauma related to divorce, foster care, adoption, and other relational wound.

My background of more than 20 years as an ASL interpreter has sharpened my ability to perceive subtle emotional cues and unspoken needs, allowing me to attune deeply to clients even before they fully articulate their experiences.

I also support first responders with the unique stresses of their work.

I am deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health counseling and creating a safe, inclusive space for healing. With a diverse family background and as a proud LGBTQ+ ally and Pagan-friendly therapist, I bring empathy, cultural awareness, and advocacy to my work.

I am an active supporter of social justice, equality, and the Black Lives Matter movement, believing true healing happens when people feel seen, heard, and valued. Outside of therapy, I recharge in nature, camping, enjoying the beach or lake, and traveling. I cherish time with family and friends.

I believe that “Without butterflies, there would be no change”—transformation starts in vulnerability and unfolds into something beautiful. If you're ready to break free, heal, and grow, let's work together to build the life you desire.

I believe therapy should be a dynamic, collaborative process that yields real-world results. My practice is built on a foundation of academic excellence and specialized training, including a BA in Psychology from University of Southern California and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Utah.

My Therapeutic Toolkit: Evidence-Based & Proactive

I don't believe in a "one-size-fits-all" approach. I blend several powerful, evidence-based modalities to help you achieve your goals quickly and effectively:

• ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy): A specialized approach for trauma and PTSD that uses eye movements to "reprogram" distressing memories and sensations, often providing relief in just a few sessions.
• CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): We will work together to identify and shift the thought patterns that keep you stuck in cycles of anxiety or depression.
• DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): I provide practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and improving relationships—giving you a "manual" for navigating life's hardest moments.

Hello and Welcome! I began my LCSW career as a therapist at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute (now Huntsman Mental Health Institute, or HMHI) and several Employee Assistant Programs (EAP’s) before opening my own private practice.

With a strong foundation in diagnosing and treating acute mental illnesses, I now focus primarily on helping clients facing less severe but impactful mental health issues. My areas of specialization include depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, relationship challenges, anger management, and childhood-related problems and primarily work with adults and older adolescents.

Though it may not be immediately visible, I bring extensive experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, neurodivergent (ND), and neurotypical (NT) individuals. I openly invite questions and conversations around these topics, emphasizing my inclusive and affirming approach.

Beyond my clinical work, I am passionate about the outdoors and enjoy Utah’s rich natural offerings, including hiking, camping, scuba diving, skiing, sailing, and climbing. A dedicated traveler, I’ve visited approximately 75 countries, with extended stays in the majority of them. My extroverted nature fuels a deep curiosity about people and their unique life experiences.

Life can be complicated and having someone in your corner can ease fears and worries while allowing for growth and healing. My passion as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor is working with individuals and couples who have experienced trauma and difficult times.

Life can be a fulfilling and challenging journey. It is part of the human experience to need support at different times depending on our life stage or situation. Seeking support can be intimidating. I am committed to working collaboratively with clients to foster learning and growth, enabling you to live your best life.

Originally from Ohio, I moved to Utah in 2003 to provide therapeutic outdoor experiences to youth and families. I have spent much of my career working with adolescents and young adults after receiving my Master of Social Work from the University of Utah in 2008. As a LCSW, I think its valuable to utilize resources specific to an individual instead of resources specific to a therapist. With that, I primarily lean on the principles of DBT, ACT, CBT, MI, Seven Challenges, Narrative therapy and EMDR/Trauma informed approaches. I also have experience with substance use and problematic media and technology use. As a psychedelic-assisted therapist, I believe in set and setting as a foundation for growth.

I spend much of my free time outdoors and sleep better under the stars. I love the mountain and desert surroundings that Utah provides and can often be found boating, skiing, hiking, backpacking and traveling the western U.S. I am also a land steward in Cache Valley, raising a menagerie of animals and vegetables. I also enjoy cooking and listening to live music.

Hello! I'm a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Licensed Independent Mental Health Practitioner (LIMHP) based in Tennessee. I am also licensed in the states of UT and NE. I have been in practice for 15 years. I love working with clients who are genuinely seeking therapy for their own growth and awareness. I enjoy helping clients who want to take a deeper look at behaviors and relationships in their lives that could be modified and or improved. I started my career in community mental health working with individuals who were suffering from addiction, childhood trauma, family conflict, and faith crisis. I feel like I have learned the true impact addiction, poverty, trauma, and abuse can have on an individual and family system. This has helped me create space for clients to feel safe, heard, valued, and respected in our sessions. I look forward to meeting you!