Colleen Barrows
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Counseling PhilosophyWe all have seasons in life when things feel more overwhelming and daunting, and our everyday stresses turn into something more.
During these times, we may decide that we need someone to come along with us as we journey into that particularly hard landscape of our story or season of life. Sometimes it is in inviting another to journey with us into our heartaches that we begin to bravely live more deeply into the person our stories have shaped us to be – not leaving them behind, but living more richly as we better understand and inhabit them. I would love to come along with you as you step into some of those places. |
Therapeutic Approach
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Therapeutic ApproachI work within a relational model of counseling, which is based on the belief that, as we are relational beings, many of the symptoms we bring to therapy are based on relational pain in our lives – both past and present. The ways that we have learned to relate with others from a young age have a profound impact on our current mental health – in fact, our very brain structure is affected by the way we form attachments to meaningful people during the first few years of our lives.
Therefore, we will work together to explore the specific symptoms that you are experiencing, while keeping in mind the current and past relationships in your life that have shaped you and continue to do so. Other models that inform my approach include: attachment theory, psychodynamic psychotherapy, and narrative therapy. My work with children, and sometimes adolescents, involves a lot of play and art in therapy, as that allows us a common space to begin, and often feels safer than having an adult staring directly at them – that can be too much pressure for anyone, at times. I work to create a safe environment, and often work with parents in some sessions, so that we are all working together towards a common goal. Often having a safe space that is theirs alone, with an outside adult entering into their world through play, is a good place for healing to begin with kids. |
Education & Experience
I received my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology. I have worked for a the last few years in the area of Domestic Violence, most recently as an affiliate at Northwest Family Life, working with women and children who have been affected by violence in the home. I recently did an externship at a recovery program in BC, Canada, working with women and children recovering from substance abuse, past abuse and/or violence in the home. I enjoy utilizing art in the therapeutic setting, as well as play in therapy when appropriate. I have taught various classes for women on creative book making, believing there is healing in creating –whether alone or in community.
I am a counselor, an artist, a writer, a traveler, a lover of literature, oddities and all things lovely – especially those found in unlikely places. I have always loved the simple pleasure of being outside and do so as often as possible.
I am a counselor, an artist, a writer, a traveler, a lover of literature, oddities and all things lovely – especially those found in unlikely places. I have always loved the simple pleasure of being outside and do so as often as possible.
My Rates
Free 20 minute initial consultation (optional)
- 50-minute individual session: $105
- Student rate: $85
- 90-120 minute group session: $35
- Availability of sliding scale appointments to be discussed in initial appointment