Kevin Colbert, LCMHC-A, LCAS-A
(he/him/his)
Many of us go through hardships that negatively impact the way we relate to ourselves, each other, and the world around us. Without the help that we need, we may suffer, become isolated, or lack a sense of belonging and purpose. In my personal work in therapy, I found the resolve, connection, and meaning that I needed to live my life fully and wholeheartedly. When I reflect on how and why therapy was so helpful, I come up with two essential parts: a close bond with my therapist in tandem with their goal for me to become my own biggest advocate.
Of course, in working with my own clients as a therapist, I have seen the very same to be true. The heart of our work is relational, and we utilize our relationship, among other dimensions of treatment rooted in attachment and mindfulness, as catalysts for change. Trust and mutual respect set the stage for us to understand and untangle the threads of one’s story and to recover a sense of dignity, ownership, and desire.
Overall, I think of therapy as a salve for the heart and strive deeply to help clients feel truly seen, heard, and felt. I utilize empathy, compassion, and attunement to explore wounds and aftereffects that are consciously and unconsciously affecting the present moment. Within the therapeutic relationship and our newfound awareness, we begin making simpler changes that result in a day-to-day sense of clarity, sanity, and wellbeing and provide those aha moments that fuel deeper, long-term change.
Stylistically, I consider myself an integrative therapist and can tap into different modalities depending on client’s needs. I tend to lean towards evidenced-based care, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Somatic Therapy. I have specialized education to work with clients who have experienced violence, loss, and trauma. I believe in a phase-based approach for trauma treatment, focusing on creating safety and stabilization before attempting to resolve and integrate experiences into one’s life. I like to think of the therapy process as being alive, just as we are. Considering mind, body, and soul and being creative and flexible helps us to revive the therapy process if it ever feels stagnant.
Experience wise, I have worked in the field for the past seven years in a variety of roles and settings. I’ve been able to treat clients in residential, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and substance use programs. I have also completed over 200 hours of additional substance use education, 250 hours of Yoga teacher training, and have enjoyed leading workshops and courses on boundaries, codependency, healing the inner child and more.
I am committed to being culturally sensitive and providing inclusive care. Working through my own experience of privilege and biases as a white-heterosexual male is part of that and I prioritize both educating myself and being open to feedback in my work and personal life.
In my free time, I enjoy being with my partner, friends, and dog Fozzie. I love to cook for people, play guitar, do yoga, and snowboard. I also really like to eat out at local restaurants and see live music. I look forward to the possibility of connecting with you, and I congratulate you on taking the first step.