(she/her)
Hello and Welcome! I am Colleen Barbosa. I have been working in the behavioral health field for over 10 years. Working in this field has always been my passion and I received my masters about 8 years ago. Congratulations! You have taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time.
Together, we will identify your challenges and goals - where you want your life to be a month, six months, a year from now. Then, we'll identify options and strategies you can use to get there. You'll leave the session with a better understanding of what you're facing with an "actions I can take right now" approach. There will always be room for suggestions concerning our work together, including keeping each other accountable.
I have been a therapist for just about 8 years though I have been in the field for over 10 years. I strive to work collaboratively with you. My favorite therapeutic approaches are CBT, motivational interviewing, and strength based therapy. I have seen countless clients change their ways of thinking with these treatment methods by acknowledging the things they need to change as well focusing on the positive things about themselves. I will make sure that each client is treated individually and we focus on what you need help with!
My ideal client is someone who is open to self-reflection and motivated, even if only slightly, to better understand themselves and their patterns. They may be navigating challenges such as stress, anxiety, interpersonal conflict, or difficulty managing emotions, and are looking for a supportive space to process their experiences without judgment. I am especially well-positioned to work with individuals who are developing greater self-awareness and accountability—those who may sometimes feel stuck in frustration with others or external circumstances, but are willing to explore their own role in situations and consider new perspectives. These clients often benefit from gentle guidance in recognizing patterns, building emotional regulation skills, and strengthening their ability to respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. My ideal client may not have everything figured out, but they are curious, open to feedback, and willing to engage in the work of personal growth. Their goals often include improving relationships, increasing self-confidence, managing stress more effectively, and developing healthier ways of coping with challenges. I strive to create a collaborative and supportive environment where clients feel both understood and appropriately challenged, helping them move toward meaningful and sustainable change.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I have been using CBT for most of years as a therapist it is usually my “go to” therapy style. We will use CBT to recognize how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors influence each other. We’ll then use that knowledge to change your thinking patterns.
Motivational Interviewing
I have been using MI for about 5 years. It is a collaborative, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach to strengthen your motivation and belief in your ability to make changes.
Strength-Based
I have been using this form of treatment since I began as I feel it is very important for clients to be able to recognize their own strengths and resources to improve their quality of life. It's based on the idea that we are agents of change in our own lives. Instead of focusing on problems, failures, and weaknesses, it highlights your resilience, positive qualities, and existing resources. The goal is to build on these strengths to reduce symptoms and improve well-being.
Trauma Informed Care
This is another therapy approach that I have been doing for most of my career. This approach helps you address and acknowledge the impact that traumatic experiences has had on your life.